28 Reasons (among many) Why Love Exists In East Asia — Fearfully & Wonderfully Jo

*This was a small journal I kept where I documented every time I made a new friend in East Asia! Note that names have been changed for security purposes. Meet my new friendos yayyy!!!

REASON #1 – YVETTE   (June 25 @ Canteen 4)

Notes: cross ring, accounting major, fave class is economics, likes shopping/watching comedy movies

When I first approached Yvette, she was sitting with her friend, Valerie. They looked a little hesitant when they talked to us at first because they claimed to know only a little English. Yvette was definitely the more talkative one. She would answer all my questions beyond a yes or no but wouldn't ask me any questions. I noticed she wore a cross ring on her finger and asked if she believed. She responded no but thought it was pretty. As I got to know her, I realized we shared a lot of things in common. We both liked shopping land movies but didn't particularly like sports. And towards the end, I was very encouraged to see her asking me lots of questions.

REASON #2 – VALERIE   (June 25 @ Canteen 4)

Notes: likes basketball, shorter hair, likes gaming, accounting major

Valerie was the quieter of the two. She only responded when the question was directed specifically at her or when Yvette asked her to answer. But she smiled and laughed a lot. After getting to know her, we found out she was kinda like a tomboy and liked basketball as well as gaming. When we talked about those topics, she would get really excited.

REASON #3 – SALLY   (June 25 @ library cafe)

Notes: glasses, Japanese major, likes anime/kdramas/Lee Jong Suk, successful life = big family and happy life, plays piano and electric piano, likes dresses and coffee

When we approached Sally, she was with her friend, Jenny. They seemed to be very close. They also were a little hesitant when talking to us at first. However, I soon found out they liked to giggle a lot, just like me. Sally's face was framed with glasses, which I found very cute. She was constantly speaking to Jenny in Japanese, which made sense when we found out she's a Japanese major. I found out she also liked kdramas and we really connected through that. Also, her definition of a successful life was having a big family, which I found very refreshing!

REASON #4 – JENNY   (June 25 @ library cafe)

Notes: slim face, Japanese major but wants to change, likes reading successful women books, successful life = money, sings, likes dress and tea

Jenny was the more talkative of the two. She had a very pretty face and smiled a big smile. She and Sally would answer for each other when we asked them questions, which I found very cute! (#friendshipgoals) One interesting thing about her was that she didn't eat much because she wanted to lose weight (which could be a potential spiritual convo). She also really focused on being a successful woman, which made for an interesting convo. And Jenny was the one who invited us to hot pot with them which was surprising to me and I was really touched!

REASON #5 – KELLY   (June 26 @ Canteen 1)

Notes: food science major, junior, going to Beijing for internship, talked about flowers, likes to sing

We approached Kelly and her friend Laura in the lunch line and asked them to help us order food. Even though they weren't confident in their English-speaking abilities, they still tried their best and helped us a lot. Kelly even got us utensils and I was struck by their thoughtfulness. She even shared their soup with us and cut the fish for us and picked the bones out. Although more quiet at first, she eventually opened up and began talking to us more. She talked a lot about her upcoming internship in Beijing.

REASON #6 – LAURA   (June 26 @ Canteen 1)

Notes: food science major, junior, grad school, post-grad exam, wants to go to England, likes to think deeper about natural things

Laura really jumped in to help us out in ordering food and was the one who said we could sit with them. She was more talkative and also very generous. She shared some of her food with Kim and offered some to us. She mentioned that she like to think deeper about natural things in life and that was very interesting for me to hear from a local student. Potential opportunity??

REASON #7 – ABBY   (June 26 @ Canteen 3)

Notes: chose her own name, MIS major, junior, close to family, no siblings, glasses, small face, wants to be game developer, likes cosplay

When we approached Abby, she was eating dinner with her boyfriend. And her boyfriend was the one who responded when we asked if we could sit with them. So I thought she couldn't speak English. But she was translating for her boyfriend the whole time. She said she was very into cosplay but not much else (which is totally fine). When we asked if she believes in Christianity (like her aunt), she said she believes in herself. We think she'll be more open if we get her 1-on-1.

REASON #8 – BILLY   (June 26 @ Canteen 3)

Notes: computer major, sophomore, likes cosplay, has brothers/cousins, glasses

Initially, I thought Billy was really talkative and had good English. But as we talked, he became more and more quiet, I think because he wasn't confident in his speaking abilities. But he was willing to answer my questions, which I appreciated.

REASON #9 – DOLLY   (June 27 @ Canteen 4)

Notes: glasses, accounting major, graduate student, very outgoing

Dolly was the most proactive conversation I've had so far. She was more than willing to talk to us, especially when she found out we were international students. She was very very talkative and spoke kinda fast. She almost immediately asked for my WeChat and offered to eat another meal with us, which surprised me. I almost didn't know what to say! We wondered if she was a language hog at first, but I could tell she really only wanted to help us because we are foreigners. I was very touched. We didn't talk much because she had to leave soon for a meeting.

