It is strange to be a pilgrim AND a staff member. Not as weird as I thought it would be, but still. I really appreciate that my fellow BWC staff members are respecting the fact that I’m on pilgrimage and are not calling me and such.
If you haven’t already, you should check out my pictures that I’ve been putting up nearly every day on my flickr.
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I start my Baha’i pilgrimage tomorrow. The last time we went was in 1997, so I was 14 at the time. A lot has changed in Haifa since then…the Terraces were finished, the Arc project was completed, etc. It is wonderful to be able to go while serving here, and to go with my family.
I got to spend time with my family (and some extended family) tonight, and it really makes me feel more centered to be around them. There is something about the family interaction that makes me feel like all is right with the world.
For 9 days I will spend time in the places Baha’is consider the holiest on earth. I really needed this right now.
Love and prayers to you all.
Posted in Baha'i, Family, Haifa | Comments (3)
I saw a man washing his dog with a garden hose on Hamegenim Street last night. I wish I had gotten a picture, because he had put the dog in a shopping cart so that it would not run away.
This country is a haven for those who love pickled veggies…cabbage, cucumbers, cauliflower, olives, beets…it really is done well here. yum.
My interaction with Israelis is usually limited to taxi/sherut drivers and wait staff at restaurants. Between work, social activities, programs at the BWC, and friends/family visiting from all over the world, I rarely have time to do anything else.
Some of you who read my blog may not understand how it is that I can know people from all over the world, and why it is such a constant thing. Every two weeks a new pilgrim group arrives in Haifa, and their pilgrimage lasts for 9 days. Now, the “Baha’i world” is rather small, communicates openly, and moves around quite a lot. So you end up seeing a lot of Baha’is, and 1 or 2 degrees of separation between people who know each other.
I’ve gotten so used to the rather patchwork style of buildings and homes that it is strange to me when I see things that are newer/well maintained. There are buildings here that haven’t been fixed since last summer’s war.
Posted in Baha'i, Haifa, Travel | Comments (4)
It has been a busy week. Friends & family in town on pilgrimage, a consultant in the office, and social engagements. Whew! Today started another work week (remember, we work Sunday-Friday noon here), and I must say it was one of the busiest days I can remember in our office.
Now I am home, looking longingly at a little art project I’d been wanting to finish, and a Harry Potter movie I bought for $4. Also, bed is looking really great (it is only 6:45 pm!). But the flat needs to be deep-cleaned, I need to cook food…
My mom and little sister get to Haifa tonight, they’ve already landed in Israel. It has been 6 months since I’ve seen them, so I am pretty excited. Dad gets here Thursday, and we are all on pilgrimage starting June 25th, through July 4th. It has been 10 years since our last pilgrimage, and I’m not sure I’m even ready for it. But is anyone ever really ready?
So now I start this week with a new focus on work, family, friends, and my relationship with the Baha’i Faith. I couldn’t be happier.
Posted in Baha'i, Family, Haifa | Comments (2)
I’ll wait.
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Hovering
There was a moment’s pause
an eternity packaged neatly
movement outside comprehension
surrounded by dark and the evening lights
falling down through the darkness in eyes…
we waited in pristine silence
and it became new to me again…
sanctified.
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They are standing in glass houses
With squares and tree-shaped reflections shadowing their faces
And they are throwing glass rocks
At the glass hearts suspended in human bodies
And the shattering silence is suspended in formless sound
Hope that every moment will add color, life
To this cold shining moment
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Yesterday (June 8th) was the 6 month anniversary of my arrival in Israel. I celebrated by getting internet at home, which I’ve been resisting for quite a while.
This weekend has been one of rest, movies (Ocean’s 13!!), and the beach. I’m pretty happy with it.
Posted in Haifa, Technology | Comments (4)
Mojan tagged me, and while I usually don’t do memes on my blog, I thought it would be nice to give some of you a little glimpse of some of my quirks.
1. One of my biggest pet peeves is the confusion between “they’re” and “their”, “you’re” and “your”, etc.
2. I have had three different accents in my life: Persian, Southern United States, and generic Midwestern/Chicago (current). I also start talking like people around me if they have a different accent. Can’t help it.
3. I really don’t mind getting up in front of a group of people to speak, but I like to be somewhat prepared.
4. One of the joints on my right ring finger is bigger than the one on my left, simply from basketball injuries. I am left handed…sometimes I missed when trying to get the ball.
5. If people are fighting, my first instinct is to jump between them and break up the fight. However, I also realize that my diminutive size prevents me from being very effective.
6. Animals I like a lot: snails, toads, snakes, lizards, rodents, dogs, and sometimes rabbits.
7. I have awful handwriting. Really, it is just horrible. I have tried for a long time to improve it to no avail.
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I am here, I think. I am sitting in this chair and the sun followed me inside today.
There are a few things I must share…
bare feet on silk carpets and cold stone, one after another
jazz music on a lazy summer afternoon
babies holding each others hands
funny quotes out of context
walking at night under trees heavy with flowers
smiles across tables covered with food and coffee
a café at 3 am
Posted in Haifa, Thoughts | Comments (2)
