Angel Sammy, Chef Teddy and Mom are still w/o internet so today.
I will share some thankfuls about many on the wonderful international
friends I met while working at N. C. State University.
We had several from East Germany
Today I'll tell you about Chris P. His stay at NCSU was the first time he had ever been of our East Germany. He was so eager to learn everything he could while in NC.
He lived near NCSU so he walked to campus each morning.
One day he came into my office to show the most amazing 'thing' he found on the sidewalk.
He asked if I knew what it was. I said yes that is a flower Pod from a Southern Magnolia tree.
I asked if there was a tree near by with shiny leaves. Yes he said.
I told him in the spring the pods open up into a most glorious and sweetly scented white flower.
The lesson I learned from Chris and all the international visitor was to enjoy all the splendor of
'everyday things'. The following spring he came to my office with a bouquet much like this.
After getting his Master's Degree in Physics, Chris received an invitation to travel to
New Zealand to study for his PhD. His field of interest was 'blue ice'. While studying in
New Zealand, he took several expeditions to Antarctica. He now lives in Norway.
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Franz from a small village in Austria near the Black Forest.
Another delightful young man. He had a MAD love for
John Deere tractors. He was over the moon happy when he found out there was a website where he could order John Deere hats, shirts, and high top tennis shoes that were green with yellow shoelaces.
Seeing the joy on Franz's face once again reminded me to appreciate the small things.
Franz was always early to work (which was unusual for grad students). He came to my office most days around 7:30 to have a cup of coffee and chat. While at NCSU Franz received his MS in Physics. He received an offer at Arizona State University.
Love the memories of Chris & Franz! I’m certain you made a lasting impression on them too! Did they have trouble with your sweet southern accents? 🥰
ReplyDeleteYou got to meet those young men; I think they saw you as another mother...I have had 'other parents' too when I was working in places far away from my own. Thank you for being there for them!
ReplyDeletethat are wonderful stories what became your memories... and they bring joy to our hearts...
ReplyDeleteWhat an enchanting life.
ReplyDeleteWhat wonderful young men and anyone who gifted me with a Gardenia would be a friend for life!
ReplyDeleteHari OM
ReplyDeleteLovely introductions! The tapestry of life is endlessly fascinating... YAM xx
Both of these people sound fascinating and how fun to see their excitement over things we normally take for granted.
ReplyDeleteIt must have been delightful to meet so many people from other countries. And to actually see their interest in things that we have here.
ReplyDeleteBoth students sound like they were awesome guys.
ReplyDeleteI loved this! My eye went straight to the Magnolia pod! Love love our Grandiflora Southern Magnolias! Those flowers open to salad plate size many times. Wish I could have met and talked to those two students. AND to you. !!
ReplyDeleteWhat wonderful friends you met from around the world!
ReplyDeletehugs,
Beth
How nice to be around such a diverse group of people at your job.
ReplyDeleteWhat wonderful people you met while working at the University ~ Hugs ^_^
ReplyDeleteHugs to you Cecilia and Angel Madi ~ ^_^
They both sounds like fun and enjoyable people and it's really interesting to learn about other cultures too. Thanks for joining Angel Brian's Thankful Thursday Blog Hop!
ReplyDeleteEveryday does offer much to be thankful for and to see the 'beauty' in everyday things!
ReplyDeleteA wonderful post!
They both sound like great guys. I miss Pam. XO
ReplyDeleteI agree with Ellen. Nice guys and you must feel very thankful that you met them and helped them feel comfortable in the States. I miss Pam too and know how frustrated she must be. Hugs to her.
ReplyDeleteLulu: "Our Dada used to have a riding lawn tractor back East! But his was bright red and was called a Simplicity, which apparently is the arch-nemesis of John Deere or something."
ReplyDeleteJava Bean: "Ayyy, tractors have nemeses? Who knew?"
I had lots of International friends in college, and they were the coolest!! I enjoyed reading about a couple of the students you got to know. My dad is a big John Deere lover, too. :)
ReplyDelete