REASON #10 – ELSIE   (June 27 @ Canteen 4)

Notes: food science, junior, going to New Zealand, likes her country's food the best, likes American songs better

Elsie was so smiley and so outgoing. Right when we sat down, she started asking us questions about ourselves, which surprised me… again. We talked about so many things and I was struck by how open she was. Her English was really good (even though she said it wasn't) and told me she's going to New Zealand (where they speak English). She genuinely has a kind and beautiful heart. I also thought she was very pretty with a natural blush. Oh and she also offered us watermelon!

REASON #11 – NICOLE   (June 27 @ Canteen 4)

Notes: food science, junior, likes Jay Chou, likes Tswift (Red album), likes American songs better

Nicole was also very very extroverted and was constantly asking us questions. When she talked to me, she would smile and lean into me, which I found very endearing. We bonded over our love of Tswift, which was pretty cool and she was also very open to talking to us and laughing with us about anything. She also had really cute dimples.

REASON #12 – CARLA   (June 28 @ Canteen 4)

Notes: grad student, English major, taught middle school English, has one kid, parents are Christian, believes in Jesus but not Christian, wants to have relationship with God in the future

We approached Carla because we thought she was a college student. We soon found out she was actually much older. Man did she look young though! She told us about her family and her past career and had a very bright personality. She was very interesting because she believes in Jesus but doesn't want a relationship with him just yet (I think because she's busy right now). She wanted the name of God Tools so she could show her parents, which I thought was very intriguing. When we asked if we could share the gospel, she said no, probably because her friend who was Buddhist was there.

REASON #13 – ALLIE   (June 28 @ Canteen 4)

Notes: working at a nearby real estate company, has 2 kids, Buddhist, family is most important thing to her

Allie was the more quiet of the 2 because she didn't know that much English. But she still tried her best to talk to us. We found out she was 30!! (even though she looked so young) She said her family was definitely the most important thing in her life and was why she worked so hard, which I found very sweet! In the middle of the convo, we found out she was a strong Buddhist so we didn't get to share the gospel with her.

REASON #14 – SAMANTHA   (June 29 @ Canteen 3)

Notes: second year, likes phone games, grandma is Christian, likes hot pot

When we approached Samantha, I honestly didn't think much would happen. She seemed very closed off and said she was waiting for her friend. She answered all our questions but didn't really ask us any. I even tried so many ways to get the gospel in, but couldn't. I decided to ask one last question before giving up. I asked if she liked stories and she said yes. So I asked if she wanted to hear the story behind the cross and she said yes, so I was able to share the gospel and she received it very well and thanked me for telling it to her cuz it was her first time. She also said she would like to read the Bible in the future but not now. So it was very encouraging!

REASON #15 – HANNAH   (July 2 @ Canteen 3)

Notes: textile major, third year, going to internship, likes TV (Handmaid's Tale), likes going on phone, little brother, close to family, wants to be fashion designer

When we approached Hannah and her friends, Hannah was the one who invited us to sit down. She said she was a textiles major and I was instantly intrigued (cuz I think textiles is SO cool!) She answered all our questions the most (probs cuz she knew the most English) and was very nice to talk to. She even showed me a photo of a recent project she worked on, which was really cool. She had to leave soon for a meeting so I didn't get to talk to her much. But looking forward to a follow-up!

REASON #16 – HELEN   (July 2 @ Canteen 3)

Notes: textile major, third year, older bro, likes TV (also Handmaid's Tale)

Helen was more reserved because she didn't speak much English. But I actually thought she spoke more than she thought she could. She didn't answer as many of my questions and didn't look as interested in the conversation but that's OK! I still appreciated her willingness to answer the questions she did answer.

REASON #17 – FELICIA   (July 2 @ Canteen 3)

Notes: textile major, third year, likes watching American TV, picked major just cuz

Felicia joined us late and really didn't say much because she knew very very little English. But she had this sweet smile that always made me wanna smile. I also thought her name was really cool. What struck me about Felicia is she picked her major just cuz, and so I wonder what that feels like, being indifferent to your major.

REASON #18 – SHARON   (July 2 @ hot pot)

Notes: Japanese major, wants to know Western world, likes shopping and eating and reading and games, thinks people are inherently sinful, doesn't have a fave color

Wow meeting Sharon was an unexpected blessing! She came along with Jenny and Sally to hot pot. Right when I met her, she seemed genuinely curious about me and asked a lot of questions about me. I also got to know her very fast. She was very kind to me and offered to take me places. She was also very interested in the gospel. She's also staying for 2 more weeks so I will def be able to follow-up with her! She was very interested in my Bible so I really wanna do a Bible study with her!

REASONS #19 – KAREN   (July 4 @ English club)

Notes: Pheebs and Nathan's PRC

Karen was the very first PRC on our summer mission! And I didn't think I would have the chance to meet her. But by God's plan and will, I met her today at English club! We really hit it off and even though we didn't get to talk very much, I could already sense how God's presence in her lie changed her. When she tried to get my WeChat, it didn't work for some reason, so later she tried to look for me and even asked Pheebs. I was so touched at that moment because she remembered my name! And wanted to keep in contact with me! And now, we have a Bible study appointment!

