Life of Leif

One More Entry -- It's Important!

2009-03-13T17:33:00.002-04:00

I said the previous entry would be the last, but there is a document that I want to show anyone would stumbles upon this old blog. Please at least read its closing paragraphs. I don't disagree with those who call it bad-ass: (press release)

BAHÁ’Í INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY
United Nations Office
866 United Nations Plaza, Suite 120, New York, NY 10017 USA
Telephone: 212-803-2500, Fax: 212-803-2566, Email: uno-nyc@bic.org

4 March 2009

Ayatollah Qorban-Ali Dorri-Najafabadi
Prosecutor General
Islamic Republic of Iran

Your Honor,

Your recent announcement regarding the administrative affairs of the Bahá’ís of Iran has brought to the arena of public debate issues which not only affect the safety and livelihood of the members of that community but also have profound implications for the future of every citizen of that esteemed nation. The steps that have been taken to formulate the response of the Iranian Bahá’í community to your announcement have surely been communicated to you. The Yaran and the Khademin, the small groups that have been attending to the spiritual and social needs of the several hundred thousand Bahá’ís of Iran, the former at the national level and the latter at the local, have expressed their willingness to bring to a close their collective functioning. This decision has been made for no other reason than to demonstrate yet again the goodwill that the Bahá’ís have consistently shown to the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran for the past thirty years.

The Universal House of Justice has assured us that the disruption in the functioning of these groups need not be seen as a cause for concern. There is no doubt in the minds of millions of Bahá’ís residing in virtually every country around the world—nor in the minds of many others who are watching these events with impartiality and who are aware of the historical development of the Faith—that the Bahá’ís in Iran will find ways of managing the spiritual life of their community, as they have done for generations over the past one hundred and sixty-five years of persecution. However, given the gravity of the accusations leveled against the Yaran and the Khademin, we feel obliged, as the representatives at the United Nations of one hundred and seventy-nine National Spiritual Assemblies encircling the globe, to bring certain fundamental points to your attention in an open letter and request that you examine them with the sense of fairness they deserve.

In reference to Article 20 of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran pertaining to the rights of its citizens, as well as Article 23 related to freedom of belief, you have stated: “Adherence to a principle or belief is free [to anyone], but to openly express and proclaim it in order to cause deviation in the thoughts of others, to manipulate, pretend, disseminate [ideas], and otherwise attempt to deceive and confuse people will not be permissible.” Such a statement tests credulity to an extreme. It is widely recognized that similar statements have been used by repressive regimes throughout the centuries to justify the arbitrary suppression of conscience and belief. The suggestion that it is possible to separate the convictions held by an individual from their expression in words and action begins an entirely false line of reasoning. To see its absurdity one need only ask oneself what it means to have faith if it is not consciously manifested in one’s relationships with others. Qualifying the argument by implying that only those expressions of belief which cause deviation in the thoughts of others are objectionable may appear reasonable at a first glance. In reality, of course, it is a means of granting license to those in authority to suppress whomsoever they wish, for it leaves open the possibility of labeling any action or comment not to their liking as a cause of deviation in the thoughts of others. In any event, the record of the Bahá’ís of Iran is clear in this respect. They have never sought to cause such deviation, nor have they ever attempted to deceive and confuse people. Since you have raised the issue of freedom of belief in the context of the articles pertaining to the rights of Iranian citizens, knowing full well the Bahá’í record, we can only assume that you have made curtailment in the functioning of the Yaran and the Khademin a condition for according the Bahá’ís at least some of the rights which they have been denied for some thirty years now.

The facts of the matter are, of course, well known to you:

Following the Islamic revolution in 1979, the Bahá’ís of Iran, who had long been the victims of periodic outbreaks of violence, the later rounds of which had been instigated by the notorious SAVAK, were subjected to a fresh wave of persecution.

In August 1980 all nine members of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Iran—a national council whose election and functioning are prescribed in the Bahá’í teachings and which forms part of the Bahá’í administrative structure in all countries— were abducted and disappeared without a trace. Undoubtedly they were executed.

Members subsequently elected to this council, as well as scores of individuals with influence in the Bahá’í community, including several members of Local Spiritual Assemblies—councils operating at the local level—were executed by the government in the years immediately after.

In response to the announcement made by the Prosecutor General of Iran in 1983 calling for the dismantling of the Bahá’í administrative structure, the National Spiritual Assembly of Iran dissolved itself and the rest of the administrative structure in the country as a demonstration of goodwill towards the government.

Subsequently, ad hoc arrangements were made to tend to the spiritual and social needs of the 300,000 Bahá’ís in Iran through the formation of the Yaran at the national level and the Khademin at the local level.

For some twenty years, government agencies had regular contact with the Yaran and the Khademin—some times friendly and other times in the form of unreasonably long and aggressive interrogations—consulted with their members and were entirely aware of their activities. The possibility of some degree of dialogue between the Bahá’ís and government agencies seemed to be emerging.

During that same period, however, a 1991 memorandum signed by Hujjatu’l Islam Seyyed Mohammad Golpaygani, then Secretary of the Iranian Supreme Revolutionary Cultural Council, came to light. It called for the “progress and development” of the Bahá’ís in Iran to be “blocked” through a number of specific measures it advocated and for a plan “to confront and destroy their cultural roots outside the country.”

While the harassment and ill-treatment of Bahá’ís continued uninterrupted during this period, they have been taken to new levels of intensity in recent years as certain elements that have historically been bent on the destruction of the Bahá’í community have assumed growing influence in the affairs of the country.

The official campaign to malign the name of the Faith through the mass media—through newspaper articles and Web sites, through radio and television programs and films— escalated around 2005; it has proceeded unabated to this day. There can be little doubt that systematic steps are being taken to implement the provisions set out in the 1991 Bahá’ís in Iran to be “blocked” through a number of specific measures it advocated and for a plan “to confront and destroy their cultural roots outside the country.”

While the harassment and ill-treatment of Bahá’ís continued uninterrupted during this period, they have been taken to new levels of intensity in recent years as certain elements that have historically been bent on the destruction of the Bahá’í community have assumed growing influence in the affairs of the country.

The official campaign to malign the name of the Faith through the mass media—through newspaper articles and Web sites, through radio and television programs and films— escalated around 2005; it has proceeded unabated to this day. There can be little doubt that systematic steps are being taken to implement the provisions set out in the 1991 memorandum.

In March 2006 a confidential letter from the Iranian military headquarters, dated 29 October 2005, asking various intelligence agencies and police organizations, in addition to the Revolutionary Guard, to identify and monitor Bahá’ís around the country, came to the attention of the UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, raising great concern throughout the world for the safety of the Bahá’ís.

For more than two decades young Bahá’ís were barred from entering university through an application process that would require them to deny their faith. Though a modification in the process, achieved through worldwide public pressure, enabled a few hundred to register at the start of the 2006–2007 academic year, their hopes of pursuing higher education were soon dashed. That same year the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology issued a letter to eighty-one universities, instructing them to expel any student known to be a Bahá’í.

The abovementioned letter was followed by another in April 2007 from the Public Intelligence and Security Force restricting the involvement of Bahá’ís, already barred from employment in the public sector, in some twenty types of businesses. The document reinforced ongoing efforts to strangle the economic life of the Bahá’í community.

In these past few years, the number of Bahá’ís arrested without cause has climbed; the confiscation of Bahá’í personal property has grown; attacks on Bahá’í homes have escalated; acts of arson against Bahá’í properties have proliferated; the desecration and destruction of Bahá’í cemeteries have spread; the sealing of shops owned by Bahá’ís has increased; refusals of bank loans and business licenses to Bahá’ís have multiplied; harassment of landlords with Bahá’í tenants has intensified; threats against fellow citizens who associate with Bahá’ís have mounted; and the vilification of Bahá’í children in their classrooms by teachers has been on the rise. That such acts are being systematically orchestrated city by city is unquestionable.

Then last year the seven members of the Yaran were imprisoned, one of them in March and the remaining six in May. For some time they were held in solitary confinement and denied access to their families. Although eventually family members were allowed brief visits under strict observation, the prisoners have yet to be given access to legal counsel. The conditions of their incarceration have varied in degree of severity over the course of the past several months, with the five male members confined at one time to a cell no more than ten square meters in size, with no bed.

Finally, after some nine months of imprisonment, during which time not a shred of evidence could be found linking the members of the Yaran to any wrongdoing, they were accused of “espionage for Israel, insulting religious sanctities and propaganda against the Islamic Republic,” and it has been announced that their case will soon be submitted to court with a request for indictment.

This announcement was followed almost immediately by news reports which indicated that you had written to the Minister of Intelligence stating that the existence of the Yaran and the Khademin in Iran is illegal, while at the same time raising the question of the constitutional right of Iranian citizens to freedom of belief. You then made an official announcement to this effect.

*

Your Honor, the events of recent years and the nature of the accusations made raise questions in the mind of every unbiased observer as to the intent behind the systematic perpetration of injustice against the Bahá’ís of Iran. Even if there might have been some misunderstandings about the motives of the Bahá’í community during the early turbulent days of the revolution, how can such suspicions persist today? Can it be that any member of the esteemed government of Iran truly believes the false accusations which have been perpetuated about the Bahá’ís in that country? Are not the following facts well known to the authorities in the various branches of the government?

In whatever country they reside, Bahá’ís strive to promote the welfare of society. They are enjoined to work alongside their compatriots in fostering fellowship and unity and in establishing peace and justice. They seek to uphold their own rights, as well as the rights of others, through whatever legal means are available to them, conducting themselves at all times with honesty and integrity. They eschew conflict and dissension. They avoid contest for worldly power.

It is a fundamental principle of the Bahá’í Faith that its followers strictly refrain from involvement in any partisan political activity, whether local, national or international. Bahá’ís view government as a system for maintaining the welfare and orderly progress of human society, and obedience to the laws of the land is a distinguishing feature of their beliefs.

To take any action in willful violation of allegiance to one’s own country is explicitly proscribed in the Scriptures of the Bahá’í Faith. Adherence to this principle has been amply demonstrated by Bahá’ís everywhere.

The Bahá’í administrative structure, which is established in more than one hundred and eighty countries worldwide, is a means for channeling the energies of Bahá’ís in service to the common good and for organizing the religious and social affairs of the Bahá’í community itself. For Bahá’ís, the concept does not imply in any way the existence of a political agenda or any kind of interference in the affairs of the government.

The international headquarters of the Bahá’í Faith is located within the borders of modern-day Israel as a result of the successive banishments imposed on Bahá’u’lláh in the mid-nineteenth century by the Persian and Ottoman governments. Exiled from His native Persia, Bahá’u’lláh was sent to Baghdad, Constantinople and Adrianople and finally to the fortress-city of Acre in 1868, eighty years prior to the establishment of the State of Israel, where He eventually died in 1892. That Bahá’ís in all parts of the world are today in contact with the international headquarters of their Faith regarding their individual and collective affairs is entirely natural and is a well-established fact.

Bahá’ís have the highest respect for all religions. Our Writings refer to Islam as “the blessed and luminous religion of God” and the Prophet Muhammad as “the refulgent lamp of supreme Prophethood,” “the Lord of creation” and “the Day-star of the world,” Who, “through the will of God, shone forth from the horizon of Hijaz.” The station of Imam Ali is described in terms such as “the moon of the heaven of knowledge and understanding” and “the sovereign of the court of knowledge and wisdom.” In the Tablet of Visitation revealed by Bahá’u’lláh Himself for Imam Husayn, He refers to him as “the pride of the martyrs” and “the day-star of renunciation shining above the horizon of creation.”

Bahá’ís are exhorted to evince a high sense of moral rectitude in their activities, chastity in their individual lives, and complete freedom from prejudice in their dealings with people of every race, class and creed.

*

In light of these well-established facts, Your Honor, it is difficult to understand how words such as “manipulative” and “deceitful,” “dangerous” and “threatening,” can be applied to Bahá’í activity in Iran. Do you consider dangerous the efforts of a group of young people who, out of a sense of obligation to their fellow citizens, work with youngsters from families of little means to improve their mathematics and language skills and to develop their abilities to play a constructive part in the progress of their nation? Is it a threat to society for Bahá’ís to discuss with their neighbors noble and high-minded ideals, reinforcing the conviction that the betterment of the world is to be achieved through pure and goodly deeds and through commendable and seemly conduct? In what way is it manipulative for a couple to speak in the privacy of their home with a few friends confused by the portrayal of Bahá’ís in the mass media and to share with them the true nature of their beliefs, which revolve around such fundamental verities as the oneness of God and the oneness of humankind? What duplicity is there if a child at school, after listening to offensive language about the Founder of her Faith Whom she so loves, politely raises her hand and requests permission to explain to her classmates some of the teachings she follows? What deceit is there if a young person, committed to the acquisition of knowledge and learning, seeks the right from the authorities to enter university without having to lie about his faith? What harm is done if several families gather together periodically for communal worship and for the discussion of matters of concern to them all? Given that the human soul has no sex, is it so alarming for someone to express the view that men and women are equal in the sight of God and should be able to work shoulder to shoulder in all fields of human endeavor? And is it so unreasonable for a small group of people, in the absence of the administrative structures prescribed in their teachings, to facilitate the marriage of young couples, the education of children and the burial of the dead in conformity with the tenets of their Faith?

These are but a few examples of the various endeavors for which the Bahá’ís of Iran are being so grievously persecuted. It is the right to engage in such activity that has been denied them for thirty years.

Your Honor, many times over these twenty years the Yaran and the Khademin have been told by government officials that they are in fact protecting the Bahá’í community from those who regard its members as a negative element in society. It is true that there may be a small fraction in any populace who, succumbing to the forces of hatred and enmity, can be incited to perform acts of cruelty and oppression. But, in the main, our vision of the Iranian people does not correspond with the one projected by such officials. Narrow-mindedness and pettiness are not the qualities that we attribute to them. Rather do we see the staunch commitment to justice evinced by the citizens of one town who petitioned the government when several shops owned by Bahá’ís were closed without reason. We see the fidelity shown by the young musicians who refused to perform when their Bahá’í counterparts were prohibited from playing in a recital. We see the courage and tenacity of university students who stood ready to prepare a petition and to forgo participation in examinations that their Bahá’í classmates were barred from taking. We see the compassion and generosity of spirit exhibited by the neighbors of one family, whose home was attacked with a bulldozer, in their expressions of sympathy and support, offered at all hours of the night, and in their appeals for justice and recompense. And we hear in the voices raised by so many Iranians in defense of their Bahá’í compatriots echoes from their country’s glorious past. What we cannot help noting, with much gratitude towards them in our hearts, is that a majority of those coming out in support of the beleaguered Bahá’í community are themselves suffering similar oppression as students and academics, as journalists and social activists, as artists and poets, as progressive thinkers and proponents of women’s rights, and even as ordinary citizens.

Your Honor, the decisions to be taken by the judiciary in Iran in the coming days will have implications that extend well beyond the Bahá’í community in that land––what is at stake is the very cause of the freedom of conscience for all the peoples of your nation. It is our hope that, for the sanctity of Islam and the honor of Iran, the judiciary will be fair in its judgment.

Respectfully,

Bahá’í International Community

cc: Permanent Mission of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations

The Last Entry

2006-04-26T18:36:00.000-04:00

I haven't been posting much in these last few weeks. I've missed some cool things. No biggie. The following are pages of a letter to my Aunt Edith in South Africa. It summarises a lot of my feelings and thoughts.

The LD Has Landed (Again)

2006-04-16T23:59:00.000-04:00

Today was this second day of the Breezes of Confirmation camp. Despite the hiccups along the way, it really is a blast. Yesterday the boys and I made a deal that, if they worked hard on their handwritting and staying focussed, they could make a concoction out of whatever edible stuff they found in the kitchen. With CJ's supervision, they created a delightfully disgusting mixture. When you see me ask me to show you the videos. They are so much fun! (I'd post pictures, but sleep and taking care of responsibilities here are higher priorities. It's time consuming because I need to use CJ's computer to do it.)

LD has returned to St. Kitts after like five or six months in St. Maarten. We are so happy to have him back. Halva was here, too, to welcome our dear friend. We had a great time catching up and sharing stories.

2006-04-11T18:19:00.000-04:00

My mood is has been confusing lately. I can get like that occasionally. I'm in this kinda transition mode between St. Kitts and Antigua > home > Maine. It's that time of the year for Miquela, too, so I share her sentiments. Just ten days away from leaving St. Kitts, various thoughts run through my head. I am so thankful and happy about being here and everything that has happened. When will I see these great friends again? Did I work hard enough? What will I take away from here? What will I leave behind? What's next? There's a too much of the last question, though. I'm really trying to stay focussed on the now, despite being aware that "the now" is quickly disappearing.

Over the weekend, I visited the wonderful Williams in Nevis. I got a decent share of sun (working on Lloyd's lettuce farm – Nevis Hydro Gardens) and food (compliments of chef Millie). They wanted to fatten me up before sending me home; everyone has been saying I lost weight, which I guess is a result of me being more responsible for having food to eat than I have been before. We had Feast on Sunday. Even though I was/wanted to be happy to be there, I couldn't let it shine bright as I hoped for some reason. ... Oh, on the ferry to Nevis, I met a brother (7) and sister (9) who were fleeing Guyana with their family because someone wanted to kill them. Yes, it's a sick, sad world, but these innocent children need not be brought into the mess. I joyfully welcomed them to the Federation. We had a lot of fun learning about each other!

Ruby Thomas – the best guidance counsellor in the Federation – organised another camp for this Monday through Thursday. The theme is "Moving to Excellence", so it's about the kids striving for the best in "what I think and say and do" (quote from the camp's pledge). After the first day, I felt rejected because the kids, well, rejected the activity I tried and called me "white man" and "anti-man". But Cristina approriately reminded me that my interaction with the children is not about me. Very true. My role is to unconditionally shower them with love, understanding and support. The second day – today – I was the A/V dude / resource room operator, so I didn't get as much direct interaction with the children. However, the limited one-on-one time I did had was very positive. I can tell that a lot of them are learning about themselves and/or are feeling the results of loving attention, which is rare for many of this group.

Tonight, CJ, Kay and I got into the actual planning of the coming weekend's junior youth intensive for Breezes of Confirmation. We're not expecting it to go perfectly as planned, but that's a lesson Kay put into words for me: Plan ahead thoroughly, and let them change along the way; otherwise, you'll be winging everything and do a poor job. Boy, we're having so much fun just planning it and imagining how it will be with the junior youth on Saturday. I can only imagine what it will be like to get the real animator training.

Next up: Tying up loose ends before it's too late. But first, bed!

