By Ross Waugh

A 1200 year old Buddhist Pagoda off the Square at Kunming, China. (Photo taken in 2004).

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 go scouting on Sunday afternoon to find the building where our meeting was. The map showed the road was off a major inner city square.

For those of you who know China, you 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’re very soon on our way in the right direction – past the 1200 year old Buddhist Pagoda and that was our street.

The thing that challenged me then, and challenges me now – this was a very simple 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 would like to think I would, but it takes time and effort. I think it is the very small acts of kindness, care and hospitality that make all the difference in each others lives.

I think this is the essence of this site and response here in Timaru.

Please be encouraged to look out for the strangers and visitors here in Timaru. Be hospitable, and show kindness and care.