By Ross Waugh
A few years ago, I was in China in a large city. My Colleague and I had a business meeting on Monday morning.
We decided to scout on Sunday afternoon to find the building where our meeting was. The map showed the road was off a major inner city square.
Those of you who know China will know these squares are massive – this one had about 12 roads leading off it in various directions.
We were standing in this square looking very white and a little lost, trying to work out where to go on the map – in a place and language, we didn’t understand.
A very old Chinese man stopped and asked us in a perfect English Oxford accent – “Can I assist you”.
We explained where we wanted to go, and we were very soon on our way in the right direction – past the 1200-year-old Buddhist Pagoda, which was our street.
The thing that challenged me then, and challenges me now – this was an effortless act of kindness and hospitality in his city.
Would I do the same sort of small, simple acts of kindness to strangers or visitors in my city – here in Timaru?
I want to think I would, but it takes time and effort. I believe the tiny acts of kindness, care and hospitality make all the difference in each other’s lives.
This is the essence of this site and response here in Timaru.
Please be encouraged to look out for strangers and visitors here in Timaru. Be hospitable, and show kindness and care.
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