Celebrating Chinese New Year

When we first began our "journey to Isabelle," we decided that we would make a concerted effort to help her understand and appreciate the rich heritage of her native culture. With this weekend being Chinese New Year, we took the chance to start that process.

Friday night we went to a Chinese Restaurant with a group of families who also have adopted children from China. The group is an informal playgroup formed by members of Families with Children from China - Seattle Chapter. All of the families live in our general area of the Puget Sound.

We met at a restaurant in Bellevue, with all of the children (and many of the parents) dressed in traditional Chinese clothing. The food was excellent, and our waiter was wonderful. But the funnest part of the evening was watching these little girls play together. It was the first time since we left China that Isabelle had been around a group of children who actually looked like her. And it was evident in her face how comfortable it made her. Although she was clearly the smallest in the group, she wasted no time in reaching out and trying to make friends with these kids with whom she shares so much. And she was even surprisingly adept with a set of chopsticks!

From the parents side of things, it was quite clear that the parents of these little girls also share a common bond...a genuine love for these little girls, and a great appreciation for what they've been through. It was very satisfying to watch each of the parents interact with not only their own children, but also with the other little girls. There was a common bond among them, and it made me think of the reference in the New Testament where Jesus states, "Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of heaven." (Matt. 19:13–15) Although comprised of several different religions, I am convinced that the Savior is pleased with the combined works of this small group.