Arising to serve humanity

 A new story is beginning in the Dagoretti market area on the Karen side of Nairobi.  It began when i walked to the small, local grocery store to buy vegetables.  outside of the market is a shop to buy flowers.  With joy i greeted the young woman behind the table as she pruned roses.  She was immediately attracted to the joy.  After warm exchanges of courtesy she asked me if i was a Christian.  From there we have been exchanging heart to heart desires for a better world.  She is a woman who does not want to wait for people to come into the church to be saved.  She is about helping other people; she wants her community to be free of alcohol and drugs and all that is hurtful to children.  I introduced the Baha'i-inspired spiritual empowerment program for jr. youth, providing the vision for long-term investment in young souls to ultimately change the neighborhood.  Then one day by surprise she announced that her cousin is the principal of st. luke's educational center in that neighborhood and that he'd like to meet with me to discuss initiating the program in his school.

I was excited beyond words, as if God had clearly answered my prayers to be able to be of service in this capacity in an area that is relatively close to where we live, but i was also very hesitant because I didn't have transport to get there -- I don't have a car to drive and i'm not willing to take a matatu alone because I feel anything can happen that will threaten my safety.  So I called the one Baha'i mother in this area and asked if she could drive me to this meeting and she took me a few days later.

After a very positive and receptive meeting about the program, we agreed with the principal, Mr. Kamau, that we would consult about the logistics and get back with him.  While driving home, my friend generously and lovingly offered that the woman who works for her could pick me up and take me every week to the school.  She explained that this could be part of her work during the week, in the spirit of being of service which is the highest expression of all work we do as Baha'is.  The woman who works for her is also a Baha'i.

That moment made me offer up the deepest praise and thanksgiving to God.  I have been longing to engage once again in a service-oriented activity at the community level here in Nairobi.  The only limitation to the program being held in the school was my transport and now it was sorted so effortlessly through the willingness of a friend whose heart feels connected in the spirit of service to offer her car.
It has been 3 weeks since that initial visit to St. luke's educational centre.  Since that time, the principal and teachers have begun the study process for becoming animators of their own jr. youth groups and/or children's class teachers.  There is word that another school has found out about it and wants to be trained as well.  The kids are enthusiastic and grateful.  I have led 2 out of the 3 sessions and have heard from the principal that the kids are really happy with the program.  They are discovering that the potential for excellence lies within them and must be exercised by their own volition.  They are beginning to feel their own uniqueness in how God has created them in order to make this world a better place.  They have chosen going to a hospital as their first service activity which we will begin planning next week.  The school is abuzz with new energy and it's such a bounty to see.

I am already thinking about all of these kids as if they are my own children.  I look forward to all that lies ahead in terms of learning and growth, challenges and successes, service activities and transformation.

"The betterment of the world can be accomplished through pure and goodly deeds, through commendable and seemly conduct."  

~Baha'u'llah

striving. struggling. meaning of life.

"...Effort is an inseparable part of man's life. It may take different forms with the changing conditions of the world, but it will be always present as a necessary element in our earthly existence. Life is after all a struggle. Progress is attained through struggle, and without such a struggle life ceases to have a meaning; it becomes even extinct. The progress of machinery has not made effort unnecessary. It has given it a new form, a new outlet."
~ Baha'i Writings

typical structures throughout Ghana

with humility and gratitude, i am striving each day to put into action the principles of the Baha'i Faith in very practical, useful and significant ways.  i cannot ignore for a moment my duty to give and be generous, to show genuine love and sincerity, or to be a radiant beam of hope and kindliness to my neighbors.  this is the meaning and purpose of my life.  though oftentimes it entails spiritual toil and struggle amidst suspicion, mistrust, estrangement and apathy, nothing in this life brings greater fulfillment, contentment or happiness.

"..the happiness and greatness, the rank and station, the pleasure and peace, of an individual have never consisted in his personal wealth, but rather in his excellent character, his high resolve, the breadth of his learning, and his ability to solve difficult problems."

~ Abdu'l-Baha, The Secret of Divine Civilization, p.23

we returned back to our life in ghana a week ago.  arriving at the accra airport is quite a struggle in and of itself -- it usually takes an hour to get through customs and then it's mass chaos trying to obtain one's bags through the overly crowded space..

when we first opened the door to our house, it smelled full of must; it had endured intense heat and humidity for the 3 months we were away.  it took us several days of heavy duty cleaning before it felt clean and back to order.  the army of tiny ants still sends some brave soldiers out every day in the kitchen but they are met with a damp cloth and a squirt of cleanser..

once the house was cleaned and the shopping was done and it felt like we could resume normal activities of life as a family, i was excited to go visit the neighbors with whom i've developed good friendships.  the children and jr. youth were so happy to see us again!  it was a very long 3 months apart for us and the hugs were more delightful than words can describe.  each day i go and visit them since they aren't allowed to visit us (read earlier post).  i invite them to come by and collect water since they have none where they live; thankfully the guards and gardener of the compound agree that this is ok and allow them to enter.  i am always in awe watching them carrying it away on their heads as noble and strong servants of God.  the little 5 year old, Joshua, is the cutest..

