Days of Blissful Joy

I'm sitting here at the bookstore, first day at the cash register by myself (!) and it's been very exciting. First I did a sale with no complications (woo hoo!) and then! I had a guy come in and go "What is this all based on?"....ummm..."you mean the Baha'i Faith?"- so I went into how we believe we're here to bring unity to all mankind, that all the religions believe in the same thing and have one common goal but just have a different way of teaching, and which books are good intro books (of course, gotta make a sale :] ). One thing I feel that separates the Baha'i Faith from other faiths is that we have writings and scriptures and guidelines straight from our founder itself, so there is no interpretation, there is no room for diversions to happen, which in turn protects the Faith so much more. And for some, it's direct proof, because it's written from Their hand, not the hand of someone who was there who told someone who told their child who wrote it down.

Anyway, this guy was so receptive to what I was saying, and what I was saying was surprising me! I was calm and collected and coming up with info that I thought was interesting for him- definitely had assistance :) It was really cool, just to have someone who was interested and was willing to listen to what I said, and also gave his opinion. He bought a poster too! It was of the Shrine of the Bab in Haifa, Israel- a night view from the bottom up, very pretty, he was impressed. I directed him to the Information Center where he could learn more and have people that might be of more assistance, and he went, which made me happy. So so far the day has been going well. Later on I am to go into one of the national parks with my roommates and our supervisor friend, very excited!

I saw a wallaby! It was a very quick look since it was late at night, it blended in with the truck of a tree, and we were in a car. But it was so cute! Probably came up to about my hip. I've seen a lot of birds but have no clue what they are. We have some that are white and black that kind of look like penguins, and then ones that are skinny with yellow beaks...I bet they're exotic and the kind you can only see at a zoo, and I'm missing it! I should do some bird researching.

The previous couple of days I was the receptionist at the National Baha'i Centre. I had to pick up the phone. It was scary. I've always thought it would be cool to be a receptionist, haha, I know, high aspirations I have. I got to dress up in professional work clothes which was very exciting :) I don't think I transferred anyone to the wrong person....I got to catch up on writing in my journal, and read a little, and caught up on email...funny how the only time I can really do that is when I'm at work. I really need and want to pray at the Temple! It's here at my disposal and I just forget; and, also, I'm so busy with training and working and socializing that by the time I think of it, it's dark and I'm tired. I need to get buddy buddy with the boys because they have the key to the Temple and so we can pray in there at night :)

Last night after a deepening on a Baha'i book in the outside Temple community, bunch of the youth went to Max Brenner's- it's Israeli and it's awesome- all they do is serve chocolate. ANY kind of chocolate in ANY form. Definitely cures your sweet tooth. My roommate and I shared a chocolate fondue; sooooo delish. Gives Melting Pot a run for their money :) It was really nice, meeting the youth and just hanging. Since I'm going to be here long term I'm going to have to break out and meet people and mingle, so I'm very proud that I did that, mingled!

As for my sickness, it's much better. I'm no longer that fatigued, I did cough most of the day yesterday (very annoying, for me and those around I'm sure), but now I'm almost back to normal :) Thank you for all the well wishes.!