The Six-day International Retreat in May 2000 held in Korea was my first retreat ever. After I made up my mind to attend, new challenges arose every day and my mood fluctuated as I searched for solutions. Looking back now, I understand that Master had arranged it all for me. I did eventually attend the retreat, although I had to undergo many painstaking struggles caused by the rapid transformation of the karma that would cleanse me before I met Master. I felt myself progressing every day.

On arriving in Korea the members of my traveling group and I relaxed when we were met by brothers and sisters at the airport and thought that there would be no more obstacles ahead. Our tense expressions gave way to radiant smiles. Little did we know then that the tests were just about to begin.

On our first day at the Youngdong Center, my bad habits began to cause trouble. I complained to a working team member about the shortage of things we needed. But as soon as the brother told me where to get them, I felt ashamed of myself, for I found that I could not measure up to these devoted practitioners. All the members on the working teams had contributed so much, working without taking a break to receive fellow initiates, arrange accommodations, and fulfill the daily needs of fellow practitioners. I didn't offer any help, yet I was the one to complain! I was very upset with myself, because I couldn't change my habits quickly and merge into this united and lively family. I was unhappy and despondent.

Later I saw Master, whom I had longed to see. But She looked past me and I felt deeply depressed. I knew it was my own problem and felt an enormous distance from Master's love. When Master met our group, She said that we should not be deceived by our minds, but should be convinced that we had no problem. I couldn't help crying as I gazed at Master. When I raised my hands to wipe away my tears, I found that almost everyone was doing the same. Our merciful Master joked with us and teased us, and gradually I felt that She was not so far away.

As the retreat proceeded, during a morning meditation session, we heard loud claps of thunder, which were followed by heavy showers. At that moment, my heart opened up, and I felt Master's intense and all-pervading love. I suddenly understood that Master has always loved me and waited for me to go beyond the wall that I had built around myself. I felt extremely happy and contented! Later, I found that everything was very beautiful when I stepped out of the meditation hall, and couldn't help smiling at everyone I met.

Later I received blessed food from Master, which contained incredible blessing power and nourished our joyous spirit. On our return trip, the atmosphere was lightened up by our laughter, and the travel guide wondered why these formerly expressionless people had come in such low spirits, but left completely different! Since taking charge of our travel group, the guide had had many experiences himself. A sister initiate told him that Master's power is so incredible that anything that comes in contact with it will be changed. And I think the biggest changes took place within us.

It has been one and a half years since the six-day retreat in Korea. It was a heavenly time that we spent together, and I found out more and more that Master had given me everything I wanted! Since the retreat, I have digested Master's blessings every day and understood at long last what Master has given me; therefore, I have begun to learn from Her example of unselfish devotion and love, and spirit of unconditional service. There is so much to learn! Thank you, Master. I will try my best.