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[Page i]january-february 1989

Brilliant Star

[Page ii]Sharaf Honor Sultán Sovereignty ⚫ Mulk Dominion ‘Alá’ Loftiness 145

Dear Children,

How many ways can you think of that we communicate with one another? There is speech, but many other ways, too How about sign language? There is also something called "body language" which shows how we are feeling by how we stand, sit, or gesture. We can read, write, sing develop secret codes, send smoke signals, use semaphore flags and send Morse code. We bet you can think of many other ways, too!

In recent years, since the coming of Bahá’u’lláh, science has developed many new ways of communicating: television, radio, telephone and telegraph, satellites, and computers. These new ways of sharing information have made us next-door-neighbors to everyone in the world. It's part of what makes us realize the truth of Bahá’u’lláh’s saying that the earth is but one country and mankind its citizens.

Thinking about communication even lets us see prayer in another way. Prayer is communication with our Creator, and what more powerful kind of communication could there be?

Let us know how you communicate! Communicate with us by sending us a letter or a drawing telling us about your life.

Love, Editor

About the cover

Michael Hughey is the designer of our current cover. His challenge was to convey in visual form this issue's theme of communication. We think he was very successful. If you study the cover you will see a multitude of communication symbols: Morse code, sign language, the Roman alphabet, Braille and international code signal flags. Also represented are symbols of the kinds of communication devices we use: the radio, telephone and the human heart.

You can read more about Michael Hughey in our Profile section on page 31.

Solution to Word Search

HERMANNG LAI OOH HNG ANA ESUHNEHAMUAKKAA HNG HRR MRGH LSUHASS HK BEAM AARH MMA MZD LHAE RB HADHO NG MUHAMMEDVARGA

Publication Information

Brilliant Star is a publication of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States. It is published six times each year, in January, March, May, July, September and November. Copyright 1989 National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States. World rights reserved.

Manuscripts should be typewritten and double-spaced throughout. Brilliant Star does not offer monetary compensation to its contributors. Return postage should be included if manuscript is to be returned. Single copy $2.50; 6 issues (one year) $12.00; 12 issues (two years) $20.00; foreign, surface mail, one year $15.00, two years $28.00; foreign, air mail, one year $25.00, two years $47.00. An index for the preceding year's issues is available for $2.00.

Address manuscripts and other editorial contributions to: Brilliant Star/Bley 2512 Allegheny Dr. Chattanooga, Tn. 37421

For subscriptions, change of address and adjustments write to: Brilliant Star Bahá’í Subscriber Service Bahá’í National Center Wilmette, Il. 60091

All other correspondence should be addressed to: Brilliant Star/Richards, 4 Village Dr. Yardville, N.J. 08620

Brilliant Star is intended for children of all ages and strives to:

• develop the child's awareness of the oneness of humanity
• increase the child's conscious awareness of his spiritual nature and the need for its development
• provide practical approaches to viewing life's difficulties
• develop the child's reasoning power and stimulate his love for the order of the universe
• provide a standard by which the child may learn to relate to others with love and justice
• assist parents and teachers in developing all of the child's hidden talents and virtues

Printed in the U.S.A.

Editorial Board

Deborah Bley Editor-in-Chief

Mimi McClellan Music Editor

Rita Leydon Art Director

Production Janet Richards Secretary Manager

Keith Boehme Consultant

Terri L. Earl Consultant

ISSN 0884-3635

Subscriber Service Candace Moore Hill [Page 1]

what’s inside

Letters From Our Friends 2 A Meeting with the Gypsies 4 a fascinating account told by Roger White The Homeless 6 a poem by Roger White Communication 7 a poem by Susan Engle My Playground in the Sky 8 a story by Elizabeth M. Bossong Radio Bahá’í: WLGI 10 by Deborah Bley

Ham on the Phone 12 By Tim Reed Horn How a Ham Phones Home 13 by Tim Reed Horn Talking with Dits and Dahs 14 by Tim Reed Horn Are You Registered? 15 a little administrative information by Deborah Bley

Baby-Sitting for Beginners 16 excellent “nickel” knowledge by Lisa Roose-Church Celebrating Ayyám-i-Há 18 a photo essay by Adib Tashakkor Loose Change Fund Box 22 a design idea by Kaihan Strain Word Search 23 a challenging puzzle by James Amodeo Mr. Morse and the Marvelous Telegraphic Machine 24 by Alvin Diebert Freddy the Fault Finder 26 a story by Patti Rae French Letter to Bahíyyih 30 a song by Gregory Shaw Profile 31 Book Nook 32 Parents’ Page 33

Brilliant Star January-February 1989 1 [Page 2]

Letters from our friends

Nabil Fanaian, age 9, lives in Venezuela, and sent us this letter and photo:

Dear Brilliant Star,

Alláh’u’Abhá! This picture we are sending was taken at the Colegio Internacional de Carabobo. We donated these books to the library. The books were The Spotlessly Leopard and The Secret in the Garden. On the left is Mrs. Anderson, the librarian, and on the right is Ms. Tostenrud. In the middle is my brother Na’im and I am on the left (of Na’im). From left to right are our Bahá’í friends Ema, Layla, and Babak. The librarian was very happy and asked if we could donate more books!

Your friend, Nabil

penpals, please!

Renie Yengel (age 11) 431 N. Elm Cortez, CO 81321

Renie is especially interested in having penpals from Austria, Australia, Costa Rica, or other parts of Central or South America.

Kira Antinuk 410 23rd St. E Prince Albert, Sask. S6V 1P8 Canada

Erik Neumann (age 9) 518 S. Wayne St. Fremont, Ohio 43420

Erik likes science and animals.

Andra Nahal Behrouz (age 8) 209 York Street Olean, NY 14760

Likes cats, reading, drawing, piano. Would especially like to write to a Persian/American penpal.

A note from the editor

One of the greatest pleasures of working on Brilliant Star is hearing from so many of our readers. We enjoy receiving your poems, photographs and drawings, as well as your letters full of news about your lives. We are sorry that we cannot print every single treasure that you send us!

We must work on the magazine a long time before it comes to your house. As you read this in January, we are pretending that it is summer and are thinking about and finishing up the July/August 1989 issue which will reach you while you are on summer vacation. Because we have to get the magazine ready so many months before you get to read it, it means that it is often a long time for you to wait to see if your drawing or letter will be in Brilliant Star. We wish that we could shorten the time you have to wait, but we just can't. We want you to know that we thank you for being so patient.

When you send a drawing to Brilliant Star, it is easiest for us to print a drawing done in dark pencil, pen, or crayon on white paper. We are happy to see whatever you want to send us, though. If you would like our art editor to think about maybe using your drawing for our back cover, you can send color or black and white drawings. Just remember to position your paper vertically, instead of horizontally! That is the shape of the magazine, and it makes it easier for us to fit your pictures to our page format.

Thank you all, too, for returning so many of the reader surveys we sent out to you. Your answers and the interviews with your parents helped all of us see how we can make Brilliant Star better. We love you all and appreciate your help. ✶

Dear Brilliant Star,

Alláh’u’Abhá. I enjoy reading your magazines. They have such beautiful stories and songs like "Arabic Hidden Word." And a story like "Hoppy and the Rats of Cambridge." I also drew a picture of a flower.

Samira Charepoo [Page 3]

The Bahá’í Faith Unifies Mankind

A000 Julie Spiers, age 12, of Altamonte Springs, Florida, was awarded second place for her essay in the U.S. Constitutional Bicentennial Essay contest at the English Estates Elementary School. She received $10.00, but felt that the best prize was getting to read her essay and to teach the Faith in this way to 750 listeners.

What the Constitution Means to Me

To me the Constitution means freedom and peace.

