Lunar (Chinese) New Year Celebration

Like people from all other cultures that celebrate the new beginning of a year, Chinese and people from some other Asian countries celebrate New Year too. However, the beginning of a year is not January 1^st. Instead, it varies every year based on the lunar calendar.

January 31^st of this year is the first day of the lunar year of Horse. Our American friends from IFI enjoy experiencing different culture and want to be friends with international students. With kindness and warm hospitality, my Bible study group leaders hosted a Lunar New Year Celebration party where we enjoyed the delicious hot pot meal and had wonderful fellowship time. The event was hosted at a church in Westerville. Many OSU and Otterbein University students participated. IFI interns, Lexie, Chloe and I went and had a great time!

First, before everybody came, we decorated the church with New Year decors.

And we prepared the food. Hang, one of my Bible study group leaders, put in a lot of effort in this party. She brought some hot pot paste from Xinjiang, China. Those were the best I ever had! Also, she bought every ingredient from local stores carefully, so everything is fresh and yummy! Thank you Hang! :)

After everybody had come, we gathered in a circle and thanked the Lord who had prepared every wonderful thing.

Let the feast begin!!!

What a great meal! With a full belly, we sat down and sang some worship songs. Then Mark shared with us about why we need salvation.

After that, we had so many fun activities!

Foosball

 Ping Pong

Pool

Corn Hole

It was such a fun night! Thank you God for not letting us feel lonely and homesick on this important day of our culture. My parents were so happy when they saw the pictures and knew I had a great time. They always said Gene, Phyl, Mark, Nancy, Jack and Hang (my Bible study group leaders) are very nice people that they keep me busy and make me feel at home. Yes. Yes. But it’s God that sent them into my life. :)