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Brilliant Star Volume 52, Issue 1

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[Page i]A BAHÁ’Í COMPANION FOR YOUNG EXPLORERS

Brilliant Star

brilliantstarmagazine.org VOL. 52 NO. 1

LOVE

Sharing the Harvest

Soup, Salad, & Spirit

Time to Celebrate

ARE YOU A WORLD CITIZEN?

CREATE UNITY IN DIVERSITY

One Garden [Page ii]Brilliant Star BAHÁ’Í NATIONAL CENTER 1233 Central Street, Evanston, Illinois 60201 U.S. 847.733.3409 brilliant@usbnc.org Subscriptions: 1.800.999.9019 brilliantstarmagazine.org Copyright © 2022 by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States

Amethel Parel-Sewell EDITOR/CREATIVE DIRECTOR C. Aaron Kreader DESIGNER/ILLUSTRATOR Amy Renshaw SENIOR EDITOR Heidi Parsons ASSOCIATE EDITOR Katie Bishop ASSISTANT EDITOR Foad Ghorbani PRODUCTION ASSISTANT Lisa Blecker ARTIST & WRITER Donna Price WRITER Darcy Greenwood WRITER Dr. Stephen Scotti STEM EDUCATION ADVISOR

MANY THANKS TO OUR CONTRIBUTORS:

Anisa Bahin-Aein Maleyk Bighorn Paola Cardoza Louis Ehsani Alex Emmel Andrea Hope Natalia Jaimes Jacob Kinney Leland Melvin Soraya Morgan Dr. Peter Soroye Lily Spierer Mia Taheri Tahlia Vestuto-Langford

ART AND PHOTO CREDITS

Illustrations by C. Aaron Kreader, unless noted By Lisa Blecker: Watercolors on pp. 2, 20; photos on pp. 8-9. Historical photos courtesy National Bahá’í Archives, unless noted

STORY AND ACTIVITY CREDITS

By Amy Renshaw: 6, 8, 11, 14, 19, 21, 27, 29 By Heidi Parsons: 10, 16, 22 By Katie Bishop: 2, 4, 7, 20, 25, 26, 29 By Lisa Blecker: 8, 12, 20 By Donna Price: 3, 11, 14, 28 By Darcy Greenwood: 12, 13, 24

SUBSCRIPTION RATES AND RENEWALS

To subscribe, visit brilliantstarmagazine.org or contact Bahá’í Subscriber Service: Toll-free: 1.800.999.9019/Email: subscription@usbnc.org Standard U.S. rates: $18 (One year); $32 (Two years) International airmail: $38 (One year); $68 (Two years) Canada and Mexico: $28 (One year); $48 (Two years)

RIGHTS, PERMISSIONS, AND CLASS USE

All content in Brilliant Star is copyrighted by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the U.S. or by individual contributors. For permission to copy or translate, use form at www.brilliantstarmagazine.org/permission-request or write Brilliant Star, 1233 Central St., Evanston, IL 60201. Teachers may photocopy pages in limited quantities for classroom use. "Brilliant Star" and volume/number or issue date must be present on all copies, and proper credit given to the copyright owner.

FAVORITE FEATURES

Bahá’u’lláh's Life: Mission of Peace He transformed one man's hate into love.

Nur's Nook Build a cool place for diverse birds to snack.

We Are One Explore and care for the place we all call home.

Maya's Mysteries What can we learn from nature about diversity?

Lightning and Luna: Episode #92 Can the Uplifters stop the storm and snag Fauna?

Radiant Stars Get to know kids who shine, like you.

Interview a Stargazer Ask questions and strengthen friendships.

Riley's Rainforest Art from global cultures helps us soar with joy!

Shining Lamp: Creadell Haley She was a pilot, songwriter, and world citizen.

Brilliant Star empowers kids to explore their roles as world citizens. Inspired by the principles of peace and unity in the Bahá’í Faith, we encourage readers to use their virtues to make the world a better place.

The Bahá’í Faith is the second most widespread religion in the world, with over five million Bahá’ís. It was founded by the Prophet Bahá’u’lláh ("Glory of God" in Arabic) in 1863. Bahá’u’lláh taught that all people are part of one human family, and all religions come from one God. Bahá’u’lláh's eldest son, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, interpreted His teachings and led the Bahá’í community after Bahá’u’lláh's passing.

Today, Bahá’ís work to bring love and justice to the world, and end prejudice and discrimination of all kinds.

ISSN 0884-3635

Cosmo's Corner A crossword and more from our favorite chameleon

aMAZEing ADVENTURE Get to the root of unity in diversity! [Page 1]ONE GARDEN VOL. 52 NO. 1

NEW DESTINATIONS

2	One Sweet Family Diverse friends make life a treat!
3	World Citizen Create your passport for peacemaking.
6	Sapphires, Rubies, Diamonds, and Pearls ‘Abdu’l-Bahá treasured interracial unity.
7	Gifts of Diversity Celebrate our delightful differences!
10	Amity in Action Build unity through cross-racial friendships.
13	Quiz: Do You Embrace Diversity? Experience the wonders of world cultures.
19	Spice It Up! Where do your favorite flavors come from?
20	Guardians of Humanity Discover virtues that help us fight racism.
21	The Overview Effect Astronaut Leland Melvin shares his wonder.
25	Seas of Unity Find the right notes to achieve harmony.
27	How to Create Currents of Unity Make a splash with these colorful ideas.

