It's been a while since I updated my blog because my personal computer died and I've been so disappointed to have to use the laptop. So many exciting events keep occurring, like our daughter's baptism, so I am forcing myself to keep journaling these important moments in our family. Congratulations to Hannah on her decision to be baptized!
She was baptized on Saturday, July 23, in Zhubei, Taiwan, at 2:30 in the afternoon by her Daddy, who for the first time ever, said the baptismal prayer in Chinese. He had rehearsed it many times in this foreign language, but had a bit of trouble remembering some words, then on about the fourth try after repeating Hannah's full name, it came back to him and the ordinance was beautiful. The missionaries in our ward, Sister Carroll, from Utah, and Sister Choi, from Korea, helped to teach Hannah and were able to share their talents with playing the piano and leading the music for the baptism.
Hannah was so excited for her baptism day and every day kept a countdown of how many days it was until the big moment. She really was happy to become a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and take upon her the name of the Savior by following His example to be baptized.
We are grateful for the many friends who attended the baptism to show their love and support for Hannah and our family. May and her family were there, and her husband, who is a counselor in the bishopric, conducted the meeting.
Since everything was in Chinese, the rest of us just enjoyed the services and were there to support Hannah. Like so many other times, my dear friend, Abish, (pictured below in the yellow sweater) was able to translate for us. We love her so much for all the service she's provided us to be able to know what's going on.
It's amazing how many miracles we have experienced in the past few months, by having this sweet child become a part of our family.
She loves her Daddy! He is the one who speaks the most Chinese and they can communicate really well together. She and I do pretty well, but a lot of it is non-verbal communication, with plenty of sound effects, charades, and of course, hugs and kisses.
Our friend, Lindesey, who had us over to her home for dinner a month or so ago, was one of the speakers at the baptism, and gave such a good talk about baptism. Unfortunately, Amy, the other speaker, slipped away right after the baptism and I didn't get her picture.
Yvonne and her daughter, Yaya, have also played a huge role in Hannah's life. Yvonne filled the maternal role briefly after Hannah's mother had died, and introduced the gospel to her. We are so grateful to Yvonne, who is May's younger sister. She is pictured here with her new husband--they just got married two weeks prior.
Here is the police officer who is neighbors with Hannah's birth father, who had arranged to have Hannah stay with Yvonne after her birth mother's death, while the dad was incarcerated. He played a role in convincing the dad that adoption would be the best alternative for Hannah. We are very grateful for him.
I whipped up some Reese's Peanut Butter Chips and Chocolate Cookies, Rice Krispy Treats, and Magic Cookie Bars for treats to serve after the baptism, which were tasty. The cute quilt is a little something that Lindsey made for her brother, with a bit of help from me.
Christopher was worried that his special blanky would get all dirty with chocolate, and I assured him that we could easily wash it.
Among the supportive guests, we were so happy that Kelly's Chinese teacher, Helen, and her daughter, Tina were able to attend the baptism. Several other friends were there but I didn't get everyone's picture.
My good friend, Demi, left a meeting early in order to be there to celebrate this special occasion with our family. We have so many awesome friends here that we are going to miss when we move.
After the baptism, Yvonne and her husband had their wedding reception and we were glad that their big day coincided with Hannah's. She refers to Yvonne as "Taiwan mama" since she was the mother figure in her life before I was.
Yvonne made a beautiful bride and we are so happy for her and her new husband and Yaya to have a dad.
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