Photo Caption: (l to r) Gary, Luke, Hyunmi, Friederun, Garrun, Kirstin, Unsil, Yusun and grandparents Abrahams

At the Oct. 2002 STF Blessing Workshop, it came as a welcomed revelation to many of us parents in attendance that the vast majority of the 2nd generation on STF wanted their parents to match them. In fact many were praying for their parents and that they could receive their parent's decision. At the end of the workshop my 1st born, Garrun, expressed to me his faith in his parents in regards to the matching. This gave me both the feeling of joyful relief and of a heavy burden placed upon my shoulders. I was happy that Garrun understood how God and True Parents wanted to work in his life, but I suddenly felt my inadequacies in this regard and the responsibility given to us. When I asked him, Garrun's requests were someone who grew up in the American culture and to wait until the end of the 1st year of STF in order for him to more fully focus on his mission. I asked, What if God tells me to match you with someone from a far-away and far-divergent culture tomorrow Garrun smiled and replied, That would be okay, too. I trust that God will work through my parents. Friederun and I began a series of 40 day prayer conditions asking for God's guidance on How to proceed When should this happen... before college, after college, sooner, later What should we look for Step-by-step we decided to look around and inquire concerning the interests of other parents while feeling the need for prayer, effort and patience. We began to make a list of possibilities. In the early spring of 2003, while on a business trip with my CFboss, he asked me about the matching of Garrun. He asked what kind of person Garrun needed as a spouse and explained that he knew exactly what kind of person his eldest son needed. I had not thought in these terms, but was impressed by his conviction and confidence. I started researching the kinds of nature and personality needs of my son in a spouse. I did this through prayer and consultation with my wife, daughters and others.

In the meantime I was began to notice a few sisters who were taller than average and felt concerned about them. I recalled Father separating some of those he was intending to match because of the height differences. I also recalled Father telling us that the attitude we should have going into our matching was to have the heart to be the person who God needed. To have the heart that I will take care of the one who God worries about the most. Was this God influencing me On the other hand I thought that Garrun, at 6' 2 would be an interesting contrast for someone very, very short. In April my daughter, Hyunmi, went to a college showcase soccer tournament with her team in Cincinnati. They all traveled together in a bus from Memphis, with the exception of Hyunmi and I , who took a plane due to traveling circumstances. As a result we rented a car while in Cincinnati. Because I had a car, I decided to try visiting some UC members in Cincinnati, if possible. Due to early morning games we had the Saturday afternoon and evening free. I contacted the state center to get a list of possible members to visit. On that list was Paul and Jutta Tobkin.

When I contacted them Paul and Jutta were very happy to invite me for dinner. I had known them both from past missions and knew their daughter Yusun from STF and from visiting our home with her team.

We had helped Yusun to celebrate her birthday the evening that her STF team stayed at our house. Yusun was also a close friend with my middle daughter from Camp Sunrise. In fact my wife later reminded me that Hyunmi, upon returning from Camp Sunrise one summer, had told my wife that Yusun Tobkin would be a great match for Garrun. After a wonderful dinner Paul and I began to converse in the back yard. He told me some of his stories about the process of working to match his daughter. We discussed that we BCFs from the 2075 couples were pioneers in this regard. So, what else is new. This seems to have always been our lot. Paul asked me about Garrun. One thing led to another and I asked Paul about Yusun's nature and personality, trying to keep a respectful distance from the thought of matching the two of them.

To my total amazement, as Paul went down the list of Yusun's attributes, it was as though he was reading the list which I had made of Garrun's spouse's nature and personality qualifications. It just about knocked me off of my chair and I got goose bumps all over my body. How did Paul know about my list of qualifications I then, a little nervously, told Paul that a possible matching is something we should pray about and consider. Paul and Jutta were in agreement. Friederun was also in agreement. We started a 21 day prayer condition. One obstacle I had to this matching was that I was thinking of an international matching and this was a repeat of the AmericanGerman aspects in both families. When I prayed and asked about my concern, Shouldn't we look for more of an international matching The clear answer was, Why Have either of your families completely succeeded in unifying America and Germany Restoration is a long process and there is still much to be done. Don't worry, this is good. The obstacle was gone. When I thought about all the signs we had been given I felt very peaceful and content in moving forward. After the 21 day prayer condition we both families reported to one another that we could feel Heaven's approval for this match. Since Yusun and Garrun were both fundraising on STF, we decided to keep our decision a secret in order that we don't distract them. It was decided that when they came home for their STF summer break we would give them the news and see their reaction. Garrun told us, again, that he trusted our suggestion. The Tobkin's reported the same about Yusun. We decided that the two families would meet and complete the matching on the way back to STF. We drove with our daughter Kirstin, who was joining STF, to spend a few days with the Tobkins. We gave Garrun and Yusun all the time they needed in order to accept and make their covenant with God, True Parents and one another. This was done very quickly according to them. They both felt that this was God's idea and as a result there was little to discuss or decide. They were committed to one another. Our two families had a wonderful, inspiring few days together and concluded the last night with a matching ceremony. The next day we (Garrun, Yusun, Kirstin and myself) left for UTS and the STF kick-off workshop. The beautiful interaction between the two of them and my daughter Kirstin, on the way, was further evidence of a match made in Heaven. Thank you Heavenly Father! Thank you True Parents!

Gary Abrahams

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