Following the Father

Xin nein kuai le (Happy New Year)
It is neat to think that you all are actually up at the time I am writing this.  Earlier tonight I talked with my family on the phone as their day was just starting.  It's nice to "peek" back into home for a bit in that way.  I enjoy hearing the kids eat breakfast and get started with school work, and people milling around as they start their day while I talk to my mom or whoever else is available.

Well today, or tonight I should say, I'm feeling well but that was not the case Friday night.  Some sort of virus just swept in and took hold of some of the babies, me, and Sam. (A young Chinese/Japanese lady who helped out with the babies and kids here on her college break for Chinese New Year)  I vomited much of the night Friday (I awoke Aunt Bev so she could take care of the babies) and felt like my insides were being ripped in two by some unseen monster.  Thankfully it didn't hold on too long.  By Sunday I was feeling decent and by Monday I was almost back to normal.  Sam is better now too, and she's back at school.  The babies seem to be doing some better too, but sickness bogs them down longer than it does adults so please pray for them.

Chinese New Year fell on February 7th this year.  Since it is a lunar calendar event it doesn't fall on the same day every year like our new year.  This new year is the year of the rat!   
Yes, we heard lots of fireworks!  The older kids shot off some here at the Home too.  Thankfully the noisy nights didn't bother the babies a whole lot.  It's China and Taiwan's version of 4th of July... multiplied several times.  They prepare for it like Americans now do for Christmas, months in advance.  Several superstitions surround the new year celebration.  Lots of people bring in donations (in the traditional red envelope) for the Home, which we appreciate.  For some of them though it is a way to get their "good deeds" in for the year, so to speak.  It is to make some spirits happy, and also just tradition.  Also all debs are supposed to be paid and "unfinished business" taken care of.  The house is cleaned and everyone gets new clothes.  Here's a sample that someone sent of Chinese new year taboos.

• No one should wear clothing representing negativity (black) or death (white).
• Crying is strictly taboo.
• Negative words, topics or stories should not be brought up.
• Ghost stories and the word "four" or any other words in the Chinese language sounding similar to the word "death" should be avoided like a sickness.
• Mentioning the past year should likewise be avoided, instead turning attention and discussion toward the new year ahead.
• Trash is treated like a treasure, and horded; it should not be taken out of the house and must be swept into the center of the room before placing it in the corners without trampling on it until the fifth day of rest, when it is turned back into waste, and thrown out.