In my religion, the Bahá’í Faith, we believe everything should be equal. My religion is a Persian culture and in Iran they don't have freedom and peace. The government in Iran kills anyone if they say they are a Bahá’í.

So I am glad that the United States has freedom. So that's what the Constitution means to me!!! ★

Andy and Allison Dahl are wearing traditional clothing from Mexico, where they were pioneers. They are now homefront pioneers to Anniston, Alabama.

This is the children and teachers of the Regional Brilliant Star Bahá’í School in Lee, New Hampshire. The students in the first and second grade wrote questions, then went and interviewed the members of the other classes. You might want to try this in your own Bahá’í school! Here's what they found out:

1. What do you like most about being a Bahá’í? "You get to come to Bahá’í school." "There's five days in leap year for Ayyam-i-Há celebration." "Learning about the Bahá’í Faith." "Going to Feast and enjoying the food." "The ability to give to the fund" "Bahá’ís are special."

2. Do you like to come to Bahá’í school? "Yes, to read the stories."

3. Why do you say prayers? "To get a message to God." "So God knows we love Him." "Obedience to parents."

4. What do you do at Bahá’í School? "Learn about Bahá’u’lláh." "Learn more about the Faith." "Say prayers, play, eat, and learn what unity in diversity means." "Games, prayers, and snack time."

5. What do you like about the Brilliant Star magazine? "The stories." "It's special." "It's interesting" "The pictures on the cover." "The models and games."

Gregory Billington is the treasurer of the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Jacksonville Beach, Florida. He wrote us about a special young Bahá’í in their community, Abbey Stradner: "Enclosed please find a picture of myself returning to Abbey Stradner...her jar in which she brought $20.54 in change to help build the International Library. Abbey is remarkably lucky in finding small change in the street, in grocery stores-in fact, wherever she goes! She had been saving her money (for her own plans), but she became so inspired when she heard that the Universal House of Justice needed $50 million, that she decided to give all her money to help build the International Library. Abbey is six years old." [Page 4]

A Meeting With the Gypsies

by Roger White ©1989 (Adapted from a report in Bahá’í France, Autumn 1987, No. 12) Illustrated by David Green

It was the ninth day of Ridván, the 29th of April 1987, when a Bahá’í teacher who was traveling between Toulon and Hyères, in southeastern France, near the Mediterranean sea, came upon an encampment of Gypsies and joined them around the fire. It was a beautiful evening and there were many stars in the sky. The Bahá’í teacher was happy to be sharing the warm hospitality of the Gypsy people, who have a [Page 5]long and interesting history, and who are found on every continent. They came to be called Gypsies because it was mistakenly thought that they had come originally from Egypt. But now it is believed that they came from northwestern India, and moved on to Iran in the first millenium; that is, in the first thousand years of human history. What an ancient people they are! They are more correctly referred to, in plural form, as Romani or Roma, and in singular form as Rom. Because they have been persecuted and abused in various parts of the world, many feel that "Gypsy" is a name that carries with it negative or derogatory associations, and it should be discarded. But some Gypsies still use the term to describe themselves, and hold that the only bad associations are in the minds of those who try to use the name hurtfully. In some places the Romani are referred to as nomads, and in some areas as the traveling people. This refers to the fact that they rarely settle down in permanent communities, but often live in small caravans. They are proud and sensitive, intelligent and inquisitive, clever with their hands, and musical, and they frequently make their living as metal-workers, singers, dancers or musicians. Sometimes the women will "tell fortunes" with playing cards, but perhaps they are really reading the character of their listener.

Historians say that while they were in Persia the Romani people divided into three main tribal divisions: the Gitanos, the Kalderash and the Manush. They have their own language which is called Romany. By the middle of the 15th century, they made their appearance in Western Europe. They were alternately welcomed and persecuted by civil and religious authorities, and sometimes driven away. By the late 1800's, some of them had arrived in North America.

It is estimated that there may be as many as five million Romani people in the world today, but many thousands were killed by the Nazis during the Second World War. In many countries of the world, the Bahá’ís are attempting to make friends with the Romani in order to tell them the happy news that Bahá’u’lláh has come to unite all mankind, and that their help is needed in building His World Order, a world community where ALL are welcome, and where there are no outcasts. For that is what the Bahá’is are doing, building a world in which each and every child is given an opportunity to grow and develop to his utmost capacity, and to fully realize his potential.

And so it was that on the ninth day of Ridván, the Bahá’í teacher joined a group of Romani at their camp fire under the open sky. There were nine Gypsies present, including Angelo, who was 13 years old. The speaker described the life of the Báb, and His martyrdom. He spoke of Bahá’u’lláh and described His declaration of His mission in the garden of Ridván, and the 40-year period of his cruel imprisonment and exile.

"With what respect they listened," the Bahá’í teacher later wrote, "especially moved by Bahá’u’lláh’s homelessness, His exile which was to last so long and was to bring Him to the sordid prison city of ‘Akká. Everything was still. This was the magic moment of the evening when the voice of Angelo was heard in the clear night air: 'But then, Bahá’u’lláh, He was living like a Gypsy!' There was a great silence in the camp, an intense and respectful silence, that removed us to another world. Then a guitar started to play, and another guitar started up, and then a voice began to sing, 'Latcho drom, Bahá’u’lláh!' which in the Romany language means 'Good journey, Bahá’u’lláh!' Then the women began to clap their hands in time with the rhythm of the guitars and of our hearts. What a Gypsy cannot express by words, he conveys through some notes; Gypsy music is like a spiritual communion. Never was this bond so strong as it was that night, by the side of the road, under the starry sky!" [Page 6]This poem is based on a true event that occurred when a Bahá’í teacher sat with a group of Gypsies (also called Roma or Romani) around their camp fire and told them about the Bahá’í Faith. You will find the story on page 4 of this issue of Brilliant Star. The boy in the poem is named Angelo, and he was 13 years old when this took place in April 1987. The poem is written in the form of a villanelle, a form that has existed since medieval times. The dictionary says a villanelle consists of 19 lines on two rhymes with some lines repeated. Sounds difficult, doesn't it? Perhaps the pattern will be clear if you study this example.

Homeless

by Roger White ©1989

t was the fire that drew us, the dancing fire, It was the fine that drew der the evening sky. Mentioning the Loved One’s Name, we never tire.

They welcomed us warmly, but one youth shier Than the rest, hung back till we spoke the word Bahá’í. It was the fire that drew us, the dancing fire.

"Tell us!" he begged. As we described the dire Events that befell our Beloved, we heard him sigh. Mentioning the Loved One’s name, we never tire.

We told of His exile, how His love would inspire Response in His captors’ hearts. In the dark, did someone cry? It was the fire that drew us, the dancing fire.

Up the ladder of stars the young moon climbed still higher As we fell quiet watching the gold embers die. Mentioning the Loved One’s Name, we never tire.

The boy broke the silence, our constricted throats grew drier. "Bahá’u’lláh was homeless like us!" Recognition aglow in his eye. It was the fire that drew us, the dancing fire. Mentioning the Loved One’s Name, we never tire.

Illustrated by Jacqueline Domin domin [Page 7]

Communication

by Susan Engle

talk to me to talk to me with hugs. With toast And let my nose experience Rose musk, wet grass, old paste. Immerse me in the rainbow, child, "Til colors fade from view. But don't forget that my two ears Are starved for "I love you."

Touches teach us tenderness. Tastes can teach us joy. Smells can bring back memories Which tingle or annoy. Vision's gifts are shapes and light: Red, yellow, green and blue. But nothing can compare to hearing "Mama, I love you."

Sweet touches often fade with time. Our tongues may lose their buds. And once our tongues give out, there go The smells of soap and suds. Old eyes grow dim. Some fail the task Of judging hue from hue. But ears hear echoes evermore Of every "I love you."

