As Christmas approached, fellow practitioners around the world missed Master greatly. Thus, they were overjoyed at receiving the good news that all initiates and their half-initiated children were invited to the Florida Center for a Christmas celebration with Master.

Before the Christmas holidays, it was really difficult to secure airline tickets to Florida, a popular destination for holiday travelers. But no matter how daunting the hindrances or how far the journey, nothing could deter thousands of fellow initiates from seeing Master. A large number from the United States and Canada had to drive a great distance, while several hundred Formosan disciples, after landing in New York, had to ride buses for 24 hours to get to the Florida Center. Failing to obtain direct flights, many Formosan initiates flew halfway round the globe, landing first in Europe, then changing flights many times and finally arriving in Florida. Touched by the disciples' sincerity and great perseverance, Master changed Her itinerary and stayed on at the Center for a few days after the retreat, so that disciples could have more time to be with Her. Therefore, for many fellow initiates, this retreat was not merely a rich four-day harvest of love, but an extended retreat that continuously elevated their souls.

Since the retreat was held during the Christmas holidays, Master mercifully allowed half-initiated children to attend with their parents. These young practitioners meditated daily for one hour, and were free to do what they wished the rest of the day. Our compassionate Master expressed deep love for these innocent and lively little angels; She not only received them in person, but even invited them to play with the pets at Her house.

A Chain of Delights on the First Day

On the afternoon of the 21st, preparations for the retreat were in full swing. Through the concerted efforts of initiates from various working groups, the Florida Center was transformed into a retreat venue permeated by bliss. The whole area was filled with an intensely festive atmosphere so joyous that even the trees and plants could feel it!

In the early morning of December 23, fellow initiates from around the world walked by the Center's fog-blanketed lake, and entered the main meditation hall in orderly fashion. Their longing to see Master was fulfilled during the very first meditation session. Her early appearance warmed our hearts and reminded us of a mother who had come to check on Her sleeping children. When She led us in reciting the Holy Names, Her kind and beautiful voice echoed and vibrated throughout the entire meditation hall.

The sky was clear that morning, but a light shower fell in the afternoon. Master's appearance made us all forget the weather, however, as She entered the meditation hall dressed in a very chic-looking peach-colored outfit, looking refreshed and beautiful. Because it was very cold at night in the Center, Master was worried that the initiates would catch cold sleeping in tents. Therefore, She thought about purchasing a warmer place near the sea that would offer sufficient space to comfortably hold retreats.

Master said that initially She only intended to invite the Contact Persons of the various centers to attend the retreat, in return for their tireless service to fellow practitioners. But later, the news leaked out and many other initiates also wanted to come to see Master. Thus, the occasion was finally opened for everyone to attend. However, throughout the retreat, the Contact Persons and their spouses were still Master's honored guests, and were invited to meditate by Her side. On the first evening of the retreat, Master even treated them to a special dinner.