Love for a Nation

We decided when Madison became a part of our family that she was becoming part American and we were becoming part Chinese. Even in her tender toddler voice she will tell you, "I'm Maddie! I'm Chinese!" Or sometimes she will say a mouthful and add, "I'm Chinese American!" There is a blending of hearts and cultures as we share our lives as one. We want to keep those precious roots warm and let her always feel connected to her unique story.

The girls went to church today in their Chinese dresses. Maddie jumped up and down, so excited to wear her new pink dress that I brought home from China last summer. She told everyone who greeted her, "Happy Chinese New Year!!!" This is the most important holiday for the Chinese people. That being said, it is important to us as well.

I greeted our friend Chien with "Happy Chinese New Year" at church, and her face warmed as she smiled. "You are the first person to tell me that today!" It was the most precious thing when she saw Maddie and together they counted to ten in Chinese and sang a children's Chinese song! It was a highlight of my day, and then sharing a meal with friends at the China Garden buffet.

I find myself missing China today. I never dreamed that I would have gone to China three times in the span of a year and a half, but I feel so incredibly blessed to have done so. It was a gift. In those trips, God grew my heart for the nation of China and their precious people. I want to go back and just hear their hearts. I want to listen, reach out, and care. My heart aches to think that I don't know when I will be returning. It feels too far away.

My heart breaks for the nation of China. They are the dearest people. Their hospitality is so warm and friendly. They care so deeply they will do anything for you. And yet, by and large, like our own nation, they are lost. They don't have the freedom of the gospel and the wealth of a relationship with Christ. There are many who do, and the numbers are growing. There is hope.

Primarily, much of the Chinese culture is based on a desire for good fortune and a happy life. Much of Chinese New Year centers on those themes. As I did a little research on some of their traditions, I believe God inspired some Christian connections for us to celebrate. We want Maddie to celebrate her Chinese heritage, but to embrace the best of it with the heart of God in mind.

The celebration of Chinese New Year continues on for fifteen days. The tradition starts with spring cleaning. They clean out their homes for a fresh start on a new year. Rather than talking about the good luck or keeping gods happy with them, we can talk about how Jesus cleans our hearts and gives us a fresh start every day. They decorate with live plants and flowers (a welcomed sight in mid-winter!), that can remind us of our new life in Christ. We are reborn in Him and He makes all things new.

A very important part of Chinese New Year is the time to focus on being with family. It is a time of reunion and thanksgiving. For as busy as life can be, how great to have a couple of weeks where we focus on more time together as a family. They remember past generations and are thankful for their heritage. They write happy wishes for each other on red paper. We could lift up prayers for one another, words of love and encouragement to each family member, and write them on red paper.

Money is given in red envelopes, called Lai-see, much in the spirit of Christmas gifts. We can teach our children about sharing money to help orphans through organizations like Shaohannah's Hope, or give money to help those in the process of adoption. We can share our financial blessings to benefit orphans.

The celebration ends after two weeks with a lantern festival. What a great time to light up our homes with candles and give praise to Jesus, our Light!

We keep the nation of China in our prayers throughout the year in our family devotions. Madison won't let us forget. She prays for Qiao and Amy, two Chinese friends, every single day. This is a great time of year for all of us, even if you don't have a Chinese family member, to remember the nation of China in our prayers. Last year we had enough yuan to share with the kids' Sunday School classes so that each child could take home a Chinese "dollar" to remember to pray for China.

God's Spirit is stirring there in powerful ways. Pray for the orphans to be brought home to families in the spirit of adoption. Pray for freedom for the Chinese to publicly believe God and know Truth. Pray for the missionaries in hiding. Pray to be made willing and open for opportunities to go on a mission trip to embrace a nation in your heart. In loving the nations, you will be loving the heart of God.