Helpful & humbling

The friendships I have formed during my time in China have undoubtedly played a massive part in making my time here so enjoyable, particularly where my Chinese friends and colleagues are concerned - never failing to astound me with their generosity and selflessness. 

 

Over the past seven months I have found myself being invited to a whole host of social events by the local staff from my school.  This is especially flattering as they only invite those whom they feel particularly close to.  I pride myself on my ability to get along with a wide variety of personalities and always find it so touching when I’m accepted in new social circles.  I built similar relationships with my Teaching Assistants in Vietnam, many of whom I am still in contact with now; but working more closely alongside local teachers, sales staff and interns at my school here has opened up more opportunities for closer bonds to be made.

 

I have lost count of the number of times my Chinese friends have surprised and humbled me during my stay here.  They do all they can to make me feel welcome in their country, from bringing me home cooked local food to sample to gifts after their vacations.  Last week was Teachers' Day in China, some of my smaller students made me gifts and one of our staff members was kind enough to give me a pair of shoes.  Finding footwear big enough in Chinese shops is possible, but provides a limited number of styles.  Having a Chinese friend buy them via Taobao (China’s version of eBay), however, eliminates such problems; A wonderful and much appreciated present from a fabulous fellow.

 

I am always most grateful when my friends act as translators.  My Chinese is limited to say the least and in certain situations you just can’t get by, having a fluent Chinese speaker with you is a godsend.  At first I found it very difficult to ask them for help with translating etc, but now I know they are more than happy to help and will often feel a little disappointed if they find out you need help with a basic task and haven’t approached them for assistance.

 

The friendships the Chinese make with expats runs deep.  Friendships seem to be valued far more here than in the west.  People keep their word, put others before themselves and pride themselves on doing things for others.  No matter how much you try to return their favours you never really feel you are doing as much for them as they are for you, even though the other party never feels that way.  These are very special relationships, that I find myself valuing more and more with each passing week.

 

My single greatest moment in China to date came when a friend asked if I would be Godmother to his newborn son.  This title doesn’t carry with it the same religious significance as in the west, but is still a great honour, particularly for a laowai.  We chose to mark this, not with the typical western ceremony, but with a day spent together in the park, followed by a fabulous meal in the evening.  A perfect day, with wonderful company, making lasting memories.

 

Thank you all for making me feel so welcome in your communities, you’ve enhanced my time in China more than you could truly know.

谢谢

A xx