Tsai Family of the Parklands

Dear family and friends, 2022 was an amazing year. As we recovered from the pandemic, so many great and terrible things are happening in the world. In our family, our daughter returned from her missionary service, an exciting family reunion was held during the summer, and a great matriarch passed away.  We hope you enjoy reading our story this year. Earlier this year, Li-Fang and I had the wonderful opportunity of organizing the 30th year anniversary celebration of the Montgomery Chinese Branch in May.  With the assistance of the planning committee, we had so much fun with a reunion logo contest, creating reunion tee shirts, and publishing a 30-year history of the Branch.  Also, for the past two years, we had the opportunity to serve on two subcommittees for the Washington DC Temple Open House in April and May.  In July we enjoyed a family reunion and visited Arches National Park.  I felt so accomplished that I was able to survive the climb up to t...

Immediately after the Thanksgiving feast and cleaning up, we drove to the Shenandoah Valley. The next morning, we drove a couple hours on Skyline Drive and stopped at the Visitor Center and at several look out points. We witnessed the beauty of the Shenandoah Valley.

This year we invited the missionaries (2 elders and 2 sisters) and 8 friends to home to celebrate thanksgiving. Besides the grand feast, the missionaries shared a message of thanksgiving. Then we engaged in 3 games: guess the Famous classical song, Wits and Wagers, and Thanksgiving Jeopardy. I am grateful for a special day dedicated to giving thanks to God for our many blessings, small and big, good and bad, obvious and hidden.

On October 17, 2022, I was awakened by a phone callfrom Asbury Methodist Village informing me that Mother passed away around 5:45am this morning. A sudden rush of sadness overcame me with tears. With comfort from my wife, the sadness left. I felt peace and joy that she was released from pain and suffering. A memorial service was held in memory of her life at 9am on October 22, 2022, at the Kentland's Chapel. Adam Fugal conducted the service. Eulogies were given by Blake Lin (great grandson), Jessica Tsai (granddaughter); Joshua and Jonathan Tsai (grandsons); Tim and Ben Tsai (sons); and Adam Fugal, representing the branch presidency. Prerecorded music was provided through and by a slideshow of her life; a harp solo by her granddaughter, Megan Tsai; a duet of "Amazing Grace" by her granddaughters, Jessica Lin and Melinda Urbina; and a duet of "Family Can Be Together Forever" by Melinda and Javier Urbina. About 65 people attended in person and online. After...

After waiting over 2 years, the Washington DC Temple was rededicated in 3 sessions by members of the First Presidency. We were privileged to attend the rededication session in the temple at 2pm. Elder Allen Haynie, President of the North America Northeast Area, conducted the meeting. The choir was conducted by Milo. They sounded very strong and confident. After 2 member speakers, Sister Jan King and President Craig King spoke. Then Elder Christoffersen spoke. President Oaks spoke last, and then pronounced the rededication prayer. It was the same prayer from President Nelson at the 10am session. Then Elder Mark Bassett, 1st counselor to Elder Haynie, taught us how to do the Hosanna shout. He led us in the Hosanna shout. We took out our white handkerchiefs while participating in the shout. Then the choir sang the Hosanna anthem. The congregation joined in singing the Spirit of God. After President Oaks left, we walked out slowly. We were pleasantly surprised to see Bowei Z...

In July we loaded up the car with items to ship to our children and drove across a few states.  On the way to Utah, we patronized the Indianapolis Temple and the Kansas City Temple. Our friends, the Weber's let us stay at their mountain home in Colorado. Jessica even arranged for us to be on stage with Cinderella. It was great to reunite with friends from the Montgomery Chinese Branch. The highlight of our trip was our family photos taken in the mountains. In the Harold B. Lee Library, Grandma Yuly reunited with grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. On my first tour to the Arches National Park, we witnessed a double rainbow, climbed to the Delicate Arch, and enjoyed frozen yogurt in Moab. We enjoyed Taiwanese ice at Uncle Daniel's house. On the way back home, we went to the Nauvoo Temple, visited with Elder and Sister Cunningham, and watched the Nauvoo Pageant.  We had an unexpected surprised to meet Carl and Christi Johnson at the pageant.

Jessica brought the kids over to Maryland for 2 weeks.

We drove Joshua and Megan to the Outer Banks in North Carolina.  Besides the beach, we visited the Wright Brothers Memorial and the Bodie Island Lighthouse.  Nice break.

 Li-Fang finished classes last year, but her commencement was postponed until this spring.  On May 19, she finally fulfilled her almost 40-goal to graduate with a Bachelor's degree.  She was invited by her department to deliver the student commencement speech.  She did a superb job!  Congratulations, Li-Fang!

This year Li-Fang and I served as the organizers for the Montgomery Branch 30th Reunion Celebration.  With a wonderful committee, we initiated a reunion logo contest, created reunion teeshirts, and published the 30 year history of the Montgomery Branch.  So much fun!  For more details and photos, visit the following web pages: Barbecue Sacrament Meeting Fireside Epilogue Photos

After weeks of preparation, Megan and I served at the Washington DC Temple Open House for invited guest who were Chinese opinion leaders in the community.  Mike and Jennifer Mangelsen served as the hosts for this wonderful group of Chinese friends.  Photo was taken by Mark Reeder.

In April we embarked on a trip to the island of Hawaii.  Besides layovers and conference trips, it was our first vacation in Hawaii.  I learned for myself that commodities in Hawaii are exquisitely expensive and that wild chickens roam freely on the island near Laie. Our friend, Paul Hurst, gave us a tour of BYU Hawaii. During our trip we met our good friends, the Hurst's, the Chou's, Laie Point was a beautiful serene place to view the ocean. Megan basked in the scene at Hukilau Beach. Another highlight of our trip was the Polynesian Cultural Center. We enjoyed a nice Sunday night dinner and Family Home Evening at the home of Ban Phung. We stayed at the home of Han and Huwei Lin our last night in Hawaii. So much fun packed in to one week.