Connections

This weekend we went to two more Malay weddings. Unlike the weekend previously, I actually knew who the bride was at one of the weddings. Or rather, I knew her father. Her dad was the principal of my school when I first arrived. Unfortunately, he was transferred a week after to another school so I did not get him as my principal for long. As soon as we came up to him and his daughter to say hello and congrats he quickly tried to talk to me in English, gave us gift bags, and urged us to take photos with both the bride and group as well as the special sofa inside his home that was set up for the wedding. The entire time we were talking he was smiling and had such an excited look on his face as he introduced me to others and tried to understand what I was saying. I learned afterwards that he did not know much English and did not use it often. It was very heartwarming that he tried so hard to talk in my native language. It amazed me how excited he was to just talk and learn more about America. I have noticed that this type of reaction is quite normal whenever I meet people. Lots of my classmates try their best to ask me questions and I can almost see the curiosity to learn more in their eyes. I think this is what exchange is about. In the world we may be divided by our differences, but we all have an innate want to get to know each other. No matter how we live we are absolutely all human, and that connects us. The other day I was having lunch with my host family and some of their close family friends and my host mom jokingly said to the close family friend’s mother, “I told my kids I can’t bring you guys to America so I am bringing America here.” I thought it was so funny that I was considered just ‘America’ but it is very true. It makes me excited to see all of them excited to learn and it makes me want to learn and share everything I know. I’m so glad I chose to spend my junior year here. 

This is an unrelated photo :)