A Stranger’s Just a Friend You Haven’t Met (pt 2)
Stayed behind today after CCF in MC 2034. Made a couple new friends. Was working away on my laptop as they came in. Chatted with one, then both, back to the one, then silence, and then the other returns.
The janitors. Chatted mainly with Anthony, asking if he’d been to Vancouver before (I’m going tomorrow morning). Found out he’s from Guatemala. Made mention that I have a friend from Guatemala who’s Chinese. We talked about culture. Talked about our history a bit. He’s been here for 17 years and last he went back was 10 years ago. He’s glad the internet has made it communications cheaper, and he’s glad there is the webcam. We talked about the Chinese and China. And about my plans to go to China to learn more of the language. Talked about kids growing up in Canada and those not wanting to embrace their cultural heritage at first, but often coming to value it as they grow up.
And just as I’m typing this I’m interrupted – Anthony had gone but another janitor comes in. I meet Milena. She is from Serbia. We have a lengthier talk. Like Anthony, and like me, she’s been in Canada 16-17 years. She learned english on her own without schooling. She has a 31 year old son, a 27 year old daughter. Her daughter graduated from UW in Economics and started at RIM out of grad, but is now at CBC. We talk about the importance of doing what one loves. I share about my thoughts on career and my passion to not only work with people but to work to build and grow people. We talk about family more and the culture here. She asks if I’m dating and I say not currently. She thinks it good to date before marriage. We talk about the sad state of affairs, of divorce in the culture here. She shares that Serbia has become like this too, and I affirm that China’s moving in the same direction. The goods and bads of globalization, westernization. We talk about my life here. It’s been great for me and I mention CCF. She loves seeing us here and together =] And apparently she thinks it good as well to have guys and girls together so that they could meet and potentially hook up =p She mentions the other group on first floor MC: East Indian dancers. She loves their energetic dance and wishes she could stop to watch more. I suggest she take a break to watch, and also to ask them to teach her. We chuckle as she admits she hasn’t the energy for it anymore.
I’ve just met and made a couple new friends. It was one of the most delightful things I’ve done all week, despite its simplicity and its brevity. I hope you’ll reach out and find the same as well.
Make a connection. Meet someone new.
(… linky pt 1)
February 13th, 2009 at 9:14 pm
this is what i mean
you can’t sit behind a desk. you need to be with people. it’s an core part of you, and i think you’d do well no matter what you do as long as you continue having the delight of conversing and sharing with people.
March 15th, 2009 at 1:31 pm
Bily, this reminds me of our conversation at my house last Christmas. You shared with me your passion for not only working with people but also to build and grow them, this story is proof of how God has indeed given you this passion. He is now taking that passion and using it to develop further your gift for connecting with people, even strangers. You are indeed one of the easiest people to talk to! And I will be praying for you in your journey to knowing fully well God’s purpose for you after graduation.