Music: Moby & my Bedtime playlist

The Last Four Days

2006-04-07T23:40:00.000-04:00

[Update at bottom.] On Tuesday, Lloyd had a great session with peer counellors at Washington Archibald High School. The two who were there were the same who attended the September training we gave on Breezes of Confirmation and teh Virtues Project. They are all over Sona Arbab's talk and really understand the importance of the programmes for the spiritual empowerment of junior youth. Now, that's not directly related to the "life of Leif", but it is a testament to these shared expereinces we are having here. We have a common vision. We each play our own role. We are confident that the others are doing what is best. We support each other and forgive each other's shortcomings and misunderstandings. I truly love Lloyd. I love everyone here.

Amyié (better known as Amy) is a Young Leader from Sandy Point High School whom Lloyd met at Washi and whom CJ and I have met several times while visiting her part of the island. She is a wonderful and amazing youth. The essay Kay helped her type up was all about unity and what the world really needs. She's a great singer, so Kay asked her to put one of The Hidden Words to music. She is one wicked-cool cat.

Scheduling madness. I don't know how it is at other schools, but at Rutgers you use "WebReg" – an online course registration system. It only took me 19 minutes on Wednesday night to get the schedule you see in the picture, which is very good considering how busy the system can get. I've spent about two days here planning my major path. I think I'll be going with the professional physics major (B.S.), followed by a Master's in teaching. My schedule still isn't finalised, but I'm in communication with an advisor or three (and Darlene here); they (and divine assitance)'ll help me figure it out eventually.

Mediocre training session. Next week is the "Moving to Excellence" camp, so the training for all the volunteers was on Wednesday and Thrusday. The trainers were two gentlemen from Trinidad. They specialise in sexuality education, which I suppose is why the sessions were overly obsessed with sexuality. The trainers are great people, but their presentation lacked relevance and depth.

"Rejecting low sights of mediocrity..." I like that quote a lot. It's been on my mind this week. It applies to choosing the more challenging and demanding professional physics major over the general one, and to the mediocre training session.

We went to the Sounth Friar's Bay beach this afternoon. Plenty of fish and rocks. Hopefully the pictures find there way here sooner than later. I watched the Huqúqu'lláh DVD tonight. Very exciting!

[Added: Oh, yeah. I have ringworm bellow my lip. Since I haven't been kissing anyone, it's probably from interacting with kids and touching my face. Also, Cj gave me a haircut this morning. She did a great job for a first timer. And I'd like to (get dorky and) give a shout out to my friends and new readers at Delsea.]

A Day Late and a Dollar Fish Short

2006-04-03T23:35:00.000-04:00

Yesterday the long awaited fishing trip happened. Halva drove CJ and I out to the sugar factory pier. Kay followed soon after dropping Lynda at the ferry terminal. (Lynda is doing Virtues Project training up in Nevis this week.) We used line, hooks, and sinkers but no poles. A kind gentleman named Marty helped me out. With his guidance, I caught a six-incher but threw it back. Marty is a security guard and knows Desmond (the Bahá'í who takes care of the bills).

In a pre-fishing chat over lunch Halva shared the following regarding the interconnectedness of all that are in the heavens and on the earth:

"Ain't no me without you."

Today CJ and I went to the Tucker Clarke Primary School where we gave four introductory computer lessons to fifth and sixth graders. It went mostly very well. The children were excited to learn, but the older ones weren't challenged and got rambunctious. There are two more sessions tomorrow. It's the last week of school before Easter break. CJ will probably take over the computer classes when I leave.

Tonight I rethink my class schedule for next semester. It looks like I'll actually have to declare a major and take courses in it, as opposed to dilly dallying and taking whatever courses I think are cool. It's frustrating, but I am keeping in mind to trust in God. As always, I'm sure some sincere prayer and meditation will get me through.

Ah sleepy.

A Non-Stop Great Day

2006-04-01T23:59:00.000-04:00

~~To be expanded upon later.~~

Ah jus' wan' get across a bit of da accent St. Kitts people does talk wid, as ah see it. Ah hope mi na insult nobody a tall in doin' so. Ah exaggeratin' just a little bit.

Janeel an' Juni passed by in da mwarning with bamboo for kite makin'. Desmond helped me make mine relly awesome. Janeel said they gon' miss me what have to leave. Ah sho' gon' miss dem too.

Da tree kids ah does pick up each week done say da same ting on da way to da centre for da reflection meeting. When Lloyd done say da prayer for children at the start of the meeting, ah tought ah would cry, boy. Ah relly truly gon' miss dem.

We wanted da kids and youth to be involved wid da discussion. This come off well, but they got restless after the first hour or so. Ah done take 'em out back to play.

Da meeting done take 5 hours to finish! It was very productive and exciting. I honestly loved it when the discussion turned heated because you just knew that, underneat i tall, dere is a deep love among da Bahá'ís dat transcends whadever confusion dere is at da moment. Ah does LOVE it!

Women's Expo '06

2006-03-31T21:15:00.000-04:00

Women's Expo '06
Originally uploaded by nabil1030.

Me and the Jehovah's Witness discussing the principles of the Faith.

اذان (kind of)

2006-03-29T17:53:00.000-04:00

I invoke you, dear well-wishing reader, to send some "scattering angels" to St. Kitts:

~~Tonight~~ On Saturday afternoon, the community is having a reflection meeting to plan for the next three months of progress in the realm of children's classes, junior youth programmes, public devotional gatherings, and study circles on "the life of the spirit."
Friday is a women's expo. The Bahá'ís have a table in the religion tent. The nation is thirsting for Bahá'u'lláh's refreshing declaration of the absolute equality of women and men. It is this sense of partnership, which was promoted at the recent UN women's event in New York City, that got the Bahá'ís invited to present.

...to be updated with more links...

I am loving these last days.

2006-03-28T23:16:00.000-04:00

Cristina and I did the social skills class at the Bronte Welsh Primary School. We tried applying some activities from Ruhi Book 5 (Teaching Children's Classes: Grade 2). The real materials for the programme only arrived today and we have been improvising with anything and everything we can think of that is a refreshingly positive alternative to the physical and emotional violence they are ~~used~~ accustomed to. The session had it's difficulties due to a still increasing level of cooperation and mutual respect, but it was wonderful that the responsible teacher is playing a more active role because she will have to take over when CJ and I are gone. Even though she gave licks to the boy who was having a bad day emotionally, she did appeal to some other boys' sense of forgiveness to resolve a conflict. Hey, we'll take what we can get!

Off to Basseterre High School for the closing ceremony of a series of empowering presentations for students from four primary schools organised by the Young Leaders team of the high school. There were a couple amazing things about the event. Well, we saw some people whom we haven't seen since the initial Virtues Project™/Breezes of Confirmation training at the beginning of September, which is nothing surprising. It was exciting, though, that the youth remembered us from that event, but we are not all they remembered... Much more importantly and way more exciting, the girl who gave a synopsis of their project directly quoted a certain talk on programs for the spiritual empowerment of junior youth from a certain 2004 conference in Sydney and Perth, Australia – twice! The second time was, unbeknownst to her, the words of `Abdu'l-Bahá. Also, the minister who gave the keynote used `Abdu'l-Bahá's analogy of an uncultivated plot of land becoming very bushy and ugly, just as an uneducated child becomes unpleasant and a burden.

WHOOPS!!! We locked Darlene out of the Centre for two hours while we were at the ceremony. She was worried that we had gotten in an accident – not a happy camper. Our bad!

Becky and her mom came over for a great devotional. We, of course, had the requisite prayer for the Bahá'ís in Iran. (See bahai.org/iranthreat if you haven't yet.) This was followed by delicious dinner of mac&cheese, string beans, and a desert of ginger ice cream and ginger snaps. While Kay and the mom chatted about the Faith, Cory and Becky taught us Kittitian dominos. It's fun! I want to share it with friends back "home" this summer. CJ and I taught them hukm. They enjoyed it.

2006-03-25T23:36:00.000-04:00

I don't want to type because my shoulders are in a lot of pain, but I have really exciting news.

The study circle we have been trying to start since October finally just happened by accident tonight. Rosemary came. Halva came. Sherlene, her daughter N'Zinga, and their three sons came. After some chit-chat, we finally began. Moments later, Darlene sat down and took over facilitating. She apologized later, but I don't really mind becasue I learned a lot from her experience which is twenty times more extensive than mine own. I'll be better prepared for next week.

Saturday Bahá'í classes keep getting better and better. I hope for my junior youth group to develop a selfless service project to help the environment in the coming weeks ...

I only have three more sessions with them before I go to Antigua for the National Convention and then home.

That's right. I've been offered a job at Green Acre. Since it starts in the first week of May, I need to push up my 17 June departure date to 25 April. 'Tis bittersweet. I'd be lying if I said it wasn't more sweet than bitter. I have spent a lot of time here in St. Kitts and Nevis. Although it is unfortunate that I will be leaving sooner than expected, it is making me cherish my time more and double my efforts in all areas. I need to make the most of the time I have left. Of course, I would love to return here someday, but God knows how, when, and if that will happen. This job at Green Acre, though, is a dream come true.

Tomorrow Halva is going to take us on a trek into the hills. Normally, I wouldn't be particularly thrilled to go. But, knowing that my Kittian days are limitted, I want to do everything I can to appreciate the beauty of the island and of my friendships.

I'll see many of you readers sooner than expected. :-)

UN Religious Freedom Official expresses fears for Baha'is in Iran

2006-03-21T11:48:00.000-04:00

This is too urgent and dire not to post.

For as long as the Bahá'í Faith has existed (since 1863), its adherents in Iran have been ridiculed, harrassed, persecuted, fired from jobs, mugged, robbed, denied rights, torn apart, killed ... This meagre mention cannot pretend to begin to remotely describe the treatment the Bahá'ís have recieved and continue to peacefully endure. Their only provocation has been their belief in Bahá'u'lláh as the Manifestation of God for today – a decision includes dedicating one's life to service to humanity. (Yes, I am a Bahá'í, so one could assume that this is a biased statement, but I dare such an assumer to prove otherwise. Even the persecutors themselves cannot refute these facts.)

In recent times, namely 1955 and 1979, this mistreatment in Iran has come in waves of increased intensity. If we apply harmonic motion metaphorically, the period is up and a new wave of hardships is due. This is the case. Within the past three years Bahá'í holy sites have been demolished, a building significant in Bahá'í history has been destroyed, Bahá'í college students have been denied higher education, and Bahá'ís have undergone arbitrary detentions in prison, and a wrongly imprisoned Bahá'í died of "unknown causes" while serving a life sentence. This is not the full picture, but it should be clear that it is obviously gettin worse.

"[A] confidential letter sent on 29 October 2005 by the Chairman of the Command Headquarters of the Armed Forces in Iran to a number of governmental agencies" has been exposed.

"The letter," [United Nations Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, Asma Jahangir] said, "which is addressed to the Ministry of Information, the Revolutionary Guard and the Police Force, states that the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, had instructed the Command Headquarters to identify persons who adhere to the Baha'i faith and monitor their activities. The letter goes on to request the recipients to, in a highly confidential manner, collect any and all information about members of the Baha'i faith."

Personal opinion: Evidence suggests that the situation in Iran is tailspinning into (God forbid!) another period of arbitrary unjustified mass persecution, like the ones that have been happening at an increasing rate throughout the world ~~these days~~ in this Day. If humanity does not step up to the ~~plate~~ wicket, it will be their own loss.

On a much more joyous note, today is Naw-Rúz – the Bahá'í new year. Last night there were fastivities for it all over the world. May this be a fruitful year for all your efforts to make this world more unified.

Happy Naw-Rúz!

2006-03-21T00:38:00.000-04:00

It was a wodnerful evening. Thirty-three people came, including Dana.

Prayers. Songs. Food. Two hours of fun with the kids.

...pictures!!!

Yippie!

2006-03-18T23:04:00.000-04:00

Today's Bahá'í classes were awesome! Seven children, 8 junior youth, and 2 youth showed up. I'm loving this expereince as animating the growing junior youth group. It was a wonderful suprise and blessing for everyone. I'm digging myself in deeper photographic debt.

My computer's power supply went caput. I'll be borrowing one of Lloyd's from Nevis. Thank God for Apple. (Hmm ... That's a bit more materialistic than I would like to be. ...so thank God for the Fast!)

Kay, Cristina and I started reviewing Book 6 for fun.

2006-03-17T22:43:00.000-04:00

You might remember Jaz from a while back. He has since released his album Queen-Sugar - named after Queen City (Nevis) and Sugar City (St. Kitts). Since there is a bit of political unrest here in the Federation and disunity between Kittitians and Nevisians, his CD is a timely step towards unity in my opinion. (See a feature of him and the album here.)

We just went to hear him play at Marshalls, fancy-dancy restaurant above Frigate Bay. There were a bunch of Marriot guests there for some planned dinner. The poor people paid for an over priced non-local meal and heared between the restaurant and the hotel in these buses. They were robbed of what would have been a pleasant and refreshing walk under the moonlit sky. After they rolled out, we took their seats, had some sodas, and listen to Jaz for an hour. Then he sat with us and shared about the history of music in St. Kitts-Nevis. He's working on a chronology (book + DVD) to give to the next generation a glimpse beyond the current tasteless hip-hop phenomenon. He just might stop by the Centre and jam with Cristina. Or we can all lime at the Williams' next week ... with the Kvalheims(?)!

Good Night.

2006-03-15T23:17:00.000-04:00

Darlene: "All I can say is that we're a bunch of lucky ones."

I'm sure most of you can relate.

Tonight was a good night. Cristina went to Bible study. I didn't! That's a good thing because I wasn't comfortable with the monotony of it. (Worry not, my Gospel-loving friends. I'm with you, but I can't take it in that format.) Meanwhile, Kay and I prepared for Saturday's junior youth sessions, which was a real pleasure. I did my nightly dish washing dance. The four of us shared ... just shared ... our company, our experiences, our stories, our love, our humour.

I love these people.

Guess who's going to bed early and will go to the beach in the morning.

[P.S. I added pictures to the Ayyám-i-Há post. Not all, but most of them.]

I

2006-03-13T23:59:00.000-04:00

am sad that I will have to leave St. Kitts.
will miss Darlene, Lloyd, Halva, Millie, Becky, Carla, Jamal, Janeel, Teanna, Shakim, Jahbal, Irene, Ernie, Kay, Ruth, Ruby...
love the Fast.
love the prayers for the Fast.
appreciate being awake to pray as the sun rises.
am thankful for more than I can begin to think about writing.
am waiting to find out my summer has in store.
have been growing on a couple levels.
am being more productive and motivated – کم کم، روز به روز.
am looking forward to seeing my dear, dear, beloved family again.
really love and miss my friends.
am excited to see some Jersey freinds next week.
have a clean room now.
am relieved to not have to worry about CJ's health for this week while she's with her mom and grandmother.
feel guilty for feeling relieved about it because I don't really want her to not be around.
am again feeling like I am not making the most of my time.
am behind in posting pictures.
like dancing and singing while doing the dishes by myself downstairs.
want to take care of some responsibilities, but don't feel that I have the capacity or resources to at the moment.
cried thinking about all this stuff.
am confused, but nonetheless somewhere between content and expectantly happy.

It feels good!

2006-03-11T17:45:00.000-04:00

Today's Bahá'í School went wonderfully! (I say "Bahá'í School" because it's really a combination of a "children's class," a "junior youth group," and a youth girls' group. And I can't say "Sunday School" because it's on Saturday.) Because Kay is here we were able to divide the conglomerate class into the three appropriate age groups. CJ used Kay's Book 5 for a new and exciting class for the children. Kay studied Walking the Straight Path with the one youth in an accelerated manner, plus some beautiful art activities. I had the great pleasure of animating the junior youth with the same book. I tell you, it was amazing and fun! We interreacted with each other like nobody's business.

...Now I'm off to restock our water supply. Cristina and her mom are preparing dinner for us and (hopefully) our guests.

2006-03-10T21:47:00.000-04:00

Kay and I bonded over our common klutzhood tonight. I like to consider myself an acrobatic and energetic fellow. However, when I am around people I'm not yet close to or in situations where I should be a role model (at the schools), I have to restrain this urge. I let it out by dancing and singing to Big Wave 96.7 FM while doing the dishes by myself downstairs. It has only been manifested publically a handful of times while I've been here. One example was tonight when Albert was driving his pick-up out from behind the Centre. The other guys were sitting in the back, chillin' out, maxin, relaxin' all cool. I naturally wanted to join them, so I hopped up into the truck. I miscalculated how fast the vehicle was moving. My feet got in, but my body was still airborne. Physics phans, recall that a projectile will rotate around its center of gravity. My center of gravity was some feet above and behind the truck. The back wall of the truck basically flicked my feet forward, spinning me into a mid-air cartwheel. I landed rather gracefully I must admit. Janeel thought it was the funniest thing he'd ever seen. He's probably right. That was fun!

"Mexican rape women 'denied help' "

2006-03-08T10:40:00.000-04:00

[See update bellow.]

... in two ways. The BBC article only says that the injustice is that rape victims are being withheld from having abbortions for stigmatic, dogmatic and political reasons I don't care to get into. It is a crying shame that the fundamental issue at hand is completely ignored in the article:

Rapes. Are. Happening.

We all know that the media simply doesn't focus on the big issues like the genocide in Darfur, hundreds of millions of starving people on every (populated) continent, governments' members intentionally leaving their constituents in poverty. You would think thattoday being International Women's Day is enough reason to address the sexual oppression of 50 percent of humanity. I won't go off on a rant beacuse most of my readers understand where I'm coming from anyway.

In honour of today I will finish reading Dr. Michael Penn's essay published in The Bahá'í World 2003-2004, "Inner Enlightenment, Moral Refinement, and Justice: Antidotes to Domestic Violence."

[Here in St. Kitts and Nevis it is Women's Month. From the five minutes I heard of Voices on WINN FM that day, I heard that there is a very healthy attitude among at least a portion of the polutation about the advancement of women. Regarding the question of a female prime minister, the consensus (from both male and female callers) was that it would be very beneficial. They said that women are more qualified for decision making as they do so in the home, where fathers are usually absent. One caller said a woman is more likely to be honest in handling money – they call this transparency and value it very much here.

I'm still reading the essay by Michael Penn. It is good!]

Back in Basseterre

2006-03-07T23:59:00.000-04:00

That's where Kay is. Becky, CJ, Darlene, and I were so happy and excited to see her walk out of the terminal. We hid behind pillars and ran out, singing "We love you Kay" (tune from "We love you Conrad"). Well, the girls did most of the singing ... it's a pretty public place. :-)

At tonight's virtues training for CAP, I got be first shot at (this kind of) facilitating. I did an alright job, but I need to prepare and practise more for tomorrow, when I will be presenting by myself. I'm looking forward to the freedom and control of being the lone-facilitator, but am also a bit scared of messing up without having CJ to set me straight. She really knows her stuff. She knows what to say, when to say it and how to say it so the participants become engaged. I'll get there.