our way of life continues to be enmeshed with the struggle, toil and suffering of others.  i cannot hide or separate myself from it.  i wake up and go to sleep with my thoughts 'fixed upon that which will rehabilitate the fortunes of mankind and sanctify the hearts and souls of men'.  the fabric of my mind is wrapped around the struggles of life that come with economic, social, educational and ecological inequality and injustice.  my thoughts are set in motion toward 'the betterment of the world' by practicing the counsel of Baha'u'llah to 'do some good to every person' whose path i cross.  in this way, i live with the rhythm that justice begins and ends with me..

although we live simply and economically as middle-class people, we always have something to pass on, to share, to offer, etc. to be like a fruitful tree in the garden of our neighborhood.

it is easy to connect with people on a soulful level in Africa.  here in ghana, i feel like a butterfly or a buzzing bee that stops by and visits with many of the varied flowers and gets to exchange the energizing spirit of life with them.  the love in my heart overflows with joy through many acts of kindness, hospitality and generosity.

the other day i received a call from our carpenter.  he did a lot of work for us when we first moved into this house, making a wide variety of furniture that was tailor-made for our family's needs.  he said that he had tried to call several times over the past 3 months but that my phone was switched off and he realized i must have traveled (a common thing for foreigners here in accra to do).  after the usual 'how are you?' introductions and general conversation about what's happening in life, he said something which felt like a gift from God.  he explained that because of my loving-kindness and general love for everyone, especially the children of his land, it was helping him to grow more like this toward his 'own people'.  he expressed that my love for God is so great that it helps him see what is meant by his belief in the example of the life of Jesus..

i can only attribute such a comment to my love for Baha'u'llah whose life and Teachings serve as the channel of God's love in my life.  as a soul whose life is dedicated to the betterment of the world, and whose heart yearns for an ever-advancing spiritual civilization, it is encouraging to receive such a divine confirmation for just being who i am in a very simple way of loving others..

education ~ human beings are inherently noble

"Throughout the world, the value of teaching as a profession has declined unchecked. Despite attempts to arrest this decline by such means as increased pay, a gathering malaise overshadows the task of educators, a task that often appears caught in a curious dichotomy. At the same time that the moral authority of teachers as respected members of the community is eroding, schools are being asked to address a growing list of moral and social concerns traditionally relegated to the family. What are the root causes of this contradiction? Might it be that our materialist ethos has led us to undervalue those professions which are not economically productive in the narrow sense? A fundamental reassessment of the nature of human reality and human society is needed.

"Bahá'ís believe that human beings are inherently noble, and that the purpose of life is to cultivate such attributes, skills, virtues and qualities as will enable them to contribute their share to the building of an ever-advancing civilization. True education releases capacities, develops analytical abilities, confidence, will, and goal-setting competencies, and instills the vision that will enable them to become self-motivating change agents, serving the best interests of the community.  Individuals should be skilled in the art of consultative decision-making and empowered with a sense of their own dignity and worth. They should understand their positions as members of both a local community and the world community, and they must believe their lives can make a difference.

"This notion of the student as inherently noble, yet in need of patient cultivation, implies that the teacher must be a model of nobility, self-actualization and discipline. In the Bahá'í view, sound character is ultimately more important than intellectual brilliance. The teacher must also see the nobility and capacity in each student, recognizing that a lack of opportunity is different from lack of capacity. A corollary is that the teacher must enjoy the support of the greater community, a respect that flows logically from recognizing the teacher's true station.

"Education needs an expanded definition that frees it from today's largely economic context and acknowledges its role in transforming both individual lives and entire societies. Basic education, literacy, and vocational education need to be redefined in a way that offers the majority more than the acquisition of a few skills and a few simple facts. The minimum requirements of education are the basic knowledge, qualities, skills, attitudes, and capacities that enable individuals to become conscious subjects of their own growth, and active, responsible participants in a systematic process of building a new world order.

"Implications for teacher-training would include the necessity of raising up qualified teachers from within the local community. The community will feel ownership and investment in the school if it empowers the community to transform itself. Entry into formal schooling should be seen as a continuing process begun even before birth, rather than as a sudden, disjunctive immersion into a alien institutional culture. Especially in disadvantaged communities, people deserve a sense of pride and ownership in the educational process. While standardized curricula and technical specialists might play a valuable role, respect for and sensitivity to locally evolved knowledge systems ought to be the cornerstone of any campaign of educational development.

"Children in disadvantaged populations often suffer from a poor self-concept, living without hope and being treated as second-class citizens. The leverage point in promoting a positive self-concept in these children is teacher training. Prospective teachers need a thorough understanding of the role self-concept plays in determining school success, and they need to practice patterns of behavior that create a climate of encouragement in the classroom. Teachers must relinquish the idea that they are fountains of all knowledge. Rather, they should form a partnership with their students in a shared learning process, demonstrating by their example that they, too, are learners. This can have a liberating effect on students in that it helps them see themselves as directors of their own learning and as individuals who can determine the course their lives will take.

"Teachers must give up all occupational prejudices. Education as envisioned in the Bahá'í Writings makes the child a collaborator both in his own growth and in the development of his community. He must acquire a balanced set of capacities that are at once academic, spiritual and vocational. Artisans, craftsman, agriculturalists and tradesmen are seen in the Bahá'í perspective as enjoying an intrinsic station of worth and value. Occupational prejudices that enable white collar workers and professionals to vaunt themselves over others drive youth into the cities.

