Connections

We are two weeks away from the end of the year, and for our students that means change.  With one third of our population transitioning in and out every year, many friendships change.  This week we have started asking the question…”Where?”  and I have been amazed that although many of our students are connected through Skype, g-mail, yahoo, and facebook, they cannot answer the simple question of “where?” even among their “best friends”.

So this is our focus for the week.  Whether you are staying in Shanghai or moving to a new country or just going on holiday for the summer, ask “Where?”.  Get connected.  I have been pleased to hear many conversations start with “where?” and continue with “Wow, I’m going there!  We should get together.”

Enjoying the moment

In this ever changing high mobility community of expats, it is always nice to remember to stop and enjoy the moments.  I often work with students who don’t want to make friends because one of them will move, or friends who are fighting because their friendship is shifting.  It can be tough to make lasting relationships when you know you will soon be on a new adventure.

This weekend was one such moment for me.  As I look ahead to the next adventure of going home, it was nice to stop in the middle of detail chaos, and visit with friends.  We spent a lovely day in Puxi enjoying where each of us is currently on this journey and celebrated our friendship.  Some are staying and some are moving to other countries, but we know that with facebook, skype and an abundance of frequent flyer miles, we will reconnect.

Stealing moments with friends is what makes these journeys so special.  I encourage you, no matter where you are in the journey, to stop for a moment and treasure those who make it so special.

Neon Lights

At night when the city lights up, the visual artistry can be incredible!  The colors are vivid and brilliant. Neon lights direct city dwellers to their destination or drawing newcomers near pointing out what they hope you will see.  However, there are times when you just don’t want to see things.  When you would rather see a shadow than a bright glowing reminder of what might be.

I know I am moving and I am very aware of the transition issues, as I’m learning to take my own advice.  But I wonder, how do you handle it when the week highlights weaknesses and failures?  I guess everyone who moves must let go at some point.  Let go of the hopes and wishes you might have for where you’re at.  For example, the dream of counseling handbooks, ambassador social networks, team unity, having a team, or the realization that lessons taught while there will no longer be taught.  It’s tough to say goodbye and trust that those to follow will carry the torch.

So the advice I’m giving myself?   Celebrate the wins, acknowledge what has been accomplished and choose to believe that those to follow WILL do it better.

A quick visit

April came and left in a blink of an eye!  First trip was to Japan, second trip was to WA, USA, all while I was sorting out my shipment to move home.  Was it a good trip?  Do I have a job?   Friends and family are so caring, but I wonder, “How many times can I answer this question?”  The answers…Yes, it was a great trip, and NO, I don’t have a job for next year.  Anyone have a middle school or high school counseling job for me?