El and Lo take on Asia: chinese new year, take one

As February is quickly approaching, the city is gearing up to celebrate the Chinese New Year (beginning the 14th). Slowly but surely, elaborate red decorations are adorning the city. Last week, Kelsey and I had our first introduction to the holiday-- we attended a women's Bible study group, where we learned how to make lanterns from ang pow (the red envelopes that married couples give to the unmarried with money in it during the holiday-- like the kid's table at thanksgiving, only better!). Of course, there are two glorious lanterns now on our apartment wall. :)

Last night, however, was our first official celebration, and it was wonderfully fun. Kelsey's morning placement is at a place called Cheshire Home, which is a home for people with disabilities. There is a huge range among the residents there, since Malaysia isn't very advanced in its programs and facilities for people with disabilities. Cheshire Home was putting on a Chinese New Year celebration for all of its residents and their families.

The night was very full-- we enjoyed a great feast of food, games, karaoke, dancing, laughter, and socializing. Some highlights: a lion dance, a new friend named Conney who conned me into dancing a traditional Kadazan dance (that I had actually learned a week prior!), children teaching me to "boca boca," dancing the electric slide (in Malaysia!), and spending quality time getting to know some of the residents. It reminded me of my time with Best Buddies and YARC; I had a blast, and am secretly hoping that Cheshire home will celebrate another holiday before July so I can hang out with the residents some more. Definitely a night to remember. I am really looking forward to the upcoming celebrations of Chinese New Year (though I think I have to prepare my stomach a bit for all the food!).

Here's a few photos from the night!

A traditional lion dance to bring in the New Year.