"Therefore, the whole range of skills and experiences which a people possess are seen as valuable and worthy of transmission, not merely those which seem to have the stamp of modernity. Likewise, literacy, which empowers the individual to participate in affairs of the larger world and to articulate and defend his own interests, is seen as a key component of education for all. Education must be made compulsory and universal, building on local realities but building on universal principles; it must be relevant to the true needs of a community and contribute to the unification of mankind. It must enable people both to move in the direction of their own choosing and equip them with an appreciation of those universal qualities that distinguish the entire human race. The Bahá'í teachings indicate that in order to do this, teachers must be restored to their traditional role as the transmitters of morality, the builders of character and the custodians of culture."

    (Baha'i International Community, 1990 Mar 08, Teacher's Situation Determining Factor of Quality)

Magdelene and Emil's love for the Baha'i Faith

it is another day in accra and the house feels empty without the light of children and jr. youth coming and going on a daily basis like they used to.  in addition to visiting and hanging out with some neighbors more so than ever, i am constantly striving to live life in the spirit of Abdu'l-Baha's example of justice through the smallest acts of sharing my time, experience, knowledge and resources with love..

one family, in particular, is the recipient of most of our time because of how our hearts bonded together in friendship.  this family has 5 children living at home (and one that lives on his own), 2 of whom are in the jr. youth group and 2 who have been attending Baha'i children's classes.  all 5 have come to our home for weekly Devotions and storytelling..

i love being around this family because they are joyful and humble.  there is always laughter in the most pure-hearted, beautiful way while sitting around outside enjoying life.  life to this family is a continual breath of gratitude and love for God, the One Creator.  now that our family's home is closed to the neighbors because of the break-in, this family's living area is becoming the site for further developing the relationships and activities (eg., the kids have already asked their mama if we can hold Devotions there once a week)..

Magdelene and Emil are 2 of the children from this family.  they are ages 10 and 12 respectively.  they are distinguished for their sincerity and eagerness to learn the ways of being Baha'i -- they consistently demonstrate pure-hearted interest while practicing many new behaviors that depict a Baha'i way of life -- ie., they resist the temptation to say anything negative about anyone; they embrace everyone as their brother and sister in the spirit of the Oneness of Humanity; they show forth courtesy, equity, preference for others before themselves, and a spirit of serving others in their daily life; and they love reading the stories of the Faith, as well as memorizing the holy words and prayers.

this morning Magdelene and Emil came to the gate of the compound.  since they aren't allowed inside the compound anymore, they wait for the guard to notify me.  they should be in school today but they explained to me that they no longer have proper shoes or a backpack to use.  last term they returned late to school because they didn't have enough money for school supplies.  after warmly welcoming them with a big hug, Emil said, 'Auntie Pamela, i made this for you.'  he proceeded to show me a tiny Shrine of the Bab which stands up and has a little gate on the front of it which, when opened, reads, 'the Bab means the gate'..

it was one of those moments i find difficult to express adequately in words.  not only does he have a natural talent to create and build with his hands -- having sawed a little bank out of pressed wood, a kite out of reeds and a pot out of clay -- he made something that was inspired as a result of reading the story about the Bab's Declaration..all by himself!  yesterday he wasn't able to attend the children's class because he had to wash his clothes, but Magdelene had attended and must have shared the story with him.  i was deeply moved as i thought of him making this symbol of the Baha'i Faith with his hands and pure heart..

he and Magdelene are very interested in learning some lines of the story to share with the adults in a couple of weeks for the May 23rd celebration.  this morning they asked for their lines so they could write them down with the intention of memorizing them.  they were impressed by how Ayana, Dyami and Domani put on a little skit for the 12th day of Ridvan celebration.  the entire story of the Ridvan garden was told by memory in front of more than 100 people.  Emil and Magdelene hope to prepare something like that for a Baha'i holy day in the future. :)

after being out all morning at the US Embassy and the supermarket, i am now going to visit Emil and Magdelene to see if they are finished copying their lines and if they need any help.  having developed this spiritual relationship with these 2 sweet souls is an example of how my life here in ghana is full of meaning and purpose..as a maidservant of humanity.

remembering Delft, South Africa

dyami playing checkers on a handmade board with soda caps

  

today i am quiet and tired.  after 6 hours of sleep i woke at 4:45 for the fast.  at first i was very sleepy but after a cup of water and a cup of a green drink, i was ready to buzz around the kitchen preparing everything for the morning routine.  by the time i had taken nutritional supplements, enjoyed a strong cup of coffee, and savored toasted flat bread with homemade hummus, i was running upstairs to wake ayana (who was sleeping in my bed because dashiel is out of town) and sing a prayer to the boys who are always so sleepy upon waking.  when the time reaches 7:20am and it's time to leave, they have brushed their teeth, dressed, prayed, recited, read a story, eaten breakfast and taken turns to talk with me about whatever is in their young hearts and minds..

during the fast i don't pray until the kids have left for school.  the other days of the year i wake early and pray before everyone wakes.  for these days of fasting, i like to spend that first hour or so making my body strong for the day.  when the sun rises and i'm done taking care of the kids' lunches and breakfast, it's time to clean -- sweep, sometimes mop or clean the floors, wash a load of laundry, etc. and then i become immersed and wrapped in prayer, reflection and reciting of the holy Word with wholehearted devotion, humility and submission..

a jr. youth, Siphesihle, who became a Baha'i

after a long period of quiet time and working in the kitchen, i started to feel tired.  writing gives me energy so i decided to write a post.  i stayed up a bit too late last night looking through old videos on our external drive.  i wanted to find a short one that would not take up too many megs and one that was from South Africa, related to our time of serving there as Baha'is.  the videos of South Africa evoke a deep longing in me to return there -- to Cape Town in particular -- where a group of young souls touched our lives in immeasurable ways.  words continue to be inadequate to express the love our hearts experienced living in south africa.  that love reached it greatest depths in delft when arising to serve in one of the neighborhoods -- we offered spiritual education classes from the Baha'i teachings on Oneness, universal brotherhood, justice, peace and a high moral standard of conduct.  we have very few memories on video that capture the essence of joy, unity and spiritual bonds of friendship that were established over a period of 3 years, but the one above depicts the joy they felt being with our family.

