Street Dancing 1

Every evening and every morning, dancers fill the parks and open areas in Chengdu.  Joy, friendship and freedom filled the group of dancers in one open area near the river.  I will share a series of pairs, each dancing in their own styles, to welcome in the new year.

Grand Opening

Here is evidence of another elaborate grand opening celebration.  This time it is for the opening of a Hong-Kong style restaurant.  Silently the flowers shout, Hurrah!  I share them on this day to begin the celebration of the grand opening of 2014!

Asleep Anywhere

This couple slept, cushioning each other, until the last subway stop on line 1.

Pretty in Pink

This Mickey Mouse looks pretty in pink.  We’ve noticed that pink is worn, not only by Micky, but by both men and women in China.

Well Loved Son

This boy’s parents seem to have put so much care into dressing him.  I particularly like his cartoon-character shoes!

Tou

This character stands for “tou,” which means “head” and “beginning.”  All of these meanings come together in the same Jesus we celebrate at Christmas.

The ancient letter of Colossians says, “We look at this Son and see the God who cannot be seen. We look at this Son and see God’s original purpose in everything created. For everything, absolutely everything, above and below, visible and invisible, rank after rank after rank of angels—everything got started in him and finds its purpose in him. He was there before any of it came into existence and holds it all together right up to this moment.”

Jia

Today’s character, “jia,” stands for “home” and “family.”  As we celebrate Christmas with our family, we also celebrate the wonder of being welcomed into God’s family.  What an inheritance!  What a privilege!  What intimacy!

Sheng

This Hanyu character is “sheng,” which means “to be born.”  Today I am celebrating the birth of Jesus, Immanuel, God who came, and still comes, to dwell with us.

Chinese Chess

People play this game of strategy all over Chengdu, in parks, in alleys, on the riverside, and in tea houses.  The man on the right seems to be thoroughly enjoying beating his opponent!

Ancient Town: Posing 3

This young man, dressed as an ancient soldier, is posing for photographs.  In the old days, they don’t seem to have valued camouflage!