I'm two!

Today marks my two year anniversary in the Holy Land, serving at the World Centre of this precious Faith, with one more year planned (although I've already extended my service twice, so hey, you never know!) To recount the blessings of directly serving the Universal House of Justice in its Seat, and now its International Community Secretariat, would require a far lengthier entry than any normally curious individual would care to read. A few highlights included interacting with members of the House of Justice, whose humility, work ethic, and unwavering commitment remains unmatched; not only meeting but also working with the remaining Hand of the Cause; being present at the departure of two members of the House, one of whom had served from its inception; witnessing the spiritually electric response of the gathering assembled for a holy day celebration at which two new elected members of the House were announced; serving side-by-side with dear friends from just about every country imaginable; experiencing Israel and gaining a profound respect for its people; hosting the visit of my dear parents on their visit to the Holy Land, during which we visited holy places of immense significance to the Baha'i and Christian Faiths; watching friends marry and/or depart with renewed resolve to serve and bring light to all they encounter; and so many more moments, both serious and light-hearted. Over the past two years, I've gained a deep thankfulness for the blessing of such wonderful family and friends, and when contrasted with the hurt, depravity and meanness experienced by so many the world over in this time of turmoil and change, it is hard to fathom how or why I have been blessed in this way, other than by God's inscrutable bounty and mercy. For the presence of each of you in my life, I am thankful, and I am honored to remember you in my prayers in the Holy Shrines of this holiest land.