Illustrated by Carla Burks Brilliant Star January-February 1989 [Page 8]

My Playground in the Sky

By Elizabeth M. Bossong Illustrated by Barbara Trauger 1989.

The golden beams of sun cast its rays upon Emily as she lay sprawled in her rocking chair that was as green as a shamrock. Her tanned, spindly legs jiggled as she played at touching her toes to the sticky tar that covered the roof. One thin arm reached for the sky to pluck at the clouds as they drifed slowly overhead.

Snap, pop, the bubble gum exploded across the six year old face. A giggle burst from the impish mouth as a wisp of brown hair became caught in the bubble gum.

"Mama," Emily cried out. "Help me. I have bubble gum in my hair."

Emily's mother opened the screen door of the kitchen and stepped out onto the roof. "Emily, what am I to do with you?" her mother asked. She shook her head and smiled as she carefully pulled the bubble gum from the little girl's hair.

Emily turned her head at the sound of wheels rolling across the tar roof. "Hi, Alex, want to play with me today?" Emily asked the little boy. [Page 9]"No, no, no," Alex yelled in his usual shrill voice. "You are a girl. I don't play with girls. Anyway, this is my roof to play on."

"We could build a tent with this box and sheet that mama gave me," Emily said to Alex. "Please come and play with me."

"No," Alex said loudly as he sped away.

Emily put the sheet around and over the box and went about building her tent.

"My tent is finished," Emily said for Alex to hear.

Alex stood on the other side of the roof and watched Emily. Sure is a nice tent, Alex thought to himself.

"Think I'll go and get some cookies and milk," Emily said. "I sure did get hungry building my tent." Emily carried a small tray of milk and cookies back to her tent.

Emily stuck her head through the opening of the tent and yelled across the roof to Alex. "See, Alex, I am only using a small part of the roof. You can have the rest of it to play on."

Alex could hear Emily laughing inside the tent. "Hey, Emily," Alex yelled. "What are you doing in that tent?"

Emily poked her head through the opening. "I am watching the circus," she yelled back to Alex. "Anyway, I am not playing on your roof. I am in my tent, and it's a lot of fun."

From the small opening, Emily watched her make-believe circus. She pretended the cats and dogs in the courtyard far below were lions and bears, performing for their trainers.

The people in the tall buildings which surrounded the courtyard, were the audience cheering at the circus as their favorite acts performed. She could see the high wire acrobats as they walked along the clothes lines.

"Hey, Emily," Alex called out. "Want to come and play with me?" Emily just sat inside her tent, not answering Alex. "Hey, Emily, did you hear me ask you to play with me?" Alex called out even louder.

"I heard you. But I am still a girl," Emily said poking her head out of the tent opening. "You don't play with girls on your roof, remember?"

"I am sorry Emily," Alex said. "It's no fun playing by myself. Will you please tell me about your circus?"

"Well, O.K. Alex," Emily said. "I will play with you and tell you all about my circus. Come into the tent with me. Just remember, the tar roof is not just for you to play on, alright? We can both share it."

"This is a nice tent," Alex told Emily as he entered. "Please tell me about the circus, Emily. I really would like to pretend just the way you do."

So, Emily told Alex all about her make-believe circus.

"In the winter, the snow-covered telephone wires becomes skis. The poles look like snow-covered trees of the forest, and the courtyard looks like a skating pond," she told Alex.

"I like my playground in the sky," Emily said to Alex. "Besides, who else can build a snowman that can touch the sky?"

"The winter holiday season is my most special time of the year," Emily said. "I like to look into the windows of the tall buildings and see the sparkling lights on trees in some homes, and the Hanukkah candles in shining menorahs in others. Some of our Spanish-speaking neighbors put luminaries along their sidewalks. But even before winter comes, our Hindu neighbors put candles out for Diwali. And then, after Christmas, we can see all kinds of different decorations for Ayyam-i-Há in Bahá’í homes. Everyone seems happy with each other. Whatever holiday, the lights sparkle and look like stars shining in the sky."

"When I hear prayers chanted or carols sung, it sounds like angels are singing just for me, and sometimes I say a prayer, too," Emily said softly. "Why would I want to live anyplace else, when I have my very own playground in the sky?" she asked Alex.

"I think I like your playground in the sky," Alex said to Emily. "Can it be my playground in the sky to share with you?" Alex asked.

"We can both make our roof into whatever we want it to be together, Alex," Emily said to her new friend. [Page 10]

Radio Bahá’í: WLGI

by Deborah Bley

ne time, not so long ago, the Bahá’ís of South Carolina had a big dream. They wanted to build a radio station. They had heard about how Bahá’ís in South America had done this. They knew that the radio shows on Bahá’í radio in other parts of the world were very popular and helpful to the people. The friends in South Carolina felt that the time might be right for the first North American Bahá’í radio station. They consulted with our National Spiritual Assembly, and a plan was made to help the dream come true.

In late 1982, the Louis G. Gregory Bahá’í Institute in Hemingway, SC, got the ok from the U.S. government to being building a radio station. The station's call letters were to be WLGI. There was a lot of money needed for such a big project! In late spring of 1983 a special fund drive began called "Let's Get Cooking". A million dollars was needed.

Cookbooks were sold featuring recipes for all Bahá’í occasions.

All over the country, Bahá’ís of all ages began to hold dinners and special events to reach the goal. You or your family may even have been a part of that exciting time!

About a mile away from the WLGI studio stands the 500 foot tall 50,000 watt FM transmitter. [Page 11]

WLGI Radio Station

The ground was broken to build the radio tower in October, 1983. In early December of 1983, Hand of the Cause of God William Sears called on the American Bahá’ís to become heroes and heroines. He felt sure that we could raise all the money by December 31.

We did it, too! By December 28, the whole one million dollars was raised, and some extra, too. WLGI was really on its way.

On Naw Rúz in 1984, the radio tower began going up. On May 23, 1984, the anniversary of the Declaration of the Báb, WLGI went on the air for the first time! Mr. Sears himself said the first words: "This is radio station WLGI, 90.9 megahertz, the voice of Louis Gregory Bahá’í Institute in Hemingway, South Carolina."

In July, 1984, regular broadcasting began. Since then, WLGI has become the most popular radio station in the area. It plays music and programs for the many Bahá’ís living near the Louis Gregory Institute. It also has programs which help all the people living in its listening area.

And the future? The Bahá’ís are planning to have even more programs that help deepen the many Bahá’i friends around Louis Gregory Institute. They will also be having more programs that offer education to all the wonderful South Carolinians living within listening distance of WLGI. *

Photographs provided by Truitt White.

Otis Franklin (left), president of the local chapter of the NAACP, presents a membership plaque to WLGI. Truitt White (center) accepts with Bill Willis, program director.

Laurie "C-J" James is an administrative assistant and an on-air broadcastor.

This is Bob Brown, on-air broadcastor, in the master control-room. [Page 12]

Ham on the Phone

by Tim Reed Horn

Hello! My name is Mercy Alucho. I'm 12 years old and I live in Mentor, Ohio — that's near the city of Cleveland. My big brother, Carl, and his wife live on the small island of Mustique in the Caribbean Sea. Mustique is part of the country called Saint Vincent and the Grenadines — it's a pretty small country to have such a big name!

Anyway, Carl and his wife, Tim, moved there from Alaska to help tell people about Bahá’u’lláh. Carl and Tim (that's a funny name for a girl, don't you think?) visited us before they went to Mustique, and Carl showed us his neat radio. It's not like a radio you listen to music on — it's called an amateur radio, and you use it to talk to other people (Carl has talked to people in South America and England and even the U.S.S.R.!). Amateur radio is also called "ham" radio, and people who use amateur radios are called "hams".

