San Francisco to DC Trip - St. Louis to Indianapolis, Friday, July 13 (Day 8)

We've been on the road one week now. The weather today was sunny, with a lovely blue sky and large billowy clouds, and the perfect temperature (probably no more than 80 degrees), with balmy breezes coming off the Mississippi River. Residents said that it was quite unusual for St. Louis in the summer: the past few days had been at least 98 degrees and very humid. Another perfect arrangement.

We practiced at Jefferson University Park, the largest US park second only to Central Park, NY. It reminded me a lot of Golden Gate Park in San Francisco: large, spacious grounds with lots of attractions like museums, halls, etc. This was the first time on the trip we had managed to get in a full two-hour practice session, and we felt very exhilarated and light afterwards. Immediately after we were done, we got a call from a practitioner saying that the IOC's decision had been made: Beijing would host the 2008 Olympics. We were calm, and on the way over to the media site, we discussed how we would answer reporters, when invariably asked. It was a good exercise. One scenario we came up with was: what would happen if a Falun Gong practitioner traveled to Beijing for the Olympics? (It is a distinct possibility that I could, as a family member stands an excellent chance of qualifying to participate.) Would I run the risk of being imprisoned, tortured or even killed for being a Falun Gong practitioner? Who would come to my rescue? And of course, many, not only myself, could incur this risk, for any reason that the Chinese government fancied, such as, to use an old colloquial expression, "didn't like the cut of my jib." In other words, no one would be exempt.

We got to the group practice site close to 10:30, and decided to explore a bit. We were having the presentation on the Riverfront Overlook Stage, which overlooks the famous and narrow Mississippi River. There were several, nostalgic steamboats. The steamboats were playing quaint music, which somehow was transformed into Dafa music, when I wasn't concentrating on it. (A few others noticed this, also.) On the other side of the stage was a busy street, beyond which was a steep hill leading up to the spectacular Gateway Arch that St. Louis is famous for, and rises 530 feet into the air. It is taller than the Statue of Liberty, and the Washington Monument can fit into it. It is very symbolic for people from the Midwestern and Western United States. It signifies the industrious spirit to move west, and thus advance forward to explore the unknown. I look on it as a gateway to spread our Fa: there are so many kind and upright people in these states who deserve a chance to know about the Fa. Many hearts were moved today: one reporter drove 60 miles, saying that she was compelled to know the truth and to report it responsibly. A practitioner reported that one female reporter cried during the press statement reading of the Wanjia tragedy. Another young man we met at the Arch wanted to have a T-Shirt so that he could help us spread the truth. A policeman riding by on a bike stopped, and wanted to know more from a personal standpoint. We were met by kindness at every turn.

The local practitioners were very helpful with the program, and did a fine job notifying the press. Channel 30 (ABC affiliate), Channel 5 (NBC affiliate), Channel 4 (CBS affiliate), KMOX Radio (Voice of St. Louis), and the one major newspapers, the St. Louis Post Dispatch, were all present. The press statement was read, followed by 3 government responses: a local representative's congratulatory letter, read by his assistant, a detailed and thoughtful proclamation from the state of Missouri, and Congressman Richard Gephardt's congratulatory letter. The local practitioner, Tang Jian, gave her persecution account of being force-fed and forced to drink salt water under the persecution in China. Afterwards, we spoke with the media. Each of our media contact persons seems to be gaining more confidence in talking to reporters. During the program, the microphone wavered from time to time. One practitioner said when she would send forth righteous thoughts when the sound was cut, and it would then return immediately.

Afterwards, we broke into two groups to go up the Gateway Arch. There were many tourists, and they were very openly curious about Falun Gong, which made us realize more that many had not been poisoned by the Chinese government's vile propaganda. They also were excited at the prospect of seeing us on TV in DC on the 19^th.

The view from the Gateway Arch was breathtaking. It was made of a luminescent, stainless steel, and reflected buildings and the subtle nuances of color and clouds. Our camera crew photographed the lovely panorama. We learned that the last piece of the arch was fitted at the time that Dr. Martin Luther King and his followers made history with the historic Selma, Alabama March. It reminded me of our peaceful and persistent approach to stop the persecution in China.

We came down and had box lunches by the River Overlook Stage. Sturdy horses pulling carriages graced the street from time to time. We then got on the road and headed for our next stop, Indianapolis. We are enlightening more and more daily to the impact of our historic mission, and our gratitude deepens for our Teacher's great mercy towards all sentient beings. We are also so grateful to share the joy of doing this work with our fellow particles.