…life in slow motion…

The Book of Hours project

2010-03-02T21:48:00.000+02:00

Continuing on with a project I started last year called the Book of Hours, for the Bahá’í month of fasting I will attempt to write a poem every day reflecting on the import of the Fast. The project title takes its name from a volume of poems by Rainer Maria Rilke—a collection of love poems to God.

Dawn-prayers on the Anniversary of the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh

2009-11-12T21:27:00.001+02:00

From a talk given by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, quoted in The Promulgation of Universal Peace:

“During His lifetime He was intensely active. His energy was unlimited. Scarcely one night was passed in restful sleep. He bore these ordeals, suffered these calamities and difficulties in order that a manifestation of selflessness and service might become apparent in the world of humanity; that the Most Great Peace should become a reality; that human souls might appear as the angels of heaven; that heavenly miracles would be wrought among men; that human faith should be strengthened and perfected; that the precious, priceless bestowal of God—the human mind—might be developed to its fullest capacity in the temple of the body; and that man might become the reflection and likeness of God, even as it hath been revealed in the Bible, ‘Let us make man in our image.’

“Briefly, the Blessed Perfection bore all these ordeals and calamities in order that our hearts might become enkindled and radiant, our spirits be glorified, our faults become virtues, our ignorance be transformed into knowledge; in order that we might attain the real fruits of humanity and acquire heavenly graces; in order that, although pilgrims upon earth, we should travel the road of the heavenly Kingdom, and, although needy and poor, we might receive the treasures of eternal life. For this has He borne these difficulties and sorrows” (p. 28).

How easily I find myself forgetting that our nature is to be human, but our goal is to be heavenly. It reminds me of the analogy Howard Colby Ives gave in Portals to Freedom that the nature of iron is to be black, cold and stiff, but when exposed to fire, it glows, is warm and is fluid, and that our purpose, as human beings, is to sacrifice that which is lower for that which is higher. In such a reified, commodified society as the United States, it can be an uphill battle to remember this...

A possible resurrection attempt

2009-11-12T21:22:00.000+02:00

I thought I might resurrect this blog thing by sharing thoughts, ideas and meditations that I come across in my literary travels. Meditations that can be taken on board as part of our spiritual and intellectual equipment.

Maybe it'll have legs. We'll find out...

The Book of Hours project

2009-03-08T08:55:00.000+02:00

There is something short to be said, after months of having nothing to really to say. I have a new poetry project: the Book of Hours. It takes its name from a volume of poems by Rainer Maria Rilke—a collection of love poems to God. We shall see how long my creative energies flow along this river. Perhaps by the end of the 19-day Bahá’í month of fasting, I will have completed 19 poems for this project.

Have a look here to see the pieces.

More on imprisoned Iranian Bahá’í leaders

2008-05-28T09:52:00.000+03:00

An update on the unknown fate of six recently arrested Bahá’ís in Iran.

Bahá’í International Community rejects Iranian allegations on recent arrests

2008-05-22T18:29:00.001+03:00

Have a look at another interesting article concerning recently arrested Bahá’í leaders in Iran. Of particular interest is this statement by Bani Dugal, principal representative of the Bahá’í International Community to the United Nations: “The group of Bahá’ís arrested last week, like the thousands of Bahá’ís who since 1979 have been killed, imprisoned, or otherwise oppressed, are being persecuted solely because of their religious beliefs. The best proof of this is the fact that, time and again, Bahá’ís have been offered their freedom if they recant their Bahá’í beliefs and convert to Islam – an option few have taken.”

Six Bahá’í leaders arrested in Iran; pattern matches deadly sweeps of early 1980s

2008-05-16T06:51:00.002+03:00

Efforts made by the Iranian government to oppress the Bahá’í Faith within its borders have taken a disturbing turn in recent days with the arrest of six members of an informal national group called the “Friends in Iran”. (A seventh member was arrested this past March.) This episode is reminiscent of the 1980s arrest and execution of the members of Iran’s formally elected national governing body, known as the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Iran. In 1980, all nine members of this council were abducted and vanished without a trace, and are feared dead. In 1981, eight members of the reconstituted National Assembly were arrested and executed. This, unfortunately, is yet another blatant attempt by the government of Iran to repress members of a religious community solely for the peaceful practice of their faith.

Check out these two articles for more details—one from Bahá’í World News Service, one from CNN.

A thought on the Olympic torch

2008-04-10T00:33:00.000+03:00

I’ve been watching on the news coverage of this Olympic torch brouhaha. Protestors in Europe and America are hell-bent on seeing this thing extinguished. Forgetting about taking sides for a moment—who’s right or wrong, who’s good or bad—I got to wondering today: What is it protestors hope to accomplish? Somehow I just can’t see the Chinese government reacting to these efforts by saying, “You know, this has made us see the error of our ways—we should stop oppressing these people we’ve been oppressing for decades.” Having said this, this doesn’t mean I’m taking the side of the Chinese government or saying that the whole Tibet issue is just some illusion. I’m not taking any side or stance (I actually enjoy sitting on the fence these days on almost any big issue in American current affairs, just so people can’t pin me down to one side or another—Republican or Democrat, conservative or liberal, pro-life or pro-abortion, pro-war or anti-war, the list goes on…), mainly because, honestly, I don’t know enough about the history of this issue to develop any knowledgeable opinions. (Well, I did see Seven Years in Tibet some time ago, but I doubt a major Hollywood film could be considered a solid basis for reality.)

Zimbabweans vote, desparate for change

2008-03-29T16:20:00.002+03:00

Here's an interesting NY Times article about Zimbabwe's latest presidential elections. I'm not as familiar with the situation in the country as I am in some others, but the column does have some interesting interpretations of the country's unfortunate economic state. Here's one example: “Zimbabwe suffers an inflation rate of more than 100,000 percent, a condition of fiscal entropy so chaotic that a standard calculator has an insufficient number of zeros to figure out a grocery bill. People carry heavy bricks of cash encircled by thick rubber bands. A soft drink costs 30 million Zimbabwean dollars, a chicken 200 million, a tank of gas 1.8 billion.”

Article: Text Generation Gap: U R 2 Old (JK)

2008-03-09T21:35:00.000+02:00

Check out this article published by the New York Times about cell-phone use in America. “Innovation, of course, has always spurred broad societal changes,” it says. “As telephones became ubiquitous in the last century, users—adults and teenagers alike—found a form of privacy and easy communication unknown to Alexander Graham Bell or his daughters.” It discusses an area of social interaction that is increasingly of interest to me—raising children in a world that is always technologically different from that of their parents. It’s amazing to think about how different things were just fifteen or so years ago, when I was first a teenager. For us, having a pager when we first started high school was pretty darn cool. And back then, dial-up internet was the latest and greatest...

Recent Ayyám-i-Há acquisitions

2008-03-09T21:31:00.000+02:00

A new cast iron tea pot and set of artisan tea cups, courtesy of my mother. I debuted the cups one Ayyám-i-Há evening, when my grandmother came over and enjoyed a cup of tea with Mom, my brother and me.

The Role of Education in Building Civilization

2008-01-15T09:23:00.001+02:00

Session participants
Originally uploaded by - Matt -

This past weekend I went to Bosch Bahá’í School in the Santa Cruz Mountains of California to attend a session entitled The Role of Education in Building Civilization. Dan Scott, a member of a Bahá’í institution called the Continental Board of Counsellors, lead the discussions. The overarching concept within our workshop was that the world is witnessing a shift of the educational paradigm—a process similar to a scientific revolution that occurred as a result of Einstein’s theory of relativity—in which our perceptions about knowledge and learning are going through major changes. The session included practical methods we can use to contribute to this paradigm shift—and, thus, build a new civilization—which include daily prayer and meditation, visiting the homes of friends to discuss spiritual matters, and the education of children and junior youth.

Fresno trip

2008-01-15T09:22:00.001+02:00

With Pat
Originally uploaded by - Matt -

Last weekend I cruised down to Fresno, in the central valley of California, to visit my old buddy Patrick, and his wife Amanda. Pat and I went to high school together, and became friends as we neared the end of our senior year. Having lived in different parts of the world for a good five years, it’s nice to be living in closer proximity to each other.

