I have had many surreal moments while living in China. You know, those moments where you sit back and think, "Wow, is this really happening?" Moments such as these began immediately after I stepped off the plane in Kunming. I would look around and think, "I'm in China.... weird." It was surreal the first few times I spoke Chinese and the person understood me! (of course, I would describe this situation as more of a miracle that they could understand me, rather than just being surreal, haha). The number of instances such as these decreased though as the months passed and I better adjusted to life in China.
Today, however, I was again caught off guard with a very surreal moment. Let me give you some context to the story:
My Chinese friend and co-worker, Lucy, left for America in the middle of August to pursue her Masters of Arts in Theology. You might remember her from my Lunch with Lucy post. Lucy has never been to the States, but has always dreamed of studying there. She found out this summer that her dream would finally come to fruition, as she was accepted to a master's program, AND, just as importantly, she secured an American visa.
Fast-forward to today. Lucy was on skype (a live video call) and called me while I was at work. I was sitting at my desk and all of a sudden, Lucy's face appeared on my computer screen. We started chatting - so excited to see each other! - when the realization struck that Lucy was sitting in AMERICA!! She was at home (not literally). The decor of the room she was sitting in was obviously American (very different than Chinese styles), and the world map on the wall had America centered, rather than having Asia in the center, like all maps here. In my head I had to call a timeout to process the situation... Lucy is in America. (pause) I am in China. (pause) This is so backwards!!! Lucy is supposed to be part of my life in China, not part of my life at home. It's so surreal!
Once I got over the initial shock, Lucy and I had a great conversation as we discussed what she thought of life in America. She said, "I eat Western food every day! Bread with cheese, bread with meat, so many sandwiches. It is so strange. I miss rice noodles sooooo much." I was sitting on the other side of the computer salivating, saying, "Lucy! I am so jealous!!! All I want is a good American sandwich! I'm so tired of rice noodles." She expressed how overwhelming it was because she didn't know how to cook anything; she said everything at the grocery store was completely different and she didn't even know where to start. Even cooking Chinese food in America is difficult, she said that everything she makes tastes different. I think I teared up at this point in the convo (not really), as I could sympathize with her one hundred percent. How many times have I had these same struggles, only the inverse?!?! Oh it is so frustrating when you're in a new country and don't even know how to feed yourself. (Hence the reason my diet consisted of instant ramen noodles all last fall! haha...)
Throughout the conversation we shared each of our individual experiences with culture shock and were surprised that many of them were similar. Most surprisingly, we found one situation that was especially difficult for both of us - dreams. When I first arrived in China, I would frequently dream about my family and friends at home. As my alarm would ring in the morning, I would be woken from my dream, having just been with my loved ones. For a few seconds I would forget where I was and expect to see them soon. Then suddenly, I would remember that I was in China and they were on the other side of the world. It was slightly devastating, especially on Monday mornings. I hate Monday mornings, this on top of it is like cruel and unusual punishment. Anyways, Lucy said that she too has been dreaming about China and everyone she misses from home.
Lucy & I laughed as we realized how many of the same experiences we have had - just opposite. It was really special to feel that in some ways I share both parts of my life with her - life in America and life in China. And, I hope that by talking and processing some of her feelings, it helped encourage her as well. Please continue to think of Lucy as she adjusts and begins her studies. (I don't think I would understand what was happening in a theology class, and she is taking these classes as a non-native speaker. What a woman!) But she will definitely need a strong support system, so please ask that He provide that for her.