DEAR FRIENDS,

Do you know what helps a garden grow, along with water, sunlight, and healthy soil? Diversity! If you want your plants to stay healthy, sow an assortment of seeds. Growing different types of plants creates a healthy ecosystem and can protect your garden from harmful pests and disease.

Like a thriving garden, our communities benefit from diversity, too. We may not look and think alike, but when we work and play together, our differences can blossom into incredible strengths.

In this issue, explore the beauty of our vibrant human family. Find the gifts that our differences bring. Discover flavors from around the world that can spice up your life. Quiz yourself to see how well you embrace diversity. Build a bird feeder craft with Nur for your flock of flying friends. And get to know someone new by doing your own “Stargazer” interview.

When we reach out with kindness toward all kinds of people, we can help the garden of humanity flourish. How will your friendships grow today?

LOVE,

BRILLIANT STAR ✩ [Page 2]

ONE SWEET FAMILY

Imagine walking into a candy shop and finding only one kind of treat. Even if it were your favorite, it would soon lose some of its flavor. That's because your taste buds get bored quickly. After a few bites, they're ready for something new.

Diversity makes life interesting. How bland would it be if we all looked, thought, and acted the same? Similar to the joy of checking out exciting new flavors at a candy shop, we can look for variety in our friendships, too. Friends from diverse backgrounds can introduce us to different cultures, holidays, foods, and family traditions. They may help open our minds to new ideas and break down prejudices. When we invite everyone to join in the fun, life is pretty sweet!

At this candy shop, fill in the blanks to discover 12 qualities that help us welcome everyone to the party!

1 BOLONOED BAKLAVA

2 DOO S UM HALVA

3 US MORR MACARON

4 OLO BRIGADEIRO

5 DE E DAB E DONUT

6 DE EROI ED DANGO

7 IOD KASHATA

8 LOOI G LADDU

9 LIS E IOG LOKUM

10 ODOST MAZAPAN

11 SI CORO SALTWATER TAFFY

12 SHORIOG SHORTBREAD [Page 3]

WORLD CITIZEN

If you think of the world as one global community, you’re a world citizen! The Bahá’í teachings describe a future of true world citizenship. We’ll share Earth’s resources fairly. All countries will live in peace and make sure everyone has food, water, energy, medical care, and education. We’ll even use the same currency and speak a second language that’s understood anywhere. How do you imagine a peaceful planet?

GLOBAL PASSPORT

Name:

Age:

Birthplace:

Languages I speak:

Languages I want to speak:

Places I’ve visited:

Countries I want to visit:

Draw your portrait, or attach your photo.

Favorite memory from my travels:

Animals I want to see in the wild:

Design your world flag.

Three words to describe a world citizen:

Heroes or role models who show world citizenship:

From someone of a different race or culture, I learned:

To stop prejudice and racism, I can:

Things I’d like to see in a peaceful world: [Page 4]

A Brief Timeline: The Life of Bahá’u’lláh

The highlighted area marks the time in which this story takes place.

1817 November 12 Birth of Bahá’u’lláh in Tihrán, Iran

1844 Recognizes the Báb as a new Messenger of God

1852 Imprisonment in the "Black Pit" of Tihrán

1853–1863 Exile in Baghdad, Iraq. From 1854–1856, He goes into the mountains to pray in solitude.

1863 April Declares Divine Mission as Prophet-Founder of the Bahá’í Faith

1863–1868 Exile in Constantinople (Istanbul), then Adrianople (Edirne), Turkey. Begins writing letters to kings and rulers in 1867 urging world unity

1868 Last exile, to prison-city of ‘Akká, Israel

1877 Finally free to live in countryside homes of Mazra’ih and then Bahjí, outside ‘Akká

1892 May 29 Bahá’u’lláh passes away at Bahjí.

A Heartfelt Transformation

As the sun dipped below the horizon in ‘Akká (now in Israel), a boy named Mahmud and his family began eating dinner. Suddenly, a brilliant light illuminated the night sky. "The sun has come back!" Mahmud cried.

The family was amazed to see light after sunset. No one had electricity. They asked a trusted advisor to explain. The light remained a mystery, but the wise man predicted that when Mahmud was grown, the "Great One" would come to ‘Akká. He told Mahmud to welcome this spiritual teacher with love and devotion.

Many years passed, and the boy grew into a respected Muslim leader called Shaykh Mahmud. When Bahá’u’lláh arrived in ‘Akká as a prisoner, Shaykh Mahmud was told that Bahá’u’lláh was evil and an enemy of Islam. This wasn’t true, but many people believed terrible rumors that were spread about the Bahá’ís. They were prejudiced against them before they’d even seen them. Though he had never met Bahá’u’lláh, Shaykh Mahmud’s heart boiled with hate, and he decided to kill Him.