Reunion

2007-11-25T18:41:00.000+02:00

Old and new friends
Originally uploaded by - Matt -

My first Thanksgiving back in America was a reunion with old friends, and seeing new faces. Pat, my good high school buddy, now lives in Fresno with his wife of two years, Amanda. It was nice to finally meet her, and to spend time with a friend I hadn’t seen in five years. Another pal of mine, Shaun, whom I’ve known since kindergarten, also came over. This was actually the first I’d seen of him since I got back, as my studies have kept me pretty busy over the last few months. A few others—namely Matt B. (kindergarten), and Caleb and his sister Laurel (high school)—were also in town to celebrate the holiday with their families. We managed to find time to all hang out and catch up on the lives we’ve been leading since we all scattered to the wind some years ago.

In remembrance

2007-10-14T21:43:00.000+02:00

In remembrance
Originally uploaded by - Matt -

Today we hosted a memorial gathering for Dr. ‘Alí-Muhammad Varqá, the last Hand of the Cause of God to leave this earthly existence. Dr. Varqá passed away at his home in Haifa, Israel, several weeks ago. In its 23 September 2007 message to the Bahá’ís of the world, the Universal House of Justice, the supreme governing council of the Bahá’í Faith, advised the friends “in all lands to commemorate his passing” with befitting memorial services. In addition to devotions for the progress of Dr. Varqá’s soul in the realms beyond, we read the press release from the Bahá’í International Community and the letter of the House of Justice concerning his passing, as well as portions of an article on the institution of the Hands of the Cause of God published in a volume of The Bahá’í World. Our program concluded with a brief slideshow presentation featuring photographs of many of the members of this sacred institution, which everyone enjoyed.

The institution of the Hands of the Cause of God was ordained by Bahá’u’lláh, the Prophet-Founder of the Bahá’í Faith, and its members were invested with the twofold role of protecting and propagating His Faith. Bahá’u’lláh named several people in His lifetime as Hands of the Cause. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Bahá’u’lláh’s eldest son and appointed successor, elucidated in His Writings the responsibilities of this exalted office. Shoghi Effendi, appointed by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá as Guardian of the Faith after His passing, also delineated the role the Hands played in the Administrative Order of Bahá’u’lláh, and elevated several individuals to this rank during his lifetime. No others, however, could be appointed when Shoghi Effendi suddenly passed away in 1957 without naming a successor of his own. The Continental Boards of Counsellors and the International Teaching Centre, institutions founded by the House of Justice in the years following its first election, now oversee the propagation and protection of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh.

Visit with Blake and Sara

2007-09-03T18:45:00.001+03:00

Mini-BWC reunion
Originally uploaded by - Matt -

My good friends from Haifa, Blake and Sara, have been visiting the U.S. for a number of weeks. Now married and living in Honduras, they spent a few days of their U.S. tour visiting Blake’s parents in the Sacramento area, and I was able to drive up and visit with them. I last saw Sara in (I think) late 2004 when she came to the Holy Land on pilgrimage, and I haven’t seen Blake since he finished his service in Haifa a few years ago. We had a chance to catch up on what’s been going on in the last little while, discuss future plans, and muse on good times in Haifa, and laughing a lot along the way. Blake’s folks also served in Haifa, and we also had opportunity to catch up since they also left the Holy Land a few years ago.

All good things...

2007-08-17T07:21:00.001+03:00

One last round
Originally uploaded by - Matt -

My brief return to service in the Holy Land has come and gone, and I made my way back to my hometown in California a few days ago. I traveled on Turkish Airways from Tel Aviv to Istanbul to Chicago to San Francisco. In the few days I've been back I've been preparing for classes, unpacking my boxes and suitcases, and reconnecting with family in the area. We shall see what the days ahead have in store. But one thing I've noticed: when people ask me, "Are you back for good?", my response is not, "Yes", but rather, "For the time being." I figure I might be able to stand it here for a little while if I remind myself that it's not forever.

Reconnecting with Aliyah

2007-08-09T21:08:00.001+03:00

on our way to mandarin with uncle mattie
Originally uploaded by it's all about the good love

When I first got back to Haifa, Aliyah was a little stand-offish around me. Negs and Victor would ask her to say hi to me, and she'd grin, look away and say, "No." But last week, the ice was finally broken and the two of us were like old pals again. A group of us went to hang out at a cafe one evening, and, after awhile, she asked her dad to trade places with me so she could sit next to me. When I left Haifa in January, she would call me "Uncavi", but her vocabulary has now developed further, and now I go by "Uncle Mattie". And at the end of the evening, she said, "Come, uncle Mattie, let's go home."

Old-school BWC reunion

2007-08-09T21:01:00.001+03:00

douzan with sabz, hods and matt
Originally uploaded by it's all about the good love

Early on in my visit, I had a chance to catch up a bit with Sabz, who was in town visiting her parents. I joined her, Negs and Hods on Ben Gurion avenue one evening to catch up on what's been going on with us all in the last little while. Photo courtesy of Negs.

Back home again

2007-08-09T20:55:00.001+03:00

Guys' night out
Originally uploaded by - Matt -

I arrived in Haifa on the morning of Wednesday, 25 July as a three-day visitor, with a couple extra days tacked on so I could box and ship a few personal items I left behind when I departed from the Holy Land in January. But, as luck would have it, there was an opportunity to stay for a couple weeks beyond that to help out a bit in my old department. It was actually quite a blessing, because I was finding it difficult to enjoy my visit—paying my respects at the Bahá’í Shrines and visiting with friends—since it was such a short period of time.

But I’ve now got my travel plans to the U.S. finalized; I’ll be leaving early on Monday the 13th, flying to Istanbul, then to Chicago and then to San Francisco, all on Turkish Airlines. I should be arriving in San Francisco on Monday evening. And thus the next great “adventure” begins…

Day-visit to London

2007-08-09T20:54:00.001+03:00

with Charles
Originally uploaded by - Matt -

My return travels from South Africa to the Holy Land were via London. I spent my 14-hour layover with Charles, visiting first the resting place of Shoghi Effendi, Guardian of the Bahá’í Faith from 1921 until his passing in 1957. After some lunch, we had enough time to see a few prominent sights in London, such as Tower Bridge, British Parliament and Buckingham Palace. Pictures of some of these places are on Flickr, which you can go to by clicking on the picture.

Last Days in South Africa

2007-07-22T00:05:00.001+03:00

Last Supper
Originally uploaded by - Matt -

Now back in Cape Town for one last visit with Anisa and Vahid, my days in this part of the world are winding down, for a little while at least. Another good buddy of mine from my days in Haifa, Reed, is here for a few months doing a social work internship, and it’s been enjoyable to pass some time with him, catching up on the last couple years since we last saw each other, and chatting about plans for the coming years. All four of us went to dinner tonight, for probably the last time. When in Haifa, Reed, Anisa and I used to go out to a café once a week to read and enjoy a coffee or tea. Another friend of ours, Nica, was also a part of those outings, but she, alas, couldn’t be with us tonight. But luckily for her, she has the privilege and bounty of continuing to serve at the Bahá’í World Centre.

I fly out of here on Monday evening, heading for Tel Aviv via London. I have a good twelve-hour layover in London on Tuesday, and will be able to visit with another friend from Haifa, Charles, who is now in the U.K. I will arrive in Haifa on Wednesday morning, will spend five days there paying my respects at the Bahá’í Shrines, visiting with friends, and packing up some things I left there back in January, before heading back to the U.S. for the next little while.

Visit to Bloemfontein

2007-07-09T20:36:00.001+03:00

With Tsepo
Originally uploaded by - Matt -

Upon departing from Maseru, I visited my good friend Tsepo in the nearby South African town of Bloemfontein. Originally from Lesotho, he studies at the University of the Free State in Bloem, and is trying to recruit me to study there as well. During my visit I had the chance to meet a number of Bahá’ís and see a bit of the city. It is definitely smaller and more working-class than, say, Cape Town, but it still has a nice charm, and I will consider relocating there to study.

