A Fresh Perspective

[SARGE]

I've met folks the past few years who immigrated (legally) to the U.S. One was from the Ukraine. It is refreshing to be around them, probe their thoughts of where they came from and have them compare to life here. One person came from a place where toilet paper was in very short supply, not to mention other items. They were amazed that one could go to a 7-11 at 3 a.m. and buy toilet paper or other items or simply drive thru a place and get a hamburger or order pizza over the phone. Too hot or cold and just turning the thermostat in the house or car simply amazes them as well. All felt a sadness of leaving their native lands and families but the hardships almost required their bravery. Thus far, none have gotten caught up in taking things for granted nor bickering about daily things like traffic or politics; perhaps in time they will though. Speaking with them makes one pause and really appreciate what we have.

[AnotherMuggle]

It is very inspiring, I agree.

I did some voluntary work for 6 months in Africa, living with local families and integrating with their community. It was an experience you just can't start to imagine without having been there to experience it. The whole experience totally blew me away and really opened my eyes to the little things that we take for granted.

Anyone looking for a similar experience:
http://www.vso.org.uk/

This is a charity organisation so I am not advertising package holidays or anything of the likes. They are always looking for people with spare time and skills.

[HAL9000]

I worked for a Chinese couple for two years.. he moved back to China for a different job, his wife stayed here and I worked with her for another 5 years or so. I learned a lot about Chinese culture, and taught them a few things too. Funniest was when they went to pick up plates for their car... many Chinese like to pick out plates with "lucky numbers" as numbers have meaning there... for example, you don't want a plate with 4's on it as it is pronounced the same way as death... we have three letters and three numbers on our plates...so what did he bring back for his wife's car... 666 ... had to have a lil chat about what that means here LOL.

[David M]

My wife grew up under Communism and then Socialism and then immigrated to the USA. She has great stories although too political to discuss in here. Let's just say she LOVES it here.