Beautiful Weekend

Growing up, Louhelen Baha'i School was my home away from home. I first visited Louhelen when I was two weeks old. Of course, I don't actually remember my first visit but I do have many wonderful memories of the fun times I had at Louhelen and all of the amazing people I met there over the years. This weekend was like a blast from the past; hanging out with everyone attending the Pioneer Orientation (which happened to be the only conference at Louhelen this weekend) and the service youth reminded me of the good old days. Emily, my younger sister, has been serving at Louhelen all summer and we got to spend some time together which was awesome since I won't get to see her much before I head to Ethiopia.

Besides the creative role-playing, lots of laughter, preparing devotionals, yummy food, and being overwhelmed with information for international travellers, I found a sense of peace during our sessions with Shiva from the Office of Pioneering. It wasn't a zen moment. It was a calm before the storm. The portions of the session that were spent reading and reflecting on the writings of the central figures of the Baha'i Faith helped to not only motivate me, but also to build my confidence in not myself but in my desire to serve the Faith. Realizing that if my actions have pure intentions and are promoting the Baha'i Faith, God will provide. Yes, this year won't be easy, but I will not be alone. This little weekend of peace before the winds of change flow over my life enabled me to become more courageous and determined to do my best.

My beloved pioneering companions and our ring leader, Shiva.  Although we may not all be in the same country, or even on the same continent, we will be with each other in spirit.