Gladys Aylward

Many looked on Gladys Aylward's expedition to mainland China as foolhardy and dangerous. It was.

On her own, as a single female, she carried her passport and other documents, along with the only money and belongings that she had, in a small briefcase with a teapot and a saucepan tied to the handle.

After having purchased her one-way ticket to China, she left the United Kingdom with a single-minded determination to do what God had commanded her. She knew she was meant to go to China - even if no mission was prepared to support her.

Unconventional is the only way to describe this journey to the country that would eventually become her home. A theme that would continue throughout her mission work in China where she thwarted authorities, became involved in the Chinese resistance and rescued over 100 children from the invading Japanese army.

Written for 9-14 year olds.