Shaykh Mahmud tried twice to reach Bahá’u’lláh to fulfill his deadly mission. But both times, Bahá’u’lláh knew his intentions and refused to see him until his heart was freed from hatred. Astonished, Mahmud returned home. Then he had a dream that reminded him of the prophecy from his childhood. Shaykh Mahmud was humbled. His anger began to fade. He returned to the prison, and this time, he spoke with ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Bahá’u’lláh’s eldest son. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s kind words and manner helped Shaykh Mahmud’s prejudices melt away. He met Bahá’u’lláh face to face and came to love Him and His teachings.

Bahá’ís traveled hundreds of miles on foot to be near Bahá’u’lláh in ‘Akká. Because He was imprisoned, they could only hope to see a glimpse of His hand waving from the window.

Now, instead of hating the Bahá’ís, Shaykh Mahmud began to assist them. At the time, guards and spies watched the city gates to stop Bahá’ís from leaving or entering ‘Akká. Many Bahá’ís who had come to see Bahá’u’lláh were sent away. Shaykh Mahmud risked his own safety to help them. He walked outside the city walls to meet Bahá’ís in secret. When the sun set, he gave them a lantern to carry so they could pretend to be a servant guiding their employer back to ‘Akká. Other times, Shaykh Mahmud even threw ropes over the walls so Bahá’ís could climb up and enter the city without using the gate.

Shaykh Mahmud was one of many people who experienced the transforming power of Bahá’u’lláh’s love. Today, Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings continue to unite millions of people around the world and inspire them to work together to build peace. [Page 5]“Through the spirit of oneness, they may heal the sickness of a divided humanity.” — Bahá’u’lláh

Try these activities with friends to explore how you can overcome prejudices and build unity.

Guiding Light

Mix 1 cup (240 mL) glue with 1/3 cup (80 mL) water. Paint mixture on outside of jar. Place colorful scraps of tissue paper on jar, then cover paper with mixture. Continue with more tissue paper.

When dry, use permanent marker to write a quote or some virtues that help build world unity. Place battery-operated candle in jar.

Pesce Open heart

An Unfair Game

Each person crumples paper into a ball. Players toss ball toward laundry basket in middle of room. Each successful basket is a point. After each shot, get ball and return to your spot to shoot again. After two minutes, add all points together for group total.

In round one, players wearing green wait 45 seconds before playing. In round two, everyone with straight hair takes five steps back. In round three, everyone stands at same distance and plays for same time. Talk about what happened when you played with these different rules.

Know Your Neighbor

Players sit in circle with large bowl in center. Each person writes on slip of paper one fact they think no one knows about them and puts it in the bowl. Take turns pulling out someone else's paper. Go around circle, and each person reads the paper out loud. Players write a person's name for each fact. Player with the most correct names wins.

Hand in Hand

Each person traces their hand on white card stock. Use colorful markers to create a design that represents your unique, vibrant identity beyond your appearance. Cut out hands and assemble into a mural. [Page 6]

Sapphires, Rubies, Diamonds, and Pearls

When ‘Abdu’l-Bahá visited the U.S. in 1912, slavery had been outlawed for almost 50 years. Still, unfair laws, mostly in the South, severely limited the rights of African Americans. They were called "Jim Crow" laws, named for a stereotypical dark-skinned character who was mocked in musical shows.

Jim Crow laws prohibited African Americans from using the same parks, schools, buses, hospitals, and even cemeteries as White people. In many places, it was illegal to marry someone of another race. People were arrested, beaten, and even killed for challenging these laws.

In Washington, D.C., racial segregation was a fact of life. Though the Bahá’í teachings proclaim the oneness of humanity, even some Bahá’ís felt the time wasn’t right for integrated meetings. Many hotels didn’t allow them. But ‘Abdu’l-Bahá insisted that Bahá’ís welcome people of all races. He answered more than one invitation by saying he would come if both Black and White people were invited.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá urged White and Black people to be friends. He praised diversity and shared the science behind skin color. Since melanin, the skin’s brown pigment, is a natural sunscreen, darker skin tones evolved to protect people in areas with intense sunlight (such as Africa).

During his three visits to Washington, D.C., ‘Abdu’l-Bahá often spoke at the home of a Bahá’í named Agnes Parsons. He later asked her to help organize the first race amity conference in the U.S.

Pauline Hannen was a Bahá’í in Washington who had feared Black people due to prejudice she’d learned growing up in North Carolina. But over time, the Bahá’í teachings changed her heart. One day, she met a Black woman whose arms were full of packages. The woman’s shoes were untied, and she couldn’t bend to tie them. Pauline wrote, "Something in the picture brought to me the spirit of universal brotherhood. I knelt in the snow and tied the wayfarer’s shoes. She was astonished, and those who saw it appeared to think I was crazy. I did not mind..."

