There is a certain freedom that comes with being foreign. An access to naivety not known to us in the states. A protection of judgement… or at least; of being aware of judgement. There is also an ego boost that comes along with having your picture taken in all circumstances, but that's another story for another time.
A humbleness that comes when you desperately ask in broken mandarin, "do you speak english." Or must admit to your lunch guests you need to pick a less expensive meal due to your budget.
This humble freedom brings with it beauty. The beautiful opportunity to befriend the young girl handing out pizza flyers in front of your apartment building. The beauty of seeing her face light up at an invitation to dinner, a sight that remembering brings tears to my eyes.
The sight of your new friend wearing no doubt her best blouse and sweater to share a meal. The bashfulness that shows itself when you tell a college student she is beautiful. The joy of watching a squad mate share the gospel with an entire family for the very first time.
Simple things that make me recognize areas of growth, areas for more growth. Areas that stretch beyond a smile or hello when passing someone on the street. The blessing of being able to invite people into life alongside me.
These are the moments that make goodbyes so hard. These are the moments stuck in your throat when you realize how short two weeks really is.
These are moments I want to be challenged in. The moments of pressing in despite language, culture, and spiritual differences. These are the moments of my first week in China.
