Red Nation's Thanksgiving Workshop

On Thanksgiving morning, brothers and sisters of Red Nation gathered together in Bass Lake, CA. The beautiful house by the lake soon became our warm home as we embraced one another again and settled inside. Throughout the afternoon there was a great deal of chopping, mixing and yummy taste-testing in the kitchen while other members were out bike riding, exploring the outdoors and calling their families.

Just as our mamas’ used to call us, we heard the familiar words of “dinner’s ready!” Our big family gathered together and lovingly prepared plates for one another. Together we enjoyed the delicious food and the company of those around us. With very full bellies and full hearts we began our family game night. There was much love and fun, but great competition as well. Three teams competed in a puzzle contest, Jenga competition and charades. The winner received the great honor of Shin Ramen. We closed the night together reunited again as Red Nation, as a family in our home away from home.

The next day, we began to prepare for our second portion of competition. We received two guidances from our Aunt Christine. The first about being awakened to the importance and value of each of us as representative beings of the love of God, True Parents and our parents. We then learned about the midway position and how we can become more proactive in our life of faith. In the afternoon we visited the beautiful Half Dome in Yosemite National Park. It was the perfect place to find a quiet spot in the park and within our hearts to reflect on our determination for the upcoming condition. We returned home for new team announcements, another home cooked meal (with of course Thanksgiving leftovers) and an evening spent together.

In the next morning we received a morning service from our group leader, Kenzosan. We came to understand that we need to really treasure this opportunity that we have and create moments with God, True Parents, and each other that can last a lifetime. But it is only through investing full heart and sincerity can we create these experiences.

This competition condition, our nation is determined to Leave a Legacy- inherit the legacy that God, our True Parents and our parents have sacrificed so much for us and be able to pass that down through our lives. As a nation, we have the amazing opportunity to meet our True Mother in Las Vegas for her Christmas party on December 21. Through this condition, we want to prepare our hearts and become the youth that can bring so much hope to our True Mother when we attend her.

With full hearts from receiving much love this Thanksgiving workshop, we are determined to give so much during this competition. There is much to be grateful for each and every moment of our lives- who we are, where we come from, who we will become, where we will go. Thank you for God, True Parents and for all of your support always!