One night I was watching T.V. with my little brother and big sister, when the phone rang. I answered it, and a guy named Pat asked for my parents — he said he had Carl on his amateur radio, and Carl wanted to talk through the phone to Mama and Papa. Since they weren't home, Carl talked to me!

That was kind of weird! I had to say "over" every time I finished what I wanted to say. You see, Pat has a special way to hook his telephone to his ham radio, but he had to know when to press the button so that Carl could hear me when I talked. And when I was finished, he had to know when to stop pressing the button so that I could hear Carl. That's why I had to say "over" (Carl had to say it too, when he was finished talking to me).

I said, "Hello, Carl. Over."

Carl said, "Hello, Mercy. How are you guys doing? Over."

I mean, can you imagine carrying on a whole conversation like that? I was kind of nervous at first, but then it got easier (Pat told me I did a real good job!).

Radios sure do make voices sound different. It's almost like you're talking to a robot! But it sure was neat! [Page 13]

How a Ham Calls Home

by Tim Reed Horn ©1989 Tim Reed Horn

y name is Carl Horn. My wife Tim and I used to live in Alaska, but now we live on a tropical island - no more winters for us!

I've been interested in amateur radio off and on since I was 14 years old. In most countries, you have to take a test before you get a license to talk on a ham radio. You have to know a little bit about how a radio works, the laws about using an amateur radio, and how to understand Morse Code (that's an alphabet made up of dits and dahs).

But you shouldn't think that just because you're young you can't pass the test there are lots of 8 and 9 year olds with their ham licenses (I've even heard of a 5 year old who was a ham - now that's starting young!)

Once you pass the test, you're given your own call letters - a combination of letters and numbers that you use to identify yourself when you talk on the radio. In St. Vincent my call is J87CF. You can use either Morse Code or your voice to talk on the radio with other hams. I can also talk to people who don't even have a ham radio - if they have a telephone and live near a ham.

That's how I talked with Mercy. Pat is a ham who lives near my parents' home. When I talked with him on the radio, he agreed to call my mother and stepfather, so I could talk with them. Since they weren't home, I was able to visit with Mercy. That was a lot of fun - she sure handled it like a pro!

If you know someone who is a ham, maybe he (or she) will show you how an amateur radio works. You'll find out why hams are some of the friendliest people around - getting to know folks all over the world! ⭑

ST. VINCENT J87CF CONFIRMING QSO WITH DATE MODE UTC MHz RST DAY MONTH YEAR ORC Me 200 2-WAY ☐ PSE OSL ☐ TNX QSL A W4MPY QSL CARL HORN The Cotton House Mustique, St. Vincent West Indies

This is what Carl's QSL card looks like. Hams send these to each other after they have made radio contact. Carl has a collection of QSL cards from hams all over the world. [Page 14]

Talking with Dits and Dahs

by Tim Reed Horn © 1989

Have you ever heard of Morse Code? It’s an alphabet made up of different combinations of short and long tones (or dits and dahs).

Let me give you an example. If you say “dit,” you’ve just said the letter “E” in Morse Code.

And if you say “dah,” that’s the letter “T.”

The other letters are various combinations of dits and dahs. Here’s the whole alphabet:

Letter	Phonetic	Code
A	dit-dah	• —
B	dah-dit-dit-dit	— • • •
C	dah-dit-dah-dit	— • — •
D	dah-dit-dit	— • •
E	dit	•
F	dit-dit-dah-dit	• • — •
G	dah-dah-dit	— — •
H	dit-dit-dit-dit	• • • •
I	dit-dit	• •
J	dit-dah-dah-dah	• — — —
K	dah-dit-dah	— • —
L	dit-dah-dit-dit	• — • •
M	dah-dah	— —
N	dah-dit	— •
O	dah-dah-dah	— — —
P	dit-dah-dah-dit	• — — •
Q	dah-dah-dit-dah	— — • —
R	dit-dah-dit	• — •
S	dit-dit-dit	• • •
T	dah	—
U	dit-dit-dah	• • —
V	dit-dit-dit-dah	• • • —
W	dit-dah-dah	• — —
X	dah-dit-dit-dah	— • • —
Y	dah-dit-dah-dah	— • — —
Z	dah-dah-dit-dit	— — • •

Can you “dit-dah” your name in Morse Code?

Morse Code is used to “talk” over amateur radio. If radio conditions aren’t very good (like if there’s a lot of static), Morse Code is easier to understand than somebody’s voice.

Of course, you don’t “say” the dits and dahs when you use Morse Code to talk over the radio, you use a little keyer to send signals (you may have seen an old Western movie where a telegraph operator used a keyer to tap out a message).

When you’re first learning Morse Code, it sounds like a lot of beeps. But with practice, you’ll understand it just as well as when your friends talk with you on the telephone! ★

Illustrated by Rita Leydon. [Page 15]

Are You Registered?

by Deborah Bley

Because there are so many of us in the American Bahá’í community, our Bahá’í National Center in Illinois has an office which keeps track of us with the help of a special computer. The computer stores information about where each of us lives, which Assembly or group we belong to, and what Bahá’í magazines we are to receive from the Bahá’í Subscriber Service. The computer identifies each of us by a number. There is something fairly new about those numbers that you might want to know.

For a long time, we had ID numbers only for Bahá’ís over 15 years old. But now, the National Center would like to register children, too. You may already be registered if your parents or the secretary of your Assembly sent in your name, address and birthday. Knowing how many Bahá’í children there are and how old they are is a big help to our National Spiritual Assembly. Knowing how many of you there are means that they can plan even better things for children!

Check with your mom or dad, or with your Assembly secretary to find out if you are registered, if you don’t already know. If you are registered, you get a loving letter from the National Spiritual Assembly, and a Bahá’í ID number that will be yours even after you grow up.

One important reminder: don’t forget to have your family include your name and Bahá’í ID number if they move to a new address! You’re now part of a big communication network that links your American Bahá’í family together! ★

How good it is if the friends be as close as sheaves of light

—‘Abdu’l-Bahá

Calligraphy by Susan Rose © 1989

This is what the front and back of the registration card looks like:

Bahá’í Registration (ages 0 through 14)
(please print)	□ Girl □ Boy
Full name — please do not use nicknames	Birth Date: ____ / ____ / ____ Month Day Year
Residence Address: House or Space Number, Street or Description ________________________________________________ City State Zip Code	Telephone Number: Home: (____) ________ area code number
Mailing Address: ________________________________________________ City State Zip Code
ID# ________ Parent/Guardian ________________________________________	Bahá’í? □ Yes □ No
ID# ________ Parent/Guardian ________________________________________	□ Yes □ No

To be completed by Parent/Guardian (may be completed with the assistance of the Local Spiritual Assembly or District Teaching Committee).

Locality where individual lives: __________________________________________________________________

and its Bahá’í Locality Code (if known): ___________________________

Completed by: __________________________________________________________________ Date: ____________ Parent/Guardian or Agency

Comments:

[Page 16]

Baby-Sitting for Beginners

by Lisa Roose-Church © 1989

The kids are screaming, "I don't want to go to bed." The baby needs to be changed and you run out of diapers. The parents promised to be home at eleven and it's now midnight. You still have English and Algebra homework to muddle through and you feel tired and frustrated.

As a first time baby sitter you may be nervous about being left with someone else's children or perhaps you fear that screaming child described above. Although this may not happen during most baby-sitting evenings, it does occur, and with the proper outlook, you will eventually learn how to interact with children. This is when baby-sitting becomes an easy way to earn that extra spending money. You may even find you enjoy baby-sitting!