I finished up my application for Johns Hopkins University's Center for Talented Youth. This job opportunity is really exciting. If I am accepted, I should find out within a month or two, but as late as June. I'll find out about the possible position at Green Acre by the first week in April. Yá-Bahá'u'l-Abhá! یا بهأ الابها

2006-03-06T23:59:00.000-04:00

Mona is right; I should be updating more often. While from one perspective – my current one – not much significant has been happening, I might want to remember what happened during these missing days from my chronicles. My children will read this. So let this post be dedicated to them.

Today, Cristina and I started a four-night Virtues Project training session. It's for the after school tutoring programme I've been griping about. I am seeing more and more that it doesn't have what it takes to even get started, let alone making an impact on the lives of the targeted children. I am very hesitant to be closely associated with it because I feel it would be inappropriate for the Bahá'í year of service youths to waste their time on something will bear no fruit. Oh well, I am fulfilling the commitment I made by facilitating the training.

Lloyd was on TV tonight. There was panel on ZIZ [read "zed eye zed"] about men addressing the status of women or something along those lines. It must have to do with Wednesday being the UN's International Women's Day. This morning I wrote a message to the MySpace people about an ad that exposes negligence of the equality of women and men (available upon request). Darlene, Lloyd, 'Tina, and I discussed the ~~age-old~~ several-epochs-old question of only men being on the Universal House of Justice. (That's right! I'm putting the tricky spot on here. It's the Faith: take it our leave it.)

I recieved a letter of recommendation from my high school teacher that made my day. I keep in mind, though, that it is the Bahá'í Faith to which I can thank for who I am.

Hmm... I'd like to track back and recount the things I've missed, but it's too late... too bad.

The fast Fast.

2006-03-05T23:59:00.000-04:00

Yesterday's children and junior youth class [Is there a term that encompasses children, junior youth and youth???] was, again, overall positive – a success. Cristina taught the children about the Fast. I taught the junior youth with Walking the Straight Path. Since the two male junior youth were in town selling seasoning peppers, 'erbs and breadfruit to give the profit to the Fund, it was just me and Teanna. Even though I was able to make up some appropriate discussion on the spot, I need to "pre-read" and prepare much more thoroughly if I'm going to be a decent animator. I can't wait to get the official training.

This Fast is going by fast, boy! I need to redouble my meditation and reading to maximise its benefit.

Darlene and I had a great morning at the beach, and cleaned the first floor of the Centre. (CJ is spending nights in Nevis until her folks get here because Darlene – and I, kinda – can't take the anxiety of her possibly hurting herself again.)

Pictures Galor!

2006-02-28T22:18:00.000-04:00

[Added: Michael has created a wonderful presentation about the volunteering that we American Bahá'í youth (him, CJ, LD, Philip, and I) have been doing here in St. Kitts.]

Kay created this ginormous collection of pictures from St. Kitts as an Ayyám-i-Há present. I pass it on to you for your viewing pleasure. As she said, to cite that proverb, there are 1,700,000 words there – much more than I can convey in my own words on this blog.
http://www.caribgram.shutterfly.com/ (Use password "sunshine")

Busy day: Early morning lettuce box run to the ferry terminal. Half hour wait for annual registration of Lloyd's car. (D'oh! If I was CJ or Kay I would have chatted up a storm and made at least two friends. Oh well, I'll use shyness and sleepiness as excuses.) Meeting with guidance counsellor at Washi about "Breezes..." on the horizon. (Yay, junior youth groups!) Dentist: the soonest I can get a filling is late April! Social Skills session at Bronte Welsh Primary School. (The kids were more pleasant, but it was still very challenging on mental, emotional and spiritual levels.) and...

Book 2 with Carla and Jamal! This was the best part of the day. The other day I reviewed pp. 42-43 of Book 7, which is about being enthusiastic while tutoring. That reminded me of the reasons we're doing this and how much I love it. God bless Carla. She is "steadfast as a rock" and totally dedicated. She's subtly and unintentionally whipping us into shape.

2006-02-27T23:18:00.000-04:00

Our appointments at Cayon and Washington Archibald High Schools were cancelled this morning because of scheduling conflicts. No skin off our backs.

There might be some skin coming of my nose in a week or so, though. I didn't put on sunscreen before Lavonne, CJ, and I spent about an hour at the Marriot (Atlantic) beach. I haven't been there since Kay was here. We saw a cute baby pet monkey named Sammy.

Fist Ayyám-i-Há gift of the day: Downtime, during which I heard an unfamiliar voice on the Bahá'í Centre's voicemail. It wound up being a Bahá'í woman whom we haven't met yet. (This is very surprising considering how small the island is.)

Second Ayyám-i-Há gift of the day: (You may recall that I gave an over-heated gentleman water on J'Ouvert morning. I assumed he was a tourist...) As I started the car to pull off from the auto supply shop, up pulls the man and his wife right next to me. I make I contact, first confused trying to place the faces. Then I said with a smile, "Carnival. I gave you water." I had tried to get in touch with him that day in December, but long since gave up, assuming they didn't live here. They had tried to find me, too. So I (plus one friend) have an appointment – which I have to reschedule because of Book 1, Book 1-intro, and Feast all on the same night – for dinner at their home.

Third Ayyám-i-Há gift of the day: An evening in Sandy Point, being ever-too-brief, positive influences in the lives of some children in Becky's tutoring programme. Meanwhile, I became more comfortable about the future of the large, ambitious programme Victoria is starting ... mainly because it just might be a window to some major study circle action.

I wish you all a splendorific Ayyám-i-Há and a superbly spiritually uplifting Fast.

Happy Ayyám-i-Há

2006-02-25T23:59:00.000-04:00

It behoveth the people of Bahá, throughout these days, to provide good cheer for themselves, their kindred and, beyond them, the poor and needy, and with joy and exultation to hail and glorify their Lord, to sing His praise and magnify His Name.
– Bahá'u'lláh

All over the world Bahá'ís have begun celebrating Ayyám-i-Há.

Here in St. Kitts we had a party this afternoon to ring in this joyful period. It was truly wonderful. It went very smoothly. CJ planned the programme. I finished up the yard work. Darlene gave a sweet (beautiful sweet, not Napoleon Dynamite-sweet) introduction to and explanation of these Intercalary Days.

The children through youth put on another excellent skit. It told of a time that enemies came upon Bahá'u'lláh's home in Baghdád at night to harm him. Instead of running, as the believers begged Him to, He welcomed the would-be attackers as guests. He generously gave them all scrumptious food, and they were transformed into friends.

There was great food brought by guests and made by us in collaboration with the children and junior youth.

CJ and I learned valuable lessons in working with children and planning events. Children need to be directed, not democratically included in every step of a process. They like it better and so do we. Umm... I can't remember any other lessons right now.

The only thing that didn't go well was the fiasco after some violence between two boys. It started with an accident (as I understand it), but the next boy, who is very accustomed to violence responded the way he knew how. Needless to say, the mother of Boy 1 was infuriated. Boy 2 was sent home by three angry mothers. I sat with him outside the gate. I tried to build him up. The poor child (who happens to be mentally challenged) just doesn't recieve enough love. I encouraged him to remember that God loves him (after deducing that his parents don't show their love to him) every time someone hurts him. We hugged a couple times. He needs so much more!

Darlene and I spent a half hour at Ruby and Ruth's. They're wonderful people. They care so much about the children of the island and take their jobs (primary school guidance counsellor and director of curriculum development) very seriously.

Overall, it was a great day! Truly charactarized by joy. I hope the rest of Ayyám-i-Há is just as pleasant, for us and for you!

Pictures ~~are forthcoming.~~ have arrived.

To copy Javad ...

2006-02-24T18:06:00.000-04:00

... and to see how others see me and maybe learn something about myself, I am asking you (if you know mw at least a little bit) to help build a Johari window (a picture of my personality) here:

http://kevan.org/johari?name=Leif9

You can make one for yourself, too.

2006-02-22T00:24:00.000-04:00

We (Darlene has been here for over two weeks, by the way – except for 24 hours in St. Maarten.) started the day with prays for the grieving family and the souring soul. I gave Gene some compuhelp in the morning. CJ and I prepared a lesson plan for the social skills session at Bronte Welsh Primary School for this afternoon.

The session started out well, and got a bit organized. We didn't account for some of the student's strong will, which happened to frequently be opposite ours. Nothing new. ... When one of the boys was hurting another, RAGE ignited inside me. I truly hated what he was doing – intentionally using all his strength to inflict his classmate with pain. As we left, we found a boy crying intensely because a next boy "just done bang me up." Cristina compassionately stood with him until he felt better. I tried my darndest to communicate to the lingering classmates how horrible violence is, but the majority of them really believed that it is the best thing.

Maybe I associated myself with the boys that were being banged up. For whatever reason the injustice and violence, assumed normal and acceptable by the perpetrators, got me real mad. I felt like driving really fast and screaming as loud as I can, but my reason withheld me: we have an image to uphold. I know these children are not to blame; their victims of the system. I let some of the steam out by drop-kicking the wall of the Centre a few times. Finally, I turned to the healing power of the Word, which helped a lot.

O SON OF MAN!
My calamity is My providence, outwardly it is fire and vengeance, but inwardly it is light and mercy. Hasten thereunto that thou mayest become an eternal light and an immortal spirit. This is My command unto thee, do thou observe it.
The Hidden Words of Bahá'u'lláh, Arabic #51

I have idealism, but need to keep developing my patience and humility. What these children need most is genuine love. The best we can hope to do is let them feel loved.

Book 2 is back in business! Yay! Carla is so dedicated and has so much to offer the community. Desparate times (study circles don't meet) call for desparate messures (one-on-one study "points").

Darlene gave me this special magic gel to put on to reduce this mucusy cough that has been bothering me for too long.

bittersweet.

2006-02-20T23:59:00.000-04:00

Today was mostly characterized by joy.

Cristina and I had appointments to work with junior youth and youth at Cayon and Washington Archibald High Schools this morning. Neither went as planned, but the way we consulted, thought on our feet, and whipped up something at least moderately effective was a testament to how we've grown while being here. We had no one to turn to for emergency last second advice, but we did just fine anyway. Teaching is definitely possible. Not easy, but possible.

I tried ital food (vegetarian Rasta food) for the first time with Becky and her sister. Very good.

I wound up driving CJ to her basketball practice in Cayon. [Added: pictures] I was initally annoyed, but I read a sweet book about a girl's perspective of pilgrimage in 1919 when `Abdu'l-Bahá was in Haifa. I also read some great material by Him about the unity of religion. Reality is singular; so is religious truth.

I returned to the Centre to find emailed pictures of the beloved NEBY Fest. I got to chat with friends who were there and get snippets of the joy they felt.

They bitter part came when I found out someone I have respected, admired, and appreciated for years passed away suddenly this evening. Please keep him and his family in your prayers. It's beatiful that he was still able to do what he loved, serving the sevants of Bahá'u'lláh, until his last day on this plane. Thank you, Alex...

What I get out of this is that you really can't take anything for granted and that God is really in control. Even though I want very much to work and Green Acre and the CTY programme this summer, I really have to let go of my attachment to certain results and just go with the flow and do my best along the way. Living in an imagined future (even though it's just months away) takes away mental and emotional energy that, in my heart, I would rather be dedicating to the people of Saint Kitts and Nevis. I need to live in the now. "We are walking in Thy path and have no aim or hope save the diffusion of thy fragrance..." Loosing sight of that would be a disservice to myself and those I love.

Current Music: "Say Uncle" by Vienna Teng

What's new?

2006-02-18T23:59:00.000-04:00

The past week hasn't been very busy. We're becoming more friendly with the local Bahá'ís. And by that I mean forming friendships as opposed to acquaintances – Thaddeus-style. CJ has plans to make cheescake with Rosemary. Ilva is going to take us to the Marriot for breakfast tomorrow morning. She stopped by for our weekly devo this morning. We visited Gene's house ... She has a wonderful home, wonderful garden, wonderful family. All her children are brilliant stars - intelligent and loving. Her husband is very honourable and a great father. They have special spiritual family time every week.

Tonight CJ and I drove out to Sandy Point for the last night of this Hosanna 2006 two-week concert, put on by Rebecca's church. This nights theme was rap/hip-hop. It really reminded me of NEBY Fest because it was hip-hop based on sincere respect and love for a Manifestation of God. The artists were trying to get the hestitant audience on their feet - nothing astonishing, but it certainly reminded me of all the performances at NEBY ... which is going on this very weekend! For a while, I felt like I wasn't missing it. One of the artists, SAVO from Tortolla, really spoke to both CJ and me. We both had the thought to let him know about Bahá'u'lláh. After waiting for the drawn-out bring-the-lost-souls-back-to-grace session to end, we approached him. He asked if we were saved. We told him we're Bahá'ís and about Bahá'u'lláh, the Glory of God. It's didn't phase him... no loss.

My last post was borering on melancholy. I am still coughing a lot and can't figure out why, but I'm in high spirits.

Love, Leif

While I Waiver...

2006-02-11T16:32:00.000-04:00

My blog fell back into matter-of-fact mode. Most of my emotional expression has been going into editing this book. That which is left over either is going into excitement about Counsellor Deborah Kirton being here and speaking with the friends or is supressed anxiety about the possibility of CJ's seizures.

The possibility of working at Green Acre this summer got me really excited. But I found out it's not as much of a guarantee as I thought. So I'm working on detachment and giving up my will to the Will of God.

I'm sick today. CJ is doing a good job taking over children's class. We're returning to the Ruhi Book 3 method! Yay!

later.

Update (13-2-06, 2pm): Besides, chances are you wouldn't correctly read my emotions anyway...

1 in 2 chance you'll misunderstand a text-based Internet message

Junior youth, are you ready to lead the way?

2006-02-09T23:59:00.000-04:00

Counsellor Kirton for the Leeward Islands arrived this morning. I had a few conversations with her. Before I was sad that I wouldn't get to see Counsellor Vargas' talk at NEBY Fest, but here in Saint Kitts I got some one-on-one advice from this one. Later she shared with teh friends thoughts, stories and love from the World Centre regarding the recent letter. Really exciting! If I get the pictures from Darlene, I'll post them...

When she was in Dominica, she heard a lot about my grandfather Al Segen and my great aunt Edith Johnson. They pioneered there for years and truely had a lasting impact.

In other news, CJ is spending another night in the hospital because here blood sugar was way too high today. Also, the Bahá'í Centre's new neighbour met with the Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis on Tuesday.

JNF Hospital - another home away from a home away from home

2006-02-08T23:59:00.000-04:00

CJ had another seizure. This time there was no hesitation to jam her with the gloucagon. The panic came when there was a pool of blood under her head.* An ambulance ride, a couple visist to the cashier, two visits from Dr. Thomas, some X-rays and blood tests, and nine hours later everything was hunky-dory. She's spending the night. While the evangelists were bringing some patients to Jesus in case they died the next day, Halva, CJ, another visitor and I played Connect Four. When they came to her, she played it cool: "We can each say a prayer." They did theirs and let her be after she said Bahá'u'lláh's short healing prayer.

Darlene and I cleaned the Centre nice and good for the Counsellor's arrival at 6:25 a.m.

Ruby treated the two of us to dinner at this nice restaurant at the BET Soundstage after we visited some of the fathers who will be in the programme she is organising.

* I'm a bit jumpy after the adventure this morning. I sat with her putting pressure on her head and trying to keep her awake but keep her comfortable. CJ and I hardly touch – just high-fives if that. But I had no problem sticking her with that needle and gently making sure she was alert and safe after her fall. Normal boundaries don't apply in emergency situations, I suppose. I just want her to be okay. Durn, that can be scary, but I kept my cool.

Connections and Coach Carter

2006-02-03T23:59:00.000-04:00

In the morning CJ, Rebecca and I met at Victoria's pad to further plan this tutoring program. I have doubts about its success and sustainability, but I am trying to overcome those. I need to focus on its potential and do what I can to help it.

The unity presentation with the Sandy Point High School Young Leaders went really well. The only do-differetlies are having refelction and integration as a closing and not mentioning the Faith in the schools! [Even though the country is much more open about discussion God, it's exclusively Christ-centric nature might make direct mention more harmful than helpful.]

Next we walked up Brimstone Hill. It was really rigorous, at least by my standards as someone rather physically-idle of late. The view was great. A Kodak moment lost. [I don't mind mentioning the corporation because I have Kodak EasyShare Z730. It's good.]

Dinner and a movie at Rebecca's place. Cory came. The first I saw Coach Carter was with Nicole and LD at Rutgers. This time I got more out of it about leadership to apply in a classroom. Desparate times call for ~~desparate mesures~~ clear direction and strongly enforced boundaries.

So this book I'm editing is co-authored by Susanne Alexander. She is also connected to two people dear to me – in her discussion with Nishat, and, unbeknownst to her, she will meet my mom at Green Acre weekend coming.

Back in the Classroom

2006-02-02T23:59:00.000-04:00

We hardly planned for the reluctant reader session. We played it moderately well by ear. The current was gone so we couldn't play the self-esteem video for the social skills class. The class was short because of scheduling confusion so we only had to make up a little bit off the top of our heads. In between classes I tried to teach a girl to pronounce her Z's.

If CJ and I are going to co-teach we need to figure out a better method. She tends to be very permissive. I try to be authoritative with interspersed fun. The clash feels chaotic and frustrating. I don't feel bad about it. There's no reason to expect it to go really well because neither of us have had real teacher training beyond the Virtues Project and Book 3. It's a process. We're just coming at it from the other end: Many teachers have the training necessary to impart knowledge and control a classroom, without a spiritual / moral backing. We have the spiritual foundation, but zero official training. So we started and will continue to consult about how methods, plans, and how we can co-teach, which requires compromise and detachment.

We felt like watching a movie. So we rented at watched Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. CJ had read the book. I had seen the older movie. We both really enjoyed it. I really appreciated the added theme of Willy's unresolved p...puh...parental issues. It was interesting to compare the other bratty children to Charlie. Charlie, despite being dirt poor, had the best family, which made him the most emotionally mature. Hmm... I remember that I got a lesson in there about teaching. Maybe it was that teachers (parents) need to be sensitive to the needs – not wants – of their students (children) and provide.

2006-02-01T23:59:00.000-04:00

Me wielding a machette to plant a pineapple tree by the Centre's back steps

CJ and I had a great consultation with our Auxiliary Board member this morning. I offered a valuable lesson: Determine your focus, your priority. Then only take on projects and tasks that help you make that goal a reality. You'll have to cut out the things that eat up your time without satisfying any of your needs or true desires.

