INTRODUCTION

From August 17th to the 22nd, 2005, 450 women from over 25 countries converged in Beĳing, China for a Goodwill Exchange for World Peace, in support of the 2008 Olympics. This convocation was hosted by the Preparatory Committee for the Goodwill Exchange for Peace, with full support from the Women's Federation for World Peace, International. Many of the participants took a 14-hour flight on faith, not knowing what would happen. Many had never been to China, but came with open hearts and arms ready to embrace the experience and the people.

Judith Riggs, a participant, shared about her understanding of the event and her feelings: "The purpose of the convocation is to support ongoing cooperation between the U.S. and China, and to promote friendship between nations for the realization of peace." She said, "I'm excited to attend and I feel this exchange between sisters will help alleviate tensions and therefore, advance peace." Several themes emerged throughout the stay: a sense of gratitude to God for opening the way to be there; gratitude for the stimulation and interaction with each other; and gratitude to Rev. and Mrs. Sun Myung Moon for providing the vision for such an event. This report is an attempt to share, through the eyes and hearts of several participants, the opportunities to view historical landmarks, attend key events, and even to shop at a pearl store and a silk factory.

On our first evening, the host committee planned a dinner followed by the presentation of a very daring acrobatic performance. We felt warmly welcomed and awed by the skill and balance of the performers.

SUMMER PALACE

On Thursday, August 18th, we went to the Summer Palace, where we saw a beautiful lake, exquisite nature, temples, and mountains. As we walked along, we saw a man brush-painting the pavement with Chinese characters that meant Peace, Joy, Gratitude, and other wishes to "ward off evil spirits." The following statements reflect the beauty and the distinctness of the landscape:

"What moved me most was the Summer Palace. I felt close to the Chinese people and Chinese spirit. I felt a universal sense of harmony through the nature there." Monique Simon

"The Summer Palace was one of the most beautiful sites we have ever seen. It was designed and built by the Dragon Empress, one of only two female rulers in 2000 years. It really opened my heart to the way the people of China have worked to create beauty in their land. The lake with waterlilies and the bridge were so distinct. The corridor to walk to avoid the rain was so special. Being at these sites with all the Chinese people and seeing them enjoy the same sites was also a heart-opening experience." Arlene Candelaresi

On the evening of August 18th, we attended a spectacular performance by a dance troupe. Their colorful costumes and dynamic routines were very unique. Each dance was introduced by a theme in poetic Chinese, related to home, mother, family, harmony, the idea of an open society, and the world coming to China for the 2008 Olympics. This was an innovation, as similar performances in China usually include political themes. This event succeeded in shifting the focus from politics to family and ethics. These themes were introduced by Dr. Lan Young Moon, President of WFWP, International, in a speech that was described by several Chinese listeners as "very beautiful." She explained the work of WFWP to the audience of 3,000 people. She said that the mission of women is to bring peace in a world where people from different nations often have a history of conflict. Our coming represented an acceptance of China's role in the world and support for the 2008 Olympics and for international harmony.

GREAT WALL

On Friday, August 19th, we traveled to the northern part of China where the Great Wall stretches from east to west, winding over mountains and across grasslands. It spans a total of 5,660 kilometers and has been named by the United Nations as one of the world's cultural heritages. Many of our sisters climbed and walked along this Great Wall and felt somehow that they experienced part of the soul of China. Some felt the history, and some felt the investment and sacrifice of so many who died making the wall. Grace Lee said,

"It was a challenge to climb to the top but the feeling of making it was so rewarding. I also felt such a sense of history as I walked up the steps and touched the rocks which were built hundreds of years ago."

Other quotes about the Great Wall:

"To see the Great Wall in Beĳing was my dream for the last 40 years. It came so suddenly and I enjoyed every bit of it."
Emi Watts

"What an amazing experience. We got to climb and enjoy the awesome surroundings. At the same time, one could reflect of the suffering of those forced to build it."
Anonymous

"Always the creation of the Great Wall had astounded me. For in making such a landmark, I realized how much toil the Chinese workers must have gone through. Not only their toil, but their cooperation, unity, and strong sense of purpose and determination to finish what was begun gave me a general sense of the Chinese people."
Somiya Chapman

SISTERHOOD CEREMONY

On the evening of August 19th, we participated in an International Sisterhood Ceremony with the Chinese women. It was very moving to meet each other and as Professor Daphne Benyard said, "These relationships will be like a royal carpet to pave the way to world peace." Remarks were made by Dr. Lan Young Moon and Mrs. Alexa Ward, President of WFWP, USA and Vice President of WFWP, International, Mrs. Tetsuko Kuboki, Chairwoman of WFWP Japan, and Mrs. Gum Sook Pak, President of the Oriental Peaceful Ideal Family League, representing Korea, America, Japan and China.