 

a few of our closest young friends from Delft

my heart is still saddened if i dwell on how much i miss those dear souls.  when i am tired, as i am now, i close my eyes and pray for each soul in south africa that is in my heart.. each morning.. each moment..as i remember them.

"..make thy home a center for the radiation of light.." ~Abdu'l-Baha

art supplies kept on the window sill by the dining table

 our home is a refuge, a lending library, a study center, a meeting place, and a blessed spot where Devotions, firesides, deepenings and classes are held.  i've been witnessing the beauty of souls thriving in this environment that we call home.  it is fueled by love and requires just a bit of effort and coordination to ensure that there is a sense of order and cleanliness (which lead to peacefulness). :)

today is monday and mondays are the one day of the week we do not invite anyone over.  but i received a call this afternoon, after school, and it was Jude, one of the Gems of Justice.  he was calling to say sorry that he was late but could he still come -- as if we were having a class.  we have study sesions and tutoring on tuesday and thursday afternoons, a Baha'i class on fridays, and jr. youth group on saturdays.  i proceeded to tell him that we don't have anything scheduled on mondays but that if he wanted to still come he could.  at that point he tells me he's outside of the gate (which is guarded by security guards for our compound).  i laughed and thought how sweet -- this boy really wants to come over today.  he's walked quite a long distance and calls me right when he arrives.  he brought his brother and cousin, both of which are also in the jr. youth group.  they are good-hearted boys who have attended Christian school and they are therefore have been better educated than those who attend public schools..yet they are interested in furthering their education through fiction and non-fiction reading.

Baha'i story books to read, mostly for younger souls

our home was very quiet.  each of our children were busy with studies.  i asked them to find something to read or study, which they do each time they come during the week.  soon there was another knock on the door and it was Gideon who i am helping learn how to read English or complete his homework accurately.  i worked with him for a short while and then read him 2 stories from the 'My Baha'i Book' for 6-9 year olds.  near the end of study time all the kids were buzzing with whispers and giggles.  some were drawing on the white board; others were fascinated by Dyami's project on the computer.  it is never easy to get them to leave -- they are so happy here!

i have been noticing that these unplanned visits are occurring more often and regularly.  i love them!  they are spontaneous and natural..it's Africa and you don't need to be invited!  i've been wanting to document how often we have neighbors and the Baha'i friends coming by to visit us (recently, on a sunday, different people came 9 different times throughout the day!).  it's quite amazing to me because this is not life in most of America.  you may have 1 neighbor who always pops in but you don't have a wide variety and number of people constantly coming by uninvited.

Jude and his cousin, Solomon

these unplanned visits are a common way of life for us but at the same time the kids are good at observing our boundaries around time.  we often offer them a certain time that our home will be open, and that works well most of the time.  many times a child comes and it must be a very short visit because our family is busy.  other times we extend the time and the visit is very long..we're striving to find the balance between our own family time and time shared with others..

then, tonight, there was a knock on the door.  it was 4 jr. youth who missed saturday's session.  they came to find out what was going on and to hang out -- this is the first time they came by like this on a weeknight!  it was yet another sign of how our home is a place where the kids feel welcome, where they are blossoming, where they feel safe and loved, and most of all, truly happy.  by the time they left, an hour had swiftly passed by with lots of laughter, excitement for our upcoming outing and service project, and braids all over my head. :)

my bookshelf which helps organize my materials

i finally feel completely confirmed in my service to God here in Ghana.  one always has to be very patient in gaining trust and assisting others to feel encouraged or to make commitments or change their usual habits or way of life.  nothing comes easy or simply.  after living here 8 1/2 months, i can see that the jr. youth group has begun to spread its wings and is trying to soar above this world of matter..

it has been a very gradual process of spending time and focused energy on each one of them, little by little, until, as a group now, i can see the collective energy is now greater than each individual's limited capacity at any given time.  the group as a whole is now taking off and winging its flight.. without having a home to visit outside of the group session on a consistent, almost daily basis, i feel it would take a very long time for the group to reach this point of beginning to fly on its own. each one of those souls need a base, a launching site, that refuge and source of fuel for striving for excellence, for being reminded of one's gems, for being confirmed in one's talents, for being encouraged in all ways, and above all, for being loved for who they are as a soul.

 *****

"... Is any larger bounty conceivable than this that an individual, looking within himself, should find that by the confirming grace of God he has become the cause of peace and well being, of happiness and advantage to his fellowmen. No, by the one true God, there is no greater bliss, no more complete delight."

