Sun Moon University Students Get a Taste of New York

Collegiate Association for the Research of Principles (CARP) students from Sun Moon University arrived in New York City on January 20, a little jet lagged, but excited. After a brief stop at the 43rd street learning center, the students enjoyed a lunch from Shake Shack and a quick look at Times Square. For most of the students, it is their first time in America. “Their eyes shined as they watched the lights of Times Square,” said Kwonsun Jung, a Unificationist residing in New York who acted as one of the guides for the students.

The next day was the first full day in Manhattan. After breakfast at 43rd street, the group headed out to the Manhattan Center and New Yorker Hotel where Dr. Balcomb welcomed them. The students were given a tour by David Eaton and Joe Kinney of the Hammerstein and Grand Ballroom, studio rooms, boiler room and the roof of the New Yorker Hotel. After lunch, a group of 10 young Unificationists from New York and New Jersey met with the group of students to bond, play games and discuss student life.

In the afternoon, the students broke up into three groups. Karlsun Allen and Judilee King from New Jersey helped lead groups and guided the students around the city for some more sightseeing. The students saw the Brooklyn Bridge, the Empire State Building and Madison Square Garden and explored various shops in Times Square.

That evening, the students headed to Clifton, New Jersey for the Young Unificationist Ministry (YUM) program. Thirty local Unificationists attended for a total participation of over 70 people. Naokimi Ushiroda, President of the Collegiate Association for the Research of Principles (CARP USA), gave the keynote message and encouraged all the students to pursue their passions. Everyone left inspired, but looking forward to a good night’s rest.

The next day, the students had a chance to take a ferry to the Statue of Liberty, walk through Wall Street and explore the 9/11 memorial museum. The highlight of everyone’s day however seemed to be the afternoon trip to East Garden where they could see the roots of True Parents’ foundation in America with their own eyes.

The staff at East Garden was welcoming and caring, and offered stories about True Parents’ work in the last 50 years. Upon arrival, the group prayed at the holy ground where True Father used to kneel and pray. They also enjoyed the tour of the East Garden Museum. “Being able to see these places where True Father worked really brought some sense and scope into how he lived,” said Kwonsun.

The students have been eagerly exploring history and culture in their first few days in the States. We expect that the days following will be equally busy and inspiring.