"WFWP had a Sisterhood Ceremony, with one Chinese sister and three other countries' sisters together. We shared a lot. I discussed how to be a good wife, mother and serve for the society. For a short time, we cried together and hugged each other. We practiced the title of the Olympic game-- "One World, One Heart."
Yasuko Yoshida

"This experience in China has been wonderful! My new Japanese, Chinese and Korean sisters will always be a part of my life. As this continues, more and more women will participate in promoting less division among us."
Fannie Smith

SISTER-TO-SISTER INTERACTION

It is hard to describe the sister-to-sister interaction that took place in our group, but the ceremony itself does just this. A type of bonding took place in our group.

Vertell Allison described it as:
"What women do best is what occurred. They made a heart connection."

Other quotes include,
"I have never had an experience even similar to this. Every time I stepped outside myself, I realized I was laughing with a group of women from different countries, races and nationalities. Most of the time I was just aware of having fun with my friends."
Nin Sharyn Bebeau

*PARTICIPANTS OF THE SISTERHOOD CEREMONY*

"Getting to know one another on a first name basis has been truly interesting. Too many times our titles, etc., do not reveal the real person. When that is removed, one can see what is truly underneath. The sisterhood ceremony produced a brother for me. This really proves that there must be balance."
Rev. Emma Jean Loftin-Woods

"The most precious thing was to meet so many kinds of ladies from everywhere and how we got along so well with each other. This was such a beautiful experience to meet such bright and kind ladies."
Monique Simon

"We acted as sisters, but I also realized that actually many women had high positions and achievements in their countries. Everyone really enjoyed putting it aside to be just sisters here. I thank God and Rev. and Mrs. Moon for this experience."
Galine Chermomogets

"Kathy Hwang's sacrifice and sharing, Daphne Benyard's inspirational message "Look at me," Evangelist Gladys Dancy's survival kit, and Carrie Tonkumoh's moving testimony of her Chinese ancestors were high points for me."
Roshan D'Souza

SISTERHOOD CEREMONY

On the evening of August 19th, we participated in an International Sisterhood Ceremony with the Chinese women. It was very moving to meet each other and as Professor Daphne Benyard said, "These relationships will be like a royal carpet to pave the way to world peace." Remarks were made by Dr. Lan Young Moon and Mrs. Alexa Ward, President of WFWP, USA and Vice President of WFWP, International, Mrs. Tetsuko Kuboki, Chairwoman of WFWP Japan, and Mrs. Gum Sook Pak, President of the Oriental Peaceful Ideal Family League, representing Korea, America, Japan and China.

"WFWP had a Sisterhood Ceremony, with one Chinese sister and three other countries' sisters together. We shared a lot. I discussed how to be a good wife, mother and serve for the society. For a short time, we cried together and hugged each other. We practiced the title of the Olympic game-- "One World, One Heart."
Yasuko Yoshida

"This experience in China has been wonderful! My new Japanese, Chinese and Korean sisters will always be a part of my life. As this continues, more and more women will participate in promoting less division among us."
Fannie Smith

SISTER-TO-SISTER INTERACTION

It is hard to describe the sister-to-sister interaction that took place in our group, but the ceremony itself does just this. A type of bonding took place in our group.

Vertell Allison described it as:
"What women do best is what occurred. They made a heart connection."

Other quotes include,
"I have never had an experience even similar to this. Every time I stepped outside myself, I realized I was laughing with a group of women from different countries, races and nationalities. Most of the time I was just aware of having fun with my friends."
Nin Sharyn Bebeau

"Getting to know one another on a first name basis has been truly interesting. Too many times our titles, etc., do not reveal the real person. When that is removed, one can see what is truly underneath. The sisterhood ceremony produced a brother for me. This really proves that there must be balance."
Rev. Emma Jean Loftin-Woods

"The most precious thing was to meet so many kinds of ladies from everywhere and how we got along so well with each other. This was such a beautiful experience to meet such bright and kind ladies."
Monique Simon

"We acted as sisters, but I also realized that actually many women had high positions and achievements in their countries. Everyone really enjoyed putting it aside to be just sisters here. I thank God and Rev. and Mrs. Moon for this experience."
Galine Chermomogets

"Kathy Hwang's sacrifice and sharing, Daphne Benyard's inspirational message "Look at me," Evangelist Gladys Dancy's survival kit, and Carrie Tonkumoh's moving testimony of her Chinese ancestors were high points for me."
Roshan D'Souza

VISIT TO IEF/PEACE EMBASSY

On Saturday, August 20th, part of our group continued to tour the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square, while a small delegation of WFWP had the opportunity to visit the new Peace Embassy in Beĳing. We were warmly greeted by Dr. Joon Ho Seuk, Rev. Thomas Hwang and Mr. Jacques Marion and their staff. The delegation watched a video of International Educational Foundation activities in China and toured the facilities. The facility was truly impressive. The WFWP delegation then traveled several blocks to the site of an IEF seminar on character education. President Lan Young Moon, Minister Yoon Duk Kim, and WFWP International Vice Presidents Alexa Ward and Tina Coombs greeted the participants. President Moon shared a beautiful Chinese saying, "Once a friend, a friend forever!"

