the littlest notebook

Chinese New Year in Urbana

I guess we were not alone. Our family group consists mainly of Chinese internationals, and when CW and I suggested a steamboat dinner, we soon found out we had a bit of a squeeze on our hands. Our dining table, even with the extensions, could just barely fit everyone. It was good fun, though. One person brought tang hoon, a couple brought vegetables and tofu, someone brought sliced beef. We supplied the balls (pork, chicken, and beef balls). The person who came with the hotpot hails from Chong Qing, and he brought ma la tang stock (it was very ma!). We ate, talked about the different Chinese New Year customs in our various countries, and shared stories. One friend said people in his hometown had to eat at least two eggs each time they visited someone’s home. Another said he had to down a bowl of Chinese wine; the better the relations, the bigger the bowl. We clinked our glasses of red wine and Bud Lights (Ian and I had water) as we kan-pei‘ed to marriages, good grades, and life.

I love my family group. I don’t know why I do. Under ordinary circumstances, I most probably would not have crossed paths with many of our family group members. I think part of the affections lies in the fact that we’re all  trying to make a home away from home, and in some way or another, lonely. And to give our group credit, I must say the individuals are interesting people in themselves. It also helps that they are kind toward Ian, and accept the disruptions we bring with our two-year-old. Many in our group are not Christians, and I am always encouraged that they would choose to spend every Friday evening studying the Bible and hanging out with a bunch of Christians.

We do not have hongbaos to give out this Chinese New Year, but I will pray for each one of our friends. I pray that Jesus will shine His light and joy and love into their lives, and they will find in Him peace, and a place their hearts will call home.

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