Book 1 at Irene's went well. They are taking ownership of the responsibility to fulfill the practices that are part of the book. We ended with a popcorn party to celebrate Irene's cast coming off. (Her foot was broken.) The episode of The Cosby Show when Denise wanted to be a teacher without going to college was on. I love that show! She wanted so badly just start teaching in a classroom and having a positive impact on children's lives, but everyone told her she needed a degree first. With a small experiment she realised that she has so much to learn about how to be effective with challenging students, etc. It reminds me of me. So, yes, I am seriously considering going into teaching. I never thought planned to skip college to do it, but I do have plenty of evidence that I have a lot to learn, just from the several classroom experiences so far. Then there's Bahá'í children's classes, which is a whole other animal. Everyone in the world who has completed Book 3 for the sequence of courses offered by the Ruhi Institute is expected to be able to teach children's classes. The concept has certainly been demystified with my weeks and months of children's classes at the Centre, but is definitely hard and requires plenty of creativity and perseverance.

Bible study is back. It is not spiritually enriching for me. It doesn't seem to be for the participants either. Well, I'm being extreme. Like One Common Faith says, there is, of course, still life in the Bible and living by its teachings surely merits confirmations. However, I see the limitations. From the games that tested the collective Bible knowledge of our teams, I gathered that the highest level of spirituality and religious devotion in the lives of the women on my team was to attend and support their church and memorize stories from the Bible. I am of course not saying there is anything wrong with that, but it is sad to see that that is all they are aware of. It is my hope that either we find a way to offer an broader, effective way to serve God by serving humanity to these souls, or we get out and use our time for something productive. Despite that, I will be patient and keep going; CJ loves it and I wouldn't want to not be a part of it because of my impatience.

We went to Ruby's to pick up materials for tomorrow's social skills session. We found out we will be getting a stipend for this volunteering. The assignment is visiting primary schools three days a week for these kind of sessions. There was a bit of a misunderstanding: We aren't looking to get paid and initially rejected the idea. Because of a small cultural difference, we though there was funny business with getting a stipend, but it was cleared up and we understand that it is customary for volunteers to receive stipends. I shouldn't complain if someone wants to give me money.

I am currently working on an application for employment at the Johns Hopkins University Centre for Talented Youth in the summer. With this and the book editting project, I have been staying up until 2 and 3 a.m. for the past couple nights. It's just like college! :-)

Cotton Pickin'

2006-01-31T23:59:00.000-04:00

We had a great meeting with Ms. Liburd at the Curriculum Development Unit. We started organising the curriculum that combines Virtues Project, "Breezes of Confirmation," service projects, moral lessons, and health and family life education. We also developed a framework for assessment; the children will have portfolios to monitor their own progress and will create their own creative personal project at the end of each term. This is really coming together! Then we went coton picking from the tree outside the Unit.

"Calling Every Continent..."

2006-01-31T01:56:00.000-04:00

If you've not yet signed up for pilgrimage, I implore you to see this video. You can buy the DVD, watch a two minute preview (in English, French or Spanish), or download the full half-hour (Quicktime 7) video.

It was so thrilling and moving just to watch the video and hear the piligrims describe their amazing experiences at the Shrines of the Báb and Bahá'u'lláh and so much more.

I am so excited about going!!!!! I'm scheduled to go with part of my family in 2009. That's just around the corner!

Not a bad day, but not my favourite

2006-01-28T23:41:00.000-04:00

Children's class was frustrating. It was pushed up because some of them had an issue with the time. It started out just fine. But as we transitioned from activity to activity (The theme was the Fund – specifically for the Chilean Temple.), we lost the attention of more and more of them. We have been waaaay too permissive in our teaching approach. I found the resultant chaos very uncomfortable. CJ and I really need to think about how to make the class and our teaching methods more effective and enjoyable, for us and for them.

CJ y yo fuimos a una fiesta de cumpleaños con Becky. La mujer tiene sesenta años. متأسفانه, my two years of Spanish don't get me much further than that, so the party was rather boring. CJ had a blast upstairs with the kids. I probably wouldn't have enjoyed it even if more people spoke a significant amount of English. I just do not like being in situations where people are drinking. It was not a dangerous situation, and everyone was "drinking responsibly" – if there is such a thing, but it's not at all pleasant for me to be around it. Call it irrational (and I don't mean to pass judgement on anyone who likes to hangout with friends who drink), but I don't think a Bahá'í has any business to be around drinking. So I decided to leave, prematurely separating CJ from the kids because she shouldn't walk back from the bay to New Pond Site by herself at night.

In between those, there was another meeting about the up and coming afterschool tutoring program. Outside the place a passing gentleman made some comments I didn't understand. They included "white man," "slavery," and "both then and now." He asked how I felt about "the ganjaman, the Rastaman." While I'm not proponent of the ganja, I said that I'm for "peace for everyone and unity." That broke down his misconceptions. I was no longer a threat, but an ally. Three cheers for Bahá'u'lláh letting us know about the ONENESS OF HUMANITY!

First Time This Type of Teaching

2006-01-26T23:59:00.000-04:00

This morning we got to Sandy Point Primary School just in time for the 30 second orientation for substituting. Then I faced the class of fourth graders. The next-door teacher introduced me and warned them to behave with the scary, tattered belt. I copied their assignment onto the board. The children couldn't read my cursive. (They must use a different penmanship book down here, not to mention my less than perfect handwriting.)

"Teacher, that looks like a V." "Thank you. It's an R."
"Teacher! I could go the bathroom to peepee?" "You have one minute. Ready? Go!"
"Teacher, is that at zero or a six?"
Two boys in unison, after raising their held hands: "You're the best teacher we ever had." "Wow! Why?" "Because you're kind to us."

Those boys and another pair were having trouble bickering about something. Now, I only understood about a quarter of what was said in that room. Using some of the Virtues Project knowledge, I usually responded to disagreements or upset students by asking what would help and if they could be more respectful and understanding, whether or not I understood what the problem was. It usually worked. So all I did was ask these boys to focus on their work and to be respectful and peaceful. I guess that's all they need. A testament to the prevalence of capital punishment, if you are blissfully oblivious to the situation in many parts of the world, is that even the other children were recommending that I give an upset, and thus uncooperative, student "licks."

I never really yelled, just an occasional raised voice to help them re-focus their attention on their work. There are obviously ways I could improve (keeping the faster-finishers occupied while others are hardly starting the assignment; encouraging a distraught girl to write so the next teacher won't verbally force feed the assignment into her brain; and having and effectively enforcing clear, concise rules), but they were hardly discouraging. It was my first experience of the kind. I think I did very well for having to official qualifications. It was definitely positive and enjoyable and shows that I am capable of teaching if I choose to.

On our lunch break, CJ and I stopped by Buelah's home in Middle Island. [Linnea, you're right! I need to bring my camera more and share pictures of everything I am doing.] It was wonderful to talk with her and Marissa. She is a caring mother. We discussed children's class and an Ayyám-i-Há party.

Tyrell-Williams Primary School. Work with the reluctant readers: Some of them are quiet reserved and reluctant. It was a challenge, but I could see baby steps of progress being made in some of the children. The time was too short. Work with the "behaviorlly-challenged": Cristina and I had a rather rocky presentation to start with, but Ms. Thomas showed up and saved the day. We'll be back next week.

I visited Ilva and Elvis. They were so warm and welcoming. It felt wonderful to just sit and say prayers with them. She gave me a pinable and tangerines!

Too Much to Catch up

2006-01-24T00:21:00.000-04:00

Okay, I am way behind in my posts. I doesn't make sense for me to put a lot of effort into covering all the details of the past week or two. Here's the highlights in a heartless list. Hopefully this list will prompt me to recall the stories in the future. Go ahead and ask.

A third trip to the hosptital; the fire ants bit the lime-picking Lynda, and she swelled up like crazy. Four-day Virtues Project facilitator training workshop; I actually appreciate what the programme is all about now. Darlene to Huqúq'u'lláh Conference in San Juan, PR. Lynda and Donna to St. Maarten, Anguilla and St. Lucia. A loop around the island with Ms. Ruby Thomas to get familiar with and start volunteering at the various primary schools; I got to change a tire along with her and CJ; I get to hold up my end of the deal to drive the car by paying for the replacement. Devo. Ballot drop-off/pick-up. A fun, hardly structured children and junior youth class. An evening of fun with Halva and Cleon, complete with XO tournament. A home visit and a hospital visit (Robert is in for his diabetes), collected more ballots for the delegate election. Bought a St. Kitts-Nevis calendar; plan to make the recipes it includes. Book One; the family is torn between the competing church communities, but "we like you guys." Administrative meeting with ABM, NSA member and the island's NSA co-liaison. Helped a Bahá'í with computer trouble. Planning meeting for a new after school tutoring programme. All the while, I have been working on editing a book that should be out by the end of next month.

I'll catch up with pictures some day.

Three out of four ain't bad!

2006-01-15T00:05:00.000-04:00

This morning's (1) prayer meeting was very pleasant. We dedicated it to Dhabíhu'lláh Mahramí, who is now considered a martyr for the Cause of Bahá'u'lláh, his family and the to all of the beloved Bahá'ís of Iran steadfastly enduring persecution. If any of them read this, my heartfelt gratitude and love go out to you. I cannot express this enough!

(2) Children and youth/(3) junior youth classes went wonderfully today. In the past, we've had a lot of trouble keeping to any formal activies without everyone running around. Our new approach is to have plenty of fun and active activities to keep everyone engaged. Cristina took the children and started planning for their Ayyám-i-Há performance. I taught the junior youth (and one youth) part of a dance I remembered from the Philly youth dance workshop. I also started the second junior youth book with them – "Walking the Straight Path." Of course, there's plenty of room for improvement, but this had been the best children's class yet! Everyone enjoyed themselves.

Again, the (4) study circle start had been pushed back a week due to participants' other commitments (and due to Cable & Wireless's poor cell service).

Three out of four core activities in one day is certainly something to be happy about!

A Next Update

2006-01-13T23:59:00.000-04:00

Just as Philip encouraged me to actually start recording my adventures, Bill Nedden's encouragement to write down what happens now pushes me out of a lull in my updates. However, this time it will be with more moderation. I want to document the all fun and important events and cut the boring stuff. I'm having success in practicing moderation in my Internet presence.

The staff-wide Virtures Project training at Cayon High School went wonderfully. The highlight was a comment from one middle-aged female teacher. As this term started, she was feeling fed up with teaching and was really ready to quit. But learning about this new perspective of how to interact with students and encourage their growth on all levels through strictly positive tactics has convinced her to keep teaching. I teared a bit.

Cristina got back from the States on Wednesday. The year of service youth pair is back in action. We started by reading the letters.

Bill Nedden, member of the National Spiritual Assembly (administrative body to govern the Bahá'í community at a national level) of the Bahá'ís of the Leeward Islands, and his wife Nora visited us from Antigua on Thursday. They gave us some guidlines and goals for our work in this here second half of my year of service. Devotional gatherings is where it's at, among other things of course. A top priority I have for myself is to flippin' get out of the Centre and meet people – anyone, anywhere. I want to take steelpan lessons.

Halva took we two youth to see Harry Potter this evening, but King Kong was playing instead. I enjoyed it. Lynda is shocked at me still being awake at 1:14 am. Good night.

Kittitian Crime

2006-01-10T09:32:00.000-04:00

I am planning on starting a series of installments about various aspects of Kittitian culture. I hadn't considered mentioning this one like this.

This morning I awoke at 8:00 am to the phone ringing – nothing new. It was Dr. Ruth Thomas saying she would be by in a little while to drop off the digital and overhead projectors for this weeks Virtues Project training at Cayon High School. Over the wall, I told the still-in-bed Lynda the message, so I was free to lie back down. At 8:07 an altercation in the street could be heard, riddled with the word "ƒ∪¢κ." That can't be Ruth, I thought. I heard a smash or bang. Definitely not. It was and Lynda went down to meet her. As I walked to the balcony, I heard another similar noise. When I got there, I saw the taxi quickly pulling forward,a young man running the opposite direction around the corner, and Ruth and Lynda standing in the flash rain shower in disbelief.

The driver came in. Lynda doctored up deep cut in his shoulder. In Lynda's estimation, the man who ran was a Rastaman on the ganja. He didn't like how close the driver pulled up next to him and he made in known verbally and by smashing the driver's window with a beer bottle. The driver called the police and TDC Insurance to report the situation. It's 9:00 am and I don't think the police have arrived as yet, even thought their station is a one minute drive away.

There is increasing violent crime in St. Kitts, as there is throughout several of the Caribbean islands. The driver said, "Now I'd get in trouble if I did anything," implying a vengeful attitude. There have been at least four murders (and many more stabbings and shootings) on the island since I have been here. I assume many Kittitians are getting scared. I haven't been. I'm still not, but the "what if" flashes through my mind. I hope and pray that I would remain level headed and do whatever would be necessary to pacify the situation and reduce harm to others. A story of `Abdu'l-Bahá comes to mind. He told His companions that if someone came into the tent wielding a sword, intending to harm them, He would attempt to protect them.

Parents and loved ones, worry not. There is no immediate danger. Nothing has changed from the time I arrived. I just feel it is now appropriate to mention this aspect of life in St. Kitts because it happened so close to home – in front of the Baha'i Centre. Safety-wise, I suppose it is similar to staying in a major U.S. city, even which I know my parents would be concerned about. I assure you that we are taking the appropriate precautions. Lynda says she is now justified in her nagging us to keep the front door closed and locked at all times. I agree and am thankful.

I am here for good reason and thus feel protected.

Happy New Week!

2006-01-07T23:59:00.000-04:00

This weekend a Book 2 study circle, children's classes, and a Book 1 study circle were scheduled to begin now that the Carnival season is over. They were all delayed until a later point. "A little patience is required." I also see that it is important to confirm an event the day before even if you thought everyone was ready and willing to attend.

For dinner I done fry myself some plaintain (mmm... GOOD!) and failed at making beans and rice. It's nice to be making my own meals in a way. I like the independence. I know that if I mash up the meal, no one will care and I'll still eat it.

In other news, the virtues training in Anguilla is over, and now the virtuous trainers are staying here an the Centre. I had been cleaning, but since their arrival this evening was a last minute suprise the Centre still was a couble degrees away from spotless. Lesson learned: Clean up you're mess the firt chance you get instead of putting it off.

I Feel Good!

2006-01-03T23:21:00.000-04:00

I have been online less, cleaning more, sleeping earlier, and, therefore, more consistently happier. Millie's Burmudian sisters and mother are sleeping at the Centre tonight. Spending time with them really makes me appreciate both their company and how special it is to being living in a Bahá'í Centre. Also, I just found out that me and my friends just got a really exciting letter – one that will shape the future of humanity!

A Full Day

2005-12-31T23:59:00.000-04:00

This post is too long. The interesting parts are in black.

After the weekly prayer meeting, at which I was the only attendee, a bunch of feelings hit me at once. I'm homesick and lonely, envious of everyone who gets to spend time with their loved ones. I miss my family and friends! I'm a bit depressed with the lack of activity in this Bahá'í community. I'm hard on myself for not doing more about it and for my personal development. So I had an emotional breakdown. It felt good though. I wanted it to happen. It's been a long time since I had "a good cry" as Margot would say.

Well, look at that. I'm letting myself be soft, publicly. Who'd a' thunk it?

Next I visited Robert, the older, deepened Bahá'í "shut-in." He was appreciative. I helped his granddaughter read a prayer and read her a story about `Abdu'l-Bahá.

Tomorrow we're making fish soup, so I bought the ingredients this afternoon. When I stopped by the Centre for my Obligatory Prayer on the balcony, I LOCKED MYSELF OUT! I imagined having to wait for Halva to show up and having him make some phone calls so Albert could bring the key. But fortunately, I've been planning for such a situation. I had been wondering if I could squeeze through the panes of the balcony window. It just so happens that I can – after taking off my shorts, staining my shirt and some minor damage to the window and my foot.

Upon my return from shopping, I found Cleon the Jehovah's Witness waiting outside. We had lunch together and discussed this and that about the Biblical prophecies of "the last days" that have been fulfilled.

An excursion to town with Cleon and Halva exposed me to the Kittitian gentleman's game, checkers. They are intense here! It was like those chess-in-the-park scenes from Searching for Bobby Fischer.

Halva and I each called family and friends from Kuwait to New Hampshire to St. Croix to wish them a happy (Gregorian) new year.

Becky invited us out to Sandy Point to go to church with Cory and her. That's what a lot of Kittitians do for New Years. Either that, counting down in town, or sleeping through it. (New Years isn't as big here as in the States.) The music was powerfully loud. (Kittitians seem to really like their loud music and huge sepakers.) The preacher's sermon, while seemingly about new year's resolutions, was actually about the changes that Bahá'u'lláh has initiated in the world. At the end he called each person to be annointed by him. Not for me. I'm not about to place a fellow human above me, pertending he is responsible for my relationship with God.

The four of us lit a dud firework. Halva and Cory debated Christian theology. Becky really wants to do Book 2: Arising to Serve!

Lessons in culture

2005-12-30T20:13:00.000-04:00

My friends Tandeka, Debora and Salman (and Sahar whom I haven't met) made it into the Portsmouth Herald... Click here!

Away for the Holidays

2005-12-29T23:45:00.000-04:00

This is the first time I am spending the holiday season away from family. Miquela and Cristina took a break from their years of service to see their families. I really do wish I could see my family in Jersey and my friends at Winter School. At least `Abdu'l-Bahá said, "...separation is only of our bodies, in spirit we are united. Ye are the lights which shall be diffused; ye are the waves of that sea which shall spread and overflow the world."

The guy on the radio is giving valuable advise between the songs. It's strange because each one answered the exact thoughts and prayers that where going through my head just before he said it.

You've got to love yourself before you can love others. "Think about it."
You must focus on the positive things you've done, not your mistakes
Instead of holding yourself back by tell yourself you can't, focus those energies on doing it. Don't look for motivation from others; find it within yourself. Growth is doing things you've never done before, things you never dreamed you could. Look into your heart and you'll find the tools you need to accomplish anything.

Current Music: "When You Believe" from The Prince of Egypt (I love that movie!)

Jaz Plays Jazz

2005-12-29T22:12:00.000-04:00

Today I did half my laundry and started the huge project of deep cleaning the kitchen. I'm sick of these unwelcome roaches and ~~rats~~* mice.

Tonight I drove Jaz to the Marriot again. On the way he told me that a couple of Harry Belafonte's songs, including "Banana Boat," were stolen from Kittitian canefield workers and songwriters who didn't study copyright laws. He also told me that true calypso is something only West Indians can perform. It's ingrained in the culture.

