Chinese Daughter

It's impossible to describe our world in China. Because of the language challenges, it is is opaque. There's so much to get done...but it's nearly impossible without Chinese language skills. Getting the computer hooked up. Finding a tailor. Understanding the grocery store.


So that's why I found Lily.


There's a terrific web site for expats in China called The Beijinger. All in English. In the classified ads, there are a lot of tour guides offering their services in Beijing -- but the photos of these girls looked like glamour shots with come hither looks. I wasn't sure what they were offering...


Then I saw Lily's ad. This cute little Chinese girl -- a certified tour guide -- with perfect English. And now my world has changed.


Lily is charming...26 years old and engaged to be married. She laughs a lot and like most Chinese people, works very hard. She's helped me communicate with Yan Shifu, Wang Ping, our new Ayi (maid), order water, find a laundry, get tailoring done, shop and translate.


When Lily's not working, she studies English vocabulary. The first day we met, she asked me to explain the difference between aggravate and deteriorate. And she wanted a better definition of exacerbate ...


While out one day, I helped Lily try Italian food for the first time -- and she loved it!


What did I do without her?


Yan Shifu loves Lily, too...he calls her my "4th daughter"!