This is a glorious sunny day in Shanghai. Windows open, sounds of the waterfall in the background, and a soft breeze wafting the spiciness that is Shanghai. I believe it is the Tea Olive that provides that lovely fragrance. Makes you realize that you are living as a guest in a different part of the world. I've quickly learned that life as an expatriate (foreign national living and working in another country) holds many opportunities for opening the mind to people that are different that you. The most important thing is to get involved in your community. Which is a bit of a struggle for this recluse, but the opportunities for growth are amazing. I love having the time to get out and do things that I couldn't do when I was working and keeping up house.
I've been blessed by the outpouring of graciousness and kindness in our neighborhood. Three wonderful ladies held a gathering in the neighborhood for all newcomers to meet and greet their neighbors. It was an awesome opportunity to put names to the faces I've been seeing and find out where everyone lives in the compound. They have also put together a directory of all the families. Makes life easier to have phone numbers and emails of all your neighbors! We have several Finnish, German, Swedish, French, Chinese, and even a few American families that live in our compound and LOTS of children. It's actually refreshing to be surrounded by people that talk differently than I do. I've learned a great deal about Finnish culture already and find it completely fascinating.
Every morning mothers meet at the bus stop with their children and catch up with each other. The rest of us chat on our bikes on the way to school. It is so cool to see how many parents ride their bikes to school with their children! Everyone rides a bike or scooter around the neighborhood. Easy way to get to each other's homes for coffee or just go for a workout at the Clubhouse. Children roam the neighborhood on their bikes looking for friends to play with or just enjoying being outside. It is quite comforting to know that the children are safe to roam from house to house. Families, ayis, the compound workers, and the children just look out for each other. We are like a little family. It's not uncommon around 6:00 that parents will be out rounding up their children. Another chance to chat and catch up on our day.
My Bible Study is an amazing resource for help and guidance. I'm still in awe of the diversity and openness of the group. Just having the opportunity to spend three hours with women who have been where I am is an awesome comfort and source of much wisdom. Besides the connections that we are making as a Biblical community, we are growing as friends and support team. Every Monday at lunch I learn something new about cooking, food, children's activities, parenting frustrations, travel, and the list goes on and on. This week's lesson was on Chinese stir fry and rice. I found out that you should always rinse your rice to remove the excess starch and whatever little critters may have laid eggs in it. I tried it for the first time last night and couldn't believe how long it took for the water to run clear from all of the starch. Will definitely be doing that from now on.
Volunteering at school has been so much fun. I get to see how things tick around there and do a few things that help out the teachers. I love being around the school children. I didn't realize how much I would miss them until I started working at the school. As an added bonus, I get to eat lunch in the cafeteria for helping out so I get to spend my lunch with a bunch of rowdy children. What more could you want?
My next adventures will include taking some language classes so that I can actually communicate with Qian without relying on Google Translate and meeting with an accupuncturist to try an alternative approach to my thyroid problems. The possibilities are endless!
The most important thing to remember about being an expat is that you are not living in your hometown. Don't try to make Shanghai into something that it is not. Shanghai will never be like Tupelo. Embrace the new opportunities that surround you. Explore what makes Shanghai unique. Find a way to make it your home away from home.