Lesotho in Pictures: Part 2

2007-07-09T20:34:00.001+03:00

African sunset
Originally uploaded by - Matt -

My four month sojourn in Lesotho has come and gone, and I am now in the final weeks of my little African safari, after which I will return to the Holy Land for a brief visit and then move on to the U.S. for the next little while. Despite interesting tests and challenges in Lesotho, it was a wonderful experience, and it was quite sad to leave behind the people I had become such good friends with.

The second half of my service witnessed more amusing stories and experiences involving my friend Puseletso. Among some of the greatest hits are her making sure I had a comfortable place to sit when I entered the sitting room; telling her mother or father, when she would first see me in the morning, “Come and say good morning to ntate Masew”; singing theme songs of various TV shows and just about every song that appeared in the movie Shrek, sometimes dancing to these songs; and calling raisins, one of her favorite snacks, “laisins.”

In my second two months there, I had the chance to visit the home village of my friend Tlokotsi. It was amusing to see children flock out of their homes to see this white man amongst them, and to see their eyes light up as I greeted them. It was quite a thrill for these little ones, as most of them had scarcely—some never—seen a white person before.

I also had a chance to visit some of the mountainous areas of the country. A pioneer couple, Pierre and Kamachee Martel, live in Mokhotlong and invited me to stay with them for a few days. We visited a number of villages in the area, including one known as Thaba-Di-Mpe (“Very Bad Mountains”). The Hand of the Cause of God Amatu’l-Bahá Ruhíyyih-Khánum visited this village during her travels throughout Africa in from 1969 to 1973. Upon arriving in this village, a group of people shouted from a distance: “Alláh-u-Abhá!” Mrs. Violette Nakhjavani, who accompanied Amatu’l-Bahá on her journeys, has written a book about these travels entitled The Great African Safari, and included in the book are pictures of their visit to Thaba-Di-Mpe.

In my last week there, I tutored a Book 2 study circle with a group of 5 non-Bahá’í youth participating. Late one afternoon it started snowing, which is something of a rarity in the capital of Maseru. None of us thought there would be much, but after an hour, there were two or three centimeters—enough to have a little fun. As we took our afternoon break, a snowball fight ensued, and we were unable to return to our study for the day. But a good time was had by all. Movies I captured on my camera will be up soon.

Click on the pic to see more photos on my flickr site.

Lesotho in pictures

2007-05-11T23:07:00.001+03:00

Lesotho mountains
Originally uploaded by - Matt -.

Whilst on a short visit to Cape Town, I have taken advantage of the high-speed Internet connection and uploaded onto my flickr site a few photos of my Lesotho experience, such as the Bahá’í National Centre where I am staying; the beautiful countryside; Bahá’ís in the capital, Maseru; from a visit to the villages; and friends.

My good buddy Thabo is from a village in an area known as Butha-Buthe. Whilst we were there on a short trip, his neighbor had a conversation with him which was, unbeknownst to me, about me. She was surprised to learn that I, a white man, was living just like they were. She would ask, “You mean he sleeps on a mattress on the floor? You mean he eats papa [maize]? You mean he uses the outhouse? You mean he bathes in the basin?” And he would say, “Yes!” in response to each question. And, apparently, the surprise in her voice increased as he answered each question. On the first day, her children wanted to play with me, but she would say, “Don’t disturb the white man!” But, as you’ll see from the pictures, they ignored mother’s orders by day two.

One of my more pint-sized friends is Puseletso, the three-year-old daughter of the caretakers of the Bahá’í National Centre in Maseru. Apparently, when she wakes up in the morning, she asks her mother, “Where is ntate Masew?” (Ntate [pronounced nnn-táté], by the way, is a term of respect that translates as father.) Recently her father telephoned from out of town. When her mother passed the phone to her, he said, “Hi, Puseletso. How are you?” She answered, “I’m fine, Daddy. Ntate Masew is fine, too.”

In Lesotho

2007-03-30T17:52:00.000+03:00

It’s now been a month since I arrived in Maseru, and I’ve been enjoying my time here so far. The Bahá’ís that I’ve come to know here are all very hospitable and happy to assist me with learning about the customs of this place. And the local people that I’ve met out and about are also very nice. I’ve learned that, in general, if you’re friendly towards others—if you say hello, if you smile—they will return the courtesy. Treat well, and you’re treated well.

Maseru is a small city for a capital, at least by some of the standards I’ve seen elsewhere in the world. I’d say it’s more like a large village than an urban city. But it has many of the same conveniences as any city in a developed country—paved roads (mostly), grocery stores, clothing shops, Internet cafes, and so on. Other areas of the country, I’m told, are a bit more rugged. And I hope to visit a few of these places at some point.

Internet connection is pretty slow in these parts, so blogging and flickring have been limited thus far. Soon, though, I hope to get at least a few pictures online for people to see. Maybe one of these days if I cross the border into South Africa and find a broadband connection somewhere...

Sunset at Signal Hill

2007-02-27T18:12:00.000+02:00

Cape Town Sunset
Originally uploaded by - Matt -.

We had a chance to drive to Signal Hill last night to enjoy the sunset and take a few photos before I leave. Tomorrow morning, I catch a plane from here to Bloemfontein, where one of the Bahá’ís will pick me up and take me to Maseru, the capital of Lesotho. Cape Town is indeed a beautiful place, and I shall miss it. But it’s okay, because—according to Anisa and Vahid—I’ll be back here again, for both short visits during my time in Lesotho, and for good once my time there is done. We shall see how things end up…

Table Mountain

2007-02-27T18:11:00.000+02:00

Lions Head and Cape Town
Originally uploaded by - Matt -.

A couple days ago, I had a chance to visit—as Mr. Reed Jones would call it—the “must-see, must-climb, must-burn mountain.” Had a good three-hour climb from Vahid and Anisa’s flat to the top of the mountain, followed by a 90-minute return down the hill. My thighs are still sore today. Vahid got sick on our way up and had to head home, and is now never hearing the end of it from Cyrus, his father-in-law. I don’t know if I feel sorrier for him because he got sick, or because he couldn’t continue going up. Click on the pic to see more photos from the climb.

District Six Museum

2007-02-17T23:29:00.000+02:00

District Six Museum
Originally uploaded by - Matt -.

Following my trip to Robben Island yesterday, I visited the District Six Museum in the downtown area. District Six had, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, been a lively and multicultural area of Cape Town, with residents of African, Cape Malay and Asian background—among others. Various factors led the apartheid government to declare the district a whites-only area in the late 1960s, forcing out all the colored and black residents and relocating them to various townships. Since the fall of apartheid, the restitution of these forced-out residents has been a slow process…

Robben Island

2007-02-17T11:21:00.000+02:00

Robben Island
Originally uploaded by - Matt -.

Yesterday I visited Robben Island, located 12km off the coast of Cape Town. It had been used for centuries as a prison, both for political prisoners and common criminals. It was also a leper colony for almost 100 years in the 19th and 20th centuries, and a naval base during the World Wars. Under apartheid, famous political prisoners such as Nelson Mandela and Robert Sobukwe—among others—were imprisoned here.

A bus tour of the island showed us various prisons; a small village for guards and their families; a leper church and cemetery; World War fortifications; and shipwrecks and Table Bay views. Of particular note during this part of the tour was the lime quarry, which was excavated by numerous political prisoners, including Nelson Mandela. Their health was adversely affected after years of digging without being provided masks to keep from inhaling the dust or sunglasses to reduce the brightness of the limestone. It is also considered a university for black prisoners, as many of the educated secretly taught those prisoners who never had any access to education.

The next portion of the tour included a visit to the maximum security prison, where black political prisoners were held. Our guide was himself a political prisoner during apartheid, and he provided us with first-hand stories of the treatment meted out to him and his fellow prisoners. This part of the tour included a visit to the cell in which Nelson Mandela had been held for 18 years.

What was quite touching about the whole visit was the way the guides conveyed to us the history of this place. There was no trace of anger, bitterness or resentment in the voices of these black people who had once been oppressed under apartheid. One could greatly sympathize with the circumstances surrounding this dark chapter in South African history, and the overall struggle was placed in the context of what South Africa has become—a country where people of all ethnic backgrounds can live side-by-side in complete equality. (It reminded me of the noble ideals of prominent figures in the American Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s and ‘60s, such as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Rosa Parks.) One could then appreciate the great strides this country has made in the last decade.