REASON #20 – HILLARIE   (July 4 @ English club)

Notes: English major, wants to go to America to become teacher, wants to share her culture, was reached out to last year and even has color bead bracelet, likes reading (has read Gone With the Wind)

Hillarie was so warm and talkative! Right when I met her, I knew I liked her. She had such a bright smile that made me smile so big! We talked so much and there was never a dull moment! She told me all about her English aspirations and I was so surprised when she told me she read the entire Gone With the Wind because that book was even hard for me to read! She really surprised me by bringing up Christianity and told me someone told her about it last year. When I told her I could tell her more, her face LIT UP! And I mean LIT UP! She also asked me about my opinion of Trump, which made for an interesting experience!

REASON #21 – LANA   (July 4 @ English club)

Notes: English major, wants to go to America, wants to share her culture, friend of Sophia

Lana's face was so welcoming when I first saw her. I knew I wanted to talk to her. Like with Hillarie, she was also very talkative and asked lots of questions. When she told me she wanted to go to America to share her culture, I was so amazed by how much love that statement contained. Love for her people as well as love for Americans with whom she wanted to share something that was precious to her. I truly sensed so much kindness and goodness coming from her.

REASON #22 – NALA   (July 5 @ Canteen 1)

Notes: automation major, second year, likes to roller skate, cousin and other fam members are Christian

When we approached Nala, we were soaking wet because we just biked in the rain, so I thought she might be scared of us. But she wasn't and she let us sit with her! She was very quiet but kind-hearted. We found out many people around her are Christian, which was so surprising and encouraging! We got to share the gospel and she thanked us but said she didn't want a religion. But that's OK! All in God's timing, right?

REASON #23 – SUE   (July 8 @ Canteen 1)

Notes: English major, likes American shows (not series), liked Stranger Things, likes math, knows a lot about philosophers

Sue came along on our follow-up with Hillarie and Lana. Like them, she was super extroverted and asked me a lot of questions. We made a bunch of small talk and started talking about her knowledge of American culture. I asked if she knew about Christianity and she said yes and started pouring out head knowledge. I went through the gospel with her but she was more interested in talking about philosophers' views (like Emerson and Darwin) and it was a challenge for me to disprove them. She also asked me if there was proof Jesus is real and the only response I could give was the Bible itself. Def a challenging convo but one that was really good for me to have.

REASON #24 – BETTY   (July 10 @ Canteen 3)

Notes: studying for graduate exams, literature major, likes to read and write, has younger brother, likes Kris Wu

Betty was very kind when we approached her. She had a bright face that assured me she would be OK talking to us. We got to know her a little after asking lots of questions and I felt bad for her because it seemed all she had time to do was study. But I thought it was interesting that she was a literature major and that she like to write just like me. TBH I didn't try as hard to get into spiritual convo with Betty because I was pooped but I'm hoping for a follow-up!

REASON #25 – JULIE   (July 10 @ Canteen 1)

Notes: pharmaceutical major, likes literature, fave book is Pride and Prejudice, likes to study in free time

When we approached Julie, honestly she felt kind of closed off. But she was still willing to answer our questions. As we talked, I realized she didn't know that much English, which explained her initial closedness. We did find out that she likes literature and I was super impressed to learn that she like Pride and Prejudice cuz that was hard for even me. We didn't get to learn more cuz she left really quickly.

REASON #26 – QUINN   (July 10 @ Canteen 1)

Notes: law major, likes to study in free time

Quinn was more open than Julie but def still felt closed off. We made really small talk most of the time. Actually she was wearing a shirt that said, "Good girls go to heaven. Bad girls go backstage." I asked her about what it meant and that's how we got into spiritual convo. But it didn't last long, cuz they left soon after. I guess it's not in God's timing yet for them to hear the gospel, but that's OK!

REASONS #27 – LUCY   (July 11 @ Canteen 1)

Notes: post graduate, civic engineer, trying to choose between civic engineer and architecture, likes to paint and Latin dance

Lucy was truly different when we approached her. Right off the bat, she said, "Of course!" when we asked if we could sit with her. She was so enthusiastic when talking to us and also asked us so many questions about ourselves. We got into spiritual convo when she said she was interested in finding a religion. She was super open to the gospel and her mouth was forming O's the whole time, as if things were clicking in her mind. She said she wasn't sure if she was ready to PRC yet, but I could see the Holy Spirit at work in her and I could sense how close she was. Another interesting thing about her is she likes to Latin dance! Super rare hobby!

REASON #28 – RUBY  (July 11 @ English club)

Notes: Sophia's friend, chemistry major, first year, staying to study, tutors people, wants to study in Canada

Ruby was very enthusiastic about talking to someone who could speak English. Sophia introduced me to her and we hit it off. We talked for a looooong time about everything. She was really good about coming up with questions to get to know me. She also had this super peppy personality that I adored! Talking to her definitely gave me energy because I was super tired before. She also kept encouraging me.