Final Kickoff Workshop

From all over the East Coast, the fundraising teams returned to their home sweet home of UTS after completing their very first condition. There were screams of joy and warm embraces as the brothers and sisters poured out of their vans to see each other once again. With excitement in the air, the nations gathered for our very own “GPA Sports Fest.” Every member of the nation participated in either volleyball, soccer, frisbee or basketball to help their nation claim victory. Soon after, came the moment we’ve been waiting for. Oh yes, the announcement of the official winner of the Kick Off Workshop competition.

We started as a crowd of strangers but came together as a family of brothers and sisters; the nations concluded with many memorable and exciting experiences together. Although it was hard to part, it was then time to receive our brand new groups and teams for the rest of our fundraising conditions until Christmas.

After settling back into our UTS home, we commenced a two-day Divine Principle workshop by our Aunt Christine Froelich. It was a time to really develop and search for a deeper understanding of the Principle whether it was our first time hearing it or something we heard all our lives. We received lectures on Principles of Creation, Fall of Man, Eschatology, Mission of Messiah, The Second Advent as well as QandA sessions, team discussions and evening activities. It was an incredible opportunity to learn and opened our hearts to crave to learn more in this upcoming year no matter where we stand right now. Although the workshop completed, we will continue to study the Principle in these next three months of fundraising.

For the past two days, we have been preparing for our upcoming fundraising conditions all over the United States through guidance, looking deep within for our commitments and goals or creating our own fundraising vision boxes. Here at UTS there is much nerves and excitement moving about. As we move on and say our goodbyes tomorrow, we will never forget the memories, deep realizations and friendships we were blessed with in this workshop. Thank you Heavenly Parents, True Parents, GPA staff and all the participants for an amazing kick off and start to this year. Here we come!