Have you ever had one of those experiences you can't quite capture in words but realize it has an impact that's everlasting? Jon had one of those today. One that defines the idea of giving, of caring and one that reminded us of that part of Christmas we can easily forget in the myriad of festivities.
The Giving Tree. Not a new concept to most people, especially those that work in a company that employs the energy and goodwill of its employees to do good in the world. It teaches compassion and helps to harbor a sense of appreciation and respect. Not that Jon needs to learn these lessons. He is the most compassionate person I know. He teaches me something each and every day. Mostly good, sometimes questionably strange and definitely how to be spontaneous, joyous and see the good in everything and everyone.
So what did he actually learn? All this and then some. Like how important it is to make a difference. How fortunate our friends, our family and we are in this sometimes chaotic and scary world.
His assignment? A 9 year-old, less-than-fortunate Chinese boy in need of clothes, a jacket, hat & mittens, toys and school supplies. Budget? 200RMB (approx 30USD). Where to shop? Who the heck knows - we live in Shanghai! So, being the creative guy that Jon is, he handed the assignment to our driver, Yao, and asked for his help. And by golly, Yao came through a mere 1RMB over!
Today Jon boarded a bus with 12 other Dow employees to make a difference by delivering 121 gift bags full of necessities. Their destination was a Primary school here in Shanghai. The route, an interesting manuever of one-lane, narrow streets and alleys - delivering them into a primary school courtyard. 704 grade school students marched into the courtyard in the straightest of single-file lines, arms swinging at their sides as if military training was a daily ritual. They stopped and stood at attention with the slightest bit of joy sneaking a twinkle in their eye, knowing what awaited them! Defintely no (American)A.D.D. in this group.
Classrooms, a mere 20x25, was meant to provide 44 children with a suitable teaching environment. Each child, one by one, was delivered a gift and each returned the favor with a sentiment that comes naturally to most of us - "Thank you very much". Not Xie-Xie which is thank you in Chinese but "Thank you". Why is this so special? Because they are learning their English as a second language - a universal language. A language that will help deliver them into the world across boundaries most of us will never know.
At the end of the school day, children boarded buses crammed like sardines. Not sardines, but flat-presses. Some parents picked up their kids on electric scooters loaded with anywhere from 3-5 people each - seriously. Imagine Mom driving, one kid in front leaning to left, another in front leaning to right and two behind her!!
So how did Jon depart? Just as crammed but instead with the pleasure, fulfillment, respect, appreciation and sheer satisfaction. An everlasting lesson.
Merry Christmas, America!
The Nicholas'
(to see more pictures - visit Beth on Facebook)
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