(Minghui.org) My name is Aila. I am 11 years old and I am the youngest rider on the “Ride2Freedom” team traveling across the country on our bikes. Our mission is to rescue orphans whose parents were tortured to death for their belief in Falun Dafa in China.

Being the youngest is pretty hard, because I have to keep up with Fa study and exercises and as well as biking all day on the highway. I have enjoyed spending time with my team and to be with them biking every day.

The hardships that we face are falling on our bikes, the hot weather, and not being able to find a place to stay at night. To be able to overcome these challenges, I had to endure injuries, calm down when it is hot, and help with finding campgrounds or hotels.

To be honest, I really wanted to go home, but when I think about the children in China, I feel sad that they don't have a home. Even if I'm just away for two months I still have a home. So I think in my mind, I have to know why I'm here and what my mission is and every time I think about it I feel better and don't want to go home anymore.

My grandma was taken away by the police even before I was born, so I didn't know my grandma until I was four. I was very surprised when my grandma was in my house just coming and going. So I know what it is like to be without a family member by your side when you are born or when you are growing up.

In the beginning of this trip I did not know how to talk to people about Falun Dafa and the persecution or bike that well. The first day I quit riding early before my shift was up and had to have another team member help talk to people for me because I was stuttering so much and did not know how to talk to people about Falun Dafa and the persecution.

Now my biking skills have improved tremendously and I am staying on the road for the whole time. Talking to people has also improved and I don't stutter that much anymore.

I still have a lot to improve on and I have to think of what's best for the team rather than what's best for myself. I hope that my team and I will help end this persecution and bring justice to China.

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Category: Young Practitioners' Experiences