The thought of going travelling abroad has often recurred to her mind.

I was intellectual, even as an adolescent, and so our communications frequently led to frustration.

The challenges that lie ahead are large but, as China has shown repeatedly during its reform process, its will and ability to deal with difficult tasks provide grounds for optimism.

Her confidence has been slowly eroded by repeated failures.

So God is repeatedly testing and correcting the Israelites until they are ready for the Promised Land.