Tsai Family of the Parklands

On a beautiful autumn day, otherwise known as Halloween, we took an excursion to patronize the Philadelphia Temple for Megan to participate in the temple before she departs for the mission field.  The peace and spirit of the temple permeated through us while we were there.  Afterwards, we enjoyed the famous Philly Cheese Steak sandwiches in our cars before going home.

On October 30, my mom treated everyone to Firebird's for dinner in honor of Megan's mission call.  We enjoyed the delicious food, of course, in the comfort and safety of our home.  We took occasion to take family photos and a photo of a future harpist (after she has grown a foot or two or three).

The official mission call for Megan came on the week of April 15.  On the evening where we surprised my Mom with a birthday call, Megan surprised all of us with her mission call, announcing that she was officially called to the Taiwan Taichung Mission.  Everyone, especially Megan, was super excited for her mission.  On August 30, she was set apart as a full-time missionary by President Nathan Sheets at the Potomac Chapel. On September 6, she entered the virtual MTC (Missionary  Training Center), engaging in all of her missionary training at home. The Branch organized a special farewell fireside for he and for Elder Richard Huang (called to the California Arcadia Chinese speaking Mission) on October 24.  During fireside, slideshows about each missionary in their youth and videos from two families were shown.  Several teachers and leaders spoke to and for the two missionaries.  In addition, their mothers and the Branch President spoke.  Finally...

Our family was able to participate in the first ever virtual Montgomery Branch's Moon Festival party.  The festivities included a video of previous Branch Moon Festival parties, a scripture Bingo game, 3 family video messages, an animation of Chang E, and a Chinese flower paper cutting demonstration.  The Tsai family presented one of the family video messages.  Despite the COVID crisis, it was to engage with family and friends on this Moon Festival.