My Dearest Olivia,
We missed you in your first celebration of Chinese New Year, the year of the Ox. Your parents sent us your cute image above, dressed in traditional Chinese costume and holding up a red packet. We couldn't help posting it as wallpaper on our computers.
Unlike Christmas which is widely celebrated in Canada by people of different religions and ethnic backgrounds, Chinese New Year is only celebrated amongst the Chinese community. Even with the continuous growth of the Chinese population in Toronto, I think it would remain that way for a long time. Canada is a very special nation. Though she has her Native Indian and British historic roots, she now examplifies as a great nation in which people from different parts of the world are living in relative peace and harmony. We may be different in appearance and cultural habits, but we share and value many things in common. I am sure you must have already experienced this in school. Regardless of the color of their skin and ethnic background, you play and make friends with them. People of all nations are creations and children of God. If our Heavenly Father loves us all, why should we discriminate against each other?
However, as you grow up you may suddenly realize one day that you are of Chinese origin, you are different from people around you and you are a "minority". While I am writing this letter I cannot foretell how you would feel then. The only advice I can give you is this. Do not be afraid of being a "minority", stand up and be proud of who you are. You were chosen by God to be born in a Chinese family, and He may (or may not) have a purpose for that. Do you remember the story of Moses? He was born to a Hebrew family but grew up in the Egyptian palace. God had a purpose for him - to lead the Hebrew people out from captivity in Egypt. Moses was a noble in Egypt but he was proud of his Hebrew identity.
My dear Olivia, sometimes being a "minority" is not of an ethnical but ethical nature. When you face such a situation, please remember that your grandpa's advice is still the same - stand up and stand firm. Be courageous, uphold your principles and justice. You may find yourself standing there alone, but rest assured that God is on your side.
Canada is usually considered a western country while China, eastern. So here East meets West, and East mixes with West. Sometimes I wonder why we differentiate between East and West. Isn't the globe round and China is west of Canada as well? You continuously fly westward from Toronto to Hong Kong, right?
Take a look at your lovely red Chinese costume again. In the East red is traditionally the color of happiness, prosperity and passion. May you live a life full of happiness, prosperity and passion, in Canada where East blends well with West, or in wherever you may be.
Love always,
Grandpa
However, as you grow up you may suddenly realize one day that you are of Chinese origin, you are different from people around you and you are a "minority". While I am writing this letter I cannot foretell how you would feel then. The only advice I can give you is this. Do not be afraid of being a "minority", stand up and be proud of who you are. You were chosen by God to be born in a Chinese family, and He may (or may not) have a purpose for that. Do you remember the story of Moses? He was born to a Hebrew family but grew up in the Egyptian palace. God had a purpose for him - to lead the Hebrew people out from captivity in Egypt. Moses was a noble in Egypt but he was proud of his Hebrew identity.
My dear Olivia, sometimes being a "minority" is not of an ethnical but ethical nature. When you face such a situation, please remember that your grandpa's advice is still the same - stand up and stand firm. Be courageous, uphold your principles and justice. You may find yourself standing there alone, but rest assured that God is on your side.
Canada is usually considered a western country while China, eastern. So here East meets West, and East mixes with West. Sometimes I wonder why we differentiate between East and West. Isn't the globe round and China is west of Canada as well? You continuously fly westward from Toronto to Hong Kong, right?
Take a look at your lovely red Chinese costume again. In the East red is traditionally the color of happiness, prosperity and passion. May you live a life full of happiness, prosperity and passion, in Canada where East blends well with West, or in wherever you may be.
Love always,
Grandpa
