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.