From then on, Pauline worked to "uproot the prejudice of childhood and render loving service to all humanity."

Pauline and her husband, Joseph, shared the Bahá’í Faith with people of all backgrounds. At a talk in their home, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá said, "This is a beautiful assembly. I am very happy that white and black are together."

At the home of Andrew and Maggie Dyer, a mixed-race couple, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá said to an interracial audience, "In the clustered jewels of the races may the blacks be as sapphires and rubies and the whites as diamonds and pearls. The composite beauty of humanity will be witnessed in their unity and blending."

Pauline said, "There is such a spiritual power present when ‘Abdu’l-Bahá is around... We have eyes for no one save ‘Abdu’l-Bahá."

In Washington and around the world, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá inspired people to fight racism and establish loving friendships among all cultures. [Page 7]

Gifts of Diversity

“Whensoever ye be invited to a banquet or festive occasion, respond with joy and gladness . . .” —Bahá’u’lláh

Bright bundles and playful packages—it’s exciting to see a pile of presents ready to be shared! But not all gifts can be wrapped up and tied with a bow. The best gift you can give to friends is taking time to celebrate them for all they are. You can do this by appreciating their unique qualities and being your true self, too.

It’s fun if you and your friends have a lot in common, but your differences can bring even more life to the party! Maybe your friend has a wild style, and you love to create goofy games. Compliment their creative clothes, and invite them to try out your latest idea. You and your friendship may feel stronger and happier.

Each of us is wonderfully unique. We can celebrate the beauty of diversity and see our differences as the gifts they truly are.

Match 12 pairs of presents that have the same patterns, but are different shapes and sizes.

ANSWERS ON PAGE 28 [Page 8]

Be Inclusive: A Feeder for Diverse Birds

“Birds of various species and colors wing their flight and feed together without a trace of enmity...” —‘Abdu’l-Bahá

I love to hang out with my bird friends at this feeder I made. Carmine, a bright red cardinal, has fun with Chip, a black-capped chickadee, and Glitter, a goldfinch. They may be different species with feathers that come in diverse colors, but our friendship is taking off!

It’s fun having great pals from lots of cultures and backgrounds. Getting to know them helps squash stereotypes—assumptions that label someone based on the group they’re in, instead of who they really are. For example, some people say having a “birdbrain” means you’re not very clever, but my bird friends are super smart with navigation and communication. They build awesome nests, too. Create your own fun feeder, and welcome new flocks of friends!

MY BIRD FEEDER HELPS BUILD A FRIENDLY COMMUNITY!

You’ll Need

• 8” x 14” (20.3 cm x 35.6 cm) heavy-weight poster board (coated on one side)
• tacky glue
• pencil
• ruler
• scissors
• duct tape
• large nail
• 3.75” (9.5 cm) circle for tracing
• 5.5” x 7.5” (14 cm x 19.1 cm) piece of cereal or cracker box
• 5.5” x 7.5” (14 cm x 19.1 cm) sandpaper
• string
• 2 small, coated paper plates
• black and earth-toned permanent markers
• approx. 10” (25.4 cm) sturdy stick
• spoon
• birdseed for diverse birds
• stapler
• nature items (such as moss or raffia)

1. (a) Roll short edges of poster board into a cylinder shape (so coating faces outside) and secure with glue. Let dry. (b) Press glue-free edges together to form creases at top of cylinder. Mark top of each crease with a dot.
2. (a) Repeat Step 1b in opposite direction, so all dots are evenly spaced. Make a dot 2” (5.1 cm) below each new dot. (b) With ruler, draw lines that connect first pair of dots to lower dot on each side. Cut along lines to make roof shape.

[Page 9]

Nur’s Nook

3 Trace circle onto front of bird feeder, centered 1¼" (3.2 cm) from bottom of cylinder. Cut out circle.

4 (a) For rooftop, glue sandpaper to cover the coated side of food box. Reinforce edges with staples. Fold rooftop in half so uncoated short ends meet. Unfold and let dry. (b) Carefully twist nail to punch a hole through each flap of rooftop, centered about ½" (1.3 cm) from fold. Thread string through holes. Knot ends to make loop for hanging.

5 Reach inside bird feeder to securely tape rooftop to roof. Press bird feeder upside down in your lap or hand to make bonds tight.

6 (a) Cut rim off first paper plate. Glue back of remaining circle to back of second plate to strengthen it. (b) Center bird feeder on top of upside-down plate. Tape around bottom edges of bird feeder to secure its base together. Leave 1.5" (3.8 cm) tape-free under opening’s center.

7 Draw tree bark texture with permanent markers.

8 (a) Cut out tape-free section of bird feeder’s base, from front edge of plate to where it meets cylinder. (b) Under bird feeder, use tape to secure stick across plate, with extra length poking out for a front perch.

9 Glue nature items such as moss or raffia to cover tape and plate on outside of bird feeder, leaving perch uncovered. Use spoon to add birdseed only onto plate portion inside feeder. Now it’s ready to hang!*

• Hang bird feeder within 3 ft (.9 m) of window to help protect birds from high-speed collisions. Keep feeder about 5 ft (1.5 m) above ground for safety from predators. Keep birdseed clean and dry.

