My Chinese name is 林美蓮 (Lin, Mei-Lian) which when you translate it directly means Forest, Beautiful Lotus (flower). I got this name when I was studying abroad in China. The Buddhist monks from the near by monastery would come and watch the 外國人 (foreigners) do tai chi. I am sure it was a comedy act for them! Anyways, several of us befriended the buddhist monks. One day I asked one of them named Paul if he would give me a Chinese name. He asked me to tell him about myself. I shared alittle about my past as a child, my mom passing away and so on. He told be he had the perfect name for me... Mei Lian. He explained that the Lotus flowers grow in the murky pond water but "grow up" to be one of the most beautiful flowers. He said that was me! I have had a rough life but it has been turned into something beautiful. I think of this every time I walk through the courtyards here at Guanshan Elementary School... I am so blessed! NOTE: I have also been told that Mei-Lian is an... ancient name. Something like Engrid or Agnus in English! haha... I don't care
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