Dear Ying Zhu,

My name is Cristina and I am fifteen years old. I was walking in Hermosa Beach when my friend and I saw a man who was practicing Falun Gong. The lady next to him gave me a flyer and I learned more about this peaceful, stress-free practice. Although I am not a practitioner, I am disgusted that so many would be harmed and killed for living this philosophy and insisting on their right to practice. I guess being born in America, I do not understand how terrible things can occur to innocent people practicing their beliefs. I want to tell you to stay strong and tell you that my thoughts are with you. I also would like to add that I admire you for practicing your beliefs under the threat of harm and death. I greatly respect and admire you and the Chinese practitioners of Falun Gong. I also want to end by telling you this - pain is inevitable, but suffering is optional. I KNOW that you'll get through your pain and I hope that you won't choose to suffer. I will pray every night that you will be free from the chains of intolerance and brutality. And, remember, after the rain, a beautiful, colorful rainbow will appear. I hope I have helped you in some way.

Sincerely,

Cristina