Po is Chinese?

How cool is this? To watch Kung Fu Panda 3 in a theater in Beijing? The film was in English with Chinese Subtitles. Yes, it is American made, but many aspects of the film are true to Chinese culture. The ribbon twirler’s name is “little sister” in Chinese, and the word “qi” or “spirit” is close to “chi” or “eat” (for us the words are difficult to distinguish). The Chinese kids in the theater laughed when Po kept repeating the word “qi”… The Chinese audience loved the movie! And something connected for me – that I’m actually here, in Po’s “homeland.” But like Po I don’t speak the language, and have little hope of blending in. We’re getting used to stares and glares; but also to friendly people who want to communicate and smile as we try. How cool is this? To live among a people very different, yet created by the same God. To learn from them and learn to love them. To be goofy and clumsy and helpless and yet hope to serve these people around us. Maybe Po and I have more in common than I thought…