Instruction Course

Some parents may feel that teenagers are irresponsible or that they lack instruction on proper baby-sitting techniques. Some communities offer a baby-sitting instruction course for interested teenagers. The class usually meets no more than two or three sessions, once a week. The instructor discusses all aspects of the baby sitter's responsibilities, including first aid for children and what to do in an emergency. Parents can then ask for a list of names and people who have completed the course.

You should check with your community after school activities. Sometimes a baby-sitting course is offered through the school or through Adult Education. If not, perhaps a call to the community education office, or to the school, or to a local church or synagogue could stir interest.

Day Care Centers

Another option for the beginner is to do volunteer work or part-time work at a local day care center. This would provide you with the opportunity to care for other children in an environment with an adult. Parents whose children are in the day care may call on you for a weekend baby-sitting job because they have come to know and trust you.

You may also try helping with children's classes. This will also give you experience with children while under adult supervision.

Advertising for a Baby-Sitting Job

You are ready to take the responsibility of sitting for another family's children, now you need to let them know about your service. One way to do this is to advertise. You can do this by making signs to place in the local store, the library, or the community building.

This sign should include your name, phone number and what ages of children you prefer, so interested parents will know who you are and where you can be reached. You may also wish to list the hours and days you are available for baby-sitting. For example, if you can only baby-sit on the weekends, then say, "Weekends Only."

Parents like to know that the baby sitter they have hired is responsible so you may wish to let parents know that you can provide references (someone you've previously worked for who can verify your baby-sitting qualification, such as the Day Care Center). If you have never babysat before you may wish to begin by baby-sitting for your parents' friends' children, or families in your religious community, until you have established yourself as a responsible baby sitter with a good reputation. [Page 17]Illustrated by Elaine Phillips 1989

Someone Calls You

You have now advertised your services and someone has called to hire you. Before you accept the job you should consider the following points:

1. What day do they want you? 2. What time do they need you to be there? 3. When will the parents return? 4. How will you get to the job? Will someone pick you up or must you provide your own transportation? 5. If you are sitting after dark, will someone bring you home? 6. What is the rate of pay? If after midnight, will there be a pay increase?

If everything is decided upon and you have accepted the job, keep in mind you now have a responsibility not only to the parents, but to the children you are sitting for. A first step, if possible, is to introduce yourself to the children ahead of time. This will give the children time to get used to you and to recognize you as a friend, not a stranger. You may take games to play or a book to read to ease the children's fear of the parents leaving, especially if this is the children's first time with a sitter.

You should also consider the child's age and skill level. A good baby sitter should be able to play at the children's level. For example, babies need to be held and smiled at; and toddlers like to be read to. All children like to have attention paid to them, not to be tossed into the playpen and ignored.

Leaving for the Evening

The parents have taken great care to find a responsible sitter for their children—you. Here are some tips to follow to help you be the responsible sitter you want to be:

1. Make sure the parents have left you a list of emergency phone numbers, including police, fire department, hospital, poison control and where the parents can be reached in case of an emergency. Ask for a family friend or relative's number to contact in the event the parents cannot be reached. 2. Ask the parents when they expect to return and if they are late, ask them to please call. 3. Ask if there is a bedtime for the children. 4. Are you expected to clean, sweep, or do dishes? Do you need to feed the children and if so, at what time and what type of meal? 5. Ask if friends can visit or if phone calls are permitted. 6. Ask the parents what their feelings are about "raiding" the refrigerator. 7. Ask how the parents prefer phone messages be taken. Are they expecting an important call?

Parents often remember to leave instructions with a sitter but parents are only human too, and you should be prepared in the event they forget something.

Parents deserve a night out and should enjoy the private time they are spending together without having to worry if the sitter is responsible. With careful planning and selection of a sitter, parents can do just that and as you demonstrate your responsibility, you can increase your chances of receiving many more babysitting jobs and enjoy the fun of caring for children. [Page 18]

celebrating Ayyam-i-Há

Ayyam-i-Há is a very special time of the year for the Bahá’ís. It is a time for giving greater attention to charity and hospitality. It's also a time for gift giving and celebration.

by Adib Tashakkor

1. My name is Eric, I am 6 years old. This is my brother Scott, he is almost 4. We celebrate Ayyam-i-Há in our home with a party each year.

2. We usually have a piñata stuffed with candies and confetti for the party. It's a very special part of our party. We help Mommy prepare the piñata.

3. She ties a ribbon around the piñata. When it's ready, we can hang it at the party. [Page 19]4. We like to give our home a festive touch by decorating it with balloons and colorful streamers.

5. Mommy also bakes cookies for us and our friends. We decorate the cookies by sprinkling sugar on them. This batch is for my friends at school. [Page 20]6. At the party we play some games. This one is a game we played with straws.

7. Then it's time for the piñata. Every child, starting with the youngest, takes a turn to bat the piñata. Everyone else sits around and waits eagerly. [Page 21]8. At last, it's the time we've been waiting for. The piñata breaks, and the candies fall all over the floor. Everyone rushes to grab their share.

9. We all enjoyed the party and had lots of fun! It is so good to be with our friends during this special time. We wish you a happy Ayyam-i-Há too! ★ [Page 22]TAB'A' the Arc FLAP 'C' SLOT 'F' the Arc FLAP'D' TAB'B' TAB E

Loose Change Fund Box

by Kaihan Strain

The Bahá’í world is working and sacrificing to complete the Arc on Mt. Carmel in Haifa, Israel. Every little bit helps. Here is a design for a simple fund box that you can put together and invite members of your family to fill with loose coins from pockets and purses. If you photocopy it rather than cut the page then you can make a new one for each Bahá’í month and simply give the filled one to your community's treasurer at feast.

Instructions

1. Cut along all solid lines, including the three slots.

2. Fold along all dotted lines. Note: the triangular corners will be hidden inside the finished box.

3. Secure each corner with a piece of tape. It should look like figure 1.

4. Tabs A and B fold to the inside.

5. Flap C folds under Flap D, and tab E fits into slot F. Secure it with tape. It should look like figure 2. [Page 23]

• Ruhiyyih Khanum
• Ali Akbar Furutan
• Abul Qasim Faizi
• Paul Haney
• Shuaullah Alai
• Collis Featherstone
• John Ferraby
• Ugo Giachery
• Hasan Balyuzi
• Dhikrullah Khadem
• Jalal Khazeh
• Enoch Olinga
• Hermann Grossmann
• Tarazullah Samandari
• Agnes Alexander
• Musa Banani
• Rahmatullah Muhajir
• Adelbert Muhlschlegel
• John Robarts
• William Sears
• Ali Muhammed Varga
• Bahá’u’lláh
• ‘Abdu’l-Bahá
• Shoghi Effendi
• Báb
• Mirza Mihdi
• Quddus
• Vahid
• Mulla Husayn
• Tahirih
• Navvab
• Teheran
• Shiraz
• Haifa
• Akka
• Carmel
• Babi
• Bahá’í
• Ridvan
• Naw Ruz

Word Search

by James Amodeo

Here is a very challenging word puzzle! Words appear in all possible directions. Some even bend in the middle. You might also find some words that are not on our search list. Half of the words are names of Hands of the Cause and the other half are historic figures of the Bahá’í Faith and places and times that relate to the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh. Good luck! ★

H E R M A N N G R O S S M A N N I N A N A B

L A L A J L G K G P Q N A R E H E T R T E A

K E E S O I O H T A B D U L B A H A U R I S

H N G V H O D I Z U Y L A B N A S A H I R U

A O E E N O C H O L I N G A A W H I I J A M

Z T Z D L F G H I Q H I S N V Z U Z Y A D A

E S U H N H E H A M U A K K A A A I Y H N G

H R R I A W C R I I A D N H B R U A I U A N

I E W K T I U S R E F Z D E I I L F H M M E

B H A R U L N T L A F A R U Y H L M K H A S

A T N U R L I R Y H B F W I S S A I H A S A

B A Y L U I V A R R U Y E I M H H S A L H L

H E A L F A E B E I N M Y N I E A A N L A E

A F S A R M R O H D A A T R D G L Q U U L X

L S U H A S S R C V V L I R O A I L M T L A

L I H K B E A N A A V H N D E V O U A A U N

U L A H K A L H I N A D U B A B I B S M Z D

A L L A A R H O G T B O N H E S L A L H A E

H O L D I S O J O K S G I C A R M E L A R R

A C U E L L J N G E N D B A H A I H D R A G

B H M M A L I M U H A M M E D V A R G A T T

Solution on inside front cover. [Page 24]Note: This illustration is drawn from the point-of-view of a child imagining himself tapping out that historic message in 1844. It is certainly not historically accurate, although the representation of the telegraphic devise is accurate. This is called "artistic license." Illustrated by Fritz A. Mann 1976, used with permission.