Kirstenbosch botanical garden

2007-02-03T19:25:00.000+02:00

...A new life is waiting...
Originally uploaded by - Matt -.

Went yesterday to the botanical garden here in Cape Town. One could probably spend several days looking at the variety of plant life that is there. I wasn’t in such a scholarly mood to study up on all the vegetation, but I instead enjoyed a meditative walk along numerous paths. I was also able to get some nice photos in the process. Click on the one to the right to see more.

Cape of Good Hope

2007-02-01T11:23:00.000+02:00

Cape of Good Hope
Originally uploaded by - Matt -.

Went yesterday to the Cape of Good Hope. Quite a beautiful place, but I was ill-prepared for the amount of time we’d be spending in the sun, and, in consequence, I suffered a bad sunburn. But looking at the bright side, at least in a few days I’ll have a nice tan.

Lion's head

2007-02-01T10:56:00.000+02:00

Night fallen on the city
Originally uploaded by - Matt -.

A couple nights ago after dinner we went up to Lion’s Head, with the hope of catching the sunset. Unfortunately, it had already gone down, but I did manage to get a few cool nights shots. Click on the pic to see more.

Two Oceans Aquarium

2007-01-31T09:24:00.000+02:00

Two Oceans Aquarium
Originally uploaded by - Matt -.

Went down to the waterfront today with a few people to check out the Two Oceans Aquarium, which has galleries of sea animals from both the Indian and Atlantic Oceans. These two oceans meet at the southernmost tip of South Africa.

Leaving Haifa, arriving in Cape Town, and Anisa and Vahid’s wedding

2007-01-30T08:54:00.000+02:00

Anisa and Vahid's Wedding
Originally uploaded by - Matt -.

I bid a tearful goodbye to my loved ones in the Holy Land, and made my way to Cape Town, via London and Johannesburg. My close friend Vahid, who also used to serve at the Bahá’í World Centre, together with Irfan, who is currently on a holiday from Haifa, were there to welcome me at the airport. Later that evening, at Anisa and Vahid’s new flat, the civil ceremony took place. The following day, we attended the Bahá’í ceremony. It was a lovely affair indeed, and, with my thoughts still fixed on the life I just left behind, I was happy to see a number of familiar faces at this happy gathering—both friends I used to serve with, and people who have passed through the Holy Land on a visit or pilgrimage. So far, having left the World Centre hasn’t really hit me yet, because I’m almost constantly in the presence of a number of people from there. I’m sure it’ll soon start sinking in, though.

Closing hours

2007-01-25T18:06:00.000+02:00

matt's last night
Originally uploaded by el cHaz.

Some close friends came over and helped me get everything squared away in my final hours. I don't think I would have made it out of there without them.

Just take me home

2007-01-25T06:54:00.000+02:00

The end of my time at the Bahá'í World Centre has finally come. It's been a tearful week, tough to leave my loved ones here behind. But ultimately, I can't feel anything but gratitude for everything...

Pictures of my last days will be up soon.

Open House

2007-01-23T11:58:00.000+02:00

Open House
Originally uploaded by - Matt -.

My friends May and Martijn were kind enough to host an open house so people could come say goodbye to me before leaving the Holy Land. I originally had no intention of having such a gathering, but May and Martijn both encouraged me to have one, and offered to host it. I’m glad we went ahead with it. It was nice to visit with so many people, share stories and highlights of my service at the World Centre, and discuss my hopes and plans for the future.

You can see more photos from the evening by clicking on the picutre.

Twin Holy Birthdays

2007-01-23T08:54:00.000+02:00

Celebrating the Birth of the Báb
Originally uploaded by - Matt -.

My last days in the Holy Land included celebrating the births of the two Prophet-Founders of the Bahá’í Faith, the Báb and Bahá’u’lláh. Though celebrated in most parts of the world on 20 October and 12 November, respectively, in the Holy Land they are celebrated according to the lunar calendar, and fall on back-to-back days—the Báb’s on 1 Muharram, and Bahá’u’lláh on 2 Muharram. And for the first time in my four years here, weather permitted us to hold the celebration of the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh in the precincts of His Shrine in Bahjí. One of the things I will greatly miss from the World Centre is the incredible, indescribable bounty of commemorating significant events associated with the lives of the Central Figures of the Bahá’í Faith in such close proximity to Their resting places.

Click on the pic to see a few more images from these Holy Days.

Dawn Prayers

2007-01-20T23:42:00.000+02:00

Dawn Prayers
Originally uploaded by Matthew Cornelius.

Final mornings in the Holy Land...

The Best of What's Around

2007-01-17T22:42:00.000+02:00

Farewell Dinner
Originally uploaded by Matthew Cornelius.

Got a chance to have a little dinner a couple nights ago with a few of my closest friends here in Haifa before I leave in one week. Click on the pic to see a few more photos from the evening.

The Witness of Pebbles

2007-01-17T11:25:00.000+02:00

The Witness of Pebbles
Originally uploaded by Matthew Cornelius.

Spending a day on the shores of the Galilee sifting through stones of numerous shapes, sizes and colors, looking for the roundest, flattest, whitest ones we could find. Quite a meditative experience…

Four years on…

2007-01-10T18:01:00.000+02:00

It was four years ago yesterday that I arrived to serve at the Bahá’í World Centre. What was supposed to be an 18-month stint—a break of sorts from life in California—has turned into a four year period that has been a more changing experience that I can articulate—or understand. I’m sure the wake of my time here will continue to affect my outlook on life years into the future.

And now, for a note on the future, I’m wrapping up everything here, getting ready to leave on the 25th. I’ll be traveling to Cape Town, South Africa to see a number of friends I once upon a time served with here—and, particularly, to attend the wedding of two of them. I’ll be there for a few weeks, and am planning to cross the border in the north west of the country to visit neighboring Namibia. That will all be leisurely travel before heading to the little country of Lesotho for four months to assist the Bahá’í community there with its teaching activities—commonly known to Bahá’ís as “travel teaching”. After a good five months in southern Africa, I’ll be returning to the Holy Land for a few days before proceeding on to the U.S. to resume life there for at least (and hopefully at most) a few years. And after that…

Before These Crowded Streets

2007-01-03T12:01:00.000+02:00

Before These Crowded Streets
Originally uploaded by Matthew Cornelius.

Ramin, Chaz and I had a little impromptu photo shoot last Friday night. We’re trying to come up with a few more ideas for shoots in my closing weeks here in Haifa. Click on the pic to see a few more. Photos courtesy of Ramin and/or his camera.

...and his nephews

2006-12-19T09:26:00.000+02:00

...and his nephews
Originally uploaded by it's all about the good love.

uncle mattie...

2006-12-19T09:25:00.000+02:00

uncle mattie...
Originally uploaded by it's all about the good love.

Ramin’s birthday

2006-12-15T21:51:00.000+02:00

A few pics from my buddy Ramin’s birthday a few weeks ago.

The man himself (plus me).

Aliyah decided to dig for a little gold; Negs decided everyone else didn’t need to see her digging skills.

Me and Negs.

Quddus and Samarih

2006-12-09T21:26:00.000+02:00

A few of us recently got together for dinner as a farewell to our friends Samarih and Quddus. We all have worked—at one time or another—at a center that hosts Bahá’í pilgrims and visitors to the Bahá’í World Centre. Samarih and Quddus’ term of service here at the World Centre came to an end, and they left just a few days ago for Houston, Texas in the U.S.

Clockwise from the left are Nasim, Nahid, me, Samarih, Thobeka, Shila, Ian and Brigitte. (Unfortunately, there's no view of Quddus since he's the one taking the picture).

The Ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá

2006-11-28T19:25:00.000+02:00

In the early hours of Tuesday, 28 November, Bahá’ís around the world observe the passing ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, son and appointed Successor of Bahá’u’lláh, Prophet-Founder of the Bahá’í Faith. We at the Bahá’í World Centre gathered at the Seat of the Universal House of Justice to commemorate His ascension with selected readings and prayers, followed by circumambulation of the Shrine of the Báb, in which ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was also laid to rest. The previous evening, we had the privilege of visiting the room at His home at the foot of Mount Carmel in which He passed away some 85 years ago. Shoghi Effendi, grandson of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and Guardian of the Faith, has characterized His passing in this way:

‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s great work was now ended. The historic Mission with which His Father had, twenty-nine years previously, invested Him had been gloriously consummated. A memorable chapter in the history of the first Bahá’í century had been written. The Heroic Age of the Bahá’í Dispensation, in which He had participated since its inception, and played so unique a rôle, had drawn to a close. He had suffered as no disciple of the Faith, who had drained the cup of martyrdom, had suffered, He had labored as none of its greatest heroes had labored. He had witnessed triumphs such as neither the Herald of the Faith nor its Author had ever witnessed.

Shiori walking

2006-11-10T23:49:00.000+02:00

She seems to be getting better everyday, and is having a good time doing it.

Little Ishikawa

2006-11-09T20:48:00.000+02:00

Me and Shiori
Originally uploaded by Matthew Cornelius.

In addition to getting a couple photos with Shiori in the lunchroom, I was able to record her walking practice sessions. As you can see by the smile on her face, she’s enjoying it (of course she’s probably happy in the shot because she made it to me without falling!). If only we could always approach such new experiences with such excitement…

Hopefully I will soon figure out how to post the film here.

Bahjí

2006-11-09T20:44:00.000+02:00

The Dreaming Tree
Originally uploaded by Matthew Cornelius.

Recent visits to Bahjí have been a good opportunity to take a few photos against this picturesque sky. With the start of the pilgim season, the Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh remains open later on every second Saturday.

Click on the pic to see a few more…

Ming’s brief visit

2006-10-26T06:05:00.000+02:00

My friend Ming—from Singapore—is in the Holy Land for a brief visit, and some of us had a chance to catch up and visit with her last night at an open house gathering. With so many friends who come and go here at the Bahá’í World Centre, it’s nice to see some of them come back again for a visit.

Weekend trip to Elat

2006-10-25T22:50:00.000+02:00

Negeen, Lucas, Yasmine, Romina, Me, Victor, Ramin, Hoda
Originally uploaded by Matthew Cornelius.

Well, since I was still feeling a bit of the traveling bug after a week plus in Italy, I decided to skip down to Elat with a group of friends last weekend. Some of us (myself included) have been down to the Red Sea resort town, near the Egyptian and Jordanian borders, several times; others haven’t been there in many moons; and a few others had never been there before. It was nice to see a bit more sun and warm weather before the overcast months arrive. Click on the pic to see more of my photos (taken with my new Sony digital camera!). Check out Ramin’s and Negs’ pictures, too.

A meditative walk in the gardens at Bahjí

2006-10-16T08:05:00.000+02:00

(Photo courtesy of Patria Aquino.)

Italy

2006-10-16T07:56:00.000+02:00

Rome
I landed in Rome on the first day and had a chance to visit the Colosseum and Roman Forum—basically some of the most famous ruins in all of Italy.

Cinque Terre
Literally “Five Lands”, this is a quiet, out-of-the way place on the northwest coast of Italy, well-known for its hiking trails. I spent two days in this wonderful, secluded place, hiking about 15 kilometers on the first day, and about 12 on the second day. This was the quiet portion of my trip, when I had a chance to enjoy the coastal beauty of this hidden gem in Italy, as well as do lots of reflecting along the way.

Livorno
I had a nice break from my solitude whilst in Livorno (a small coastal town in Tuscany), as I stayed with two very gracious Bahá’ís—Mersede and her son Na’im. From there I had a chance to visit both Pisa and Lucca. Although I enjoyed seeing Pisa’s famous Leaning Tower, that’s about all it’s famous for. There’s really nothing else to see there. The kiosks that line the city wall, selling cheap souvenirs, seemed a bit cheesy. I kept my visit to about an hour. But once I made it to Lucca, I was able to slow down and pass a few hours strolling through its streets, looking at the shops, and having a nice sit-down in the Piazze Napoleone. The city wall which once fortified the city, protecting it from invaders, is now a tree-lined promenade which offers beautiful views of the town. In the vicinity of duomo is Casa di Puccini, birthplace of Giaccomo Puccini, composer of such famous operas as “La Bohème” and “Madama Butterfly”.

Florence
There was a nice familiarity to the city, as I stayed there for a week in early-2004. I had a chance to take care of what little shopping I needed to do, and enjoy some of the sights (and restaurants) with which I became familiar during my first visit. Lots of sun and warm weather on the first day, but rain on the second. After waiting out the storm, I went for a nice evening walk through the center of town to end my stopover there on a good note.

Venice (pictured above)
The last two days of my trip were spent in this truly unique city. In addition to strolling through the streets and reading in cafés, I attended on the second night a classical concert in Chiesa San Vidal, a small church near Accademia. The ensemble, called Interpreti Veneziani, performed three violin concertos by Antonio Vivaldi, one by Johann Sebastian Bach, and a sonata by Giacchino Rossini. This latter activity was a particular treat, as I’m trying to expand my classical and opera appreciation.

Airport
The following day I made my way to the airport in Verona for the flight back to the Holy Land, and was given the royal treatment by security—my own private room where they searched me belongings and me with a finer-tooth comb than normal. I think Israeli security officials thought I was kosher, but the Italians, who are probably still keyed up after the foiled terrorist plot this past August, were a bit suspicious of an American citizen who lives in Israel and was roaming around Italy.

Other thoughts
All in all, it was a great trip. In addition to strolling the streets and admiring the classiness of the Italian people, I also enjoyed sitting in various cafés, enjoying a nice cappuccino and reading a fair amount of “Recollections”, Ugo Giachery’s book on his memories of working with Shoghi Effendi, Guardian and head of the Bahá’í Faith from 1921 to 1957. Dr. Giachery, incidentally, was a high-ranking Italian Bahá’í who was responsible for supervising the preparation and shipping of the marble used to erect the Superstructure of the Shrine of the Báb and the International Bahá’í Archives Building, both of which are situated on Mount Carmel in the Holy Land.

See all my pictures from the trip here.

Ciao for now

2006-09-30T17:22:00.000+03:00

I'm off to Italy for a short vacation, leaving early on Sunday, 1 October, coming back in the evening on Tuesday, 10 October. I'll be visiting Rome for the better part of a day, followed by two days in Cinque Terre, two days in the Pisa area, a day each in Florence and Siena, and ending it with a two day stay in Venice. Stay tuned for pictures and possibly a post or two whilst I'm in the great boot-shaped country.

An afternoon in ‘Akká

2006-09-24T21:17:00.000+03:00

Lunch followed by a stroll through the old city of ‘Akká in northern Israel. Pictured from left to right are: Lucas, Lucia, Romina, me, Amelia, Vahid, Negeen, Shahriar, Roya and Yasmine.

Commemoration of the Martyrdom of the Báb

2006-09-24T20:58:00.000+03:00

The Báb, Whose title means “The Gate”, proclaimed Himself to the people of Persia in the mid-nineteenth century to be a Manifestation of God Whose mission was to prepare the world for the coming of a Manifestation Whose Revelation was even greater than that of His own. From the time of His Declaration, both the civil and ecclesiastical powers of Persia persecuted Him (and His followers), culminating in His Martyrdom on 28 Sha’bán 1266 A.H. (9 July 1850). Together with a youth named Anís, the Báb was suspended in the barrack-square of Tabríz and executed by firing squad. About 10,000 people had crowded into the streets and onto the rooftops to witness the execution. In God Passes By, by Shoghi Effendi, Guardian of the Bahá’í Faith, we read: “‘O wayward generation!’ were the last words of the Báb to the gazing multitude, as the regiment prepared to fire its volley, ‘Had you believed in Me every one of you would have followed the example of this youth, who stood in rank above most of you, and would have willing sacrificed himself in My path. The day will come when you will have recognized Me; that day I shall have ceased to be with you.’” In that same book, Shoghi Effendi characterizes this historic event in these words: “It can … be regarded in no other light except as the most dramatic, the most tragic event transpiring within the entire range of the first Bahá’í century. Indeed it can be rightly acclaimed as unparalleled in the annals of the lives of all the Founders of the world’s existing religious systems.”

