I'm Almost Off to Samoaaaaaa!

Oh my Lord, I haven't written in almost a month?!

Well, if it makes you feel better, I've been really, really busy, so there's a reason! I didn't just abandon the blog :)

January absolutely flew by. We had the youth conference at the beginning, then right after, the Baha'is in our area launched into an intensive period of teaching. Every morning we had individual prayers for 45 minutes, then collective prayers for 45 minutes, followed by a 2 hour study of how to effectively teach the Faith. It was so eye opening- the studying (I felt like my brain was being challenged with in-depth concepts, literally almost exploded sometimes), the focused teaching, the power of prayer...I'm starting to finally understand what it means to be a Baha'i, what it means to teach, what it means to rely on prayer and faith. I grew up with the Baha'i teachings, and it wasn't until recently that I started to fully understand why I am a Baha'i- I've always believed in the teachings and principles, and in Baha'u'llah, but this period of focused serving and teaching and studying has just cemented it in me.

We are in a process of rebuilding our society, our ever-advancing civilization. We are here to know and love God and to understand that we are spiritual beings in charge of taking charge of our spiritual growth. The importance of having spirituality, of having prayer and faith in our lives is so evident in the way society carries itself- we see the materialism seeping through, we see the corruption and the impurity all around us, and what is needed to combat all of this? Spiritual teachings. Actions, thoughts, life, planted with a spiritual basis is what keeps us stable, is what is going to help the society grow and flourish. "The betterment of the world can be accomplished through pure and goodly deeds, through commendable and seemly conduct..."

So, some good Aussie stuff- a couple weeks ago was Australia Day (a bit like Independence Day)- when all the states in Australia united to form one government. We got a day off so we went to the beach to picnic it up. It was really nice- reallyyyy hot weather, but surrounded by good friends and fish and chips, you tend to forget you're sweating more than you have in your entire life. A couple nights ago we went to the beach (Palm Beach no less...you would think they could get more creative...hm) and saw a bunch of dead bluebottle jellyfish! They are actually really pretty. We went into the water to get some pictures, not thinking they were still around, when a couple of the girls got stung. A true Australia experience. It was a gorgeous night. Just the right temperature, and to make it more magical, we got to see the moon rise above the ocean. I know! How awesome?! It's only on the Sydney side (East Coast I guess) where one gets to see the moon rising above the water, not the sun. I'm soooo going to be beach deprived when I get home. I'm quite accustomed to going to the beach at least once a week...and my friends back home would know that I'm not a beach person! So I guess I've been converted :)

Australia is finally feeling like home. I have almost less than 4 months to go before it's back to the US, and quite honestly, I don't know if I'm ready to go! It's crossed my mind to stay longer, but it's still a thought just floating in the background. My life is an open book (I know...still?!), so I should start looking at it as an opportunity to do anything. The thing with "anything" is that my mind starts to go wild with activities...which usually involves traveling which usually involves money. Who knows, I'm still holding out for Oprah to adopt me.

SAMOA!!! It is happening this Friday. It's so not real, I can't seem to wrap my brain around it! I can't believe that a mere idea of traveling with friends is actually happening. I'm so excited to see the House of Worship (http://www.bahaitemplesamoa.org/)-the late King of Samoa was a Baha'i, did you know?- and the waterfalls and beaches! We leave, however, the same day that my dear friend, Betty, is leaving to go back home to China. She's been here just about how long I have, and her presence is very un-missable. She's like a big sister...so I'm pretty sure I'll be happy/sad/crying/laughing the whole day :)

Will defintely put pictures up and have stories- do check back!