Life is unpredictable, and you cannot see what is coming next, so don’t take anything for granted.

Last year, Youyou was laid off from her part-time job. It was the first time in her life that she experienced a layoff, and the feeling was hard to express. She felt lost, uncertain, and deeply shaken. As a disabled person, it was especially difficult. It happened so suddenly. But one day, her former supervisor gave her a new job offer. She was so happy and excited. She wrote a passionate email to the HR representative at the college, praising God that she could work from home. She truly wanted to do her best.

Her supervisor was a very hard-working man. Almost every weekend, he organized meetings with Youyou, letting her lead 40 scholars to write a technical handbook. She served as the manager and technical lead. She devoted all her energy to writing five chapters and also helped others contribute their knowledge and time.

Then one day, her supervisor contacted her again. He wanted to start a new project. He asked her to be a guest editor for a journal called Frontiers of Environmental Science. Youyou thought, “Maybe this part-time job will become full-time someday.” The payment was low, but she didn’t care. She cared about the work. She loved the job. But then—very suddenly—everything changed.

One day, he asked for a meeting. She thought it might be about a problem she had reported. But instead, he told her he could no longer pay her. He said he had been promoted and no longer had that position. She was shocked. She loved the job. She needed the money. She asked if she was being laid off. He said no—but she could continue working for free, and maybe he could pay her later.

She didn’t want to abandon the work halfway. So she kept going. For one and a half years, she worked without payment. He never met with her again. He didn’t respond. She was disappointed—but she didn’t judge him. Maybe he had eye surgery or other issues. She didn’t know.

In her heart, Youyou believed that real life is not about popularity. It is about doing real work and being responsible. She tried to contact the university. She explained that she had edited the entire book but had no information about the final steps. She provided his contact information. Maybe the other authors were also confused or disappointed. She didn’t know what went wrong.

She felt pain. But she still did not judge. She kept praying.

At her lowest moment, she felt like the world had disappeared—but God lifted her up again.

She prayed that one day the project could be completed and published, to honor all 40 scholars from around the world who had worked so hard.

She turned back to the Bible and allowed God to enter her heart again. He gave her peace and inspiration. She began organizing her materials and started writing her book about her long journey of faith.

She told herself: don’t take anything for granted. Be thankful. Be genuine. Be generous. Share your knowledge and your story. Encourage others.

Now her book is published. She is very happy. She thanks God for giving her the strength, energy, and wisdom to finish it.

To all the people who helped her along the way—thank you.

Youyou wants to continue sharing her story to encourage others.