New Year

Altar for CNY Mass

It's the Lunar New Year today. I can't imagine I didn't update the blog for a week now. Time flies. Here in our country the festival is not celebrated of course. But Chinese communities do it privately in their homes and dormitories. Most are not rich ... migrant workers in construction companies. They don't get a day off. But they did have a meal together last night for the reunion dinner. 

Those who're spending their first New Year away from home find it difficult. Its a Jewish country and it's not encouraged to celebrate other religious festivities that offend. Small groups of Chinese especially students, gather in Chinese restaurants to celebrate ... but not all can afford that. For some the sense of loneliness is overpowering. Some go into depression. Others drink themselves drunk. The protestants have teams that meet with these people

We're all wary of what a snake year might bring us. All our hopes for a good dragon year were smashed with the tragedies and wars in our region. We're hoping for the best ... with fingers crossed and gritted teeth.