[Page 10]

Amity in Action

Throughout history, racism has caused intense hurt and suffering, which continues today. We have a lot to learn from these experiences. We can also learn from hopeful examples of race amity—friendship between people of different races. People who have cross-racial friendships and stand up for equal rights can be a powerful force for change.

For example, the courageous Harriet Tubman had a White friend named Thomas Garrett, who helped enslaved people in the U.S. gain freedom. During the Civil Rights Movement, diverse “Freedom Riders” traveled to the American South to protest segregated bus terminals. By showing passion for unity through our actions, we can create a world of peace and justice.

READ THIS QUOTE, THEN CHECK OUT THE HIGHLIGHTED WORDS BELOW.

It is one thing to hold a belief in humanity’s oneness and another to build a world that manifests this principle in all its dimensions . . . All Bahá’ís are called to persistently act, little by little, to deliberately cultivate freedom from racial prejudice within their daily lives, their families, their community-building activities, their involvement with society, and all the social spaces in which they participate, so that they increasingly evince the Bahá’í teachings, especially the oneness of humanity. If the friends become founts of love and create environments wherein the spirit and practice of race unity are prevalent, every trace of race prejudice will ultimately be removed.

— The Universal House of Justice

DRAW A LINE FROM EACH WORD TO ITS DEFINITION.

1. Dimensions	A. Develop, nurture
2. Deliberately	B. Sources or supplies
3. Cultivate	C. Tiny amount
4. Evince	D. Widespread, generally accepted
5. Founts	E. Demonstrate, show
6. Prevalent	F. On purpose, intentionally
7. Trace	G. Aspects of a situation, elements

THEN WRITE YOUR ANSWERS TO THE QUESTIONS.

To be a “fount of love” to others, I can: __________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

To befriend diverse people in my social spaces, I can: _____________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________ [Page 11]

EXPLORE AND PROTECT THE EARTH AND ITS CREATURES

WE ARE ONE

“All the members of this endless universe are linked one to another.” —Bahá’í Writings

OUR CONNECTIONS

From tidepools to tundras, Earth has an amazing diversity of connected ecosystems. An ecosystem is a network of living and non-living things (such as animals, plants, and weather). Every part of the ecosystem depends on the others, and a change to one can impact all. For example, if humans cut down a rainforest, they destroy animals’ habitats and food sources. Our actions affect the planet, so we need to protect ecosystems.

EARTH-SAVING TIP

Bee Helpful! Plant a pollinator garden of native flowers and plants that attract bees and butterflies. You’ll give them food and a cool place to hide out when temperatures are high.

WOW, REALLY?

Bumblebees have a powerful buzz that shakes the pollen off crops like tomatoes and potatoes. Pollen falls on bees and gets spread around.

PROTECTING OUR PLANET

Dr. Peter Soroye is a conservation biologist in Canada. He studies the effects of climate change on pollinators. He’s found that more extreme heat is driving the disappearance of bumblebees. He says they are critical pollinators and are “great animals just by themselves as well; really fuzzy, really cute, they’re the teddy bears of the sky.”

WHERE IN THE WORLD?

This European capital is an important cultural, historic, and scientific center. It’s home to architectural masterpieces, including St. Andrew’s Church, with its distinctive green and gold domes. Tragically, the city is in danger due to war. Unscramble the letters to find its name:

KYVI, RUKAIEN

●●●●, ●●●●●●●

AMAZING ANIMALS

This is one of about 15 species of prickly mammals in Europe, Asia, and Africa. When it sleeps or defends itself, it rolls into a ball with its 5,000 sharp spines sticking out. Fill in the blanks to find its name:

●UR●P●AN H●DG●H●G

Images: Portrait by Dr. Soroye; vlad61, Suzyanne16, Leonid Andronov, Paolino Massimiliano Manuel, all via Getty ANSWERS ON PAGE 28 [Page 12]

Maya’s MYSTERIES

"Nature in its essence is the embodiment of My Name, the Maker, the Creator." –Bahá’u’lláh

WE’RE LEARNING ABOUT DIVERSITY FROM NATURE!

HARMONY IN NATURE

Today I walked with my friend Kiara to a nearby pond. We saw ducks, turtles, frogs—even baby muskrats! They were so cute.

It’s awesome how different creatures share the pond and live together peacefully. Our world can be like that, too! We can learn to live on Earth peacefully and appreciate all creatures, large and small. A great way to start is by taking a nature walk. Check out this game Kiara and I made. It helped us see how nature teaches us to live in harmony—in water and on land!

NATURE VIRTUES BINGO: Go on a nature walk and find items that express virtues. How fast can you or your friends finish five boxes going across, down, or diagonally? Write, draw, or photograph your discoveries.

