I was sitting on the chair waiting for my client when a worried face broke into my field of vision. As I glanced at him on the sly, I noticed he had met some problems with his visa application.
I guessed he may be shy or what, after he called the staff there for twice he kept quiet with his face becoming red. Just then my client called me to tell me he couldn't come at 3pm. When I went into the computer room again, the man was still there and his face got redder.
How I wanted to help him! But I felt even more nervous than him. I dare not talk to strangers until I have to. But he really needed help as I could see. What can I do? What should I do? I was thinking and hesitating.
He called the staff for a third time, yet the staff was busy with the others and didn't hear him... I didn't understand why I went to him directly at that time, but I just did. "Excuse...me...sir, may I help you?" With my broken oral English, I stuttered and asked him.
"Yes," He nodded and was surprised, maybe also doubtful, "I don't know why I can't submit my application."
"May I have a look at your passport?" Oh, he is from London, UK. "Um...I think you don't need to renew your visa for now. You can stay here for a month, I mean until the middle of November."
"What about this date?" He pointed his visa and asked.
"This means you have to enter China before today but not the date you have to leave."
"Oh, I see. It's so kind of you for helping me." Finally he smiled.
"My pleasure."
"Excuse me...May I have your name, please?"
My client called me again, so I had to leave. "Unknown!" Said Mickey and ran away.
Now when I think about this thing, I still feel I was brave at that time, giggling. I guess the reason I offered my help was because I thought of Tim's words "Foreigners feel shy to open their mouths to ask help. So you should offer your help when they need proactively".
Tim is right, just be brave and offer your help.
Comments
1 w1ll, 1 w1ll! g1ggl1ng!
Thanks for your sweet encouragement, sweet n1da!
;-)
You did great, kind Mickey! :)
Yours is a great example for all of us to follow. Keep it up. :)
Yes, it's a nice analogy. Each time when I meet foreigners around me, I think they are brave enough to try new environment and I should greet them warmly. Just think about myself, when I go to a strange place, how I hope the residents there can offer their friendly aid to me when I need.
You reminded me the situation in the main room. The issue you mentioned deserves members' consider. EC is a friendly and generous open English learning site, and as a member of it, we should also inherit its spirits.
I'll try my best to welcome the newcomers in the main room from now on.
Really? I always feel shy to ask for help, sis sewar. Yet I am very ready to offer help. Being useful for others is a bless. ;-)
God bless you, my sweet sis~
Sweety, actually I believe that asking for help is a natural law of life. So, it is easy for me to ask for help when I need it. I am really open to the love and support of others. I feel that the whole universe's smiles lie on people lips, waiting for me to ask. And in return, I am patient and kind with who need my help. There is much pleasure to be gained from helping others. My best wishes for you sweety.
Jewel, you'll make it after practice. You are kind too ;-)
Thank you, brother seeker!
Yeah, OM Exp. Actually we Chinese are very friendly to offer help, but we are just shy...
Thanks!
Dear Asif, I regret that I didnt wear a headscarf then. ;-)
Thanks, smile!
Obada and shah, thanks for your agreement.
;-)
right mickey ..
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