~'Abdu'l-Bahá: Secret of Divine Civilization, pp. 2-3

*****

"Independent of the level of their education, parents are in a critical position to shape the spiritual development of their children. They should not ever underestimate their capacity to mold their children's moral character. For they exercise indispensable influence through the home environment they consciously create by their love of God, their striving to adhere to His laws, their spirit of service to His Cause, their lack of fanaticism, and their freedom from the corrosive effects of backbiting. Every parent who is a believer in the Blessed Beauty has the responsibility to conduct herself or himself in such a way as to elicit the spontaneous obedience to parents to which the Teachings attach so high a value. Of course, in addition to the efforts made at home, the parents should support Bahá'í children's classes provided by the community. It must be borne in mind, too, that children live in a world that informs them of harsh realities through direct experience with the horrors already described or through the unavoidable outpourings of the mass media. Many of them are thereby forced to mature prematurely, and among these are those who look for standards and discipline by which to guide their lives. Against this gloomy backdrop of a decadent society, Bahá'í children should shine as the emblems of a better future."

    ~The Universal House of Justice, Ridvan 157, 2000, p. 9

a searching soul..Magdalene

there is a gem of a little girl named magdelene who i find myself cherishing more and more each time i see her.  she is 10 years old.  she's very, very quiet and yet inquisitive, clever, thoughtful, tender and purehearted in her way of demonstrating her personality.  tonight she came to our 'sunday night storytelling'.  she didn't talk with anyone but offered one prayer when it was time for Devotions.  before saying goodbye to me she asked gently, 'Auntie Pamela, may i please have a storybook about the Baha'i Faith?'  it was so, so sweet and genuine.  her heart has been touched by the spirit of Baha'u'llah without me speaking with her directly.  i offered her Joyce Liggitt's book, The Life of Baha'u'llah.  it is written for young souls.  she was very happy to receive it..

about 20 minutes later, after the boys were tucked in and we were in the kitchen talking with ayana, cleaning up for the night, there was a knock on the door.  it was magdelene.  she came to ask how to pronounce many of the Persian words in the book: Qa'im, Asiyih Khanum, Mihdi, etc.  i felt my heart growing with immense love for this little soul, this precious heart that is seeking to understand what the Baha'i Faith is all about, all on her own.  it feels like such a bounty to witness a soul searching for union with God..

fireside..for the young at heart

a week ago i explained to some of the kids that have been coming for classes and tutoring that we are hosting a meeting to discuss the Baha'i Faith.  i told them we call it a fireside and that it's not a class, study session or Devotional gathering.  they came with eagerness and joy to my wonderful surprise.  since no one else showed up, it was very informal and more like a deepening, explaining the spiritual nature of our soul and the meaning of one of the Hidden Words:

O COMPANION OF MY THRONE!
Hear no evil, and see no evil, abase not thyself, neither sigh and weep. Speak no evil, that thou mayest not hear it spoken unto thee, and magnify not the faults of others that thine own faults may not appear great; and wish not the abasement of anyone, that thine own abasement be not exposed. Live then the days of thy life, that are less than a fleeting moment, with thy mind stainless, thy heart unsullied, thy thoughts pure, and thy nature sanctified, so that, free and content, thou mayest put away this mortal frame, and repair unto the mystic paradise and abide in the eternal kingdom for evermore.

  (Baha'u'llah, The Persian Hidden Words)

this simple deepening was met with quiet, concentrated faces.  i am never sure whether the spirit of what i'm saying is understood or received as meaningful or important to others.  i rely on being a hollow reed whose purpose is to serve, but i do wonder afterward what the soul was thinking and feeling in their silence.  this simple fireside was simply perfect because when they left there was joy and radiance in their faces. :)

since last week's fireside, we have shared with them a children's class, a jr. youth group session, Devotions, Sunday night storytelling & Devotions, studying together for exams, dinner & Devotions, and another Devotions (per their request!).  last night, while preparing for the fireside, i was anticipating that they would come but wasn't certain because i can't predict anything -- there are always factors that i will never know about which contribute to the whether or not i will see the kids or not.

i had invited some Baha'i youth for dinner with the hope that they would convey the spirit of the Baha'i Faith in addition to how i have been trying.  we enjoyed a nice dinner together for awhile before the fireside was set to begin.  by 7:15, 15 minutes before it was set to begin, we heard loud sounds outside -- typically this indicates that our friends are calling for us.  indeed, ayana looked out her bedroom window and they communicated with her that they tried to come but the guards wouldn't let them in.  my first reaction was, 'Yay! they are coming!'  my second reaction was that i need to resolve with the guards that they must come ask me first before turning anyone away.  with great delight i found 9 of them running to the gate to greet me.  they were so happy!  after washing their feet outside in the small rinsing area on the side of the house -- which is a post in and of itself! -- they came and sat down.  we were waiting for the boys who live in a different area, as well as any adults who may come as well.  we decided to play 'whisper telephone' -- what a great ice-breaker!  especially with people whose mother tongues are different!  after much laughter, the other kids came and our living room was full of 18 souls. :)

we opened with prayer.  with my eyes closed i cherished hearing them recite the holy words from the Baha'i Writings.  i love all their different voices and accents.  i love how the children have memorized the Selections from classes.  i love how they are striving with courage to read english when it's not always easy.  and it's very sweet to hear them sing along with a song that is now in their hearts.

the fireside itself was unique.  without adults present (except myself!), the youth and kids were able to be serious but informal.  sometimes it was a little chaotic with trying to help them not giggle and comment while someone was talking.  otherwise, it was full of precious moments of little hands being raised to offer their thoughts.  the youth gave a short presentation with practical examples of how one lives as a Baha'i.  this evoked some responses for how they live their lives.

the youth then opened up the discussion by asking them what they have learned about the Faith as a result of the classes.  this is the part of the evening where i couldn't stop smiling.  these are a few of the comments:

..'the Baha’i Faith is awesome’ 

..'be kind & be loving'  

..‘let your eye be chaste..’ 

