This year, I am taking human anatomy and physiology. The massive information and difficult terminology make this class the most challenging for me. However, while learning the knowledge, I have learned some interesting things.

In China, when we are sick, we have porridge and Chinese pickles, something light and liquid. Because sick people usually do not have appetites, porridge can add liquids and cleanse your body. Since I’ve been in America, when I am sick my host parents suggest I have some canned soup, especially chicken noodle. This confused me since I do not think it is tasty and nutritive.

I asked why Americans have soup anytime they are ill. The said it was because they have been told to eat it since they were little. It is more of a tradition.

I checked the ingredients on the can. To my surprise, the sodium is very high which means "unhealthy" in my view.

"Sodium is so high! It can cause diseases such as high blood pressure!" I told myself.

So what is the point of having this when you are sick? Driven by the curiosity, I went to my anatomy teacher, Dr. Canup.

He said, basically it is the same principle why Chinese eat porridge. "Americans believe chicken noodle soup is good for your body since it is mostly fluid, and it adds some nutrients that you lose from being ill," he said.

I told him my concern about the salt. He said the human body is working absolutely the best for you, and all the systems work hard to protect and serve their "master."

It is hard to imagine, how different systems do different jobs to produce, absorb and defend. It is the best machine in this world because it is created by God. The high percentage of sodium doesn’t mean that it will hurt your body. Your body is protecting you and you will not be damaged unless you eat jars of salt every day for years.

God is protecting his children from being sick! Later, I told my teacher that my dad has given up smoking for almost nine years. He was amazed by that. He said it is interesting that if you were an addicted smoker, who had smoked for more than 20 years, but give it up and do so for 10 years, your lungs can eventually become as healthy as normal people’s.

"That is wonderful!" I said, "It is just like God creates us, and he puts a lot of purposes in our bodies. Everyone may have some bad habits, but God will give you a second chance. He is always there protecting and forgiving us! Same for life! If you realize your sin and repent it to God, He is always there for you."

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 tells us, "Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies."

Yes, our bodies are the most precious gifts that we could ever ask for from our creator. Our bodies forgive us, just as God has forgiven us for our sins. We should protect and treat it well to glorify our heavenly Father.

Wu is an international student from China who attends First Presbyterian Christian Academy in Hinesville.