This is the 2nd day of Chinese New Year 2010, I can't believe that I actually spent my CNY abroad, without my parents, family, relatives and friends. As my parents grew up in a big family, it is hard to see all our relatives often, so to us, other than Christmas, CNY is the next big thing. It is a time of "real reunion". Being in foreign land, I really do miss the festive celebration and new year spirit.
I had my reunion dinner at 成龙饭店. It is a mini gathering held by the chinese living in Tampere. Each of us paid 4euros for the dinner, there was also live telecast from 中国电视台. Dinner was ok… but still the new year mood was really not there. This year is really quite special as my family decided to spent new year in malaysia (my mum's hometown). From what I can recall, this is the 1st time that my family never spent their new year in Singapore! So I did not have the chance to wish my parents happy CNY. This year's 初一 happens to be a Sunday as well, so my friend's roommate, Johnson invited me for the chinese service. It is held in the same church that I goes to, but their service is only once a month. As it was CNY, so we had a special service. There was praise and worship, then Johnson shared and after service, we had 汤圆 and some snacks. There was also lucky draw, and I drew one of the "BIG" prize. I got a face towel and 0.20euros wrapped in a red paper that reads 四季发财. Haha... its kind of cute that I get to receive "red packet" here too :D
Then we had steamboat dinner for the night. We prepared so much food that we had to eat the leftovers for the next day's lunch... well... 4.50 euros per person is very worth it! What more, we get to eat ABALONES and BAKKWAS! (thanks mum <3)
A year has ACTUALLY passed, and indeed, I want to count my blessings. My Father in Heaven had provided me with much, He opened opportunities for me to exchange in Finland, He gave me joy and protected me during my trip, He gave me good grades that I can glorify His name. Most importantly, He is faithful to His promise. I remembered my prayers before coming to Finland, that I don't want to leave if His presence is not with me. He heard me and He found me a church that I can be in fellowship with believers and to be close to Him. Not only do I get to attend the main service, I attended home cells, music practices and now... hearing sermons in CHINESE and 赞美之泉 songs... all these are just so familiar to me :)
I really thank Him that His presence is INDEED with me and I pray that I will continue to shine His light, to glorify His name and be a blessing to many.