What Hath God Wrought: Mr. Morse and the Marvelous Telegraphic Machine

by Alvin Deibert ©1989

May 23, 1844 is a signal day for the Bahá’í Faith and for mankind—the Day of the Declaration of the Báb. Another signal event for mankind also occurred within a day on the opposite side of the world.

Mr. Morse was sending the first message on the electro-magnetic telegraph between the two cities of Baltimore, Maryland and Washington, D.C. This "miracle" of instant communication over a long distance was a cause of much excitement among the people. The story of how it came about is a lesson in the wonders of the ways of God.

In the year 1832, Mr. Morse was an artist on his way home from Europe. One day a fellow passenger was describing some experiments made in Paris with the electro-magnet. He told how the electric pulse traveled along the wire instantaneously. On hearing this information, Mr. Morse immediately thought of sending messages in this manner over long distances. The words could be sent as short electric sparks.

Upon returning to New York, he set to work on his idea. In 1835, he developed the first model of his electro-magnetic telegraph. [Page 25]telegraph. He spent a few more years improving it and, in the autumn of 1837, he displayed it before the public. Those who observed its operation were wonder-struck at its astonishing ability to transmit words in the blink of an eye. However, when he asked the government of the United States to allow him to demonstrate the value of this wonderful apparatus by constructing a line between Washington and Baltimore, the idea was rejected as impractical and impossible.

Months passed and Mr. Morse all but gave up hope that his invention would ever be put to use.

Then one day, quite unexpectedly, a member of the United States Congress proposed that a government committee be established to look into the idea of giving Mr. Morse the money he needed to build his telegraph line. Nine members formed the committee and after much discussion, but little investigation, they voted. Four members wanted to give Mr. Morse the money and four members said "no". The ninth member was left to determine the outcome. Before making his decision, he decided to look into the matter himself. Fortunately, at that very moment, Mr. Morse was conducting an experiment in the same building. He had stretched a wire from the basement to a room on the first floor. The committee member asked for and was given a demonstration. Satisfied with what he had seen, he returned to the committee and voted "yes".

However, Mr. Morse was to experience one more discouragement before the dawn finally broke. The committee agreed that he should have the money but it required the approval of the entire Congress to release the money. The bill to do this came up on the last day before Congress was to stop work for the year. It was also the last bill on the list - bill 120.

Mr. Morse attended the final session of Congress. He waited patiently throughout the day and late into the night. He finally gave up in discouragement and went home. He retired to bed thinking, "It is not possible for Congress to get through all 120 bills before they leave." He went to sleep and did not wake up until late the following morning.

While sitting at the breakfast table a young lady appeared.

"I have come to congratulate you," she smiled, shaking his hand.

"To congratulate me?" he asked. "For what?"

"Why, upon the passage of your bill," she answered.

"You must be mistaken," he said. "I left at a late hour. It was not possible for it to be approved."

"No, I am not mistaken," she replied. "My father remained until the close of the session and your bill was the very last one to be passed. I am so happy that I am the first to tell you."

Mr. Morse was overcome with joy. When he got over the surprise he said, "As a reward for being the first bearer of this news, you shall send the first message over the telegraph."

"I will hold you to that promise," she said. "Remember!"

"Remember," answered Mr. Morse, and they parted.

At first Mr. Morse tried to lay the wire underground. But many problems developed and, after another delay, he gave up this plan. He strung the line on poles above the ground.

By May, 1844, the line was complete and the recording instruments were attached at each end. Mr. Morse sent for his lady visitor. She speedily appeared and on May 24, 1844, history was made. The first formal message was sent over a wire connecting remote places with each other. It read: "What Hath God Wrought".

Mr. Morse perfected his machine in 1837. It could have been tested any time after that. Yet many obstacles forced him to put it off. Could the mysterious workings of God have been behind all these delays? Delays which saved the official unveiling of this wonderous device and its first message for that Day of Days when the Báb trumpted the call of a new age - the age of world unity. What better way to signal that dawn, than Mr. Morse's marvelous telegraphic machine! ★ [Page 26]

Freddy the Fault Finder

by Patti Rae French 1989

Usually, Freddy was a but not today. Today Freddy was a fault finder. For some time now, some real ugly feelings had been creeping up inside of him. Feelings that all was not right with the world. Believing that he shouldn't be having those kinds of feelings, Freddy ignored them. And now those ugly feelings were just too overwhelming! Today was the day that they finally emerged and Freddy found himself feeling miserable and finding fault with everything!

The dog barked too loud. And the cat was too fat. The grass was too short. And the tree was too tall. His house was so large. But his room was too small. Nothing was right. Nothing at all.

Freddy felt it wasn't fair that he should have to live in a world with so many faults. So what did Freddy do? Why, he complained.

"Hey dog, don't bark so loud," he shouted.

"Boy cat, are you fat," teased Freddy.

"This grass will never grow," grumbled Freddy as he stamped his foot down.

"And I'll never have a tree house in this crummy old tree. It's too short. I'd my ax. Our house is so big that I can never find my things, unless they're in my room. But then if the ax is in my room then I still won't find it 'cause my room's a mess. It's not my fault. My room is too small."

So there sat Freddy, mumbling and grumbling. As he grumbled and mumbled a strange thing happened. His once-upon-a-time, handsome face began to change. First it wrinkled, then it crinkled. And then it seemed to shrink just ever so slightly, so that his mouth puckered and he looked like a prune.

And still, there sat Freddy, grumbling and mumbling about this and about that, until his father called him in for supper.

"Hey Freddy, what's the matter?" asked his Dad.

"Oh, nothing you can do anything about," grumbled Freddy.

"What did you say? Sorry Freddy I didn't understand you. Quit mumbling. Speak clearly."

"Nothing, Dad, nothing."

"Well then come on in, supper will soon be ready."

Freddy's father headed back to the house. With an enormous effort Freddy got up and followed, shuffling and kicking at the ground.

"Freddy, clean up," said Dad, "And don't forget the soap!"

In the bathroom, Freddy was annoyed. "Of course I'll use the soap. I'm not a baby. I know how to clean up." If Freddy had looked at the mirror, he would have noticed his prune-like reflection, but he was much too busy complaining.

"Freddy," his mother called.

"Yes, Mom."

"Would you..." Freddy's mom stared at her son. "Are you feeling all right? You don't look well."

"I'm fine," snapped Freddy. "Just fine!"

"Oh... then please help set the table."

"Mom," whined Freddy. "I don't want to."

"Freddy, what's wrong?"

"Oh nothing... and everything!"

Freddy's mom stepped close to him and squatted down so that they were looking eye to eye. "Freddy, what's upsetting you? What can we do to help you?"

