One of the other perks, and there are many, of living in Paris is its proximity to our most favorite place on earth, where we had lived and served for almost 7 years, the Holy Land. Since the Twin Holy days (bahaiteachings.org/twin-birthdays-mystery-birth-bab) were celebrated on November 1 and 2 we decided to join the celebrations.
We arrived well after midnight, on November 1, picked up the rental car and headed for Haifa. Since we knew Haifa and had a car we decided to rent a small flat in Hadar. By the time we found the place and got to bed it was close to 4 am in the morning. The flat had most everything we hoped for – hot shower, strong WiFi and a kitchen – but not as conveniently located as we had hoped for. Richard adds “the flat was OK at best and in a dumpy area but it was clean and cheap. Not recommended 😊”
Excited to be back to Haifa, we were up and out the door in a few hours to register at the visitors’ desk. Almost immediately after walking in to the Haifa Pilgrim House we began seeing our very dear friends and co-workers that we had the pleasure to serve with (some still there and others, like us, back for a visit or Pilgrimage).
Later that day, we joined more than a 1000 individuals (staff, visitors and Pilgrims from all corners of the world) to celebrate the Birth of the Bab. As I stood on the steps of the Seat of the House of Justice and later, throughout the walk culminating with the circumambulation, I was filled with an intense feeling of gratitude for our many blessings and good fortune.
Birth of Baha’u’llah was celebrated at Bahji, near Akka. Richard and I decided to go as early as we could to walk the gardens which are more immaculate and beautiful than ever before. Richard adds that “the gardens have never been more well cared for. The plants throughout these amazing gardens are thriving. The gardens have been expanded and simplified since my time. This decision was masterful. The table is now set. We will see what the future brings.”
We were blessed to be allowed to stay for 4 days, instead of the usual 3 days, in Haifa/Akka area. We had ample opportunity to visit the Shrines and offer prayers for the friends, family and unification of mankind. We walked in the old city of Akka and visited the prison from outside. The Mansion of Bahji was open to the visitors on Saturday, making our last day extra special.
We spent the last two nights in Natalia and Jerusalem. We walked along via Delarosa in the Old City, did some shopping along the way and had dinner with our very good friends, Barbara and Kern, our last night in Israel.
I have no doubt that we will be back to Israel again (and most likely more than once) so I held back the tears and left this blessed land with my heart filled with gratitude and love.
“The earth is but one country” 