Chinese New Year

From ancient times, people have believed that ones destiny depends on the time of ones birth. Chinese astrology has 12 animals representing a 12-year cycle based on the Lunar calendar: Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Pig, Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, and Dragon. Each animal has different underlying personalities that are supposed to be present in people born during that year. Not all the animals have the same symbolism that they do in the West. (For example, few Westerners would like to be considered a pig or rat. In Asia, however, these animals represent success and ingenuity, respectively.) It seems like the year of the Rat is holding true on its promise in our household.
It is a year that new changes and beginnings are to happen. With two children and three step-children there always seems to be a constant state of change in our household. If you are lucky to be born in the year of the rat, here are your characteristics:Rats are perfectionists. They communicate extremely well, are quick-witted, level headed and always alert. They choose their friends carefully and dote on children. Rats are great strategists and make good politicians, but most importantly, their intuition enables them to suss out the enemy quite early in the game. Rats are shrewd and know how to amass wealth. They’ll gladly spend on their loved ones while outsiders will find them miserly. Their adaptability and clever manoeuvring will see them thumbing their nose at even the tightest spot. But they can be quick-tempered and overly critical, making them edgy, nervous and a downright nag with things don’t go their way. They have an opportunistic trait that will see them wheeling and dealing in exploiting situations for self-benefit.

While, I am not totally sold on Chinese Astrology, I do know that Chinese New Year is a time that we can share with our daughter a part of her heritage. So, a couple a days ago, we packed up and met with a great couple that adopted with us at a local Chuck E Cheese. The girls look more and more alike as the time passes. One thing is for sure, the bond that these two girls share is a lifelong one. One filled with memories before we knew them, a bond that will keep them close through the years. I am reminded of this biblical passage when I see these beautiful children and am reminded of our promise to fulfill our covenant not only to our Father but to our daughter, and all of our children. You see, God's covenant was not made to last only a few days, or for a short time. When he adopted the children of Abraham, He took them under His keeping forever."
We will embrace our daughter, her heritage and teach her the blessings of our Heavenly Father. Happy Chinese New Year!