"No, it's not me!" he emphatically replied. "It's everything and everybody! Nothing is right!" [Page 27]Again Freddy's mom very seriously studied his face. "Maybe things would seem better if you didn't pout so much." Gently she touched his pursed lips. "Or if you didn't wrinkle your forehead." She caressed his brow.

"Freddy, relax. You're all stiff. Your muscles are all bunched up." Freddy's dad began to firmly massage Freddy's shoulders.

Freddy jerked away from his parents. "You don't understand. I'm unhappy because my life is miserable. If things were right, then I'd be happy."

"Oh, I see," they both said together.

"Oh, no you don't." With that, Freddy stomped out of the kitchen. While heading for the back door, he passed the hall mirror. What caught his eye was a strange reflection. Upon further examination, a prune-faced boy stared back at him. Freddy soon realized that it was himself. He couldn't believe it!

"Dumb mirror belongs in a junk yard." Amazingly, three more wrinkles crowded in with the others, making his face even more prune-like than before.

Freddy gasped, "Now look what's happening! Like I need this. I look like a PRUNE!"

A tear slowly found its way down, over, in and out of Freddy's wrinkled prune face and then finally fell to the floor. Freddy slowly slumped to the floor. After a few moments of complete misery, he picked himself up and dragged himself out of the house into the garden, where he sat for a very long, long time.

"Still," he thought, "if my life was different. . . if things were the way they're supposed to be, why then, I'd have nothing to mumble and grumble about. Then I'd be happy."

A booming voice broke Freddy's solitude. "What's the noise? What's all that grumbling and mumbling?"

Freddy whipped around only to come face to face with a large khaki green bullfrog sitting on a stump.

"Are you speaking to me?" asked Freddy.

"Yup," croaked the frog.

"Go away."

"Nope."

"You're ugly." [Page 28]"No I'm not! I'm beautiful. You're ugly." Having stated this obvious fact, the bullfrog repositioned himself so as to catch the rays of the sun just right.

Freddy knew the bullfrog was right. He was even uglier than this ugly old bullfrog. "Don't you give people warts?"

"Nope... How about you?"

"No!"

"Are you sure?"

"Of course!"

"Okay, just checking."

Freddy sat staring at this remarkable frog who was slowly easing his bulbous eyes closed. Just as Freddy thought he was asleep, the bullfrog's tongue whipped out of his mouth and snapped up a passing fly.

"Hmmmm, good," said the frog, smacking his lips.

"Yuck!" said Freddy.

"Whatever pleases you."

"Nothing pleases me," replied Freddy.

"NOTHING?"

"Nope, nothing."

"Oh, so that explains why you're so ugly," said the frog.

"Me! Me ugly? Have you ever caught a glimpse of yourself?"

"Sure, just as God intended. I'm a swamp green beauty. But you... your face wasn't intended to look like that. Now was it?"

"Awh, what do you know? You're just an ugly lump of green slime."

The bullfrog was growing very weary of this down-in-the-mouth, prune-faced boy. "Listen, God didn't make [Page 29]life ugly. It’s all in the way you look at it. Take me for instance, sitting here beautifying your yard, basking in the sun. Everything’s perfect. Dinner at the tip of my tongue. That is, if I’m patient.”

“And what if you’re not?” asked Freddy.

“Well then, no dinner. And even if I get hopping mad, yelling at those flies and bugs, complaining that life is unfair, my dinner isn’t going to come to me. No sir, that won’t make one bit of difference at all . . . same as grumbling and mumbling, doesn’t help a bit.” With that the bullfrog leaped high into the air and disappeared into the shrubs.

Freddy sat silently wondering how an ugly old frog like that could be so content. “That frog even spoke of God. God’s perfect. And God created everything. That bullfrog. . . and even ME!” Remembering that he was God’s creation made Freddy feel good. Very good.

The dog barked loudly and Freddy was glad, because it reminded him of the fun they’d had.

The cat pushed up beside him and purred contentedly and Freddy stroked its soft warm fur. It felt so good. So did Freddy.

Slowly his puckered mouth regained its normal pleasing shape. It seemed the less Freddy thought about himself, the happier he became.

The grass and the tree, he noticed, were green and smelled wonderful. He smiled and was glad it was summer. Freddy ran inside. “Hey Mom, Dad! Isn’t it a great day? Isn’t the world great?”

Freddy’s parents smiled at each other. The Freddy they knew best was back again.

“Dinner smells delicious. I’ll help clean up after.”

“You know we missed you.” said Dad.

“And we’re glad to have you back,” added Mom.

“But I wasn’t really gone, was I?”

“No, not really,” answered Dad. “But we did miss your happiness, your joy and laughter.” With that he lifted Freddy up into his arms and they gave each other a great big bear hug. Mom’s arms joined the cuddling couple. Growing takes a lot of work and I think you’re doing a fine job.”

“Yeah... think so?”

“Oh for sure! Take today, you were able to change from a very ugly mood to a happy one,” said Mom.

“I know many adults who can’t do that!” added Dad.

“But I didn’t do it all by myself,” said Freddy, thinking about the frog.

“Freddy, there’s always help if we want it. But you decided to change and I think that’s wonderful!”

“Okay, gang, it’s time to eat.” Mom began to break away from the huddle but Freddy pulled her back for one more hug.

Later that night, Freddy went to his room and was glad that all of his toys were close to him. “Gee, I hope I’ll see that old bullfrog again. I really should apologize for being so rude.”

Then Freddy thought about God and thanked Him for creating such a wonderful world, a world which had such a strange, wise bullfrog in it.

Freddy remembered that he hadn’t yet see his face. He was afraid that he’d still find that prune-faced boy staring back at him. Cautiously he went to the mirror and looked up to see, his eyes and his nose and his mouth, all normal again, staring back at him. The prune face was gone!

Freddy was happy! He was glad that he looked good on the outside but knew that his inside felt good too. * [Page 30]

Letter to Bahiyyih

a love song words adapted from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá music by Gregory Shaw ©1987 Used with permission

These days shall pass away, and we'll forget our cares.

Day and night you live in my memory. Let sorrow and despair not becloud serenity.

Easy not the lot of those who seek the Beauty.

But a comfort in your grief I will be eternally.

These days shall pass away. These days shall pass away, and we'll forget our cares.

Sister, joy abide inside your heart. [Page 31]

Profile

Faye Lewis Hoban was born in Fort Knox, Kentucky, in 1948. She is one of five children. The family traveled and moved to many different states, as well as West Germany, until her father retired from the U.S. Army. They then settled in Maine.

Faye has been an artist since before she can remember. A Bahá’í since 1971, she has worked as an artist/illustrator, a crafts instructor for the Maine Indian Education Bilingual Program and for high school vocational students, and has done freelance advertising art as well as personal painting and drawing.

She is married to Ken Hoban and they have a son, Matthew, who also loves to draw. Faye is currently pursuing a degree in teaching at the University of Maine while at the same time continuing to draw and paint the beautiful seasons of "downeast" Maine. You can see some of Faye's work on page 26 of this issue.

Michael Hughey is a graphic designer and artist. His art work has appeared many times in Child's Way and Brilliant Star. Michael was born and grew up in the mountains of western North Carolina, where his forebears settled around the time of the American Revolution.

After a degree in chemistry at the University of North Carolina and four years as a supply officer in the U.S. Navy, he returned to school and received an Associate degree in art and design at El Camino College in California. He has studied letterforms privately with several renowned calligraphers, lettering artists, and type designers. It was during his time at art school, in 1971, that he became a Bahá’í. He has served on Local Spiritual Assemblies and committees in both California and North Carolina, on intercommunity school committees, as a consolidation teacher and Assembly trainer, on District Teaching Committees, and as a delegate to National Convention. In 1986, Michael, his wife, Sherrill, and their son, Matthew, went together on Pilgrimage to Haifa and ‘Akká.

