Eliza turns eight

Eliza turned 8 on Friday.  The kids didn’t have school that day because it was a teacher in-service.  She picked the meals: pancakes for breakfast, chicken nuggets for lunch and Papa John’s pizza for dinner.  We watched the DVD “Sound of Music,” played in the basement and opened some presents.   The Primary president, Chew Yian Woon, stopped by and gave her a beautiful ice-cream cake.  She also gave her the Faith in God book and introduced her to that program.  She bore a sweet testimony and I was grateful for her visit.

Eliza's favorite present

Eliza's favorite Shanghai restaurant

On Wednesday, September 22^nd at 10:00am, Eliza was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  That day was a holiday in China, the Mid-Autumn Festival.   No school or work, so we thought it would be the perfect morning to hold Eliza’s baptism.

Of course, the building we rent for church doesn’t have a baptismal font.   We were originally planning to have it at our health club pool and renting a room there for a little service.  Then we heard that another new family in our branch, Jane and Ross Farnsworth, live in a gorgeous house with an indoor swimming pool.  They graciously opened their home to us.  An email went out inviting all the members in our branch.  John printed out the program.  I wrote a talk and bought paper products and juice.  Our Ayi cut up fruit and made several batches of cinnamon rolls.  Emma, James and Eliza practiced a musical number.  It all came together!

Program

Presiding/Conducting....................... Pres. Stephen Dyer

Opening Song.............................. I Am a Child of God

Chorister.................................................... John Larsen

Pianist................................................. Brynna Haddock

Opening Prayer........................................ Emma Larsen

Talk on “Baptism”.............................. Chew Yian Woon

Musical Number................ Baptism, by Larsen Children

  Baptism of Eliza Larsen

  by John Larsen

Talk on “The Holy Ghost”......... Laurel and James Larsen

  Confirmation

Closing Song.................................. When I am Baptized

Closing Prayer...................................... Jane Farnsworth

The turn out from branch members brought tears to my eyes.  It was standing room only!  The branch president welcomed Eliza as the newest member, and told her she has taken on the name of Christ now.  When she was born she was given the name Larsen.  Now she takes upon a new name, Christ.   She can tell her friends that she is a Christian.  It was a very special service.