..'let your hand be faithful'

..'and your heart enlightened'

..'be truthful'

..'show respect'

..'don't make fun of others'

..'no striking others'

..'Baha'u'llah was loving and kind'

..'do not steal'

..'don't talk bad about others when they are not there'

these and other comments created a lively discussion.  it was amazing how the jr. youth conveyed so much of what they had learned from their last session.  they were quietly attentive during the explanation of the quotes to memorize without wanting to say anything in response.  but i can see that it stuck with them, and that they are reflecting on it.  it is the power of the holy spirit in the Word of God that mysteriously affects the soul.  we recite and pray.  we listen to God's Word and we supplicate to Him using His Word.  it is a process of listening and beseeching, then arising to live one's life in accordance with the Divine Will.  my hope is that through the guidance and counsel in the Writings, their lives will begin to transform into noble, dignified, spiritual realities.  this is the purpose of spiritual education..

the discussion gave way to singing, marching, drumming and an array of musical instruments being played. after a refreshment, we prayed together again and gradually closed the evening with loving goodbyes.  no photos for this post; dash had the camera with him in london at the time..

decision to make a change

a week ago a group of jr. youth met in our home to form a jr. youth group.  there were 8 of them.  2 had to leave early but the rest wanted to stay and talk.  we consulted and changed the day of the week to fridays from 4-6pm because sundays were not the best day for everyone.  since it was changed to a friday afternoon, i could no longer offer the 8-10 year olds a children's class at that time (the other days of the week are full, 3 of which are set aside to tutor them in reading).

so friday i organized our home and set up materials to use for demonstrations; i chose some games to play as icebreakers and asked our boys to go upstairs before 4pm so our home would be ready for the group to begin downstairs in our living room.  4pm turned quickly into 4:30 before i started to wonder if they were all going to be late and only have an hour here before our family would need to ask them to leave at 6pm.  by 5pm a group of the boys that come for tutoring had come by to see if they could play with dyami and domani.  i invited them to play soccer on the grass but told them they would have to leave once the jr. youth came -- as i was still hopeful they would be coming.

by 5:30 dashiel arrived home and no one had come.  after sitting on the bench talking with the kids on our front patio for about 15 minutes, it was time to say goodbye, come inside (avoiding the inevitable mosquito bites that occur that time of day) and prepare dinner.  we invited the kids to come by on saturday to play soccer with us after lunch..

this was the moment of putting those spiritual powers into practice -- being detached, understanding and ready to persevere.  i didn't feel sad or upset.  i felt calm and curious.  i know all of these jr. youth well enough now (most of them since july) to know that they are genuinely interested in joining this group.  i kept wondering why they didn't come as i prepared dinner.  while we were eating the guard knocked at the door announcing that one of them was at the gate.  we declined letting whoever it was inside at that time.  we had begun 'family friday' and thought it best to wait before finding out who it was.  i was sure this was just a moment to let pass and let time reveal what forces are at work in this process of trying to bring many young souls together for a great undertaking.

saturday morning our family was just hanging out so we called out our window to gideon, the 9 year old who is our closest little friend, inviting him over to play with dyami and domani inside while dashiel was writing and ayana was working on a school project with a friend.  gideon came over to play and soon there was another knock at the door.  it was emil, one of the jr. youth who didn't show on friday.  i sat outside on the bench with him and asked him why he didn't come on friday.  he was the one that came after 6pm on friday. he explained how he stayed at school playing games.  it was such a pure-hearted answer, not complicated or dishonest.  he said that he still wants us to form a group and asked if he could finish reading the book that he started during the week (when i was tutoring the younger kids).  he came inside to read a story about the chinese king who tests the purity and honesty of the children's hearts.  [our home has become a little library.  sometimes we lend one out, but for the most part we keep them here.  it's really unfair and unfortunate how deprived the typical african child is of basic story books.  ghana is much worse off than south africa.  it's the upper class who send their children to good, private schools to have an opportunity to advance onto university.  the masses attend public school which are incredibly inadequate.. apparently they have deteriorated drastically over the past 10 years or so as this new generation of wealthy ghanaians have begun to send their children to international schools..]

saturday afternoons are a time of neighborhood children's classes and jr. youth groups at the local Baha'i's home.  i had planned on bringing all of our new friends who were interested in attending for their first time.  before it started, i was hanging out on the grassy field across the dirt road from the Baha'i's home while the kids played soccer.  in addition to emil, evelyn had now come to join us for the neighborhood classes -- she explained that she had to cook that afternoon.  she is still interested as well.. 

saturday was my first time seeing how the classes are held nearby.  i came to observe how the local Baha'is have been conducting classes for 40-60 children and jr. youth for 8 years now.  up to that point i had only 1 official children's class with the kids who live around us.  i haven't been sure when to schedule it for 3 reasons:  saturdays aren't good because one of the children goes to church all day; sunday mornings some of them come to the local Devotions at one of the Baha'is home; and now friday afternoons are scheduled for the jr. youth group.  in addition, the Assembly has asked me to support a teacher for a new children's class that is supposed to begin in the near future -- when it is set, i will most likely need to merge my class into that one and no longer have it in our home because it will be in a neighborhood that's been identified as receptive to having a children's class.

