Day 4: Reader's Digest Version

Oh, my. We've been referring to this trip as a "vacation," but we are learning that pilgrimage is not something one does if one is in search of relaxation! Our first four days were quite intense and we are very happy to finally have some free time today, Day 5.

Here's a recap of Day 4. We took the bus back to Akka and visited the following places:

The House of 'Abdu'llah Pasha. This was 'Abdu'l-Baha's home in the Haifa area for many years. Highlights included the room in which the Greatest Holy Leaf concealed the remains of the Blessed Bab for many years; the room in which the Beloved Guardian, Shoghi Effendi, was born; the room in which Juliet Thompson had the conversations with the Master that became the book Some Answered Questions; the room in which 6-year-old Shoghi Effendi (below) recited his prayers at the top of his voice so his beloved Grandfather, 'Abdu'l-Baha, could hear him from his room on the other side of the courtyard.



From there, we went to the Mansion of Mazra'il, where Baha'u'llah spent a good portion of His time after being released from the prison. We were able to see the room of the Beloved Beauty and spend time in the beautiful gardens and admire the surrounding orchards of citrus, pomegranates and even banana trees.

By the way, here is a link to some photos of the places we visited on Day 4.

Then, on to the Mansion of Bahji. It is huge and beautiful and we saw such thrilling things that we could hardly stand it. Perhaps most notable was the room in which Baha'u'llah received British scholar Edward Granville Browne, whose description of the encounter can be found here.

The grounds at Bahji are just amazing beyond description! We'll post photos soon. But now, we have a date to meet Gary's cousin and her family.