KennedysOnline

Mother’s Day began to be celebrated in China about 10 years ago. Generally speaking, it is an urban phenomenon – as rural areas are not as deeply influenced by western culture as the cities. Cards are written, phone calls made, flowers (carnations) given.

My friend (a Taiwanese-American) decided to host a Mother’s Day Brunch for the mothers of her daughter’s class. She invited me to join the party as the guest speaker – someone with four children must have something to say on the topic of mothering!

It was difficult to think of a topic that would cross the inevitable cultural barriers. The women assembled all work full time, are only allowed by law to have one child, send their children to full time school at the age of three, and are parenting their children by very different values. I wanted to speak on something that we share, not just on the things that are distinct between our cultures.

After much thought, I felt that I was to speak (via translation) on the Five Love Languages. What a wonderful conversation we enjoyed! This kind of subject is not common here, and the women were quite eager to hear and discuss. Through tears, one mom shared that her heart was very moved – she felt that she had alot to think about in the way she loves others.

Many asked questions about our adoptions of Mia and Hannah. It was great to hear their honest questions and concerns – and to share with them who is the author of adoption and the nature of that kind of love.

After our discussion, my friend asked them to sign up on a sheet if they would be interested in getting together for another “heart talk”. Of 14 in attendance, 12 signed up!

What a joy to celebrate Mother’s Day this way.