all of these factors lead me to this morning's decision.  i have been supporting the local Devotions each sunday morning.  after the prayers and singing, the adults deepen and the children go to the 'Baha'i children's class'.  for more than a month the kids we know well now have also been coming with us.  as long as i've been coming, there has never been a teacher for this class -- i was compelled to serve as a teacher for this small group of children of varying ages.  the entire experience has been very difficult.  i do it out of my love for Baha'u'llah and for the children whose souls are always in need of spiritual training and instruction..

but today it entered my heart that i'd like to have Devotions in our home and then offer a small children's class to the 3 who come regularly with us, as well as for dyami and domani.  i consulted with dash about it and he loved the idea.  our family has a very child-centered and musical focus when it comes to Devotions, and we have missed that energy that we experienced in South Africa.  this idea came as a result of attending yesterday's classes in the neighborhood.  i witnessed a lot of bad behavior and a lack of order.  it was missing the spiritual atmosphere.  i struggled with having any negative thoughts and feelings as i'm very conscious about being humble, patient, understanding, etc.  but ever since i moved here i have felt unable to arise as an individual and be used to serve the Cause of Baha'u'llah in a way that will channel my energy and capacity.  i have committed myself to other people's activities and supported them where they needed assistance.  in that way i felt stuck, like the foreigner who is out of place, who doesn't fit the mold, who is uncomfortable in many ways, and who can't seem to receive the support i need to move forward with any suggestions or changes that i feel are necessary to greater progress.

so i set up our home for Devotions.  i asked the children if they would like to go to the local Devotions or stay at our home.  when they arrived, they brought 2 jr. youth, one of whom was emil.  there were now 5 of them!  it was immediately a sign that the more i hang in there (instead of getting down that nothing worked on friday for ex.), the more i realize how essential it is to be patient at all times and under all conditions.  all of them wanted to stay.  we shared a most spirited Devotions with them, with drumming, singing and even a little marching around the room. :)  2 of the children offered Baha'i prayers from memory.  it was sweet and perfect.  they were reverent and joyful.  it was a great beginning to experiencing a Devotions that our children cherish and never want to miss.  we realize that if our children love it, then others will love it.  this is what we experienced in south africa from so many of the kids in delft.  Devotions was truly uplifting and a ladder for the soul to ascend nearer to God.

what was most special and significant about the decision to hold the activities in our home today is that the class set the stage for a high standard of conduct, for putting into practice the manners and attitude necessary to gain all that is possible from the Message of Baha'u'llah.  the participation of all of them was surprisingly fully engaged and animated, thoughtful and with effort to learn.  midway through, while playing the virtues bingo game, the jr. youth girl i saw yesterday came with a friend to join the class!  we explained the spirit of what a Baha'i class is about and now they are part of the beauty of it as well.  by the end of class, everyone was happy to clean up before closing with learning how to sing, 'So powerful is the light of unity that it can illuminate the whole earth.' Baha'u'llah

i finally felt content, grateful to serve Baha'u'llah to my fullest ability, to connect soul to soul with everyone in the class, and feel confirmed in the process.  i will need to explain to the local friends why i will no longer be supporting sunday morning Devotions.  it will not be easy for me because i am loyal to supporting and very devoted to community building.  yet i realize for myself that individual initiative creates an opportunity to spread that sense of community building and release the spirit of servitude in a way that perhaps could not be done by merely assisting something that already exists.  i stretched my spiritual wings today and felt like they were upheld by the breezes of confirmation. :)

hospitality ~ serving others

we have been working with 2 carpenters to order and receive furniture for a few months: Ephram and Ada.  last week was our final delivery.  they brought the items in a pick-up truck and brought them inside.  once they were finished setting things up, they sat down to write the receipts and settle the payment.  i asked them if they would like some tea or coffee.  this is a question i ask each time but it is not easy for them to accept the request.  after their pause i commented, 'That means yes!'  i knew they wanted to accept the offer because of their silence instead of an instant 'no'.  i brought them some tea on a tray with some leftover doughy rolls from breakfast.  next i came with 2 small plates, each with a little jam to spread on the rolls.  one of them never ate jam before..

the tv unit, center table & bookshelves..all made by Ephram & Ada

after settling the bill, they began talking in twi, their mother tongue.  Ephram then began speaking on behalf of Ada (who speaks less English that he does).  he explained that they have never met anyone like me -- a white person with some wealth who has been so kind to them.   the way it was explained was very touching and humbling..it brought a tear to my eye.  my response was explaining that this is what my love for Baha'u'llah does, and this is our way of life because of Him..that we see the beauty of God in each soul through His Teachings.  we respect each soul.  we don't think anyone is more important than anyone else.

we cannot measure how much our simple acts of service or hospitality are touching people's hearts.  the remnants of racism and prejudice are carried like a heavy burden and buried deep inside many black people's hearts as a result of their life experiences.  it sometimes takes a long time for acts of service to easily be received as genuine from white people.  Ephram said that clients do not offer even a cup of water to them when they deliver the furniture.  i know that it's more than just being deprived of a quenching drink that he's conveying.  it's just an example which demonstrates the overall the lack of genuine kindness shown to them.  it's insulting and cold, especially to the African culture of always offering whatever you have to make the person in your home welcome after their journey to come see you. 

