PRESIDENT VISITS BOSTON

Boston had a long-awaited visit with President Angelika Selle in November. It was only two days, but we were able to visit all three Massachusetts communities. In Worcester we met with 12 sisters at the Kumon Center that is run by the Sugawara family. This is the place where we had a very successful Japanese Culture and Tsunami Relief program last spring, raising over $3,000 with origami, sushi, ikebana, food and music. We hope to have another similar event this year to continue to support Japan.

On Sunday, President Selle spoke to the community and then met over lunch with a core team of ladies. One sister came from New Hampshire and two all the way from Maine. They were not disappointed. Several brothers also joined us. Several sisters remarked that they were impressed that she could integrate the secular and spiritual aspects of WFWP so well. The PowerPoint presentation gave a vision of different aspects of the reach of Women’s Federation, including an international perspective. We could feel a direct connection to our Founder, Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, through President Selle’s deep respect and unity with the Founder’s daughter, Rev. In Jin Moon.

After the meeting, Catherine Ono took President Selle to the House of State for some “Herstory” in Boston. A Quaker, named Mary Dyer, was hanged by good Puritan Fathers for proselytizing and Anne Hutchinson was exiled for holding Bible studies in her home. Then of course there is the history of witch hunts.

We ended the day with a trip to Gloucester to meet with sisters there. We are looking forward to the next chairwomen’s retreat at Morning Garden, Gloucester in June.