Dragging luggage up three flights of stairs. Way too heavy. A
helping hand reaches out and weight is lifted, figuratively and literally.
“Excuse me, can I help you?” “Why yes, please.”
At the train station, the buses have stopped running. Where
are the taxis? Sigh. “Hey, where are you going? Do you want to share a car with
us?”
On the train, two sweet teachers share conversation with a
weary foreigner. “Here’s my phone number. If you’re ever in my city, please
call me! I would like to be your guide.”
On the bus, coming home from a trip, so tired, and so much
luggage! “Here,” he says, “take my seat. Please.”
I am often overwhelmed by the kindnesses those around show
me. The teachers at the University often greet and chat with me. They give
gifts and invite me to lunch. They help me with any problem I experience and
often they will ask their friends to help me when I travel.
For example, this trip to Beijing has been truly blessed. My
friend and I traveled from Xiamen to Beijing to meet my parents. When we got to
the airport, we were met by a friend of a friend who showed us how to use the
buses and taxi to check into our hotel and get back to the airport. Another
friend of a friend showed us around Beijing for 5 days. Today we are on a train
to Xi’an where another friend of a friend will meet us and help us get around
the city. The fact that these busy people would take time out of their
schedules to help some funny southern foreigners is something that would have
truly surprised me had anyone told me about it when I lived at home. However
now I just want to remember and pass on the kindnesses that’ve been shown to
me.
So to all those out there who have helped me, or helped
others, in their time of need, I say a very big THANK YOU. I will try to live
the rest of my life living up to your examples of selfless kindness and love.
I am a grateful receiver; may I also be a gracious giver. J
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