every person in this world can make a difference, every day, every moment -- just by offering simple acts of generosity, helpfulness, thoughtfulness or kindness.  all of these are universal qualities, simple virtues.  but unless one's heart is like an empty receptacle of God's love, that love we have for Him cannot be channeled and translated into service.  i wasn't 'trying' to be of service..it is a natural impulse that bursts forth as a way to express my love for God, for His people -- we are all His people, His servants, created out of His love.  there's no ulterior motive, or hope for reward or recognition.  the moment those impurities creep in, the spirit is removed from any act of serving.  as we spread the Teachings of Baha'u'llah which open one's heart to this limitless sense of seeing the world under the banner of Oneness, and each living thing as part of each other, connected beyond what we can describe, then this way of serving one another -- without any barriers which currently create estrangement, pride, arrogance, fear, greed, selfishness, jealousy, envy -- will be discovered as the key to happiness.  true happiness is nearness to God..and the best way to grow closer to God is by serving humanity for His sake, not our own.

Ephram has taken 6 Baha'i books up to this point.  he likes to read and investigate.  he knows that we are Baha'i.  he is rooted in Christianity yet is very interested to know Who Baha'u'llah is in relation to Christ.  he is reading 'Some Answered Questions' and 'Christ and Baha'u'llah' among others like 'Thief in the Night'.  aside from any books he is reading, i realize that it is our family life, our innermost thoughts and intentions, the purity of our hearts, and the radiance of our faces that will connect his heart with the spirit that is in Word of God that he is reading.  this is our daily striving and supplication..

service is the magnet

Each Saturday morning, in a neighborhood of south Delft, South Africa, 3 children's classes and one jr. youth class are now being held in the home of a family who is supporting the early stages of a Baha'i School. This year's classes began on February 6th with a lot of excitement in the neighborhood after a long holiday without the classes. It's been 5 weeks of trying to coordinate teachers and settle many logistical obstacles along the way. Each week feels like an investment toward the children's lives, their souls, nurturing the seed of their faith and community which is being immeasurably touched and affected by Baha'u'llah's Message of Oneness, universal brotherhood, and the upholding of a moral rectitude of conduct which is being revealed and understood very gradually. We are just now at a point where I feel a sense of sustainability exists for building momentum for the year ahead.

Sometimes I feel overwhelmed by the magnitude of this undertaking. Most of the children speak Xhosa and Afrikaans as their first language. It isn't until the age of 9 or so that a lesson can be understood well enough in English by the students to convey basic concepts, principles and words such as purity of heart, gems, nobility, character and conduct. We haven't had any Xhosa-speaking Baha'is be able to teach a class, and local help with translation is hard to come by. The logistics of ensuring that the classes are held are often full of unpredictability, unreliability, miscommunication, cancellations, and a lack of commitment. In addition, it is difficult for me to create an atmosphere of praiseworthy conduct in an environment where many students do not yet listen while I speak, wait politely for their turn, show consideration to others, respect the girls, etc. Abdu'l-Baha reminds us what we are facing along this journey:

"Among the greatest of all services that can possibly be rendered by man to Almighty God is the education and training of children, young plants of the Abha Paradise, so that these children, fostered by grace in the way of salvation, growing like pearls of divine bounty in the shell of education, will one day bejewel the crown of abiding glory.

It is, however, very difficult to undertake this service, even harder to succeed in it. I hope that thou wilt acquit thyself well in this most important of tasks, and successfully carry the day, and become an ensign of God's abounding grace; that these children, reared one and all in the holy Teachings, will develop natures like unto the sweet airs that blow across the gardens of the All-Glorious, and will waft their fragrance around the world."

(Abdu'l-Baha, Selections from the Writings of Abdu'l-Baha, p. 133)

By the end of February, I had spoken several times with the children's class coordinator about a lack of teachers for the classes. The cluster is aware that this is a receptive population and it has grown so fast within the past 6 months. We were planning on having 4 separate classes this year. Just when it started to become discouraging, I supplicated for assistance and the ability to arise with greater capacity to sustain the attendance of so many interested souls. A few days later a person who hasn't shown any interest in serving in this capacity came to me and said she was ready to commit as a full-time teacher for one of the classes! In addition, that same evening, a Xhosa Baha'i also said he was keen to be a much-needed teacher for the 3-5 year olds who understand very little English! It was such a sign of faith in action as I needed to keep on, keepin' on...

These past 5 weeks have been quite difficult in terms of seeing the potential for this Baha'i School remain unrealized and possibly damaged as teachers do not arise to serve, as venues and curriculum are not available when the students are ready, and chaos and confusion occur. Throughout all these challenges and sometimes feeling overwhelmed, there is nothing that prevents me from striving with all my heart, mind and time to exert effort in this direction. I continue to put my trust in God while constantly needing to practice patience and understanding, search for solutions, and then witness the divine confirmations which inevitably come as a result of perseverance, determination, long-suffering and steadfastness. I am compelled from the depths of my inner being to serve these children no matter what the tests are along the way. As long as I keep striving to selflessly serve in this capacity as the person who is getting it off the ground, the grace of Baha'u'llah continues to enable this embryonic Baha'i School to grow.

"Faith is the magnet which draws the confirmation of the Merciful One. Service is the magnet which attracts the heavenly strength."

(Abdu'l-Baha, Tablets of Abdu'l-Baha v1, p. 62)