I stuck around to hear him play for a bit, while I read some more of Gary Matthews' The Challenge of Bahá'u'lláh. Boy, he is good! He mostly plays American music at the hotel beacuse that's what the guests like. The place is packet with toursits! Attention potential Caribbean tourists: if you're planning on liming in the hotel, having some drinks at the bar, visiting the casino, you might as well stay in the States. If you're coming to the Caribbean or anywhere for that matter, see the real country. I'm sorry, but it's ridiculous to see all these comparatively rich visitors relaxing while a couple miles aware many people are starving or at least living at a lower standard of living.

Anywho, I'm happy to have such a musical evening!

To top it off, I spoke to some of my dearest and bestest friends in the world tonight over Skype! I am happy!

*I can't help the urge to alliterate

Current Music: "Lazy Days" by Enya

2005-12-27T20:15:00.000-04:00

Becky invited me to the beach with her, Cory, and friends from Sandy Point. Nikki was there. Halva showed up. We had a lot of fun playing volley ball and football. and playing in the sand. A little later Nikki picked me up. After stopping by her house in Bird Rock (There is such an great view of teh sunset, the bay and Basseterre!), we went for a walk to Frigate Bay and back. We talked about religion, jobs, pets. I'm happy to make another friend. I've been wanting to find a moderately active activity, so I hope I'll get more chances to walk with her and her friends. We got a lift back to her place from a kind man. Then he took me home to New Pond Site. His car was like the "sardine" truck from Crusin' World. Good times.

J'ouvert

2005-12-26T23:59:00.000-04:00

I woke up at 4 am, intending to go to the J'ouvert Morning Jump-Up in town – one of the main parts of Carnival, but decided against it and went back to sleep. I wound up going in the late morning with Halva to catch the tail end of it, and found out what J'ouvert is. Dozens of speakers are piled on top of these gigantic platforms. A band and its groupies are positioned in and on each of these structures. You can feel the sound pounding your chest from 50 feet away. These edifices are pulled by tractors around and around a few blocks in town. The streets are completely packed with people drinking and jamming. More than once were Halva and I right next to an almost-riot that was broken up by the stick-carrying SKNDF. Until I get my pictures up, check out these.

It was good that I went, though. As the Jump-Up was winging down, Halva and I were standing next to an older couple. The man had taken of his shirt and his wife was fanning him. I offered my water, which he drank and poured on his head. He was loosing consciousness. Someone called the ambulance. I bought them two more waters. I tried to find him later by calling the hospital, but they didn't know who I was talking about. At least I was able to help.

Christmas

2005-12-25T23:59:00.000-04:00

Zzzzz. Ring! Ring! "Good morning. Bahá'í Centre." "Hey, Leif. It's Jaz. I'm coming over on the eight o'clock ferry." "I'll be there." When I get there, there is no Jaz. I wait for the next ferry which delivers the Williams family. Lloyd calls and clarifies that I'm to pick up Jaz on Market Street and take him to the Marriot. I want to hear him play sometime.

After picking up Millie's pawpaw casserole from the Caribe Queen, I went to Donsie's house for Christmas dinner, which was actually served around 2 pm. I was redirected to pick up Lloyd and his in-laws who were on an island tour in Albert's bus when the something went wrong with the spark plugs. The dinner was very good. I didn't mingle with the core family of the house, but I played with Mauréley (Donsie's granddaughter) and chatted with Vera (Millie's Bermudian sister).

Poor Halva. I'm pretty sure the sweet, kind gentleman spent the day by himself. He came by the Centre and asked if I could look up the phone number of a friend of his from the states. My pleasure, but my Internet connection stopped working.* He wanted to call his family in St. Croix, but that didn't work either. Because Christmas is culturally the time for everyone to be with people who care about them, it must be really hard for him. He's not the only one. I saw old men alone in town. Of course, I was kind to him, but I wish I could have done more to make him feel loved.

*The Cable & Wireless help desk is closed until tomorrow. Nothing I've tried has worked to fix it. I'm pretty sure God took the Internet away from me because I am too attached to it. I'll pray for detachment. It should do me some good.

SERIOUSLY!

2005-12-24T23:59:00.000-04:00

The junior calypso show was amazing last weekend. It showed how much potential this island has. It's all there in the hearts of those junior calypsonians and whoever wrote their songs. Tonight Halva and I went to the ferry terminal for part of a real adult calypso show. First I had on toursit goggles and thought it was fun. But everything about it was mediocre (if that!) in comparison to the junior show. It started over two hours late. The band was not up to snuff. The lyrics were horrific – about nothing.

I'm sorry to be critical, but Kittitians can do better than this. I know because I have seen plenty of evidence.

The worst part – I am ashamed for not leaving the second it started – was a song performed by a woman called Foxy, "Are You Ready to Whine?" She asked for a brave volunteer. She urged the 11-year-old boy to dance, lifting up his shirt. He did. She grinded ... my Lord, the poor boy! I can't bear to type it, but you get the idea. The so-called "men" of the audience laughed and cheered. I am so mad that it was allowed to happen. Here in a "Christian" nation. On Christmas Eve.

On a lighter note, Halva greeted several people in town with a clearly heartfelt "Seasons Greetings." That made me happy.

Cleanliness & Guyanese

2005-12-23T11:27:00.000-04:00

Darlene demands that every building that caries the name of Bahá'u'lláh exhibits the high standards of cleanliness and orderliness to which He calles His followers. So we are scrubbing the Bahá'í Centre thoroughly. I hope to keep it is tip-top shape. It won't be easy. I never kept my room organised for long in my life, but I hope to keep such a loft reason as my motivation. If such is true of a Bahá'í Centre, so it should be for a Bahá'í. I hope I can remember this back home and at Rutgers.

Desond and his daughter Maurice from Guyana stopped by the Centre just now. It's the second surprise visit from a foreign Bahá'í since I've been here. She'll be here for two weeks. I hope to meet with her more. Maybe she can help with children's classes on Saturday.

Carnival Time

2005-12-22T23:59:00.000-04:00

More and more exiciting things keep happening – too much for me to include in a post without being long winded. I'll give you a brief overview. Alas, I must leave out many details.

The children's class was a pandimonium. All our plans always go out the window. We need powerful flexibility and need to match our plans up with what actually happens each week. I hope to start "Walking the Straight Path" with Teanna and the Millingtons or whoever else might come.

Saturday night was the start of Carnival. Halva, Becky, Cory, Cristina and I went to the (free) junior calypso competition in Warner Park. They sang wonderful songs about unity, education reform, a "Crime-Free Nation", and the "Signs" (of revelation) They are so intune with Bahá'u'lláh's message, it's ridiculous! Hearing the band that accompanied the calypsonians, made me want to play my trombone again. I wish I could play like them. God knows if I'll persue that in the future.

Despite uncertainties, the camp Ruby told us about actually happened. A gentleman from Trinidad trained about half of the volunteer counsellors on Sunday. The "Moving to Excellence" camp was on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. The lunch being hours late made for a miserable Monday. But the next two days were enjoyable for everyone involved, I think. I taught "We Are Drops" to the third grade class. Both the students and the teachers copied it down for themselves! [UPDATE: Pictures]

Cristina's father is Christian. So she went home to spend time with family for Christmas, leaving Wednesday afternoon from Nevis. We took a dip in the cold Caribbean water with the camp organiser Mr. Ragoonanan after the last day of camp. That evening Ruby treated Darlene, Ruth, Ragoo and me to dinner at Fisherman's Wharf. The evening ended with sparkling apple-grape juice at the Bahá'í Centre. I felt like a ten-year-old that got to go out with his older brother and his friends because there was no one to baby sit him. I didn't understand 80 percent of the discussions because of the accents, but I had fun being out with the older "kids" having fun. I did hear Ragoo say, "Stay sweet, Leaf."

Tomorrow I will take Darlene to the airport. She returns to St. Maarten for now. Darlene is wonderful. She is reading Revelation of Bahá'u'lláh: Volume 4 and sharing such great insights. I love her. She makes me happy. I am also thankful for the chance to be by myself after being with others for so long. It will test what I have learned about cooking, teachings, living in St. Kitts.

Becky invited me to go Chirstmas carolling in Sandy Point. I saw some of the children I met at Becky's tutoring session and at Ruby's camp. I also met two Windsor students. I'm already making new friends! Yay!

Watch the Sunrise over Planet Leif's Head

2005-12-20T23:59:00.000-04:00

"Wrongly imprisoned Baha'i dies in Iranian jail"

2005-12-20T23:17:00.000-04:00

How could I post about Wi-Fi and not mention this, and still consider myself a Bahá'í blogger?

On Monday, the day before the UN passed another resolution against the persecution of Bahá'ís in Iran, Dhabihu'llah Mahrami died of unknown causes in an Iranian government prison. Bahá'í World News Service reports:

Mr. Dhabihu'llah Mahrami, 59, was held in a government prison in Yazd under harsh physical conditions at the time of his death.

His death comes amidst ominous signs that a new wave of persecutions of Baha'is has begun. This year so far, at least 59 Baha'is have been arrested, detained or imprisoned, a figure up sharply from the last several years.

Arrested in 1995 in Yazd on charges of apostasy, Mr. Mahrami was initially sentenced to death. His sentence was later commuted to life imprisonment after an international outcry and widespread media attention.

... I'll post another update soon. We're busy, busy, busy.

Update: Amnesty International: "Iran: Inquiry needed in the death of Bahai prisoner of conscience"

Kenya, Can Ya ... ?

2005-12-16T23:59:00.000-04:00

This afternoon I sat in the suite of the women from Kenya with three boys. We were watching TV and making conversation while our female companions were busy trying on clothes – Cristina and their mother and grandmother, respectively. The boys are from Las Vegas. Their mom grew up in St. Kitts. Their grandmother commanded silence and touch-nothing-ness by threatening with the belts that are on sale. The youngest boy, 3, seemed on the verge of tears, but we had some quality discussion about whether or not him pinching me hurt, and that my food is in my tummy, and that you can't see it even when you go "AHHH." The older two (first and sixth grade) and I consulted the moral dillemna portrayed in Ed, Edd n Eddy. Which is more important: getting free candy before the store closes or saving your friend who is being carried away by stampeding chickens?

I got the card of one of the women. The other one has been to the Bahá'í World Centre. (I have to wait until 2009.) If I'm ever in Nairobi I hope to meet up with them.

Look, Mamma. No Hair.

2005-12-15T23:59:00.000-04:00

Halva cut my hair Wednesday - not bad for only using scissors. Darlene says I have a nice head.

That night we went to the Christmas party for the Bible study. We forgot to take pictures. It was a fun evening with Christmas carols, a potluck dinner, stories and jokes.

Today's training session didn't happen because the guidance counsellor organising it was shipped out of town for a conference. In the evening, we went to a Christmasy event at the circus in town. When I kneeled next to Haile, he threw his arm around my neck! I wish I could see him more. I got to talk Luba, Gene's husband. He's Rasta and has a great view that we all are searching for truth and need to overcome the obstacles that humanity has inherited from its ancenstors. He seems like a great dad. There were two Kenyan sisters visiting to sell some crafts. We talked with them for a good while. Now that I've started traveling it's fun to talk with other travelers. Check out the pictures!

You know, from last night's party and meeting people tonight I see that I'm less shy and more willing to start a conversation with a stranger - something I used to rarely do. But being the stranger in a new country, I'm forced to overcome it. I'm thankful.

Update: I just added a new post for 5 December, complete with a puzzle!

Update

2005-12-13T23:59:00.000-04:00

Saturday was the children's Arts Day – a fun substitute for regular classes to get them interested in coming again. Most of the regulars, plus Irene's boys, were there. We prayed then baked a cake with the children. They selected a prayer or quote that they liked and then decorated them (visual arts). Next they prepared a way to present it (performing arts). Update: Check out the pictures here!

Gene and Yahzon came to see the presentations. Afterwards, Yahzon hung around for dinner and the Christmas concert Teanna was in. We had a "discussion," in which he told us our Faith was "stupidness" and "Balala" "preaches against Yahweh." Unfortunately, Kishorn and Jamal (young children) were there to hear the animated discourse that was contrary to Bahá'í beliefs and could have been very confusing for them.

Cristina and I made a pact with Yazon. Every morning and evening we will pray: "Father Yahweh, is what Jason is telling us the truth? In Hamishea Yashua's name I pray." (He chose the phrasing.) And he likewise asks whether Bahá'u'lláh is legit.

On Sunday morning we went to the Jehovah's Witness service Cleon invited us to. He wasn't there. The are very friendly people. Cristina was really moved and wrote a short story about it. We got there late, but the chunk we were there for was an interactive Ruhi-level-one review of something written by the Watchtower society. There's more about that, but I don't feel like writing it. That day we also had Feast at the Centre. No one else came, but we still studied the Ridván 2005 letter together.

Darlene returned yesterday!!! We went to the beach. It's been a few weeks since we last went. The water is "cold". I started reading "Building Momentum."

After we had Feast at Ernie's house, Yahzon came by the Centre as scheduled. As promised, Darlene's response to him will give an adequate picture of her. While C and I had been rather supine in talking with him and taking time to follow him through all the scriptural references, Darlene was direct. She asked the right questions to cut through the confusion and see that there is not enough common ground between our beliefs to carry on a sensible discussion. Despite this, he continues to talk at us. He tells Cristina that she's going to "come home" soon. He considers her his bride.

Thank God for Bahá'u'lláh!

My Day as a Chauffeur or Continuous Confirmations or The Friday Night Lime

2005-12-09T12:00:00.000-04:00

Today was non-stop.

Halva came by in the morning to work on his jewellery. I drove him into town to pick up his pliers. Lavonne came to visit. I drove with her to pick up fish soup, drove with halve to pick up conch chowder, ate, drove Lavonne to work at the Marriot, drove by the Honeyman, and dropped Halva in town.

Cristina and I then met Becky at Sandy Point High School (half hour away) for a Young Leaders meeting. They're creating a music video about unity. We weren't really doing anything, so I was a little annoyed. Just as I got up to leave, some of the students started a conversation with us. That was fun. We exchanged emails. C and I would like to start a discussion group with them if they're interested. *cough* Ruhi! *cough*

While Becky was teaching a friend to read, C and I explored the library. Looking over some diff. eq., I was both excited about getting back to studying next fall, and reminded that I need to review a lot to be comfortable with my math and phsyics knowledge again.

Then, dinner and a movie at Becky's apartment with Becky, Cory, C, Trista and Amika. Barbecue chicken, Fruta (!), banana pudding. Johnny English. (Ahhh, Mr. Bean.) I'm really glad we got to relax on a Friday night with friends.

Halva left his umbrella and cell phone at the Centre. After I dropped off Cristina, I drove out to Frigate Bay where to works some nights to deliver them. He had already left, but I really enjoyed the time I had together with the radio. DANCE PARTY FOR ONE!

I've been getting plenty of guided driving practice with Halva and Cory sharing with me the.

I heard the front gate open. Armed with an umbrella, I expected to find a prowler. Instead it was a woman running from her "boy", who when he found her seemed abusive. I wanted to call the police to report a domestic dispute. Doubting there being a response, I didn't. :-/ Maybe I should be stronger in my idealism.

I see what you mean.

2005-12-08T22:31:00.000-04:00

I was infuriated when a friend implied that I am an infidel. I couldn't stand him. I had to take some time to myself to work through it and figure out how to forgive him. 'Tain't easy. It was then that I read a prayer lit by the dimming daylight. I began imagining the thoughts of the faithful in past Dispensations as their society was forgetting the diving guidance.

now the sun is setting
it's getting harder and harder to see your word
we're reaching for thy cord, but we can't find it
they dropped a veil between us and you
when the light is gone, what will we do
i long for the light, yet am enshrouded in darkness
i'm clinging to the memory of ...

I'm eternally grateful that I live when I do.

Alex's Birthday or Pearl Harbor

2005-12-07T23:59:00.000-04:00

This morning's Book 2 session with Ivan didn't happend because of his busy schedule.

My haircur didn't happen because Halva offered to do it later. I don't know how you females handle it. I can't stand my hair being four inches long (on top).

Crisitna and I planned (read: consulted hardcore) details for Saturday's children's class / fun day. The theme is "Art is a Gift."

We got a glimpse into Rebecca's life today. It's not much different from ours in that she is responsible for creating her own projects. In Sandy Point, we dropped by her appartment (very nice!), helped at a tutoring session (pre-school through first form), and attended a pat and present Young Leaders meeting. One of the former Young Leaders is interested in learning more about the Faith, and all of them are interested in using "Breezes of Confirmation."

We raced back to arrive at Bible study 45 minutes late. They were just getting started with a the "praise party" (my term, not his) that Andy prepared for the year's last meeting. I was really excited that the song "We Are Marching in the Light of God" was part of the program.* Berrel, a woman in the study group, offered to come and have breakfast with me while I'm at the Centre by myself over Christmas break.

I didn't believe Gail at the pioneer training session in May. But, you know, she's right: I really do cherish every word of the letters, IMs, emails, and conversations with all of you, my dear friends and family back "home."

*Thank you, Mona, Ahva and Anisa, for teaching me the bass part at Green Acre!

Butterfly Effect

2005-12-07T22:48:00.000-04:00

Wow! If Vida, Emily or LD had agreed to go on a year of service with Cristina and I back in June, we quite possibly could have been on the same island where a volcano just burst into life.

Update: Whew! "Vanuatu volcano's all show, say scientists"

"Yahweh = Jehovah," said the Bahá'í.

2005-12-06T22:22:00.000-04:00

They really are the same word. The Hebrew word "יהוה", indicating the distinctive personal name of God, may be justifiably translitereated as "Yahweh" or "Jehovah."

Yahzon (or Jason) came over today for our rescheduled weekly visit. We all went out with Halva to take pictures of a nickel seed tree. When we got back to the Bahá'í Center, Jason's friend Cleon happened to be walking down the street. Eventually we all had some discussion inside over dinner. Cristina and Halva made our delicious vegetarian pizza.

From what I can tell, Jason is either a Messianic Jew or a member of the Assemmblies of Yahweh – a cross between Cristianity and Orthodox Judaism. Cleon revealed after dinner that he is a Jehovah's Witness. (No hyperlink or explanation is needed, I'm sure.)

Both of these new friends are teachers of a faith that distinguishes itself from other denominations by insisting that God only has one name as which it is allowable to refer to Him. (I admit that this is an oversimplification.) While having different approaches, both fully intend to convert Cristina and me to their faith. Both showed us their religion's website (www.watchtower.org & www.yahweh.com) and have invited us to their weely service.

They seem very similar to me. I hope we can keep the dialogue going once they realise Cristina and I aren't interested in converting.

High School Nostalgia

2005-12-05T23:59:00.000-04:00

Can you name all six high school subjects this drawing uses knowledge from?

