Sun Moon University Students Explore the East Coast

After an exciting first few days in New York City, CARP students visiting from Sun Moon University continued to explore much of what the East Coast has to offer. On January 23, the students watched a video on True Father’s life course which focused on his unjust conviction and imprisonment in Danbury. After a prayer at the Holy Grounds, the students headed out for the Unification Theological Seminary (UTS) and Barrytown College in Barrytown, New York.

UTS and Barrytown College

The students were welcomed with a delicious meal, games and introductory speakers. Five Barrytown college students took the time to give the group a tour of the grounds including True Father’s Trail and the Barrytown college facilities. Some of the staff offered testimonies about their time spent with True Parents at these historic places.

Gloucester and Boston, MA

In the afternoon, the group was back on the road again and arrived in Morning Garden in Gloucester, Massachusetts where they would spend the night. The Quesada family warmly welcomed them and gave a short orientation before dinner. The students enjoyed some relaxed time to visit, explore and watch the stars from the tower.

Breakfast the next day came with a snowstorm, and the students watched the snow fall as they read True Father’s words. Despite the ominous forecast, four students from the group trudged through the snow in order to explore Boston and Cambridge. It was, as they put it, “a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

Later, students had the chance to visit Harvard University and were assisted by two trilingual students who had reached out to the group. It was an inspiring and well-coordinated tour. Yujin, one of the tour guides, said, “The wintery and rainy New England weather was not the most ideal condition for walking and exploring the historic city of Boston, but all of the students’ spirits were so bright and awesome. I am glad to have met the Korean and Japanese students from Sun Moon University. “

After a brief stop at the Boston Family Church to change out of soaked shoes and jackets, the team headed to the Public Gardens to pray at the Holy Ground, followed by some free time that the students spent playing in the snow.

The day ended with an intense game of Yute back at the Boston Family Church. It was a fulfilling day and the students thoroughly enjoyed their time in Boston. Getting to know the community members transformed the experience.

The team packed up the next day and on their way back to New York made stops at several places, including the University of Bridgeport, Danbury prison and the Korean Family Church in New Jersey.

Bridgeport University and Danbury Prison

The students met with Brian Lim, the dean of international students at the University of Brideport (UB), who led a tour. The guides gave very detailed presentations on the history of the UB and all of its accomplished alumni.

As the tour was wrapping up, Neil Salonen, the school president, surprised the group with a visit and gave a short talk. Mr. Salonen stressed that even though Americans have a very different culture from Koreans, we as human beings originated from the same ancestor, and that is all the more reason to work together.

The next stop, Danbury Prison, was a reflective experience. The group was not allowed to go near the building due to high security, but they parked right in front of the entrance gate. Here, they took a few moments to take pictures, reflect and pray.

KEA in New Jersey

Finally, the group arrived in NJ for a visit at the KEA (Korean Family Church). Head pastor Lee Ki-Yeol explained the history of the community and the birth of the KEA church. He told the group that one of KEA’s main goals is the reunification of the Koreas, and that they have education and prayer specifically for this. The students felt right at home and really connected with the vision and purpose.

The students have packed a lot into their trip, traveling and touring many places in just a few days’ time. Soon they will head out for Washington D.C. We look forward to more updates on this “once in a lifetime” trip!