The Catch-Up on Life Day

It's a Saturday night and it's been a week since I've updated this blog- have I lost you all?!? I hope not! Well, it's been a week of exciting events. Last Sunday was Azah and Vafa's wedding. it was an absolutely gorgeous event. They had readings about what a Baha'i marriage is, prayers and music. I can't tell you much of what was said, but what I remember distinctly is the love that I felt in the room. The amount of joy and warmth I felt almost brought me to tears. I haven't had that happen before! Granted, I haven't been to many weddings, but it's a feeling that is hard to explain, and can only be understood when you feel it. Vafa and Azah were just radiating happiness, I was so happy and honored to be able to celebrate the occasion with them. The FOOD (because what is an Ailene blog without mention of food?!) at the wedding was divine! There was a bruschetta with sweet sauce as an appetizer/or a chicken quish thing, our entree was either deliciously grilled chicken or salmon, and the dessert was a berry custard or a berry cobbler. The room was set up so elegantly, classy yet not over done. Vafa's dad said some things- what touched me is that they pioneered to Africa in the 80's and was so happy to now have a physical connection (not just spiritual connection) to Africa because Azah's from Cameroon. A Baha'i friend belted out "My Girl" and some other love songs- it was very sweet. Z+A's first dance was an African smooth song- not too fast, not to slow- so perfect! We danced, took pictures, and just soaked in the joy that was felt by everyone. Before A+Z drove into the sunset, we made a human tunnel and they passed through, sending them off with cheers and laughter <3

This week I was mainly in the office and guiding. For 2 days I did filing. It doesn't look that hard, but it is mentally and physically draining. I was snappy after that work day! I'm a very organized person, I like things in order, so give me a job like filing and I'll go all out- instead of just putting papers in folders, I became annal as the time passed, and put it in order of date, in correct sections...etc. It was fulfilling at the end of the day because I truly got it organized and I finished 2 drawers, but I was really tired. By the second day I was so tired from filing, I had to literally tell myself, laughing, "You're filing for Baha'u'llah, you're filing for Baha'u'llah...." hahaha :) Because it's the National offices of the Baha'is, organization is important and I'm glad to help. I have multiple jobs in the office, which is nice because it shows that they trust me and that they feel I can handle it (or they just desperately need help, no matter who it is haha). On one hand I feel glad that I'm trusted, but on the other hand I feel a little disjointed, that I'm floating from A to B to J, so, I guess I don't feel very stable, right now anyway. It has been half a year since I've had a schedule and stuff, so maybe it's just getting use to it- it's nice to dabble, it keeps it interesting, but a little more structure might make me feel more grounded. But then, I'm not here for my comfort am I?!

Guiding was pretty good, did it twice this week, so the first day we had a steady stream of people, some were very interested and asked a lot of questions, others seemed to try to find loopholes, to try and disprove our teachings- that was hard to handle. I think I was caught off guard and couldn't collect myself fast enough to give a precise answer that would satisfy their accusations and also not harm the Faith by my attitude. I need to deepen myself, that way it'll be easier to shell out answers smoothly. To try to console myself I prayed in the Temple, and I also reasoned with the fact that at least people are asking questions and, even though might not agree, a spark of interest is there. My roommate said something very helpful, and I often forget this, but she said that we constantly question and challenge other people's view on things, so why shouldn't they have the same liberty? On the same note, the way people express their disagreement or challenges also have to be in line with normal human integrity, humbleness, and kindness. On a fun note, a couple of Americans from Utah visited the Temple and the guide coordinator was very happy that I was there because we have the US of A in common :)

Two German boys came today to start serving, they'll be here for 2 weeks. Late next week a girl from China will be coming and then the week after that another girl from the US will be here. Funny how I'm becoming the old-timer here. It's almost been a full month, wow, can't believe it....it's going to be a longggg year. Hang in there with me :)

Some photos: Baha'is believe marriage is a divine institution ordained by God and the foundation of a unified society. Abdu'l-Baha said: "In a true Baha'i marriage the two parties must become fully united both spiritually and physically, so that they may attain eternal union throughout all the worlds of God, and improve the spiritual life of each other." Abdu'l-Baha said married couples should strive to become "loving companions and comrades and at one with each other for time and eternity. He also says couples should "exercise the utmost care...with each other's character."