by Jeri Tamayo
I honestly never struggled on Christmas in my fund raising years. My team captains never had us fund raise on Christmas, we got to sleep in, at a nice hotel, and we would go out to an extra nice restaurant or we would be at the main center and then go out to a delicious meal. I was on MFT from 75-80 and then OWP til 82. I loved it. I loved my brothers and sisters, I loved my captains and commanders, I loved God, True Parents, and Jesus. I had lived on the streets half of my life before joining the church at 19 so I felt safe and solid on MFT. I felt loved and appreciated for the most part. I was with Mr. Sawamukai’s region which was turned over to Mr. Tate, then split and Jack Hagel, then Mr. Izukawa. These were exceptional men, and members, whom I have fond memories and deep gratitude towards. I must include John Hessel boss of OWP. Deep hearted devoted man. It was my experiences on MFT which helped to developed my heart that everyone is my family member. Christmas Eve door to door in higher class neighborhoods was so fun and exciting. I remember one year in a Chicago suburb having to say no to so many candies and treats cause I chose to do a no sugar condition over that holiday season cause I wanted to lose the extra weight I had gained that year! I think I was 125 or something, dam! I wish that was now! Now I have to lose 50 lbs just to be at 175!! Hahaha. Oh well.