Ridvan Fiesta

WEDNESDAY, 18th APRIL

 

Sonia: 

Amy, Navin, Shern, Pravin & I decided to hold a pre-Ridvan dinner party for a couple of our friends. The aim was to introduce them to other Baha’is. We chose to make it a Mexican Fiesta complete with Mocktail Margaritas, Salsa & Chips, Chicken Fajitas and Creme Caramel.

 In the midst of dinner, we announced that this dinner was to celebrate Ridvan, the King of Festivals. They asked what the festival was for and we said it was when Baha’u'llah declared that he was the Manifestation for this Age. Although our friends did not ask much questions afterwards, it was still a success as we got to know them better. We hope to invite them to our young-adult dialogues on social issues soon.

Coffee Ladies

WEDNESDAY, 18th APRIL

 

Shashi: 

 

It was such a vibrant atmosphere at the ladies coffee morning at the Ongs’ this morning. Our main guest, Maria Chin Abdullah, initiated the discussion. We talked about many things – from the Malaysian education system vs international school systems, the rights of women, how women educate their sons/daughters, politicians, how women’s roles have changed/advanced etc. Of utmost importance was how we all saw and realized the need for virtues/character building lessons in children, which Unity School is already running.

 

It was all very interesting, but for me the most important moment was to see how my friend took a great interest in the discussion. In fact, at one point she turned to me and said “Hey, thanks for inviting me. How come you never told me that you do this virtues session at your place?” I didn’t have an answer. “I taught I had…” was all I could manage.

 

The true fact is that my friend and I share many things about educating our boys who are one month apart. We belong to a group of mothers who attended a playgroup at the Playcentre library. I thought I made it known to her that I was Baha’i and the types of activities I am involved in. But now, she is interested and I am so happy that I took the trouble to invite her to this morning’s coffee session. She is now keen to have us show her how we do our virtues training and perhaps to start something at her condo in Kelana Jaya.

A Yum-Cha Moment

It’s never too late for a drink…

 

TUESDAY, 17th APRIL

 

From a Baha’i young adult:

 

Our yum-cha was scheduled really late at night. After a tiring and stressful day at work, I was hardly in the right mindset to be social and was most reluctant to go out. On top of that, I hardly knew this young man and was concerned that we may run out of things to say to each other. Anyhow, I said a short prayer, and I left my home.

 

My friend was far more enthusiastic and alive than I. But after 5 minutes, the conversation suddenly turned towards religious matters. Soon we were talking about Baha’u'llah as the return of Christ, the history of some religions, independent investigation of truth and progressive revelation! It was a beautiful communion of hearts and we were both fired up by this two-way, frank but respectful conversation.

 

It ended with him being open to the possibility about investigating the Faith further. I told him I would lend him a book. It was all because of Baha’u'llah’s bountiful confirmations and the fervent prayers of the friends.