A Celebration in Arizona Brings Joy and Connection: Holiday Tea with Intention
Rhia Luz Nkulu
Gloria Peterson
On Saturday, December 17, Global Women’s Peace Network (GWPN) members came together to celebrate the holiday season at Women’s Federation for World Peace (WFWP) member Gloria Petersen’s home. This event was open to members and guests.
The celebration was catered by The Pink Door Tea house which featured tea sandwiches, scones, and salad. Gloria added cookies and candy. Rhia Luz Nkulu, WFWP Arizona chairwoman, shared mimosas to top off the celebration. There was even a birthday cake for Rhia and Gloria.
Rhia shared a gracious thank you to everyone in attendance and about all the good works that Father and Mother Moon have done and as a result, created the Women’s Federation for World Peace, which inspired the formation of the Global Women’s Peace Network.
Women are coming together from all over the world to make a difference and some of these differences are shared in holiday gatherings. The belief of the GWPN is that by working together as one we can create a peaceful world. Peers with diverse backgrounds across the state, country, and globe were welcomed at this holiday party. It was a was a great gathering for women in Arizona and presented networking and friendship opportunities for all in attendance.
To add to the FUN, a White Elephant Exchange was enjoyed. Unfamiliar with a White Elephant Gift Exchange? A White Elephant Gift Exchange is a popular Christmas event where people walk away with a holiday present. There are many variations of play. We used the following:
Players bring one wrapped gift to contribute
Players draw numbers to determine the exchange order
Players select a gift or steal an already-opened gift
A gift can only be stolen twice
Everyone walks away with a special memento gift.
Holiday Tea Feedback:
Frankie Mae Rojas, HerStory Recipient
“Thank you so much for hosting the Christmas get-together last week. It was an intimate gathering that so much represented the women of WFWP. It was fun, inspirational, and beautiful to begin the holidays. ‘Who We Are’ was beautifully articulated in Rhia’s introduction of GWPN. I am so happy I was able to share this memory with my friend Liz. This group of amazing women is like a drop in the ocean … a significant part of this much-needed global organization.”
Gloria Cisneros, GWPN guest
“An invitation was extended to me by Gloria Petersen for tea & crumpets. The offering was a delightful gesture to women, who during the holidays, maybe without family & friends; holidays and festivities can make them feel lonely, as told to me by Gloria. This was such a great idea; however, I shared with Gloria (being apprehensive) that the invite was spontaneous and put together rather quickly. I mention to Gloria that folks have plans. Gloria did not care and forged on. What a successful event. Great food & holiday treats along with a WHITE ELEPHANT. Joy, peace, and love with a touch of Godly goodness were felt by all of us.”
Hanna Faith Nkulu, Student
“As a young woman meeting these older adults in various fields was extremely helpful and gratifying! Many of the women present were willing to provide life advice for myself and my peers. I had a great time at this event and learned so much from these ladies. I felt empowered and supported by all those in attendance. I enjoyed my time at this holiday party, and I look forward to having more opportunities for growth through GWPN/WFWP events.”
GWPN Wishes Everyone a Happy New Year 2023!