Sasha came to dinner

Aria and Sasha have joined her parents, Julie and Jere Mckinney (two of the long time pioneers here in Costa Rica), Anne Ighani and Mona (one of the year of service youth in Progresso) to watch a slide show of life on the Guaymi reservation. We had a wonderful time getting the three families together after so long of a time.

Year of Service Youth

These are the three young people who are doing their year of service in Progresso with Anne and Parviz Ighani on the Guaymi indian reservation. They came to visit us and had a great time shopping in the Feria (open air farmers market) in Escazu. Mona, in the middle, has now left for the Czech Republic to visit the Townshend School where she graduated from high school. After her visit there she will return to her home in Iceland, then on to Honduras for a month of service in the Baha'i orphanage before continuing with her education. Adam and Sonia have returned to Progresso for another month before he returns to Germany and she returns to Seattle. Hopefully we will get to see them again before they leave. I'm sure that the wonderful services they performed in Progresso for the past year are only the beginnings of lifetimes of devotion to Baha'u'llah and His cause.

A lap full

That's Fiorella, holding a treasure trove. Samin, Ariela, and Elizabeth in her loving embrace. I don't have to tell you that Fiorella is our children's class teacher and that the kids dearly love her, as do we all.

Fiesta de Misericordia

These are the Baha'i friends who were able to gather in the home of Giovana Cardenas for the Fiesta de Misericordia (Mercy). All of the adults shown are on the local spiritual assembly. From left to right are Dona Flor Alvarado, her grandson Pablo Chevez, Jordan Hughes, Don Fernando Brenes, Giovana, just the head of Fiorella Cardenas, and Brenda Hicks. Seated on the floor with Samin is Dr. Payam Motlagh. Also shown are Elizabeth, Ariela, and Indra (our only youth). Not shown are Alma Alzola and Richard Hicks. Sharing at the 19 day feast is always such a wonderful time when we all feel blessed.

Declaration of the Bab

The Hughes family, Jordan-Elizabeth-Fiorella,
are participating in the celebration of the Declaration of the Bab on the 23rd of May in the house of Ruby and Jimmy Seals in Salitral. This joyous time was also a good time for Elizabeth to catch a quick nap after a long day at school.

Ascension of Baha'u'llah

This is a part of the Santana Baha'i community that were able to gather at 3 a.m. on the 29th of May to commemerate the ascension of Baha'u'llah in the home of Alma, Payam and Samin. What a blessing to be able to recognize this sacred event in the religious history of the world.

Shrine of The Bab

Two hours after sunset on the 23rd of May 1844, The Bab announced that he was a Manifestation of God with a twofold mission. He was to be the source of Divine revelation and was to prepare the way for the Promised One. This wonderous occassion is celebrated by the Baha'is around the world.

Ciudad Colon invited us to join them in a memorial service to Dr. David Ruhe, a long time member of the Universal House of Justice and a dear friend to us all. Colin, his grandson, is reading a prayer before telling a few of his memories about this great man.

Two Hearts

Two beautiful flowers in the Santana rose garden, Elizabeth and Samin.

Alma Alzola, one of our newest pioneers from Uraguay, is lighting the candles after devotions for two of our youngest Baha'is, her daughter Samin and Elizabeth Hughes, who wait patiently? to blow out the candles.

This radiant couple, Dona Flor Alvarado and Don Fernando Brenes, are Santana's oldest Baha'i residents, the heart of our community. They are planning their second pilgrimage next year and we are so happy for them. They have served the Faith for many years, were caretakers of the Charles Walcott Institute, and have continued to serve on the Local Baha'i Assembly for as long as anyone in the community can remember (except for them of course).

Our newest Baha'i

The happy smiles show off our newest Baha'i in Santana, Indra, being welcomed by her aunt, Fiorella. Indras mother, Giovana, also declared at the same time. We hope to have a picture of her real soon to add to our Blog.

The youth at the Ruhi Institute listening to a presentation on the Guardian by Dr. Payam Motlaugh.

Baha'i youth from around Costa Rica met in Santa Ana for a week long Ruhi Institute in Jan.

Book 2

Youth working on Book 2 at the Ruhi institute in Jan.

Bri Bri Students

A group from Talamanca working on Book Six at the Ruhi Institute in Santa Ana, Costa Rica during the week long conference in Jan. 2006.

Ruhi Institute in Santa Ana, Costa Rica

This is a group of youth who attended a five day Ruhi Institute at the Charles Walcott Center in Santa Ana, Costa Rica (The picture is divided because the group was so large.) Costa Rica is blessed with many deepened, active youth, only a few of which were able to attend this particular institute.