The Words of the Beebe Family |
"Rev. Moon cared for each student, wanting each of them to know how special they were, and to encourage them to go for their dreams.”
Family Federation’s new chairperson swept into Clifton, New Jersey on November 18th, 2008 to meet and greet students and faculty at two respected schools serving Blessed Children. Rev. In Jin Moon expressed her sincere concern for students and staff with gifts and encouraging words as to who they could become and what they could do as 2nd Generation.
The two schools visited were Jin-A Child Care Center, which has been growing for over 20 years and the New Hope school, opened in 1996 and moved to its current location in 2002.
Rev. Moon, her husband, along with Dr. Pyung Hwa Kim, and Rev. Michael Jenkins first stopped at New Hope school. Mr. Robert Beebe, the current principal, along with teachers and staff enthusiastically greeted Rev. Moon, who then visited each classroom with different classes of students in 1st to 8th grade. Students in music class performed songs for Rev. Moon, and delighted her with their singing.
After a short meeting with staff and directors, Rev. Moon addressed all 62 students as a group. They presented her with flowers and bowed to her as a member of True Family. Afterwards, each student was formally introduced. The impression of many was that the recently inaugurated Chairperson for our movement in America cared for each and every one of them as 2nd Generation.
After she was introduced, Rev. Moon began to speak about the need for each student always to be the best he or she could be no matter the game or the career. Rev. Moon specifically mentioned the need for writing, and that the next J.K Rowling (of Harry-Potter fame), or the next great songwriter or artist of their generation, could be from this group. It was up to each of them if they wanted to achieve this, she said. One way that they could begin this was by writing daily in a journal, a sort of trusted friend into whom they could invest all of their thoughts. This should be with them at all times. She explained that they should master the art of writing, reading, and expressing themselves to achieve their passions.
After this, Rev. Moon presented a special journal notebook to each student, each of whom was invited up and was able to shake hands and introduce himself or herself as each received this gift. Rev. Moon cared for each student and wanted each of them to know how special they were, and to encourage them to go for their dreams.
After all held the journals from Rev. Moon in their hands, she surprised everyone by announcing that she would be returning in one year to see everyone again and award $1000 to their school for the students who could write the best essays! Because of this, each student should start writing and practicing right away!
As the students all took a picture with Rev. Moon before she left, each held the precious journal in their hands. This was a present they would always remember, and which would remind them of the day they were told about all the places they could go if they put their minds to it. That atmosphere of love and excitement was there for each child as she waved good bye.
After leaving New Hope School, Rev. Moon arrived at Jin-A Child Care Center, which is a beautiful campus for 81 children currently in the grades of Pre-K and Kindergarten. Jin-A is has a multi-religious academic curriculum attractive both to church members and local families.
Jin-A was also prepared and waiting eagerly to welcome Rev. Moon. Mrs. Christine Brunkhorst, the president and director of Jin-A Child Care Center, was outside anticipating her arrival with staff and kindergarten students, who presented flowers to Rev. Moon before taking a picture together. She was able to take a look around the school grounds and was then lead to the Kindergarten students waiting all together inside.
The Kindergarten students sang songs to Rev. Moon as a very energetic but poised choir that had practiced well. Afterwards all children also were invited to shake hands and share their names with Rev. Moon directly one by one as they all sat together. Mrs. Brunkhorst shared everything that was going on at Jin-A currently, and about their curriculum and mission. A meeting was held with the main staff and other board members, where Rev. Moon was able to hear from each as well as ask questions about Jin-A and its community. Before leaving, Rev. Moon awarded gifts for every child.
The consensus by all on hand was that it was a wonderful day in which inspiration was shared and experienced by everyone. Both schools of 2nd Generation students from ages 3 to 14 were able to hear Rev. Moon’s uplifting words as well as inspire her too with self-presentations. Directors and teachers from both schools were also able to share with her as well as receive guidance for their community.