They are precious--precious.
1. Their concept of "together-ness" in circles of friendship is valued so much more than it is in American culture. If I'm with them and need to leave, they will walk me to my bike. All of them.
2. In a restaurant or anywhere you can refill your fountain drink, I'm usually asked if I want more. They'll gladly take my glass for me.
3. They listen so intently.
4. Maybe they don't understand all of my jokes or funny puns, but they usually laugh... then they start asking each other in their language something like...."What did she say? I have no idea."
5. They're not too shy to invite you to their house or dorm for a meal. The food is AMAZING. After you're stuffed, they apologize for not cooking enough food.
6. They will follow you where ever you go: A bunch of us went to the fair. I wanted to go on a ridiculously fast, spinny, scream-your-lungs out ride. A couple of them were really scared and said they weren't going, but got in line anyway. Turns out, they followed me and rode anyway. After we got off, one of them said, "I was fighting you... the whole time.Why, Liz? WHY?"
7. I've eaten free August Moon (Chinese restaurant) twice. They paid.
8. One time I went to the wellness center and saw my Chinese friend. He was bored and wanted to run with me. Every few minutes he would say,
"Oh... I'm so tired."
"We can stop. No problem."
"....No.... I will keep running..."
9. I know how to write my name in a different language. My friend taught me:
.
10. Their smiles almost captivate me.
"When a foreigner lives with you in your land, don't take advantage of him. Treat the foreigner the same as a native. Love him like one of your own. Remember that you were once foreigners in Egypt. I am God, your God."
Leviticus 19: 33-34 (The Message)
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