Grace

A China Diary, 1910–16

Roys, Roys

• Publisher: Resource Publications
• Year: 2017
• eBook ISBN: 9781532609404
• Topic: Theology & Religion
• Subtopic: Religion

Grace Woodbridge Roys suffered from bi-polar disease before it was well understood. Her daughter feared that her children would also suffer mental illness. This annotation of Grace's diary opens the early 1900s missionary world in China and the personality of Grace to the reader. In December 1910 Grace married Harvey Curtis Roys, who was teaching physics at Kiang Nan government school in Nanking, under the sponsorship of the YMCA. Grace had had a mental breakdown weeks earlier when her missionary father forbade the marriage. The diary records their early married life, the births of their first two children, their social life with other missionaries in China, many of whom made major contributions to Nanking life and education: medical doctors and nurses, theology professors, agricultural innovators, and founders of universities, hospitals, nursing schools, and schools for young Chinese women and men. Included is their experience evacuating during the Sun Yat-sen Revolution of 1911. Well-known missionaries of that time came to tea and taught at the Hillcrest School that the mothers began for foreign children. The Nanyang Exposition took place in 1910, too, as China was in the throes of entering the modern era, with trains, electricity, telegraphs, and a new interest in democracy.

Grace and Harvey Roys Diary

April 1910–February 1916

1910 Diary

April 9, 1910. “As thy day, so shall thy strength be.” [Deut.33:25]33 Commenced this book. Back to Ann Arbor.34 My heart is full. Thank God for such friends. God-speeds for safe journey to China are given me on every hand. The day was beautiful.

April 10, 1910. Home35 to Mother. Poor Mother, she has suffered much, but her faith is great. The doctor says she is better. I pray that she may live to rejoice with me in any little good thing I may do in China.36

April 11, 1910. Mother suffered greatly, but it was all physical pain. The doctor says he will help her. I stayed with Mother most of the day.

April 12, 1910. The doctor came in the morning. Mother was better today. Mother and the baby37 took most of my time. I feel my weakness for little things seem to interfere with my “leaning on Christ.”38

April 13, 1910. Mother slept better than usual. She bears the parting well when I leave at 1: o’clock. Greetings at Coldwater–a beautiful Christian home.

April 14, 1910. The day begins in their home with family worship. My love for Helen39 grows. Chicago at 4 P.M. Leave at 10:45. God blesses me continually.

April 15, 1910. I can neither read nor write with any satisfaction on a train, but my thoughts run riot. The trip through Iowa and Neb. [Nebraska] is very uninteresting.

April 16, 1910. Met Cousin Abby and her mother at Cheyenne.40 Abby is a noble girl. Wyoming is interesting. I get much comfort from a little book “With Christ.”41

April 17, 1910. A Sunday just like other days. It’s easy to forget the Sabbath when its observance is not forced upon you. Nevada is a dreary state.

April 18, 1910. Praise God for his great goodness. If we could only feel and practice the “brotherhood of men” our lives would be full of happiness. Got acquainted with some passengers today, and sorry I had not before.

April 19, 1910. Off for China on the S.S. China.42 I feel now as if I was really started. I thank God continually for his wonderful care of me.

April 20, 1910. “Water, water everywhere”! I haven’t been sick but I have not felt very good. Weather good. 336 miles at noon.43

April 21, 1910. When I stop and consider the vast expanse of the Pacific, my faith grows. There are some fine people aboard. Appetite good. Weather fair to cloudy. 351 miles 12 to 12 M.

April 22, 1910. Another glorious day. 360 miles at noon. I wrote a letter and read a little today.

April 23, 1910. Struck trade winds–rough. All on board felt a little off. 361 miles. Slept in my steamer chair most of the day.

April 24, 1910. A quiet Sunday. No service on board. Felt better today. Sails help out–368 miles. 304 to Honolulu.

April 25, 1910. Up at 5 A.M. Land in sight. A glorious day in Honolulu. Away to sea again at 5: PM. (Thank God for such beautiful spots.)

April 26, 1910. A beautiful day. Some very pleasant conversations. There are good people everywhere. 254 miles out of Honolulu.

April 27, 1910. Up at 4:AM to see Halley’s comet. Another beautiful day. Had a good visit with a ’07 M [Michigan] coed. NW326 Miles. Saw birds, flying fish.

April 28, 1910. Another pleasant day. New acquaintances. A good sing on deck in the evening. Talk with Chinese lady. 336 miles–N–75–48’ W. Very smooth. Warm and beautiful.

April 29, 1910. Reached the 180th Meridian about 1: PM. Friday unt...

Table of contents

• Title Page
• Acknowledgments
• Introduction: Finding Grace
• Grace and Harvey Roys Diary: April 1910–February 1916
• Epilogue
• Appendix A: The Legend of the Bleeding Heart
• Appendix B: Kiang Nan Government School in Nanking
• Appendix C: The History of Kuling, China
• Bibliography