EXPERIENCES RELATING TO PARTICIPANTS' CHINESE ANCESTRY

Carrie Tonkumoh stated:
"Beĳing is a gift that I will carry for the rest of my life. Most people understand their eternal line of family in the afterlife."

She spoke about going in a teepee at the folk village and how she experienced her ancestors from Mongolia and felt so connected to them.

"A feeling of never belonging left me. I felt my roots are here. And my heart sings for my ancestors' joy to be reunited."

Another sister wrote about the fact that she is 2.5 percent Chinese.

"China, Who are you? What are you? To me you are the magnificent land of my paternal ancestry. I am told that I am 2.5 percent Chinese. To me you are 2.5 times a thousand times percent more precious to me and now I have walked on your magnificent land, breathed your air, and ate your food. For this, I am eternally grateful."
Professor Win Win Kyi

FINAL EVENING

On the final evening, we had the chance to interact with women of China, arranged by Kathy Hwang, the Director of UPI Press Service for Asia, who has lived with her husband and children in China for 20 years. Her insights, sacrifice and love for China really touched all of us. We also heard from Alice Huang, who told of her work with IEF in Beĳing for seven years, from Mei Zi Jin, who explained why she was inspired to focus on marriage and family issues for the Heilongjiang provincial government, and from Professor W. Yang of Beĳing Union University, who shared her long experience and insights about Chinese society and education.

"The panel of the final evening was fantastic -- to understand what is going on in this country as it emerges as a strong economic engine and the need for it to find its soul."
Jane Berg

"When Kathy Hwang spoke that there are still so many people suffering and she cried, it was really moving. I really want to pray for China that it can move in God's direction and the suffering can end."Hilke Gany

"On the last dinner, we heard some speeches by Chinese women. They spoke of the moral collapse of youth, increasing divorce rate, and other challenges. I could feel how this country is crying for help from WFWP."Yasuko Yoshida

PLAN OF ACTION

Much resolve and plans for new thoughts and actions were formulated by many.

"I learned a lot about your organization for world peace. What a concept! We all need to think about the world now. I realize that I should not think about my own wealth only. I will seek to find what I can do to help others from now on."
Emi Watts

"I love China. I feel for the hard workers, the street people, and the innocent children. I will pray for China."
Maiker Vang-Vue

"Their history and obvious hardships touched my heart. I hope and pray for a future of peace and prosperity for all people there. I noticed the poor and felt deeply disturbed for them."
Clarice McMillan

"This has been an awesome experience. I am so happy that I was blessed with this opportunity. God wanted to be here and I believe God wants me to be a part of this organization. Such a simple and modest concept to spread seeds of peace one by one through a mother's heart, one person at a time. I believe peace can be accomplished in this manner. It's hard to hate in the face of love and
friendship. Thank you again for this opportunity."
LaVerne Thorpe

"Coming to China has been a dream come true! I believe that through our sisterhood much work can be accomplished. Even though there is much work to be done by working in unity, it can be accomplished. We should continue to forget about ourselves and think of others and their needs. This is the only way the WFWP mission and objective can be accomplished."
Bishop Shirley Cotton

"From this experience, my life will never be the same. I shall view the world with new eyes -- the eyes of love, in tune with peace. May I be able in as many ways as possible to plant these seeds through example, tempered action, tolerance and non-judgment."
Catherine Youngquist

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, we all felt so blessed to have come. Mary Tessler said, "Being asked to come was such a blessing. I will remember it always."

In her closing remarks, Alexa Ward, President of WFWP, USA, shared how this time together gave us a taste of the world family in reality. She outlined the main tenets of WFWP and talked about our status as a non-governmental organization (NGO) at the United Nations. She described WFWP, USA's work of supporting nine schools in Africa, and she shared about a new website where the second line reads "WFWP, where American women meet the world." She shared her enthusiasm and perspective that God is introducing us to the world, and the world to us. We felt gratitude for her leadership and the efforts of the national staff in Bridgeport, Connecticut, which included Jennifer Ang, WFWP, USA Administrative Director, and Esther Teo, WFWP, USA Summer Intern, who spent two months organizing this trip, as well as Grace Lee, a WFWP, USA Volunteer who joined the trip to assist as a staff member. Many thanks to those women who assisted during the trip, including Sheri Reuter, Caroline Betancourt, Tomiko Nojima, Kathy Hwang, Grace Lee, Beth Deshotel, and WFWP, USA's special advisor, Norma Foster. We all parted feeling so enriched and so joined and knowing that together we will continue our work to create a legacy of God's love and peace for the world.