Miki Sawada- mother of two thousand children -

Mari Takada

Granddaughter of Yataro Iwasaki, founder of Mitsubishi group

Founded “Elizabeth Thunder’s Home”◦ Housed and schooled racially

mixed abandoned children◦ Cared for over 2,000 children

Later purchases land to establish a farm for the children for their independence

Home currently used as an orphanage for 100 children 2-18yrs.

Miki Sawada (1901-1980)

After the Second World War, with American military servicemen residing in Japan, many unwanted pregnancies between American men and Japanese women were not uncommon

Due to societal prejudice, many racially mixed babies were abandoned in streets and rivers

An accusation of disposing a mixed baby

How she became a mother of 2,000

Four-way Win

Work

Saves more than 2000 children

Orphanage still used

Community

Brings together friends from London, US for support - many adopt her children

Family

Husband and family supporting her – contributing their second home for her orphanage

Brings in all children as her own

Self

Convert to Christianity

Vows to stay healthy so she can visit her children all around the world

Connecting beliefs, people and material resources to achieve goal

Challenges obstacles and regards them as stepping stones for happiness

From her life lessons..

“True happiness comes in disguise. Happiness that is easily seen will fade away. Happiness that is revealed from its disguise will stay with that person forever.”