Tsai Family of the Parklands

Megan performed in a harp recital.

On this Thursday evening (June 14), we all went to the First Presbyterian Church of Annandale to attend the Mormon Choir Summer Pop Concert.  Javi played the guitar tonight in the mariachi band.  The band played songs for songs from Coco ("Remember Me" and "Un Poco Loco"), "Solamente Una Vez," and "Cielito Lindo."  Li-Fang and I did not sing tonight because we were in Taiwan.

On my first trip back to Taiwan, I was not able to resolve many matters relating to my father's death in one week.  So Li-Fang and I took a trip back to Taiwan at the end of May. The weather was so humid and hot, that it was very difficult to sleep at night. Although the fan was constantly on, it was hard to sleep comfortably. We met many of her old friends, and we met many new ones.  It was an extremely busy 2 weeks, filled with satisfaction of accomplishing many things and with fun in meeting so many relatives and friends, old and new. With the help of several people (Bishop Yeh, Daishu Guo, Sister Lin, Sister Huang), we were able to resolve matters concerning my father's life insurance, insurance payments, Jiading house, bank accounts, and cell phone account. But most of all, I could never have completed so many things without Li-Fang.  She was an extraordinary translator, communicator, detective, and one full of energy and persistence and devotion.  With ...

Li-Fang held a recital for her piano students in a nursing home.

Today Megan received an award at the ceremony in Thomas Edison High School.  This was Megan's first year in the special Architectural studies program at Thomas Edison High School.  The Awards Ceremony actually took place at the next door Wheaton High School Auditorium. The award ceremony didn’t start until almost noon, about 30 minutes late. A group of five students emceed the ceremony. Megan received the Above and Beyond Award for the architecture and engineering section. It was fun to see Megan receive this award.  I was able to meet Mr. Pham, Megan's teacher.  Congratulations, Megan, on receiving this prestigious award!

What's better and more fun than one BYU graduate?  Two BYU graduates from the same family  graduating in the same graduation ceremony.  With much anticipated excitement, our whole family congregated in Provo, UT, for the commencement and convocation for Joshua and Melinda.  Both were diligent engineering graduates. Joshua received his bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, while Melinda's bachelor's degree was in Chemical Engineering. Arising very early in the morning, we flew on Frontier Airlines into Salt Lake City on Thursday afternoon just in time to rent a car and arrive at the Hinckley Center to watch the commencement on a TV screen, broadcast from the Marriott Center.  We met Jessica and Blake there.  Mike Leavitt and Elder Holland spoke.  After we finished watching the Commencement Exercises, we waited for Melinda and Joshua to come for photos.  When they came, we took Melinda out to the back by the gazebo, where Javi was lying in ...

On March 29, shortly after midnight, I received a phone call (actually it was from Facebook Messenger) that changed my life forever.  Bishop Yeh of the Tainan 3rd Ward called to inform me that my father was involved in a car accident while riding his bicycle to a church activity.  My father immediately lapsed into a coma and his situation was getting worse. He did not have much time. His respiratory system, kidneys, and liver we’re all going downhill and did not function. So I flew to Taiwan immediately the next morning, not knowing beforehand what would happen.  I felt like I was spelunking into complete darkness.  However, in very dark times of our lives, God prepares His light with his selected angels to guide us through tough times.  Thus, my exciting adventure begins. After enduring the 12 hour flight to Taiwan and landing in Taoyuan on Friday evening, I felt relieved to have entered what I thought would have been the longest and most boring part of the t...

Li-Fang volunteered to organize the first ever Chinese New Year party in our Parklands community on February 17.  Our son, Jonathan, had even arrived at 9am, driving from CT at 3am.  I picked up the lion heads and drum from the Kentlands Chapel with Nian Changle.  They started practicing at 11am in the clubhouse.  I helped with the registration line.  Melinda and Javi started to help at the registration line.  Then Javi went to do the lion dance.  Megan and Jonathan helped with crafts.  I also baked 2 pizzas at home and brought them over to the clubhouse kitchen.  I helped Li-Fang clean up until 3:30pm. Perhaps over 100 people attended that afternoon.  What a fun tradition for our neighborhood.

Happy Holidays from the Tsai family, 2017! Dear family and friends, Another year has passed by so quickly. The year began with a visit by Li-Fang's parents and sister. We visited the Amish village in Pennsylvania, Ocean City, New York City, and Hill Cumorah. This year's highlight was the marriage of our daughter, Melinda, to her Javi. This fall, Megan started her second year of color guard, Li-Fang doubled up on classes, and I added one more class to teach. We hope you enjoy reading our thoughts about this year and hope you had a wonderful year as well. This fall, Montgomery College asked me to teach a third class.  I was hesitant to take on more load.  But they begged to teach because the professor became ill.  I reluctantly agreed, but this semester has been unbearably busy.  I have learned my lesson and will return to teaching only two classes next semester.  Luckily, I have been singing in church choirs.  Also, I have...