INCLUSIVE Diverse group of items	FRIENDLY Gathering of animals	BEAUTY Something colorful	NURTURING Strong roots	TEAMWORK Creatures working together
SUPPORT Items leaning on each other	LOVE Looks like a heart	HARMONY Sounds good together	POSITIVE Looks like a smile	WONDER Sunrise, sunset, or moon
WELCOMING Smells good	COLLABORATE Makes a pattern	LOVELY DISCOVERY Makes me smile	INDEPENDENT It boldly stands out	PERSEVERE Thrives in tough place
ADAPT Grows in unusual way	FLEXIBLE Bends or adapts easily	GENEROUS Creature helping another	ENTHUSIASM Excited creatures	RESPECT Shows care for wildlife
NOBLE Looks like a crown	EXCELLENCE Looks impressive	TRANQUILITY Brings me peace	HUMBLE Tiny item near large one	RESILIENT Thick, rough texture

[Page 13]

DO YOU EMBRACE DIVERSITY?

“Let your vision be world-embracing, rather than confined to your own self.” —Bahá’u’lláh

Do you remember trying something from another culture for the first time? Maybe you ate a delicious dessert, learned about another religion, or tried a cool craft. You may have felt nervous about exploring something new. But experiencing the diversity of our human family makes life more colorful. It can help you understand others’ perspectives and make new friendships unfold. You never know what adventures will take shape!

You can learn about diversity while traveling or when you’re close to home. There may be kids from other countries living in your own neighborhood or city. You can find out about other cultures by watching videos, reading books, and trying new foods and art forms, too. How do you embrace the beauty of our human family?

Do you explore diversity with an open mind? Circle your answers, then add up your points.

1. I like to make friends with people from many cultures and religions. Often = 3 • Sometimes = 2 • Rarely = 1

2. I watch movies and shows with diverse characters. Often = 3 • Sometimes = 2 • Rarely = 1

3. I learn about the beliefs of religions other than my own. Often = 3 • Sometimes = 2 • Rarely = 1

4. I explore the music and art of other cultures. Often = 3 • Sometimes = 2 • Rarely = 1

5. I like to try food and recipes from different places. Often = 3 • Sometimes = 2 • Rarely = 1

6. I learn as much as I can about the history and roots of racism and social injustice. Often = 3 • Sometimes = 2 • Rarely = 1

7. I learn about news events going on around the world. Often = 3 • Sometimes = 2 • Rarely = 1

8. I make an effort to learn words and phrases in other languages. Often = 3 • Sometimes = 2 • Rarely = 1

9. I go to museums, libraries, and other places and events to explore culture and history. Often = 3 • Sometimes = 2 • Rarely = 1

10. I reflect on my ideas about groups or cultures and question whether they are true. Often = 3 • Sometimes = 2 • Rarely = 1

11. I speak up if I hear a disrespectful joke about a group of people. Often = 3 • Sometimes = 2 • Rarely = 1

12. If I don’t understand something about a culture, I ask questions or do research to learn more. Often = 3 • Sometimes = 2 • Rarely = 1

MY SCORE _________

36–28 POINTS You embrace diversity with an open mind and heart. Use your skills to continue exploring!

27–20 POINTS You’re learning to delve into diversity with curiosity. Try a tip from the quiz and keep it up!

19–12 POINTS You can strengthen your skills in welcoming diversity. Choose a few ideas from the quiz to try.

[Page 14]

LIGHTNING & LUNA

IN THE EYE OF THE STORM

BAXTER AND BRIDGET

1. 92

ATOP FAUNA’S STORM MAKER...

GOTCHA!

I CAN ZAP THE MOTOR NOW!

I’LL SLOW THE WIND AROUND US!

WE CAN DO THIS!

WHOA!

KA-BOOOOMM!

DON’T GET PULLED INTO IT! FLY!

WHIRRRRRRLL!

HANG ON, BRO!

THE STORM IS SLOWING, BUT IT’LL TAKE TIME TO STOP.

COME ON! WE HAVE TO FIND FAUNA!

THERE SHE IS! HOW DO WE GET TO HER?

CALLING FOR BACKUP!

WEAK UPLIFTERS! THEY’LL NEVER CATCH MY STINGER SUB!

WHAT ABOUT US?

SWIM! [Page 15]MANTA! YOU GOT HERE FAST! WE CAN’T BREAK THIS GLASS.

LET’S TRY TOGETHER.

CRRRRRACK!

SURRENDER, FAUNA!

NEVER!

FOOLS! WE NEED TO GET RID OF PEOPLE!

THEY’RE WRECKING THE PLANET!

YOU’RE DESTROYING THE ENTIRE COUNTRY— PEOPLE AND ANIMALS!

NO! MY HARPOON!

THE STORMS YOU GENERATED CAUSED MASSIVE DAMAGE. IT’S OVER, FAUNA!

I’M TRYING TO SAVE THE PLANET!

YOU CAN’T HARM PEOPLE TO HELP THE EARTH! WE’RE ALL CONNECTED!

GREAT WORK, YOU TWO!

IT WAS ALL OF US, WITH TEAMWORK AND PERSEVERANCE.