This Bahá’í Holy Day is commemorated in the Holy Land according to the lunar calendar and, thus, falls on a different date every year on the Gregorian calendar. This year, the visitors to and staff at the Bahá’í World Centre gathered at noon on Friday, 22 September, in the vicinity of the Shrine of the Báb on the slopes of Mount Carmel in Haifa (pictured), to commemorate this significant day in Bahá’í history with devotional readings followed by circumambulation of the Shrine.

Another orientation mate departs

2006-09-23T00:04:00.000+03:00

Last week yet another member of our now quickly-dwindling orientation group left the Bahá’í World Centre. Martin Oyugi (center) from Kenya is off to the U.K. to continue his studies, leaving just Christine (also pictured), Omid (not pictured because he’s taking the picture) and myself out of the original fifteen. After January, Omid will have to have orientation group dinners with just himself.

A day in Tel Aviv with good friends

2006-09-03T18:10:00.000+03:00

A group of us spent the day together in Tel Aviv, which is about an hour south of Haifa. After making a quick stop at Ikea, we spent a relaxing few hours on the beach, followed by a stroll through downtown Tel Aviv. Although much of the city had closed down for Shabbat, there were a few markets and such that were coming to the end of their day that we had the chance to explore. We capped off the day by having dinner and dessert in the city of Herzliyya. (Photos courtesy of May and Martijn.) (In the first photo, from left to right are Thobeka, Nasheetah, Nadim, Yas, Martijn, me, Kirsten and May.)

With Shiori in the safe room

2006-08-24T18:14:00.000+03:00

A few weeks back I was visiting with the family Ishikawa—just before they left for vacation—and others, and several times that day the siren sounded and we had to get in the safe area. Here’s a pic of me and little Ishikawa from one of those delightful occurrences. She didn’t seem to enjoy that particular pastime, but she looks fairly content in this photo. She and I did, however, have a chance to catch up on the life of the Gipper over two years after his passing, so it wasn’t a total loss. (Photo courtesy of Shiori's auntie Swee Cheng.)

With Mandy during her last hours at the Bahá’í World Centre—just before her return to Aussieland (via the U.S.)

2006-08-24T18:06:00.000+03:00

Back on track

2006-08-20T18:13:00.000+03:00

It’s been nearly a week since the war “ended” and life has returned to normal. I was basically exhausted for the entirety of last week (and still am), and a number of others have felt the same. Although the month-long conflict didn’t seem very bad, I think we realized how stressful it really was when it was over.

The Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh reopened on Wednesday and I went and paid my respects that evening after work with a group of friends. I went again on Saturday morning.

And in between catching up on sleep this weekend, I managed to go to the beach on Friday evening for a nice outdoor stroll.

Victor’s birthday!

2006-08-20T18:04:00.000+03:00

We celebrated Victor’s birthday last week with a full day’s activities—brunch, movies, games, dinner, cake, a siren or two, and much more… (Aliyah makes a cameo appearance in the photos Sisay is holding.)

Shooting the breeze one evening during the war with Shahriar and Biff

2006-08-20T18:01:00.000+03:00

A little shaken up, but still here

2006-08-07T09:51:00.000+03:00

Last night I was visiting the Holy Shrines on Mount Carmel, and as my head was resting on the threshold in the Shrine of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the sirens sounded and a few seconds later we heard a number of explosions, louder than any we’d heard before. It was a sobering experience, as I think many of us have felt the threat of a heavy attack diminish in recent days. This was a potent reminder that this war is not on some distant battlefield, but rather right at our back doors…

The rest of the night was okay. I made some dinner, had a chance to chat via telephone with people from overseas, and got a full night’s sleep. Work continues as usual for me today.

It’s the circle of life

2006-08-03T17:49:00.000+03:00

A friend of mine asked me to put something humorous on my blog. I had difficulty coming up with something particularly comical to write about, and she casually mentioned writing about the large quantity of cats in this city. I later remembered an amusing moment I had in the midst of this conflict that has engulfed northern Israel. While the people of Haifa are obviously affected by this looming threat, and much of the city is quiet, it’s not uncommon to see people taking out the trash, going to the store and walking their dogs—carrying on with life as normally as they can. It’s no different for the wild cat population here in Haifa. As I was getting ready for work, thinking about how we’d have to adjust this new lifestyle, I heard a moaning outside my window, which was, in fact, two cats. I chuckled a bit and said to myself, “Well, the cats don’t stop their lovemaking in the face of such threats.” Life, for some, must carry on…

I’ll do all the paddling, you just hang on

2006-07-31T17:57:00.000+03:00

Still here after another week. I think I’m getting used to an extra-quiet life. Early Saturday morning I went to prayers at the Shrines here in Haifa, afterwards spoke with a friend from overseas, and spent most of the afternoon reading. (I tried to nap a bit, but the sirens didn’t let that go on for too long.) Had a chance to do a bit of writing in the evening.

Life has gotten so quiet that I’m stimulated by much smaller bursts of social interaction. After spending a low-key evening at a friend’s house last night, I feel like my social cup is filled for the rest of the week, and I’m ready to get back to a number of solitary, reflective nights at home. That’s not to say I don’t appreciate time with good friends, but it’s interesting how we adapt to our surroundings.

You’re killing me, Smalls!

2006-07-24T08:28:00.000+03:00

Haifa was struck again yesterday, but I, thankfully, was at work and not in the line of fire. The evening was fairly quiet.

I am who I am, who I am—well, who am I?

2006-07-21T09:03:00.000+03:00

I’m here, continuing to adjust to this new routine for the time being. Yesterday was very quiet and, so far, this morning has been the same. I’m still keeping indoors basically all the time, and the city has been very quiet all week.

It’s interesting—just on Sunday morning, as I was getting ready for work, I was thinking that it might be time to take a short trip somewhere, as I’d been feeling a bit cramped in my surroundings. Seeing the same rooms and streets, going to the same places to read and write, I was feeling the need to be refreshed. And just a couple hours later, that all changed—now I’m basically restricted to work and home. So, I suppose when the situation abates and life returns to normal, I’ll appreciate walking those same streets and going to those same places.

I recommend checking out the Jerusalem Post and Haaretz newspapers online for stories on the situation here. They’ve also posted some interesting stories on how the Bahá’ís in Israel have been affected.

Still here

2006-07-18T17:44:00.000+03:00

As you may know, we’re in a bit of a situation these days. I and my fellow coworkers at the Bahá’í World Centre are still here, and we’re all trying remain safe by following guidance and taking appropriate shelter when necessary. You, of course, can read, hear and see news reports (and indeed you probably already have), and that’s probably the best source for information on the current state of affairs. Right now I’ve limited myself to days in the office and quiet nights and early mornings at home. I plan to take advantage of the down-time by trying out some dishes for dinner and getting some reading done. Hopefully things will return to normal soon.

Thank you all for your prayers and good wishes, and I’ll be sure to keep you posted.

The safest place is in the eye of the storm…

2006-07-14T09:51:00.000+03:00

No doubt many people around the world have seen or heard the news reports about the escalating conflict between Israel and Lebanon, and the rocket attacks that hit the city of Haifa where I live and work. As I attended a class last night, we were told that the Universal House of Justice—the supreme governing body of the Bahá’í Faith, with its seat on Mount Carmel—has been closely following the developing situation over the previous few days and is taking all the steps necessary to ensure the protection of the Bahá’ís serving at the world centre of our Faith. As class ended, we were informed that a rocket did land on Mount Carmel, but that no one was injured, and, for safety reasons, we returned to our flats and remained there for the night. When I awoke this morning at dawn as I usually do, it was as quiet as it is on any other day. But, we shall be ready for any changes that may develop.

Thankfully, the Holy Shrines, which are in such close proximity to where we live, imbibe a calm, serene atmosphere, and one can’t help but feel protected from the chaos surrounding us.

