This dragon definitely looked hungry when he came up to me!
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Happy Chinese New Year!
Today I organized a group of people to go out for Dim Sum in Chinatown to celebrate Chinese New Year and watch the parade. We feasted on lots of tasty dishes such as chicken feet, shrimp dumplings, BBQ pork buns, and taro root cakes. After lunch we heard the dragon dancing in the street to loud drumbeats and cymbals, and ran outside to watch. Next, the Shaolin monks stopped in front of us and a guy in did several flips and impressive moves for us. Lots of dignitaries came by in the parade, waving and smiling, including the LA mayor, Antonio Villaraigosa loudly declaring, "Happy Chinese New Year. The year of the Rat!"
Another tradition that I love during Chinese New Year is when married couples give red pockets, or "hong bao" to the younger generation. Earlier this week at my Aunt's house, several Aunts and Uncles and even some married cousins showered me with red enveloped filled with money. However, this year I received an especially unexpected "hong bao" from my community in Servant Partners. I have not been working since shortly before Christmas because my position at Community Health Councils could no longer be funded. So I have been job searching for over a month without any good job leads. My savings were about depleted and I could not pay next month's rent and bills. Without my knowledge, my community took up a collection for me and gave me a significant financial gift that is more than I ever could have imagined receiving. I am still in awe of people's generosity and willingness to give even when they are struggling to make ends meet. The scripture verse accompanying the money was: Matthew 5-..."Seek first his Kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be givien to you as well..."
How true it is that God hears and answers prayers through his people!
Another tradition that I love during Chinese New Year is when married couples give red pockets, or "hong bao" to the younger generation. Earlier this week at my Aunt's house, several Aunts and Uncles and even some married cousins showered me with red enveloped filled with money. However, this year I received an especially unexpected "hong bao" from my community in Servant Partners. I have not been working since shortly before Christmas because my position at Community Health Councils could no longer be funded. So I have been job searching for over a month without any good job leads. My savings were about depleted and I could not pay next month's rent and bills. Without my knowledge, my community took up a collection for me and gave me a significant financial gift that is more than I ever could have imagined receiving. I am still in awe of people's generosity and willingness to give even when they are struggling to make ends meet. The scripture verse accompanying the money was: Matthew 5-..."Seek first his Kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be givien to you as well..."
How true it is that God hears and answers prayers through his people!
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