UPLIFTING YOUNG MOTHERS

Young mom Yuri Ichinohe receives chair massage from Mrs. Hisako Geschwind

On November 30th, there were a lot of smiles and tears accompanied by loud protests from babies and children, as young mothers left them with sitters in a Sunday school classroom that was bountifully equipped with fun and games. The mothers proceeded upstairs for a few hours without their children in search of inspiration, friendship, inner guidance, food, drinks, massages, and facials.

The tables upstairs were placed in a U-shape for guests: one for food, one for coffee and tea, one for Mary Kay facials, and another for a craft project. Each table was covered in joyful pastel-colors that invited people to come and investigate.

Mrs. Shirley Chimes welcomed everyone with a warm smile. An older Korean couple, parents of one of the young mothers, was given a special welcome. She then introduced WFWP and the Co-Founder, Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, showing photos of her in different stages of her life.

Mrs. Chimes read from Dr. Moon's husband, Rev. Dr. Sun Myung Moon's, autobiography, in which he dedicated one chapter to his wife, "My Wife Hak Ja Han Moon." Mrs. Chimes explained that Dr. Moon had birthed 14 children "with so much love – she never complained." One interesting excerpt says: "Children are God with very small hearts." This quote led to an explanation of the four realms of the development of the heart, focusing on the children's and parents' realms.

Mrs. Catherine Ichinohe gave a presentation about nutrition for children from Kelly Dorfman's book: "What's Eating Your Child – The Hidden Connection between Food and Childhood Ailments." Questions were raised concerning ear infections, fussy eating, and sleep problems, to name just a few.

Facials by Alicia Ponce

Then break-out sessions began with lively discussions about communication, organization of the home, and time management. A representative from each group gave a report to the whole. Different forms of education were also discussed – linear, traditional, home school and experiential. Everyone was so busy sharing that it was hard to quiet them down, and they continued with lively feed-back and helpful hints for longer than expected.

Mrs. Ichinohe had prepared a table with small, white boxes, colored pens and pencils, stickers, and cute note papers; and asked the participants to create a "time capsule" for their children and grandchildren to read in the future.

All toasted the holidays with a special concoction of kale, apple juice and lemon and then had a nutritious lunch together.

Massages followed lunch and the young mothers received Mary Kay facials. Each one was glowing afterwards and some admitted it was the first time they had ever had a facial. One mom said she was going to tell everyone about WFWP.

Mrs. Chimes announced some upcoming events including: laughter yoga, viewing children's videos, and Reiki healing. 2014 is going to be a good year for WFWP in Colorado!