What started as an investigation of triplets and tuplets turned into running through the halls of high school memories. I can't thank people like Mr. Berkey, Ms. Higgins, Mr. King and Mr. McCulley enough for their passion for their subjects and for their encouragement that urged me along in my early youth. ...as I talk as if I'm an old man.

We did Book 1 with Irene and Teanna in the afternoon.

We came up with an idea for a children's class party to get them excited about coming again.

Today I got a postcard from Alisa!!!

Ruhi Gets Rolling

2005-12-04T11:59:00.000-04:00

We lost two core activities and picked up one. Attendence at devotional gatherings has rarely been more than Halva since the huge one in September when Ivan had a seizure. Children's classes attendence has tapered to none yesterday. The remedies for these will come later. Perhaps they will come out of the handful of study circles that just popped up.

I already mensioned the Book 1 starting at Irene's house tomorrow. Yesterday we formed a group with Rebecca, Carla and passer-by Halva, picking up Book 2 in the middle. The meeting was fun, exciting and magical and formed new friendships. Today's lovely home visits arose interest for a Book 1 with Ernie, a Book 2 with Ivan, and a Book 7 (!) with Robert, which should all start in the coming week or so.

I'm really excited about finally getting into Ruhi. I see potential to stir up the heads, hearts and hands of the local Bahá'í community.

Oh! I finished All Flags Flying! this afternoon. It was quite delightful. I love how Bill Sears tells of the limitless joy pioneering gave his family and hundreds and thousands of people they met in their 15 trips around the planet. ("Move over, Marco Polo" is one of the chapters.)

Why Fight Wi-Fi?

2005-12-04T10:06:00.000-04:00

I have an editorial comment about "Wi-fi venture tests Philadelphia", an article on BBCNews.com this morning.

Perhaps I am not seeing the whole picture, but this I feel it is worth viewing the situation from the stance of Philadelphians. I understand that there may be legal issues about what is fair for ISP competitors, but we need to remember that companies are not people. The rights of people should be of greater concern than the rights of companies. Based on the rates given in the article, Internet users could be saving $20 - $50 per month ($240 - $600) per year. That is a significant chunck out of a family's budget, especially in a such a low-income area as the City of Brotherly Love. If the city government is willing to give its citizens less expensive Internet access, which could decrease their financial difficulties, competition for ISP's seems to be a minor issue.

Rethinking

2005-12-02T23:59:00.000-04:00

I Skyped with my mom tonight. I am beginning to reorganise my piorities. Not the big ones (education, serving God, and future family), but the specifics. For the past year or so I have been a little narrow minded. I wanted to do nothing but study circles and service at Green Acre. But I realise that I need to seriously think about making money during the summer and college and choosing a major and career that will let me be financially stable.

is what I was going to post yesterday. This afternoon Cristina and I were chatting about pioneering, careers, the future – the real doozies. Yes, it is important to plan for these things. But, come on now, I'm still in the first half of this year of service. I have put my life on hold to be of service to the people of this Federation. I'll keep these big things in the back of my mind, but I want to make the most of my time here. All my thoughts and energy should be directed to planning and acting for the upliftment of Kittitian and Nevisian individuals and society.

[SMACK! I got a mosquito.]

Lesson learned: I see now that I have a tendency to hold back socially or from ambitions because I am uneasy with not knowing how things will work out. Quoted in All Flags Flying!, the Guardian says:

Today the need is so great on the part of humanity to hear of the Divine Message, that the believers must plunge into the work, wherever and however they can, heedless of their own shortcomings...

In teaching and all that I do I need to forget any inability I think I have and go for the gold. (By reading Bill Sears' book, I'm adopting old corny phrases. It'll pass when I get into the next.)

Every night so far no fewer than 11 canine voices royally and loyally announce our presence as I stroll around the block to escort Cristina to Donsie's house. Tonight, though, not a single one released so much as a growl! Maybe it's a good omen...?

Recently...

2005-11-30T23:56:00.000-04:00

Things have been a little busier. We're in more frequent contact with Rebecca, the Peace Corps volunteer from Washington state. She's fun.

Today, during an otherwise fruitless and gas-guzzling drive to Brimstone Hill, we heard discussion on WINN FM's talkshow "Voices" about the need parents to support their children in reading and writing and enhancing their power of expression. The targets of "Breezes of Confrimation"! After some consultation between us and with Lloyd, Cristina went on the air to plug the programme. We didn't get any calls in response, but we want to announce an introdcutory meeting about it on the radio stations' community calendars for the next week.

It's interesting how much people we haven't met already know about us. I just walked Cristina over Donsie's house. On the way back a old man started talking at me. Confused, I kept walking, "Sorry, I don't understand. Good night." A kind and friendly gentlemen guided me to not mind that older man who is slightly deranged. This caring sir, named Oswald, is an American literature teacher at the college. I do not remember ever seeing him before, but he knew that Cristina and I are Bahá'ís. He also knew about Ivan's seizure from back in early September, and various Bahá'ís who have been on the island in years passed. I wanted to invite him to a devotional but didn't get to it.

The other day we had "The Talk" with Lloyd. As a young girl and guy, who are unmarried, we need to be aware of the perceptions people have of us because we are representing the Bahá'í Faith in away. It had been on my mind for a while. I (and everyone concerned) do not want people to assume anything is happening between us, which there is not. It is easy enough to dispell misconceptions with people we interact with frequently like Becky, Halva, Donsie, Yahzon. But since we walk together in town, take the bus or drive the car to various parts of the island together, spend most of the day together in the Bahá'í Center, we need to be conscious of how others percieve our relationship. (Bahá'ís have a high standard of chastity, which we do not want to cloud.) Apart from standing far from each other in public, I don't know how else we can make it clear. This is why it is best for youth to do this type of service in same-sex pairs, if not larger groups.

Ascension of `Abdu'l-Bahá

2005-11-28T23:59:00.000-04:00

I felt tired and hungry at the
twilight hour commemoration
– only a glipse of what the loved
ones felt eight-four revolutions ago.

We returned to our beloved St. Kitts
and Cayon to find what we weren't
looking for. The teachers are in over their head.
Reflection is imperitive.

Boldly bearding Monkey Hill,
walking with fuzzy directions, we
fatefully found Irene and family.

Undeepened, they read prayers
with joyful wonderment shown in
many ways. With an open-ended
invite we shall return to
our new beloved friends for some
reflections on the life...

And They're Off!

2005-11-27T23:09:00.000-04:00

We napped our way to Nevis on the 8:30 am ferry. We talked with Lloyd about this moral education business. There needs to be a reflection meeting with the teachers and animators so they can rework the format of their classes so the program doesn't crash before it takes off. Later we talked with Millie about the frustrations of the Caribbean Bahá'í communities. Cristina and I aren't the first to experience major difficulty in stirring up action, so we shouldn't get disappointed but must persevere.

I played with Terron for a bit before going to the horse races. It was almost exciting. I couldn't max out my enthusiasm because I was too tired.

Millie took us to see Lloyd perform at Nisbet Plantation Resort. I've heard him play around on his tenor sax and flute before. But I appreciate his jazz talent much more, hearing him sing and play regular and alto flute and alto and tenor sax along with prerecorded midi's and mp3's. Millie explained some of the rules of cricket as we watched the Australia-West Indies game. We finished the evening with chocolate bread pudding cake – on the house!

Now, World Order until the commemoration of the Ascension of `Abdu'l-Bahá at 1:00 am...

Happy Day of the Covenant!

2005-11-26T23:59:00.000-04:00

Yesterday morning, Lavonne came over for another discussion of the Virtues Project. These meetings bring out a decent amount of sharing and personal growth for all three of us. She says its fate that she ran into Cristina. ("Strike that. Reverse it.") She refused a ride from a friend while carrying lots of bags to see Cristina on one of her runs, and stopped her because she thought she knew her. Now Lavonne visits consistently and loves the study circle-style studying we're doing.

For about two days I have been struggling internally with animosity towards Halva. Sure, he is a great, generous, kind guy. But I suppose it is naturally difficult to spend a lot of time with someone new without seeing things in them that bother you. I tend not take parental advise well, period, let alone from someone unauthorised to give it. After some hardcore meditation and prayer, I feel much better. Playing cards and cooking together helped. I'm sure rocky waters are still ahead, but at least I realise that I need to respect myself enough to speak up when I don't like a situation. Like the morning virtues discussion brought out, you have to respect yourself before expecting others to respect you.

In honor of Thanksgiving and the Day of the Covenant we baked a pumpkin pie! We visited the bazaar (بزار) put on by the Methodist Church. Only Jamal came for child(ren)'s class. Later Junior and Janeel stopped by for prayers and song and I gave a sort of three minute lecture about the Covenant, just so they could hear something about it. In the States children come no matter what because their parents bring them, but in this case a whole family of children and youth only comes if they themselves feel like it. C and me now know we need to make the classes more interesting.

Mass quantities of food. Bernard bought us barbecue chicken from the bazaar. Halva made another dinner of rice, fish with gravy, plantains and potatoes. While we were reading World Order on the balcony (I suggested it out of the blue.), our neighbor's son Eric invited us to his niece's sweet-sixteen party up the road. There we had Vitamalt, two sandwiches each and goat water, and were given a whole chicken, rice, coleslaw and garlic breead meal to walk with.

I Am Thankful for...

2005-11-24T23:59:00.000-04:00

Aunt Edith for her loving letters and ceaseless service, which took her back and forth between the States, the Caribbean and South Africa, and inspired me to model my life after hers.
Vesal for being an excellent role model and giving me many tools that have proved very valuable.
Kay for paving the pathway for Cristina and my service in St. Kitts.
Jen for starting the Badasht Academy, which is only beginning to empower hundreds of youth who will eventually empower tens of thousands of others.
Martha and Samiyar for their year of service in the Northeast, which helped get Ruhi rolling there and first sparked an interest in doing a year of service myself.
Marguerite and (Hand of the Cause of God) William Sears for the sensational stories of their persistent pioneering.
Mehr for assigning the project that consolidated my thoughts and feelings into the drive to come here and to lead a life of service.
JOn for a great friendship (dire understatement) that has been a window to many others and has brought me into the loop of Bahá'í youth.
Green Acre and its co-administrators Jeannine and Jim for the setting of the leaps and bounds of my spiritual development.
Cristina for co-seeing this through and being a powerful pioneering partner. (Can you tell I'm shamelessly over alliterating?)
Lloyd for developing the Noble Youth Alliance, through which we will be able to help form a system that will positively influence hundreds, if not thousands, of students in the Federation.
Linnea for being a great sister and holding the Franklinville fort. It's been great growing up with you.
Mamma for you gentle guidance.
Pappa for your devotion and loving advise. I love and miss you both!
Halva for being our closest friend on the island and teaching us how to live on it.
the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of the Leeward Islands and its Pioneering Committee (Millie and Afsaneh) for their assistance in getting us here and supporting us while we are.
the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of the United States and its Office of International Pioneering (Arjana) for their training that helped us get here and prepared us well.
the Regional Bahá'í Counsil of the Northeastern States for organising the Furútan Institute that "completed" my training in the Ruhi Institute's current courses and allowed me to befriend some wonderful people.
Many other friends (much more than I have listed here) who have and continue to offer loving support Andy, Aundriel, Barbara, Bradley, Briana, Briana, Candace, Cynthia, Darryl, David, Ed, Ed, Eileen, Frank, Gail, Guia, Irene, Javier, Joel, Julia, LD, Michael, Michael, Michael, M0na, Mona, Nicole, Nina, Nishat, Paul, Paul, Philip, Pieter, Scott, Scott, Tandeka, Theodore, Thamar, Tom, Tom, Vickie, Vickle, Wayne.

Lavonne had to reschedule our meeting until Saturday. So we were able to go to Cayon for another field trip. We were early and had to just stand around. I felt self-counscious and out of place because things, which I noticed I can be when in an unfamiliar situation in which things don't go as planned. I'm over it. The trip was to Mr. Morris' farm up Monkey Hill. (If Google Earth comes out for Mac soon, I would like to link to views of exact places we go on the island(s).) We planted pumpkin seedlings.

This time we treated Mr. Morris and Mrs. Hutchinson to lunch. At least it works out that we really only paid for our own meals from Tuesday. I didn't speak up about it, but I didn't really want to pay for the beer he had. [Whoa! We just mousetrapped another mouse. We've had enough of their turds in our drawers and cabinets.] Next, he took us to meet his daugher, son-in-law and two-week-old grandson. They are the coordinators of a youth service group and are interested to integrate the Virtues Project and maybe "Breezes of Confirmation." The Bahá'í Faith came up, but we kept silent for the sake of not seeming to offer the moral education project as a means to convert people. Is that too extreme?

Ground turkey was what we had to make a Thanksgiving meal out of. Halva, a vegetarian, recommended making "turkey" balls. I seasoned the turkey and shaped it into balls / patties. Cristina fried them. In honor of Cristina's family tradition we started with saying grace and eating over thanksgiving – the primer for the list above.

I must finish my letter to Aunt Edith and get to sleep as prescribed by Dr. Munk for my sniffles.

2005-11-23T22:36:00.000-04:00

Halva wanted me to clean out and season the fish so it would be ready to cook for dinner. I was pretty tired and cranky at the time. So the less-than-pleasant task made me look forward to being a vegetarian again back in the States when I can afford to be. Thankfully, Cristina did most of it.

Meet Leif the chauffeur. I met Angie, Millie and Terron at the dock to give them the car for the afternoon.

Yahzon came by himself this week. Cristina and I prepared ourselves earlier in the day and committed to being more loving and sincere, looking for similarities instead of differences. The `Abdu'l-Bahá-style approach made for the smoothest encounter with him yet. He still wants to teach us to join his assembly and told Cristina, "As a young lady, [she] should think about receiving salvation." We're taking it slow without any expectations except peaceful discussion of Scripture – a valuable lesson for me that I wish I knew earlier.

Bible study was alright. It is still just a review of early "salvation history," a slow outline of the Old Testament, basically. It will continue for a couple weeks, I think. I need to figure out how to get interested because my mind just wonders away.

Frequent Feasts

2005-11-22T23:59:00.000-04:00

I drove us out to Cayon this morning. Aside from occasionally getting to close to the left side of the road, I'm already used to driving on the left. The woman coming from Nevis to talk to the Young Leaders didn't show up, so we were waiting on the campus for an hour and a half. While we were listening to steel pan class practise the National Anthem and some Christmas songs,
the man who cleans the school encouraged us go inside and have our picture taken in front of the band playing. Cristina said should wouldn't mind emailing him the pictures, so he took us on a quest for the computer teacher. Throughout, he struck me as no less than graceful and sincere. However, after bewilderingly witnessing Mr. Morris' disapproval of the man's presence, the (equivalent of) janitor told us that he smokes [marijuana, I assume] and drinks "R-U-M, rum," but these people don't understand that he still thinks clearly. That was a little confusing and dispiriting.

After some more waiting and finding out that the woman from Nevis wouldn't be there until 1 pm, Mr. Morris apologised that we had to wait and offered to take us with him on a field trip up into the hills. Twenty of his rode up into the cane fields and rainforest in his pickup truck (him, a student and Mrs. Hutchinson up front; and 15 2^nd formers, Cristina and I in the back). You can't afford to be claustrophobic on the island. The views were amazing! The wind (and overgrown sugar cane) in my face was refreshing. The whole steep and rocky ~~roller coaster~~ truck ride was lots of fun with hooting and hollering from everyone.

Up at this farm in the hills Mr. Morris collected wood for posts for a fence at the school with sporadic help from the students. They (and Cristina and I) got distracted chasing and running from cattle through paths in the rainforest and marvelling at the cooped up cows. We met the owner (?) of the land, Rasmus. He was interested in what and why we are doing on the island. He asked if I am a Christian. Even though we are making every effort to keep the Faith out of our work with the schools to keep this SED project as no-strings-attached as possible, I had to answer, "I'm a Bahá'í." He knows a bit about the Faith and is friends with Rosemary. I kept my mouth more or less shut.

Mr. Morris treated Mrs. Hutchinson and the two of us to lunch: pot fish, green banana (prepared like mashed potatoes) and some deliciously prepared vegetables. Yummy in my tummy! The woman from Nevis did come at 1 pm. She spoke to the Young Leaders about some organisational and planning skills, while we looked on.

Mamma, you'll appreciate this. Twice today, we heard a song on the radio with the following chorus. "Noni! Plant your noni. Drink your noni juice!" Also, thank you to Mamma and Pappa for sending my Persian books! They arrived today at the airport, 30.55 hours after you shipped them.

When we heard Suheil's "Good night" from outside, we remembered that tonight is Feast! Cristina entertained while I scrambled to "select" the readings. As Gene and her boys were about to leave, Carla and Jamal arrived. So we had another devotional, followed by a consultation. Then Albert got there. Devotional #3. The poor man has such a hard time. He loves the Bahá'í Faith dearly and longs for growth, but his family is not as passionate and he is loosing hope about growth in the Caribbean. Each Feast was great, but we didn't serve snacks! Only now do I remember that Thaddeus cited that the Writings said food and drink should be served at Feast even if it is only bread and water – the things we actually do have.

"Researching Blogs by Blogging": A Response

2005-11-22T22:10:00.000-04:00

The following is my response to Briana's questions for bloggers.

I try to talk frankly about the Faith, as I would to another Bahá'í – an idea I got from Darlene. No sense in hiding or censoring yourself of "Bahá'í jargon." If anyone has a question they are free to ask or do research on their own. That's why I put links to the sources of Bahá'í quotes (reference.bahai.org or bahai-library.com, usually).

I pay careful attention to using correct formatting and spelling. This can be problematic with letters that have dots below them. The Mac can create them, but I am unsure which characters are visible with most browsers. (Not everyone sets their browser to Unicode as a default.) I need to discuss this with Wade.

Q: Do you ever blog about spirituality, religion, or the Baha'i Faith?

A: I post daily right now, so I include what is on my mind that day. Because spirituality, religion and the Bahá'í Faith are increasingly being integrated in all part of my life, my thoughts and actions have a lot to do with them. Discussing them in my blog just happens naturally. Initially, though, I made a point to explain concepts, Individuals or the history and include hyperlinks to authoritative websites that go into more detail.

Q: Have you had people ask you questions about these topics as a result of your blogging?

A: Occasionally people who randomly land on it by clicking "NEXT BLOG>>" will leave comments, and I try to follow up by tracking them down through their profile or using my counters that monitor who visits my blog. Most of my readers though are Bahá'ís so there isn't much for them to ask about. My counters tell me that high school and college friends read my blog, but none have asked questions about those topics so far.

Q: Do you blog specifically to teach the faith or do you just blog about your life and thoughts and feelings?

A: Yes. I blog to let my friends and family know what I'm up to and how I am doing, and to sort through my own thoughts and note my YOS experiences to look back on. Also, I often include comments that I hope will provoke a "passer-by" to investigate the Faith.