Farewells and other news

2006-07-06T18:01:00.000+03:00

A couple weeks ago I attended an office gathering in honor of several people scheduled to leave the Bahá’í World Centre—Sherri, Negar and me. (We are all pictured here with Sophie, who wanted a photo with all of the departees.) Recently, though, this departure process changed, as I will now be remaining in the Holy Land until January 2007. This marks my fourth extension while here, and third time I’ve been extended for a six-month period.

And now we shall see what the next six months will bring…

A bit about writing

2006-06-08T12:05:00.000+03:00

I’ve been doing quite a bit of writing lately. As my work involves a lot of reading and writing, at the end of the day I’m really not motivated to read and write for leisurely reasons, so I set time aside early in the morning. After getting out of bed at about five o’clock and offering my morning prayers, I make myself a cup of tea, pick up my book full of blank pages, grab my pen, sit in my chair, and just write about whatever comes to my mind. What I feel like keeping ends up getting re-worked into poems, some of which you can see here. (Some new ones should be up soon, so stay tuned.) But whether or not any worthwhile poems come out, I enjoy the meditative process. It allows me to reflect on what’s going on in life. I don’t do it with the hope or expectation that it will be seen or accepted by anyone, but rather to make sense of my surroundings. Some see it as a discipline on my part, which I guess is true, to a point, but it’s actually more of a pleasure, and I find I’d have to make a greater effort to keep myself from doing it. And as a bonus, it’s extra quiet in those early hours, before the sleeping city wakes up and starts its hustle and bustle, and before I, too, have to get ready for the day’s encounters.

Picture

2006-06-08T12:03:00.000+03:00

Faraz and me last weekend at Mazra‘ih, a Bahá’í Holy Place. Photo courtesy of Swee Cheng.

Quddus and Samarih are married

2006-05-24T17:54:00.000+03:00

Last Friday morning I attended the wedding of Quddus Nasseri and Samarih Monajjem, which, I must say, was one of the nicest I’ve ever been to. It was kept very modest and had about 50 guests. After a selection of readings and prayers from the Bahá’í writings and the recitation of the marriage vow, the newly married couple stood and honored their parents with flowers. Funnily, Quddus began their tribute by saying, “My wife and I would like to…” After pictures, we all enjoyed some light refreshments and tasty wedding cake. The whole gathering was infused with a very spiritually uplifting atmosphere. It’s so nice when a marrying couple leave behind the pomp and circumstance that is often the modern-day wedding, and opt for an emphasis on simplicity, family, and lots and lots of Bahá’í love…

Nada que ver

2006-05-16T17:54:00.000+03:00

Apparently some sweet soul decided to leave a comment on my blog saying that it doesn’t have enough updates. (The jerk later confessed to it, but his/her name will remain safely annonymous.) So, dear reader, this post is for you.

In recent news, I went for a nice hike on Saturday morning in Tirat Karmel, a Haifa suburb. Climbed up a nice hill, saw some caves, got a few cuts and scrapes—manly stuff. Don’t have any pictures to share with you, because Peter the master hiker and, coincidentally, photog decided not to bring his camera. But, here are a few internet pictures of a rodent we saw on top of this mini-mountain. As Ross and Peter kept saying: “They’re so cute.”

I spent the evening celebrating Miss Aliyah Sobhani’s second birthday. It was quite a crowd, and we all enjoyed some magnificent food and cake made by her parents Victor and Negeen. Again, no pictures, but as soon as Mr. Ryan Lash posts some of his photos on his Web site, I’ll be sure to pilfer a few of them and post them here.

First Day of Ridván celebrations

2006-04-23T18:25:00.000+03:00

At the Bahá’í World Centre we celebrated the First Day of Ridván (Paradise) on 21 April in the precincts of the Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh. Just prior to His banishment in 1863 from Baghdád, where He had lived in exile for ten years, to Constantinople, Bahá’u’lláh spent twelve days in the Najíbíyyih Garden on the banks of the Tigris River. This garden became known subsequently by His followers as the Ridván Garden. It was here that He declared Himself to be the promised Messenger of God foretold in all the holy books of the past, as well as that of His Forerunner, the Báb. The first, ninth and twelfth days of this Festival are Holy Days on which Bahá’ís suspend work.

After the devotional program ended and we circumambulated the Shrine, we got a few photos. More to come soon…

Sleeping Aliyah with Victor, Negeen and me

Victor, Vahid, Negeen, Shahriar, Aliyah and me

Aliyah (still waking up) and me

An’ another thing…

2006-04-20T19:13:00.000+03:00

I’ve created a sub-blog with more “creative” content…check it out by clicking on my profile to the right…

Artistic pics

2006-04-20T19:05:00.000+03:00

El-Chaz decided to get creative with my camera during lunch today…

Ruhi Book 4 concludes

2006-04-20T19:02:00.000+03:00

As my departure from the Bahá’í World Centre is fast approaching, I am attempting to complete all seven courses of the Ruhi Institute, with the hope that I will be a resource for the community upon my return to the teaching field. Book 4 is a study of the lives of the Twin Manifestations—the Báb and Bahá’u’lláh. The practical purpose of the study of this book is for the student to be able to share the inspirational and awe-inspiring stories of the lives of these two great Figures. My study circle completed this book this past Saturday.

A Book 5 study circle has already commenced, and I start Book 6 this coming Sunday. Book 5 in the sequence prepares one for teaching grade two children’s classes, and Book 6 deals with teaching the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh—the spiritual nature of teaching, the qualities and attitude of the teacher, and approaches to both personal and collective teaching activities. Book 7 will hopefully commence in a few weeks. So, it seems I’ll be quite busy for my remaining months in the Holy Land…

This being the eve of 21 April, a twelve day Bahá’í Festival known as Ridván (Paradise) commences, and the Bahá’í world embarks on a new Five Year Plan. The Plan that has now drawn to a close was largely devoted to the deepening of our understanding of this framework that has been devised to ensure rapid and systematic growth of the Bahá’í Faith. And now, in this new Plan, our learning over the past five years will now allow us to carry this process forward with even greater success.

Holy Day photos

2006-03-23T20:55:00.000+02:00

L-R: Shahriar, me and Vahíd

Sabz, who used to serve here, was back in town for pilgrimage

L-R: Neda, Devin and Hoda

With Negs

With my flatmate, Gajanan.

Naw-Rúz celebrations

2006-03-22T18:00:00.000+02:00

The new Bahá’í year has arrived! Bahá’ís around the world have spent the last Bahá’í month of the year, ‘Alá (Loftiness), fasting from sunrise to sunset. This 19-day period ends with the Bahá’í new year, Naw-Rúz (literally “New Day”), on 21 March—coinciding with the vernal equinox.

We at the Bahá’í World Centre gathered in the Seat of the Universal House of Justice on Mount Carmel on the afternoon of the 21st for the reading of prayers and other sacred Bahá’í writings, followed by circumambulation of the Shrine of the Báb (pictured).

Ayyám-i-Há celebrations

2006-03-05T11:09:00.000+02:00

A photo of the Pilgrim Reception Centre staff (along with a few of us who used to serve there and are now scattered elsewhere at the Bahá’í World Centre) at their Ayyám-i-Há celebration. Pictured from left to right are: Shila, Fereshteh, Brigitte, Thobeka, Nahid, me, Quddus and Samarih.

The Bahá’í calendar consists of 19 months of 19 days. The Ayyám-i-Há, or Days of Há, are four (five in leap year) intercalary days needed to balance out the solar year of 365 days, and are celebrated from 26 February through 1 March. These days serve as a spiritual preparation for the Bahá’í month of fasting, and often involve hospitality, gift-giving, charity and social gatherings.

...And after the show…

2006-02-19T18:25:00.000+02:00

...Finally got a picture of me with Shiori, Shingo and Amelia’s little one…

Mama and Papa Ishikawa and I enjoyed a cup of tea with some cheesecake while discussing our artistic experiences.

Arts and Crafts Show 2006

2006-02-19T18:18:00.000+02:00

Every year at the Bahá’í World Centre we have an annual Arts & Crafts Show, which allows people to showcase their artistic talents, whether it’s drawing or painting, photography, jewelry, pottery, baking…the list goes on. After being here for the three previous shows and never submitting anything for display, and having not done anything in the realm of fine arts in the last five years, I decided to change all that this year. With the encouragement of a couple good friends, I produced four paintings, working for the first time with acrylic paints. Although I’m a long way off from finding my own brush, so to speak, I thoroughly enjoyed the creative process and look forward to seeing what else comes out. And two people are, dare I say, the proud caretakers of the two small pieces you see in the pictures.

