making shoes and friends

as of last night i now share my wee apartment with two beautiful chinese friends, its a long story, but basically I met Josy through looking for apartments. She is one of those sparkly, bubbly, vibrant people that you can just feel the positive energy radiating off.
Last week I called to see how she was, and she was in hospital really sick, next thing she had to quit her job, and had to move out of her apartment because she couldn't afford it, had no where to go, then she finds out her 14year old sister has been working in a shoe factory in a neighbouring city from her old neighbour in Chengdu. They lost their father a few years ago, and don't have much contact with their mother...crazy situation. So she went to 'rescue her' two days ago, and now they are both sleeping on my couch (much to my disapointment...they refused my bed! oh well! it is a rock but i guess they'd be used to that!) She told me how her sister told her in detail how to make shoes, with a smile on her face. but then when she explained how their were many other 14year old girls or younger working there, they are supposedly paid 800rmb a month (under $250NZD) but they deduct food and rent allowance as the kids all live and eat at the factory...its just horrific to think that people can get away with this, and that these kids, who dont know any better, but can earn money and perhaps help their families if they are in need....hmmm anyway i am so happy to have people in my home. It will only be temporary until Josy finds a job and can afford an apartment, but at the moment I'm just so glad to have them. And they can cook!! WEEHEEEE fiery sichuan style food too...yummy yummy.
last week i was feeling soooo lonely, even though i know i have people and friends, but just getting bouts of homesickness, now i feel like i have a family. Three girls, all in some way displaced. It's unifying, in a wierd way!