Q: Have you ever taught someone the Baha'i Faith, in depthly, as a result of your blogging?

A: A guy from Melbourne, Australia (college freshman, I think) and I started talking. He has shared a lot about his search for religious truth. He's investigating the Faith and met up with Bahá'ís where he lives. [D'oh! He found me on by.com, not my blog. I see my internet presense as a fluid thing that is spread over many sites.]

Q: How do you make it easy for people to contact you about the Baha'i Faith or find out information on their own?

A: My Blogger profile has my email and AIM screenname. My blog has my mailing address (:-P) in the description at the top and a "Contact Me" section. I might expand it, but now it has a link to Skype me and to email me.

Q: Do you try to make your blog more visible? How?

A: Yes. I include my site, blog, email, AIM, Skype, MSN, and Yahoo! contact information in my email signature. Some of that is in my by.com signature. (I would include all if there wasn't the 200 character limit.) There are various sites with schemes to increase hits to your blogs, but I don't study those. Posting frequently generates enough random traffic for my interest. (Every time you post, Blogger gives you at least one hit from a person who clicked "NEXT BLOG>>.") There are websites that you can list your blog on: teachnorati, blogwise. The latter lets its site's users search for blogs by country. Since I'm one of very few from Saint Kitts and Nevis, I get a decent number of hits from that.

2005-11-20T23:59:00.000-04:00

Halva arrived at 7 am to begin a gardening adventure. Now the lawn is finally mowed after a month, and we have a plot of ground for growing seasoning peppers.

He took us to the beach just north of the Marriot, Atlantic side. The sand is finer than at Frigate Bay, where we go 95 percent of the time. The waves were rough. Terror and Junior (Halv'a dogs) loved to swim with us. While we were reading (Cristina finished Thief in the Night. Halva started Sugar Is All. I continued All Flags Flying!.), the canines pulled at my mind: Terror has sneezed before in his life, so he knows what it feels like to sneeze. When he hears his brother Junior sneeze does he know that he is sharing the same feeling associated with his own sneeze. I know humans have this capacity, but do animals? Also, it doesn't rest well with me that a pure-bred dog is valued more than a mutt. This is analogous to valuing intraracial marriages. I'm probably thinking too deeply about it.

Cristina [I'm tempted to type "Tina" but know better because I've wittness the wrath the nickname provokes.] and I discussed arguments within relationships. We're interacting more like close friends recently, as opposed to co-~~workers~~ volunteers. I'm glad to have a long-time friend here. I wonder how I would have fared if I was here by myself. I don't need to worry about that.

My parents are going to send me my Persian books. Yay! (Shipping is really expensive, but my dad felt I should have them anyway. I love him.) I want to catch up and be ready for continuing the class next fall. Check out this picture from when my mom first came to the States in 1960!

2005-11-19T23:59:00.000-04:00

We went to the market "early" in the morning (10 am). We bought the ingredients for Halva's fish soup. At noon I manned his shop while he went to buy the fish and thyme. (The total price of ingredients was almost EC$150!) A couple from Chicago stopped briefly. So of course I mentioned the Temple. "Oh! Yes, it's beautiful."

Children's classes are never the same. We started when one of the families arrived an hour late. Instead of breaking into age-defined classes as usual, we stayed as a group and discussed the virtue of idealism. It means following your dreams and acting as you know they will come true. The students shared their life goals and how to reach them. Rebecca and Elvis showed up too, the later bringing his son, Elvis. Cristina and I still need to consult about the future of the classes. Things are moving in a positive direction. We want to ensure that the students recognise and appreciate their own successes.

This is the second time we have made the fish soup so we're more efficient. Halva says, "You eat dis for a week. You go to de toilet. It won't smell."

At the devotional, Halva shared his understanding of the value of striving to do the Will of God. I thought, This is good. He's emptying his cup. Cristina, seeing it already full, asked if he wants to become a Bahá'í. To simplify, he's more or less ready. Ruhi is in order.

2005-11-18T23:59:00.000-04:00

The Young Leaders at Cayon selected "Virtues Project" as the theme for their sevice project. (Mr. Morris, the deputy (vice) principal and team coordinator, prompted us to mention it as an idea, and the students voted for it almost unanimously.) As much as we (including all the teachers and Dr. Thomas) would love for their project to bring virtues and the junior youth workbook to the whole community, we need to take a back seat and let the students lead themselves.

Cristina and I reminisced about our fond memories of Green Acre and NEBY Fest and the many friends and role models there both. Our lives would be sohttp://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gif different if I didn't meet JOn that fateful summer six years ago, if she remembered to cancel going to Badasht, if Jen Wilson didn't start the Badasht Academy, if `Abdu'l-Bahá didn't visit Green Acre in 1912, if Sarah Farmer didn't start Green Acre in the first place ... and dozens or hundreds of other conditionals. So much went into getting every one of us (including you) to where we are today. How could anyone not be thankful to God?

D'oh!

2005-11-17T23:59:00.000-04:00

I forgot to blog. Now it's late. But til tomorrow I won't wait.
Lynda was shipped away to St. Lucia in the morning.
Two trips to Cayon High School. Both bore no immediate fruits. Patience is required.
Lunch in the Square (park). Reviewed Ruhi.
Psyched to Skype with friends from last year's dorm.
Another night alone in the Center. Oh, how I'm tired.

2005-11-16T23:59:00.000-04:00

Lynda will be leaving for St. Lucia tomorrow. She will be back and forth throughout the year doing Virtues Project training sessions, but we decided to give her a good-bye present anyway.

Next we went to Cayon High School for the first meeting of the Young Leaders club. (It was our first time riding the bus!) They actually decided to adjourn until everyone could be there to elect officers. I would like to say otherwise, but I felt like the trip was a bit of a waste. Cristina counters that we are becoming familiar with the students which is very important. I need to get out of the now, broaden my vision.

Yahzon and his friend Louis came to discuss prophecies as scheduled. A lot of it was interesting. I found myself becoming impatient with Yahzon's opinions that varied from my own. I need to work on being more tolerant and allowing love to show forth above any other feelings.

Bible study was less study and more lesson on "salvation history." I couldn't tell you what it was about because the lecture format was not compatible with my brain at the late hour.

We don't always see results of our efforts, which can be disheartening. I need to let myself be detached from results and just keep putting in the effort. I am thankful for Sangeetha (even though she doesn't want to be thanked) for always quickly replying with inspiring, uplifting thoughts. She summarised what's up with me rather well: "Really its a question of knowing you are doing good versus believing it. You know it but are having trouble finding conviction in your belief, it sounds like, and I don't blame you."

Back to the Schools

2005-11-15T23:59:00.000-04:00

If you're not sure what the Bahá'í Faith is and you don't want to read the official details, I double-dog dare you to read All Flags Flying! by William Sears. You won't be disappointed. If you don't care for the religion, at least the book is entertaining. You can't loose.

Javad is living in Shanghai for the year with a good job as a teacher. Despite his bronchitis, he seems to be enjoying himself a lot. Reading his post makes me think more seriously about my future. It's been creeping to the front of my mind recently (after I threw it to the back, knowing I would not be in school for quite a wile). I am liking what I have been learning about teaching. None of it is organised in my mind yet, let alone how I feel about it. I just know that it would be rewarding (and challenging) to positively affect the lives of so many students. I really doubt the low pay would bother me. That's all well and good but I don't feel anywhere near ready to decide on a career or a major, which is more pressing – unlike Cristina who is sure that she wants to major in entomology and education and pursue both. So far I have just been pushing the question back and praying for some clues. That's all I know to do for now. It's better than nothing.

This morning Cristina and I tagged along with Dr. Ruth Thomas and Lynda to Sandy Point high school, where Lynda presented the Virtues Project briefly. We stopped by Verchilds High School on the way back to town, and we met teachers, students and the deputy principal at Cayon High School. Ruth is the best person for her job. At each school, she took the time to talk to each person she saw from the security guards to the administrators. Her actions and attitude show that she believes the school is a community for developing children and youth and that there are no unimportant roles. Also, her laugh is frequent, forceful and infectious.

Dr. Thomas is rounding up teachers and counsellors who she wants to become Virtues Project facilitators who will eventually share training with the entire school system and hopefully (to me), with all parents on the island.

She is shocked that we haven't been going to Cayon all along. So from now on, we will be taking the bus out to observe the moral empowerment curriculum sessions and offer assistance where and when we're able. We will also be helping with the Young Leaders (an annual competition for organising service projects) project which will be most likely be developing the Virtues Project and "Breezes of Confirmation" classes both within the school and in the surrounding community. I am floored by how excited everyone is about this.

I feel like I'm forgetting something ...

[Update: Yes, I forgot that Ruth treated us to Chinese food at King's Palace out on Port Zante (the pier where the cruise ships and yachts come in). Not surprisingly, there were two white women at the table next to us. My immediate assumption was that they are tourists – not far-fetched, but an assumption nonetheless. Many people probably assume the same of Darlene, Lynda, Cristina and I. This bothers me a little. I don't want to be automatically viewed as a wealthy guest to the island, oblivious to the local culture. (Maybe that's why we are approached by taxi drivers and beggars, but this isn't my concern.) I am here to be of service to the people of the island, not the other way around, which a tourism-based economy suggests. This is why I am thankful that Ruth introduces us as students interested in the culture and volunteering our time for the moral education of the youth.]

2005-11-14T23:59:00.000-04:00

The post below this wound up being unnecessary. Tropical depression 27 crossed the Winward Islands (to the south) while one of its arms barely grazed us.

Skip this paragraph. It is not interesting. If you are an avid reader, you will know the 12:00 PM timestamp at the end of each post is very much a lie. I usually finish posts on the order of 1:00 AM but fix the date and time for constancy. To allow for interjected posts in the middle of the day such as the one below, I shall henceforth adopt the timestamp of 11:59 PM, implying that it is the final analysis of each day. Even if the day extends into the next morning. To digress, this is why I fret not to say the Long Obligatory Prayer before midnight. My personal "twenty-four hours" roll over during the hours I am sleeping.

The rain put Halva's Bahá'í Center Workshop back in operation today. My fingers are covered in Krazy Glue from putting the hooks in like 60 shak-shak (flamboyant tree) seeds.

William Sears' All Flags Flying! is presenting pioneering in a really fun way. It's an easy read. I highly recommend it. It makes me smile so much my face hurts!

Cristina and I sent letters to update both the National Spiritual Assembly of the Leeward Islands and the Office of International Pioneering of the NSA of the US.

Desmond brought over a binder that, in addition to introducing the Bahá'í Faith, very clearly presents specific Biblical prophecies along side descriptions of how Bahá'u'lláh fulfilled each of them.

Miquela offered some wonderful suggestions about how to reorganise the children and youth classes so everyone can get more out of them. I'll post the details once they come to be. I am very thankful for her help.

Insha'llah, I shall return.

2005-11-14T19:32:00.000-04:00

"The depression n° 27 moves slowly towards the North-western West without organizing itself too much. It will produce strong downpours on the West-Indian arc during the night and the day of the 15." sxmcyclone.com

There is a scheduled power outage starting in a few minutes because of the coming storm...

This is Leif, signing out.

Hooray for Home Visits!

2005-11-13T12:00:00.000-04:00

To share the celebration of yesterday's Holy Day with some of those who couldn't make it, Carla, Cristina and I made a couple of home visits. First was Robert Philip, the older man with one leg who has been in his house for over a year and whom we visited with Darlene a while back. He is always happy to receive guests and pray together. He longs to come out to the Bahá'í Center for Feasts and other events, but his wife does not like the idea. It was painful to hear their argument. There is a lot of tension build up between them because she takes care of all his needs because he cannot, while they never agreed on religion. God bless Carla. She was courageous and encouraging.

Ernie was sicker this time. Her incessant cough has not yet subsided; it's probably the water in her village. Another prayer quota must have been met today beacuse, it was during this visit that we put together in our minds how study circles can bring the island back to life for good. (In the past, the Bahá'í community awakens when pioneers are on island, but has promptly died every time they left.*) Study circles can overcome this because the participants become the leaders.

Cristina's blood sugar has been getting low left and right. She had better eat more before we have another "low blood sugar reaction" on our frantic hands.

My fellow Americans (and fellow world citizens), home visits are the secret to bringing communities to life. Though they are formalised as an innovative tool in the guidance we receive, they are simply a way to make friendships where we would regularly let imaginary barriers get in our way. They take time. Give yourself an hour and a half or more. (We missed the last appointment because the first two ran over.) Rushing would take a lot out of it. Planned discussions and/or prayers we open the hearts of both the home and visiting teams, and further sharing will happen naturally.

Carla generously took us to the house she grew up in, where her sister and nephews live, for lunch. We played with the boys, none of whose name I recall.

Desmond was at the Center when we got back. After he took care of the bills, he shared more stories of the children he used to teach and the awesome songs and poems he created and can still recited from memory. It's great to spend time to listen to and get to know these Bahá'ís. We need to take advantage of the unyielding love they have in their hearts and see how we can work together to channel it to revive the community.

As a sidenote, I bought SkypeOut minutes today. That means I can call phone numbers in the States, Canada, China and many other countries from my computer for dirt cheap. So if you would like to chat drop me a comment or email. I would love to catch up with so many of you!

*Regarding this stagnancy Mona asked the million dollar question that is on every Caribbean pioneer's mind, "Is there a reason why it's not getting through to them?" In my (still inexperienced) opinion, it's about the lifestyle. It's not that people aren't dedicated: The opposite is true. Many jobs with sporadic schedules and living situations don't allow people to commit to regular activities. Due to "out of sight, out of mind" it becomes next to impossible for a sense of unity to develop. This is why home visits are critical. The rest of the world has proved the effectiveness of study circles, but it is very hard for large groups to move through the sequence. So this has to be done one-on-one instead. Also, perhaps the Bahá'í standard of chastity should be introduced in a tactful way. For how can we expect to foster a strong community, when families – the building blocks of society – are not fully unified. The youth must be empowered and take ownership of their beliefs. Once these things are taken care of, the expansion that is happening will be followed with consolidation.

These boys have so much fun.

The Big Day

2005-11-12T12:00:00.000-04:00

[Update: Whoa! I did not inteand to post the stuff that was at the beginning of this post. It was the notes Cristina and I took while we were consulting with Lloyd and Millie. They did not reflect our current opinions and endeavors. From today's (Sunday's) home visits, we have decided to start a campaign to get the Bahá'ís more actively and more committedly involved in the study circle process. Fear not.

As to how study circles could be done without mentioning the Bahá'í Faith, that's something Darlene recommended for circumstances in which people would be turned off to study circles just because it cones from Bahá'ís. It would be presented as a course that anyone can benefit therefrom while saying that questions about the Faith would be answered at a different session.]

We bought fruit and veggies at the Saturday morning market. We saw Miss Lake from the Convent school at a hardware store. She says she won't be needing us to give virtues classes until January because her students will be busy with exams. Hmph! Hopefully, we can talk to the principal and still work something out for this trimester. Interestingly Convent is the opposite of Cayon. Instead of the teachers struggling against the administration to keep the moral education program afloat, the principal is more excited about introducing virtues into the classroom than the teacher in charge.

Lavonne came in the morning to continue our exploration of the moral education programme. She is becoming a closer friend. She expressed interest in learning about the Bahá'í Faith, but in time...

I felt rushed and worried about finishing everything properly and on time up until the program started. Everything came together wonderfully. Lesson learned: Planning ahead is imperitive. It is rare that I formally do so. Since no one is really telling us what to do with the moral education curriculum, Cristina and I need to take initiative, be bold, ask questions, use wisdom, make mistakes and, of course, be detached from results. (Lavonne recommended that in a supportive way.)

The event. The children and youth put on a great skit on Bahá'u'lláh's loving-kindness to those in need. There was a good turnout. In addition to the regular families, Rosemary came. Three people from Bible study wound up coming. I'm interested to find out what what they thought of Bahá'u'lláh. The snacks were delightfully tastey. I made the hummus! Cristina made amazing fudge.

The children and youth. I was frustrated with planning the skit because they weren't listening, but thankfully Rebecca came. She's much better with this kind of thing. But, fear not, I am not completely inept. I was able to give a "virtues guidance" to the boys. They told me what virtues they needed to exhibit on this special Holy Day and were willing to hold themselves to it. Later, Haile wanted a "lift up." He hugs me so tight. I love him!

Anthony, an online friend, asked me if I miss home. I had to say no; this is my home for now. Just like Rutgers was my home last year and Green Acre was my home over the summer. The home I grew up in was a little dysfunctional, so I'm sort of used to that. Now it's changed a bit with my mom being remarried and my dad being more distant. Don't get me wrong. I definitely dearly miss Pappa, Mamma and Linnea and my happy memories with them. But I don't miss the environment of the house I grew up in because it seems rather foreign. Or at least as foreign as another living situation I haven't been in. The home I look miss / look forward to is the one I will have a decade from now.

Birth of Bahá'u'lláh (Eve)

2005-11-11T12:00:00.001-04:00

While Cristina was in Nevis for a workshop on puppet making, Lynda and I cleaned up the Center for tomorrow.

I organized the library. You can now find books by subject: authoritative guidance (Genesis to UHJ compilations), historical (Nabil's Narrative to The Priceless Pearl), early believers, introductory, religious studies, Bahá'í studies, fiction, how to live, prayers, and children.

I happened upon All Flags Flying! by Hand of the Cause William Sears. I'm excited to read it. It starts with the author's surprise at how wacky the Bahá'ís are for taking marriage seriously as the backbone of civilisation while most of society sees its impending expiry. His thrilling humor complements my only memory of him: going up on stage to hug him in NYC in 1992 before he died. His wife Marguerite's loving wit shines brightly in the book, while I only know her for sitting in her wheelchair, quietly answering youths' questions at this year's National Convention.

We went to the beach while it rained, which is fun. NEBY fans, remember when Counselor Stephen Birkland said that we should remain unfazed by the countless calamities that surround us? He compared that to the ground in Israel that is dry just below the surface during torrential downpours. The same is true of the sea. No matter how hard it rains, you cannot feel the drops when you are a mere half-centimeter below the surface, while anyone who isn't immersed in the ocean is drastically affected.

Cristina and I almost finished the program for tomorrow.

2005-11-10T12:00:00.000-04:00

As we were working with Halva, we started planning the program for Saturday's Holy Day celebration. We were wondering about his level of interest in the Faith, but he was contributing to the planning by encouraging us to boldly share Bahá'u'lláh's life and Writings and not worry about what the Methodists will think. That's for them to worry about. Besides, wouldn't it be silly to hide from someone that Christ has returned if they have been waiting for Him their whole life?