He has been fortunate to be able to combine his calligraphic and design talent with service to the Faith. In addition to his work for Brilliant Star, he has designed the graphics for local, regional, and national Bahá’í programs. Michael and Sherrill began the first private religious school affiliated with the Bahá’í Faith in North Carolina. Michael owns and operates his own design studio and publishing company, serves as a local Boy Scout leader, and is particularly concerned with education, literacy, and handwriting. He and his family live in Asheville, N.C. [Page 32]

Book Nook

by Ann Keehner

As long as people have been using language to communicate, they have been telling stories. The family is a perfect place to carry on this most ancient tradition. The Family Storytelling Handbook, by Anne Pellowski (Macmillan, 1987), shows us how to begin this art form in our own homes. She says that "stories can make a lasting impression on moral development Families who follow Bahá’í teachings generally want to introduce the stories from all the world's religions, since they believe one can learn to become a moral human being by following virtuous examples found in all of them." Included are easy to tell stories from all over the world.

Most of us use words and language when we want to communicate with each other. There are hundreds of languages in the world; most of them are spoken, but some use signs. Amy, the Story of a Deaf Child, by Lou Ann Walker (Dutton, 1982), is about a young girl who, along with her parents, uses sign language to communicate with the world around her. Numerous black and white photographs show Amy playing with her friends, teaching them to sign, going to school, and doing all of the things that young people do.

The Gorilla Foundation is also concerned with sign language. Koko's Kitten, (Scholastic, 1985), and Koko's Story, (Scholastic, 1987), by Dr. Frances Patterson are about a gorilla named Koko who has been brought up using sign language. Koko "uses sign language to rhyme, to joke and even to tell lies." The books about Koko and her human friends are delightful and heart-warming. The color photographs bring the gorilla into our lives in a real way.

It is not only through sign language that we communicate with animals and they with us. Mine for a Year, by Susan Kuklin (Coward McCann, 1984), is the story of a black labrador puppy who lives with 12 year old George, just for a year. At the end of that time, the puppy will be taken to school to learn to be a guide dog. It is a year that is full of work and love for both George and the puppy, and the end of the year is a sad and proud time for George as the puppy goes to the new school.

Beverly Butler is a writer who is blind. When her guide dog Una dies suddenly from cancer, she must find a new dog. She goes to Pilot Dogs in Columbus, Ohio, where she is trained with a new dog. Maggie by My Side, (Dodd Mean, 1987), is her story of meeting Maggie, the German Shepard dog who will be her constant companion and her eyes. It is a remarkable story of friendship and trust between man and animal.

Sometimes we don't communicate when we want to. Even that Moose Won't Listen to Me, by Martha Alexander (Dial Books, 1988), is a humorous story about a little girl who tries and tries in vain to tell her family that a moose is eating all of the plants in their garden. The family just doesn't listen so she tries her own way to make the moose leave the garden alone. It's Perfectly True, adapted from Hans Christian Andersen and illustrated by Janet Stevens (Holiday House, 1988), is about lack of communication in a farmyard that has hilarious results. Stevens' glorious full color illustrations are a delight and we are reminded of the childhood game of "telephone" as we read this book.

For learning about the delivery of mail, take a look at Special Delivery, by Betty Brandt (Carolrhoda, 1988), and The Post Office Book: Mail and How It Moves, by Gail Gibbons (Crowell, 1982).

David Darling's Other Worlds: Is There Life Out There?, (Dillon Press, 1985), explores communication with other worlds. This is a discussion about how scientists look for other life in the universe and why they look where they do. Voyagers 1 & 2: Robots in Space, by Ruth Radlauer and Carolynn Young (Children's Press, 1987), is also about the attempt of mankind to learn more about the universe. Each Voyager spacecraft carries a gold phonograph record along with a needle for playing the record. Perhaps no intelligent beings will ever find the Voyagers, "but if any beings ever do listen to our gold record, they will know that the people of Earth thought of them and wanted to say 'hello'." [Page 33]

Around the Kitchen Table

Parents' page

We feel privileged to have this honest look at a recent conversation between parents Jack and Fafar Guillebeaux, and their seventeen year old daughter, Minou, around the topic of communication.

by Jack, Fafar and Minou Guillebeaux

Minou: What are the most difficult things for you when you are communicating with me as a youth?

Jack: I guess, Minou, the most difficult thing for me is when I am scared that you will do something that is not in your best interest, or that you will not take care of yourself. Then my energy goes to getting you to hear me and getting you to accept my views and experience as a way of protecting you.

Minou: So, do you think your method is the best?

Jack: No. It is not the best method. I have learned from interacting with you that when I am scared I should own that fact and trust that you will hear me, that you will want to know what I am afraid of, and trust that you will want to know my experiences and that you will take that in.

Fafar: What do you do when you are scared, Minou?

Minou: I have learned that honesty is the best option. You usually respond to honesty, also clarity and maturity. When I am not like a whining baby, and when I present myself as an adult, you usually listen. You may not agree, but will listen to what I have to say. Do you think you abuse your authority in communicating with me?

Jack: Yes. I feel that I have abused my authority many times when I am communicating with you.

Minou: How is that? Give an example.

Jack: Well, sometimes when I feel that I "know" what the situation is and I "know" what the answer is, I focus on trying to tell you what I want you to do, or telling you what I think the answer is, as opposed to listening and negotiating with you as though are a partner.

Fafar: I feel that trust is one of the most important elements in being able to communicate openly—trust, meaning that the home atmosphere would be safe enough for all of the members to take risks. I am aware that when I don't feel safe, I cover up sad feelings with angry feelings. In other words, if you have not done something that I wanted or expected you to do, I may feel hurt and disappointed but I don't always let you know. It is much easier to use parental authority and chastise you.

I guess that asking questions rather than making assumptions is another part of the struggle for me. For example, by being patient and asking questions without anger, I often find out that you have legitimate reasons for not doing a task.

Minou: Mom, I have noticed your not covering up your feelings with anger and every time you risk being open with me, it catches me by surprise. I have to sit down and think about it because, usually, kids tend to think that parents are infallible or don't have feelings. It's kind of weird. Then again, it's nice to know that they do. So, when you choose to be vulnerable, it is good, because then, I take more responsibility for what I say and do.

Jack: What are some things that you would offer to other kids that you have learned about communications?

Minou: To be honest with yourself first and then with your parents. Because, if you can see through yourself they can see through you. It is real important to own up to whatever you do. I know that it is hard, but you should take responsibility for your own actions. What would you share with other parents, Mom?

Fafar: One of the most deadly mistakes that parents make is to assume a position of infallibility. It is very freeing to both parents and children when parents are able to admit that they have been wrong, and that they are willing to apologize just as they expect kids to own up and apologize when they are wrong.

Fafar: Jack, what are some lessons that you have learned?

Jack: Trusting myself, I have learned, is essential. Feeling that I can't trust the kids and using power is dysfunctional. Learning, that it is really me that I cannot trust when I feel that I have to resort to power is valuable. Once I acknowledge to myself and to the children that power is not useful, the only tools that I have left are my feelings, my wishes, my love, my caring, etc. The children respond to that. Although, I am not as consistent as I would like to be, I have learned this lesson: when all else fails, acknowledge my vulnerability, my powerlessness to use force to get what I want and to trust or rely upon love, honesty and negotiations. [Page 34]

PEACE BOAT

CAP LOU

This rainbow hued peace boat is the work of Abbey True Harris of Hamilton Square, N.J. Abbey is 8½ years old and in the 3rd grade.

Brilliant Star® Bahá’í National Center Wilmette, Illinois 60091