Photos from the Holy Days

2006-02-02T13:38:00.000+02:00

A Tuesday morning/early afternoon brunch with a few office mates, pictured left to right: (back row standing) Helen, Houman, Sahba, Carolina, Krysta, Negar, Jamak, Eric, me; (sitting) Yas, Shradha, Maryam, Ann, Martijn; (kneeling) May, Sherri and Shiva.

L-R: Me, Negeen and Sisay

Reflection of the Shrine of the Báb in a fountain on one of the Terraces.

L-R: William, me, Yasmine and Adib

Twin Holy Birthdays

2006-02-02T13:35:00.000+02:00

On 31 January and 1 February, we at the Bahá’í World Centre had the great privilege of celebrating the births of the two Prophet-Founders of the Bahá’í Faith, the Báb and Bahá’u’lláh, with pilgrims, visitors and staff members gathering in the Seat of the Universal House of Justice on Mount Carmel for prayers and devotional readings. Work is suspended on these Holy Days, and the Bahá’ís often spend time visiting the Shrine of the Báb on Mount Carmel in Haifa (above), and the Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh (above top) across the bay near the city of ‘Akká for private prayer and meditation.

These Holy Days are celebrated in Israel according to the lunar Islamic calendar on 1 and 2 Muharram, which fall on different dates each year on the Gregorian calendar. In many parts of the world, however, they are celebrated on the same date each year—20 October for the Báb, Who was born in 1819, and 12 November for Bahá’u’lláh, Who was born in 1817.

Class resumes as usual

2006-01-23T18:22:00.000+02:00

I arrived last night at Victor and Negeen’s flat for our weekly study of God Passes By, written by Shoghi Effendi, to find Marsa and Negar playing with Aliyah and singing along to “Shake Your Brains” and “Listen” by Red Grammer. Our class dynamic had changed for five weeks while Aliyah and Negeen were visiting family in the U.S., but last night we were back to normal. Our little extra classmate entertained herself in the middle of the room while we read (or tried to read—there was more entertaining of the students than there was studying). Besides playing with her toys, Aliyah also enjoyed eating dry cereal out of a box and walking around in Marsa’s shoes.

Make me a boat, away I’ll float into the stillness of a pure blue sky…

2006-01-09T18:01:00.000+02:00

It was three years ago today that I arrived in the Holy Land to serve at the Bahá’í World Centre. The nearly equal amount of time I spent at university seems so much longer by comparison. And it’s as though that period of study—which has since been on hold—was a long time ago.

I remember friends and family sending emails, or calling or coming by the house to give their best wishes before I left for what was then an 18 month period. I remember, having lived in the same house my whole life, tearfully saying goodbye to my parents and brother at the airport in San Francisco, and arriving physically and emotionally tired at the airport in Tel Aviv. When I was greeted in the terminal, I remember meeting two other new arrivals, Corinne and Lindsay. I remember finally getting to Haifa after dark and seeing the Shrine of the Báb on Mount Carmel upon turning onto Ben Gurion Avenue. I remember meeting one of my flatmates—Nuri—that first night as I unpacked my suitcases. It all seems as if it happened just a moment ago…

With Danny and Don Stevenson from Namibia

2006-01-03T12:05:00.000+02:00

The Stevenson family from Namibia was recently here on pilgrimage. They are related to one of my Bahá’í World Centre friends, Brigitte Aiff. Don, actually, lived before his pioneering days in my home community of Novato, California. I remember meeting him there at a Nineteen Day Feast about five years ago, when he was visiting his mother, who, at the time, still lived in Novato.

Danny used to serve here—before I arrived—and I had a chance to get to know him when visiting with other mutual Bahá’í World Centre friends.

Another Festivus MIRACLE!

2006-01-02T10:24:00.000+02:00

My brother Chris with our cousin Natalka on Festivus. As you can see in the background, the dinner table has been vacated, which likely means that at this point in the evening the airing of grievances has passed, and now everyone has moved on to the feats of strength.

It’s a Festivus MIRACLE!

2005-12-27T13:33:00.000+02:00

FRANK: Kramer, I got your message. I haven’t celebrated Festivus in years! What is your interest?
KRAMER: Well, just tell me everything, huh?
FRANK: Many Christmases ago, I went to buy a doll for my son. I reach for the last one they had - but so did another man. As I rained blows upon him, I realized there had to be another way!
KRAMER: What happened to the doll?
FRANK: It was destroyed. But out of that, a new holiday was born. “A Festivus for the rest of us!”
KRAMER: That musta been some kind of doll.
FRANK: She was.
…
FRANK: And at the Festivus dinner, you gather your family around, and you tell them all the ways they have disappointed you over the past year.
KRAMER: Is there a tree?
FRANK: No. Instead, there’s a pole. It requires no decoration. I find tinsel distracting.
KRAMER: Frank, this new holiday of yours is scratching me right where I itch.
FRANK: Let’s do it then! Festivus is back! I’ll get the pole out of the crawl space.

Extended...again

2005-12-22T13:26:00.000+02:00

I am happy to say that I will continue to serve at the Bahá’í World Centre until July 2006.

A couple more pictures of the cousin (with a mouth full of teeth)

2005-12-18T11:05:00.000+02:00

Mom and Dad’s October visit

2005-12-18T10:31:00.000+02:00

My parents came for a visit for a couple weeks in October. Mom had been here twice before on pilgrimage, but this was my dad’s first visit to the Holy Land. One evening in the pilgrim house, which is in the vicinity of the Shrine of the Báb, we managed to find a photograph from my mom’s first pilgrimage taken on 29 April 1975. In that same pilgrim house, Dad enjoyed reading about the construction of the superstructure of the Shrine in Haifa in a book written by Ugo Giachery, a high-ranking Bahá’í from Italy who was charged with acquiring the high quality marble and stone to build the superstructure. Mom and Dad also enjoyed meeting all the warm and loving people here at the Bahá’í World Centre, both saying on numerous occasions that I have a wonderful group of friends and family here…

Me, Mom and Dad on the terraces with the Shrine of the Báb in the background

Mom and me with the International Archives Building in the background

A visit to my office

A picture with the cousin

2005-12-12T12:11:00.000+02:00

Here is a picture from my trip to California last August, where I met my cousin, Natalia. She’s known as Natalka, which in Czech means “little Natalia”. (Her mother, my aunt, is from Czech Republic.)

Apparently now, at ten months old, she’s attempting to walk, but needs others to hold her hands for balance. I guess she stops in mid-stride, looks up and smiles—quite pleased with herself.

Wadi

2005-12-11T18:56:00.000+02:00

I went for a stroll last night through an Arab Christian area of Haifa known as the Wadi (which in English means “valley”). Had I not gone through there, this Christmas holiday which bombards one’s senses in America but is all but nonexistent in Israel would have come and gone and I wouldn’t have noticed. This area of the city, with its narrow streets filled with vendors of many kinds—somewhat like a bazaar—strung with colored lights actually feels more like the Middle East than most other parts of the city. Aside from a walk through this quarter, and the occasional “Silent Night” being sung in Arabic that wafts up Mount Carmel whilst one circumambulates the Shrine of the Báb, it’s a holiday that seems to brush past you like a stranger in a crowd…

Momoka celebration for Shiori

2005-12-11T18:48:00.000+02:00

On Saturday, 10 December, Shiori Ishikawa, the beautiful daughter of my dear friends, Shingo and Amelia, turned 100 days old. According to Japanese tradition, it is a day of celebration when the families come together, dress the child in his/her kimono, take photographs and take him/her to the Shinto shrine. Because we live in Israel and not in Japan, the tradition was altered slightly. We gathered in the morning to see little Shiori in her kimono, took photographs, offered Bahá’í prayers, and enjoyed some tea and snacks. Her mom and dad, I’m told, later took her to the Shrine of the Báb here in Haifa.