YES! SO HOW DO WE GET BACK? I’M BEAT!

I HAVE AN IDEA!

Enjoy every episode of Lightning & Luna in our iPad app, available for free download in the Apple App Store! [Page 16]

RADIANT STARS

Getting to know kids who shine

Connect with kids around the world! How are they like you? How are they different? Each of us has a unique story to tell. What’s yours?

Maleyk Bighorn

Age: 14

I live in: Manitoba, Canada

I want to be: A psychologist

This career interests me because: I’m interested in knowing how to help people and in how their brains work.

Virtue I admire most: Kindness

Hobbies or sports: Basketball, volleyball, badminton, video games

Favorite Bahá’í activities: Junior youth group

A hero or role model: [Basketball player] Kobe Bryant

I like to help people by: Doing community projects

A favorite cultural tradition: The generosity at Ayyám-i-Há*

It’s important to see characters who look like me in the media: Because then [I] can relate to them

Who/what gives me hope: My mom gives me hope.

If I were a world leader, to bring peace, I’d: End wars . . . and help the Indigenous people in Canada with the water system, as some have no access to fresh water

Mia Taheri

Age: 13

I live in: Hawaii, U.S.

I want to be: NASA scientist

This career interests me because: I have always been interested in astronomy and space exploration. There is so much that we don’t know about the history of our universe, what it will become, and what is even in it.

Favorite Bahá’í activities: Bahá’í conferences, junior youth groups

A hero or role model: My mother, because she stays happy/cheerful even when we aren’t, and she helps us when we most need it

Something cool I learned from another culture: How to dance the hula. It’s like telling a story through movements and is a pretty cool part of Hawaiian culture.

To help stop prejudice and racism: Treat everyone the way you want to be treated, and don’t judge someone by how they look.

Who/what gives me hope: The past and the future. Things like war have happened before many times, and I know that . . . we will always find a way to end problems.

Soraya Morgan

Age: 12

I live in: Texas, U.S.

I want to be: A writer/illustrator

This career interests me because: I LOVE art! I’m also really into creative writing!

Favorite Bahá’í activities: I’ve always loved getting together with my friends and doing fun activities for children’s classes/junior youth groups.

A hero or role model: My mom

Place I’d love to visit: Iran! My mom is Persian and I speak Farsi, and we have family in Iran.

Cool experience from another culture: A classmate invited me to his bar mitzvah service. It’s an experience I will never forget.

In the media: The world needs to see fewer stereotypical families and more different families!

To help stop prejudice and racism: Everyone should be educated about the harm done in the past and present, and learn that mankind is one . . .

Who/what gives me hope: I have the great opportunity of teaching the [Bahá’í] Faith.

• Ayyám-i-Há is a festival of hospitality, gift giving, and preparing for the Bahá’í Fast.

[Page 17]

Tahlia Vestuto-Langford

Age: 12

I live in: Illinois, U.S.

I want to be: Veterinarian

This career interests me because: I want to help animals and nurture them.

Virtue I admire most: Courage

Hobbies or sports: Painting, drawing, skateboarding, basketball, taking care of our pets

Favorite Bahá’í activities: Children’s classes

Favorite animal: Chickens

Place I’d love to visit: The Amazon Rainforest

I like to help people by: Showing kindness through a simple smile

A favorite food: Tacos

A hero or role model: My mom

Something cool I learned from another culture: Learning how to dance German and Italian (some of my heritage) dances at local fests

To help stop prejudice and racism, we can: Not judge people by their appearance

Who/what gives me hope: My parents and six siblings uplift me.

“God has crowned you with honor and in your hearts has He set a radiant star; verily the light thereof shall brighten the whole world!” — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá

Lily Spierer

Age: 11

I live in: Wisconsin, U.S.

I want to be: A teacher

This career interests me because: I love learning, and I’d love to teach other people interesting things about the world.

Virtue I admire most: Kindness

Favorite Bahá’í activities: Having children’s class with my friends

A hero or role model: My grandma. She’s always so kind and loving and is so acknowledging of all the challenges people go through. She finds any way she can to help people . . .

Who/what gives me hope: I know that there are people out there trying to make it better . . . and I know I can, too.

A favorite cultural tradition: Every year, my extended family comes to my grandparents’ house and we all make orange and chocolate cannoli.

Something cool I learned from another culture: One of my friends . . . and her family taught me how to make matzo bread and other traditional dishes. They let me participate in the Seder meal [to celebrate] Passover . . .

To help stop prejudice and racism, we can: Stop and listen to each other before making assumptions

Jacob Kinney

Age: 14

I live in: Minnesota, U.S.

I want to be: Radiologist

This career interests me because: I will be able to help people.

Virtue I admire most: Patience

Cool experience from another culture: Friends of ours cook fantastic Ethiopian food.

A hero or role model: My parents, because they always support me no matter what

A favorite cultural tradition: Eating New Mexican tamales to bring in the new year

I like to help people by: Doing work for them

In the media: It was really fun to see the Bahá’í Faith mentioned on the front page of the local paper.

