Reunion Farm Activity

After the baptism for Brennan Zhao, we shifted focus and headed for the Foulger Farm at the base of Sugarloaf Mountain.  Guillermo and Betty Azucena prepared and grilled the delicious hamburgers, hot dogs, and chicken legs.  Outside the barn, many competed in the hula hoop, foot peg, and burlap sack races.  Little children enjoyed the water balloons and sprinklers.  Still others enjoyed tossing a football.  Ray Pratt made three trips for a hay ride in his truck.  At the end of the third run, we posed for a huge group photo.  Andrew Shen was the emcee for the evening and conducted the trivia contest.  Inside the barn, there were also dance activities.  After cleanup, as the evening sun was setting, a bonfire was built and Smores were shared.  Almost 200 people attended the farm activity tonight.

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Baptism of Brennan Zhao

It's hard to believe Brennan turned eight this June. Brennan has always been a outgoing talkative little guy. We are happy that he made the right decision to get baptized. On June 23rd, Brennan was baptized by his dad, Da, at the Kentlands Chapel. His grandma from Hong Kong and many relatives from father's side attended. Many friends from the branch came to support him also. We hope that with the Holy Ghost as his companion, he will remember to make righteous choices.

Da & Abbey Zhao

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Reunion Temple Activity

As a first, the temple presidency offered to hold a special prayer meeting before the Chinese endowment session.  About 25 people met in the chapel at 8:45am for the prayer.  Benjamin Tsai was asked to conduct the short meeting.  He led the small congregation in singing "I Am a Child of God" with Li-Fang Tsai at the organ.  Then President Brad Bryan taught us about the temple, while Bowei Zhu translated for him.  We then walked up to the endowment room.  About 40 people participated in the Mandarin endowment session.  It was an amazing outpouring of the Spirit.  Afterwards, we met in front for group photos.

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Reunion Primary Activity

The first activity of our 2012 branch reunion was the Primary activity held in the multi-purpose room of the Washington DC Stake Center.  This activity was concurrent with the temple activity, so the parents started bringing their children at around 8:15am.  Sherry Wei, assisted by Meili Shen and Ada Huang, conducted the activity.  After a breakfast of donuts, cupcakes, milk, juice, and fruit, the young women (Alice, Amanda, Amy, Emerald, Melinda) and Vincent assisted in the activities, consisting of games, a lesson on baptism, and making a gift for Brennan in preparation for his baptism (more on this in another article).  Afterwards, the children joined the adults for photos in front of the temple.  Thanks to the adults and youth who supervised this activity for the six Primary children that came.

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Baptism Activity

On the Friday evening before the reunion, a few of the youth and Sister Sun, a recent convert, participated in the baptism activity at the temple.

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