Lydna returned from St. Maarten. It is wonderful to have her around. She is so loving and offers timely advise. She brought the jewelry supplies that Halva ordered. My typo of "Marin" vs. "Martin" thankfully didn't cost me US$154.

The Millingtons weren't able to come to prepare the skit for the celebration, but Jamal, Suhayl and Akil were. Jamal was showing amazing determination in furthering his already superb reading skills (for an eight-year-old). The boys loved playing with each other and with us, but we were able to keep them more or less settled long enough to get the work done. Children are more likely to exhibit the behavior you want if they know you expect them to and believe they are capable. Afterward we played soccer and hokm.

Cristina and I prepared a to-do list for ourselves to stay organised and focused.

2005-11-09T12:00:00.000-04:00

Happy 35^th anniversary, Millie and Lloyd!!!

Jason (from Nevis) is a really great guy! He has been working for Lloyd on the hydroponic lettuce farm for four years. He drove us to the ferry, but not before chatting with us about each others family and what we thought of the pace of life in St. Kitts and Nevis. St. Kitts is way too busy and crazy for him. He grew up in Nevis where life is much more peaceful.

Can you believe it?! It's snowing in St. Kitts and Nevis! No, wait. That's my dandruff. I need to get some Head and Shoulders, but that stuff is expensive here. Gotta shop around. A lot of things are more expensive here than in the States.

We saw Becky at the roti restaurant. She's back from visiting her family for a while. She brought back candy for us!

Jason (from St. Kitts) visited the Center. We discussed various verses and prophecies. The largest barrier at the moment is that he is very fixed on God having only one name (Yahweh) and that any other reference to Him is blaspheme. I can understand Mona's frustration when people blindly disregard and disrespect her beliefs. I had to catch myself a few times from getting angry at Yahzon's (his preferred Hebrewfied spelling, which I'll adopt to prevent confusion with Jason from Nevis) comments about the Bahá'í Faith.

Bible Study was very interesting today. Jane used a fun skit to tell the story of Jesus visiting Mary and Martha. The study (more like a sermon this time) began with Revelation 4, which discusses the Báb's dispensation, directed by Bahá'u'lláh who is encircled by twenty-four elders, which include the eighteen letters of the living – or so I've been told. The same guest speaker from last week then transitioned to explaining the three parts of worship: approaching God, listening for / reading about / meditating on God's guidance, and responding through action. It was interesting that this Methodist minister used the example of Catholics crossing themselves as they pass the threshold of their church as a positive way to show respect. It was refreshing to hear an attitude friendly towards practices of another belief system after hearing the discriminating words of Yahzon earlier.

At the end Cristina bravely announced to the whole group that everyone was invited to the Birth of Bahá'u'lláh celebration. It's what Darlene recommended that we do. Can you believe that everyone at this Christian Bible study wanted an invitation?! Some people took two! Bahá'u'lláh doesn't mess around.

Tonight is the first night of my year of service that I am spending alone.

A Home Away from a Home Away from Home

2005-11-08T23:06:00.000-04:00

Last night Millie commented that I hold back my thoughts when I am speaking. Actually I have difficulty in formulating thoughts in the first place – at least with regards to analysing and voicing my feelings about what we have been doing so far here so far. I hope to explore this in the coming days. Maybe part of it is being sleepy. Another thing I want to work on is cracking my shyness, or as Lynda would say in virtues terms balancing my tact and peacefulness with assertiveness, courage and compassion. Especially in a new place where it is essential to get to know new people, it is important for me to be able to find common ground and form deep friendships.

Holy Cow! There were cows in the back yard this morning.

The first order of business (or is it leisure?) in Nevis this morning was reading half of "The Promise of World Peace," a 1985 statement by the Universal House of Justice in the shade of the "green" in the center of town. It is certainly a great and valuable document, but we find it very difficult to comprehend at the same level we did One Common Faith. This must be because it we do not have the same knowledge of world events and attitude as someone living at the time it was written. Regardless, I recommend it.

After dinner Cristina, Millie, Lloyd and I talked about the ethnicity of each other and in the Caribbean in general. Most dark-skinned people here are descendants from slaves. Most people have a very hard time tracing their nationality. Lloyd said that, within five generations, we will all just be people. That will be an undeniable testament to the oneness of mankind. If the Lesser Peace is not reached by then, hopefully this will help.

To let more people know about the Birth of Bahá'u'lláh celebration on Saturday, we submitted an announcement to ZIZ and WinnFm to be read during their free Bulletin Board programmes.

Lloyd giving Cristina a flute lesson

Changes

2005-11-07T12:00:00.000-04:00

...in location, in companions and in outlook.

I joined the crew again for a visit to the beach at dawn because it was Darlene and Lynda's last day here. I found in the Íqán an explanation of one of the Bible verses Jason shared yesterday. The water was cold this morning!

Cristina and I finalised our draft of the newsletter.

Darlene and Lynda left today. They're trying to stir up some interest in the moral empowerment project in Anguilla and St. Maarten. Left un-chaparoned, we youth went to Nevis for the time being.

See you later, St. Kitts.

Lloyd treated Cristina and I to dinner. I had wahi (fish) covered with curried papaya with rice and veggies.

We started consulting about the difficult situations, both with the moral education project expansion and the with the Bahá'í community that is at a standstill. I am forced to face that I simply cannot fully express all the thoughts and feelings that were brought out. Additionally, it would not be meet and seemly to disclose everything we discussed. The highlight was getting to know Lloyd on a deeper level. Millie and he are firmly dedicated pioneers who have experienced amazing challenges. The Caribbean's culture is very hard to break through. So, instead, their efforts are very indirect, but he is giving his all. He has a powerful mind with a clear vision and is systematic in his approach, but is marching to the pace of the divine Drum Major. (Is that sacrilegious?)

From the disillusioning, yet empowering discussions of tonight, we will need to rethink our strategies for helping St. Kitts. My opinion is that we need to have faith in the community members and follow through with the guidance we have been given, even though past efforts haven't born much fruit. Maybe April's Ridván letter will awaken the Caribbean.

2005-11-06T12:00:00.000-04:00

Aww...! Hearing Cristina happily talk to her dad on the phone, makes me really miss talking to my dad. I miss him the most. I hardly communicate with him because of his limited computer access. I pray for him everyday. So I'm feeling moderately melancholy at the moment, and my iTunes is reflecting it. (Music has such a powerful effect on your mood.) When I think about this sort of thing, I look forward to having a happy and close family in the future.

This morning we finished the coconut oil process. Seven coconuts, eight hours of sitting, and two hours of labor give you one peanut butter jar's volume of oil. As planned we visited ~~Robert and~~ Ernie. No one came to the door at Robert's house, which is a real shame. We know he hasn't left his house in over a year since diabetes claimed his leg. So he must have been home, but we couldn't visit him because no one else was there to open the door. The visit with Ernie was pleasant. She has been trying to get us in touch with some Bahá'ís she used to know.

Cristina and I started making invitations for Saturday's Holy Day, the Birth of Bahá'u'lláh.

Jason came to the gate in the afternoon to invite us to his church tonight. We just stayed and discussed scripture though. I had been feeling a tad lost spiritually for a few days. You know how it is: For some reason you feel like you're spirit missing something until you persevere long enough and are rejuvenated. Well the discussion with Jason reminded me of how grateful I should be for the light Bahá'u'lláh shines that lets comprehend history and prophecies.

2005-11-05T21:29:00.000-04:00

Beach: Peaceful. Warm. I took a bite at The Covenant of Baháu'lláh. Check out Shoghi Effendi's astounding depiction of the Revelation of Bahá'u'lláh. Lynda bought us lunch. It was the first time I had ribs – not bad, but I still want to be (mostly) vegetarian when I get back to the States.

I got mail from THREE people today! (If you're curious, it takes between one and two weeks for mail to get from a U.S. post office to the St. Kitts Bahá'í Center.) Nicole sent me a birthday card! My mom forwarded me two letters: My dear, dear Aunt Edith sent me a letter from South Africa where she is serving the National Spiritual Assembly. I love her so much! She is my inspiration for this trip and my decision to dedicate my life to the Bahá'í Faith, wherever it takes me. The last letter is from myself, written on my first day at Rutgers.

Suhayl, Akil and Haile were the only ones at children's classes today. So, once again, classes were nothing like what we had planned. Cristina re-did last week's lesson for the older two. I, not having any students for the older class, taught Haile. Cristina thinks I should write more about my feelings for him, so I will. Last night it was so cool that he clung to me for so long. I haven't spent much time with him, but he already trusts and likes me a lot. Today he wouldn't start with a story as I wanted, but he willingly sat through it after we talked about diversity with the flowers outside. I love him! Fatherhood has got to be a real sweet deal. Kudos to Miquela and parents who deal with many more children that age for longer periods of time.

With our assistance Halva began the process of making coconut oil, which is to me finished tomorrow morning. This dwarfed the devotional, but we still had it later in the evening. With some frustration, Cristina, Lynda and I planned specifics for a new sign for the front gate.

We weren't crazy to think the "bombs" for Guy Fawkes were gunshots. The explosions of the last three nights were a perfect cover for three shootings so far, according to Halva. You know how Fourth of July fireworks are always set-off at least a half-mile away from any person? Not so here. Kids have been setting them off in the park and in the street. I deunderstand unstrand the appeal, but it's such a waste of money – especially when it's already hard enough to get by with small incomes and lack of financial planning. Darlene says God must love this country because it rained several times briefly, which probably put out any fires that from the "bombs." I would not disagree with her.

I could really go for some halva. I wonder if there is any on the island.

TGIF!

2005-11-04T12:00:00.000-04:00

The workshop opened today with Saint Kitts and Nevis's beautiful national anthem. You should hear the teachers sing it. You can feel their patriotism; it's really moving. (I'll work on posting a recording.) The teachers were more interactive and appreciative today. I was a poster boy – fixing posters that fell. I felt unneeded, but afterwards a woman thanked me for helping and said I was an honest human being.

I rediscovered the value of power napping. Cristina and I planned our respective lesson plans. I am slowly gaining responsibility in my planning. It feels good to get things done well and early.

Since yesterday "bombs" (firecrackers) have been going off pretty nonstop. Tomorrow is "Guy Fawkes." No one I asked could tell me who or what that is. But it's the 400^th anniversary of the infamous Gunpowder Plot that was planned by the day's namesake.

It's the end of Tourism Week on the island. Suhayl and Akil played in a steel drum concert, but we got there too late. We got to hang out with Gene and her family and hear other steel drum bands, though. I ate a veggie dog!

Haile loves to be held, and I love Haile.

The tuba of the band. I wish I could play!!

Feast Is Fun. Mosquitoes Are Not.

2005-11-03T12:00:00.000-04:00

Today was the first half of a two-day virtues workshop for primary school teachers. It is interesting to see how Lynda uses a completely different teaching method each time she does the workshop. This is the third one I am part of. I took notes less on the presentation and more on my tangent trains of thought. Here's the good ones:

So you know you can't change another person or solve their problems (or I hope you do). The most you can do is try to understand them and encourage them to find a solution on their own. Advice might be appropriate, but is more important for the impetus and motivation to come from within. Sometimes I can be quick to give advice and not listen enough. (This is called spiritual companioning™. It's meant for children, but certainly has applications for other relationships.)
Expectations. In some conversations with friends at Green Acre this summer we concluded that it's best to not have expectations so you won't get disappointed when things don't do your way. (You won't get very excited about good thing either.) Makes for a dry existence, eh? As I revisit the subject, I think moderation should be mixed in. Expectations and hopes can give purpose and direction for yourself and perhaps, to a much lesser degree, for others we care about. Being free of expectations can suck some meaning out of like. So, now I believe it is important to have expectations for yourself, but not be attached to results.

Irishtown Primary School is in a tough neighbourhood with tons of crime and drug use, but you would never know that by looking at just the school. The children are all so well-behaved and kind andcourteouss and helpful and cute.

Cristina and I crammed to finish the newsletter in time for Feast tonight. It wasn't what we were hoping for, but it was a good start. We were all ready to print when Word crashed minutes before Feast was to start. It clearly wasn't meant to be finished tonight. [Edit: We definitely need to start planning ahead better. We should expect better form ourselves.]

Feast was great! Gene and Carla came with their respective children. We had some good planningconsultationn. I had a great time playing with the kids! They love playing with Cristina's or my camera.

Next time I'll have to teach Suhayl that the camera can see more if he backs up.

Meesa Sleepy!

2005-11-02T12:00:00.000-04:00

The beach was good. I felt like LD, pondering, reflecting and meditating. The setting is very appropriate. I memorised: "If any differences arise amongst you, behold Me standing before your face, and overlook the faults of one another for My name's sake and as a token of your love for My manifest and resplendent Cause."

It is nice to start the day earlier. I drafted an article on the Five Year Plan for the newsletter with a clear head, but not without distracting myself. Normally I don't do homework-like activities until the evening, but today I can barely think as I am writing this. So in some ways it's better to sleep early and get up early, but it's just not compatible with what I want to do – communicate with the rest of the world. The only time to do that is night. I need to accept it and not think I'm doing something wrong, but I'll still be reasonable and aim for eight hours of sleep every night. (I have itingrainedd in my brain that staying up late is inherently wrong. It feels like I'm defying my mom. :-P )

Halva was on a mission for bitter ash tree, which is used to purify your blood or something wacky like that. So we tagged along. Halva didn't really know where it was. He asked around and hopped from village to village. It's cool that you can ask anybody here a question and they'll willingly spend time to think and answer. The first stop was to ask a guy Halva knew in Molineaux; he was smoking a huge joint right outside. Next, he asked a woman, whose cute grandchildren exclaimed, "White! Wha' your name be?" Another boy came right up to my car window with aspeechlesss spirit of curiosity. The last stop was the home of a man who has his own garden / fishery / artistic woodshop in the yard. I wish I had brought my camera!

Cristina and I helped a bit at Lynda's virtues presentation for a group of parents, mostly single fathers at Basseterre High School auditorium.

This weeks Bible study was led by a guest – one of the island's ministers. The theme was the importance of giving sacrificially to the church, beyond the boundaries of reason. His tactics, which I noted in Persianized English (پرژنایزد انگلش) during the class, included evoking guilt, emphasizing some verses while downplaying others, and not clearly distinguishing between his opinion and concepts backed by scripture. He heavily relied on the blind acceptance of some of the members of the study, but the majority of them were gaining "discernment to see God with their own eyes and here his melody with their ears." Cristina ended the discussion by reiterating that contribution to the fund must be a personal matter between every individual and God. He only responded that he needs to come up with a sermon on the topic.

Who am I? What is memory? How does it relate to emotion? to identity? I have no idea. I wrote the questions when my mind was alert. I may or may not answer them later.

Recommendation from a Concerned World Citizen

2005-11-01T15:26:00.000-04:00

This isn't a standard post. It is a flashback to the nature of my internet prescence in the summer. The following is the email I sent to the Voluntary Services Overseas.

I just read the article on the BBC News web site about the VSO's call for help from computer-literate volunteers. I would first like to praise your organisation for all it does and specifically recognising that the Internet is emerging as tool with the capacity to allow all of humanity to comminicate very efficiently. Therefore, a necessary step towards achieving the unity of the human race is securing communication for all, and the VSO is taking steps in this direction.

Because many of the places VSO sends volunteers are developing countries, affordability of computing is an important factor. Therefore, using the Linux operating system and OpenOffice, which are both free, would be preferable to Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Office. Even though the Microsoft products are standard, there is no real advantage to their use over the free software. While some would argue that Microsoft products are easier to use, this is simply because most people have been introduced to computers running them. Since "tech-savvy" volunteers will be used, it is just as easy to introduce local people to Linux as it is to introduce them to Windows. Additionally, Linux and OpenOffice are open-source, meaning that software developers are free to make useful changes and enhancements, so they could potentially offer more flexibility than the established products. It is better, in my opinion, in both the short and long term for IT in develop countries to take the free and flexible route.

Another suggestion is for computers to be assembled locally. I do not know how this would compare in price to ordering mass quantities from companies such as Dell, but imagine how local communities in developing coutries could benefit. Even though it might not seem compatible with the culture or way of life in many regions, the process can be gradual and, through great creativity and effort, be easied in appropriately. The benefit of access to the world of humanity's colective knowledge, if balanced with moral education, is beyond our perception. The long-term societal upliftment would assuredly far outweigh any short-term financial convenience.

Those influencing humanity's future have the potential to make huge positive differences that we cannot comprehend at the stage of humanity's evolution in which we live. This knowledge is accompanied by the responsibility to make decisions that put needs of the whole of mankind above our current needs and desires.

Are there other like-minded organisations that would be interested in these topics?

Thank you!

Sincerely,
Leif Segen, an American currently volunteering in the education system of Saint Kitts and Nevis

[Update: There is linux created for this purpose! Ubuntu - Linux for Human Beings]

"Regrets and Resolutions"

2005-11-01T12:00:00.000-04:00

We and Lynda met with Lisa Pistana, the Convent principal, to get a clearer picture of what she wants from us, and so Lynda could share details of the Virtues Project training she does and how it will work. I am appreciating more and more what the project can do. If I haven't mentioned them before, the strategies of speaking the language of the virtues, recogising teachable moments, setting clear boundaries, honoring the spirit, and spiritual companioning are brilliant ways to improve how humans interact in steps and leaps larger than the ones Neil Armstrong spoke of. They can and have remedy countless agonising situations like this one all over the world.

Calls from Lloyd and Dr. Thomas sent us to the Ministry of National Security to fill out the forms to get our passports stamped and back into our hands. (We turned them in five weeks ago.) After twisting through town to get the necessary photos, forms and fun finalised, we got our passports back! We're legal until 30 June, 2006!

Sad, sad news came from St. Lucia via Lynda's cell that Michael, whom I met at Green Acre in July and spent the first two weeks with on St. Kitts, has to return to the States earlier than expected for health reasons. We said prayers for him. Though it is very disheartening for a pioneer to leave his post early, I'm sure that it is not without reason: "... everything which happens is due to some wisdom and that nothing happens without a reason."

Cristina and I finished another letter from World Order of Baháu'lláh: "America and the Most Great Peace." I'll close with Shoghi Effendi's closing to the letter, as I sleep early enough to go to the beach in the morning.

... Will it be America, will it be one of the countries of Europe, who will arise to assume the leadership essential to the shaping of the destinies of this troubled age? Will America allow any of her sister communities in East or West to achieve such ascendancy as shall deprive her of that spiritual primacy with which she has been invested and which she has thus far so nobly retained? Will she not rather contribute, by a still further revelation of those inherent powers that motivate her life, to enhance the priceless heritage which the love and wisdom of a departed Master have conferred upon her?

Her past has been a testimony to the inexhaustible vitality of her faith. May not her future confirm it?