To help stop prejudice and racism: We can all try and love each other.

Who/what gives me hope: Knowing that science is constantly progressing and we’ll be in the future sooner than we think

How to be a Radiant Star:

1. If you’re age 7-14, go to brilliantstarmagazine.org. From the top menu, choose “Discover.” Then click “Become a Radiant Star or Trailblazer,” and fill out the form. Or email us at brilliant@usbnc.org. Include your name, age, birthdate, mailing address, and phone number.

2. When it’s your turn to shine, we’ll send you questions and a form for you and your parents to sign.

3. Answer the questions and send them to us with the signed form, along with at least two good-quality, close-up photographs of your smiling face. Photos should be in sharp focus and show your eyes clearly. Please don’t send color copies, low-resolution digital images, or copyright-protected images (like school portraits). [Page 18]

Anisa Bahin-Aein

Age: 10

I live in: Arizona, U.S.

I want to be: Cancer researcher, biomedical engineer, scuba diver, doctor, astronaut, singer, or violinist

This career interests me because: I am interested in cancer cures, and I want to create medical devices. I’ve been doing a school project on sea turtles. I learned about scuba divers rescuing sea turtles that are stuck in plastic, and I want to help! I want to be a doctor so I can help kids who are sick. I want to see Earth from space, and I love to sing!

Who/what gives me hope: The Bahá’í Faith

Favorite Bahá’í activities: Visiting people in our community and [doing] service

I like to help people by: Being their friend

Place I’d love to visit: Haifa, Israel, and the Shrine of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá

A hero or role model: [Bábí heroines] Táhirih and Zaynab

A favorite cultural tradition: The White Mountain Apache Sunrise Ceremony in my cluster*

Alex Emmel

Age: 9

I live in: Maryland, U.S.

I want to be: A coder, writer, gamer, and game maker

This career interests me because: I like to read and code.

Virtue I admire most: Kindness

Favorite Bahá’í activities: Ayyám-i-Há. I like the gifts, songs, games, and that we do service.

Favorite animal or pet: DOGS

Places I’d love to visit: Greece, Rome, and Egypt, because I like to study mythology

A hero or role model: My dad, because he writes awesome books

I like to help people by: Solving problems and sticking up for them

Something cool I learned from another culture: [From] reading manga books, I learned how to play the Go board game.

Who/what gives me hope: My brain. I think about stuff I like, and that makes me feel better.

If I were a world leader, to bring peace, I’d: Stop racism (and prejudice and everything like it) and stop all wars

Natalia Jaimes

Age: 9

I live in: Texas, U.S.

I want to be: A scientist

This career interests me because: I want to create medicine and cures for illnesses.

Favorite Bahá’í activities: Stories about ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and Bahá’u’lláh

A hero or role model: My mom

Place I’d love to visit: Haifa, Israel, to see the Bahá’í Gardens

A favorite cultural tradition: We celebrate Christmas with my father and his side of the family and Ayyám-i-Há with my mom’s side of the family.

Something cool I learned from another culture: I went to Paris, France. I learned about their language, their city, and their food. They expressed such politeness and hospitality.

To help stop prejudice and racism, we can: Stand up for each other and show people what is right and what is wrong

Who/what gives me hope: I think about positive things that could happen or things that I can do in the future for a better world.

Louis Ehsani

Age: 9

I live in: Washington, D.C.

I want to be: Comic maker

This career interests me because: I like to draw comics.

Virtue I admire most: Helpfulness

Favorite Bahá’í activities: Cleaning up trash, children’s class

Places I’d love to visit: The rainforests of China and India

Hobbies or sports: Climbing, cooking, reading, drawing comics

A hero or role model: [Conservationist] Steve Irwin (because I like animal documentaries)

A favorite cultural tradition: Naw-Rúz**

A favorite food: Avocado sushi

Something cool I learned from another culture: I have been to the Great Wall of China, and I learned that some of the material holding together the bricks is rice.

Who/what gives me hope: All the people that are trying to make peace in the world

If I were a world leader, to bring peace, I’d: Make one BIG country so there would be no wars

• A cluster is a small geographic area with cooperating Bahá’í communities.
  • Naw-Rúz is the Bahá’í New Year.

[Page 19]

SPICE IT UP!

Did you know that our kitchen cabinets are full of treasures? In the 1600s, nutmeg was worth more by weight than gold! Salt and pepper were used as money.

Long ago, some spices only grew on the “Spice Islands” (now in Indonesia). The quest for these valuables led to the exchange of knowledge and cultural traditions. People grew to love tastes from around the globe.

Spices make food a delicious expression of diversity and creativity. For example, cinnamon is used in pumpkin pie in England, hot chocolate in Mexico, and butter chicken in India. Sharing meals can bring us closer, so open a cookbook and add new flavor to your friendships!

In this lively market, match each spice with a country where it’s popular.

1 Allspice MY ISLAND IS KNOWN FOR REGGAE AND SKA MUSIC. I’M USED IN A SMOKY COOKING STYLE KNOWN AS JERK.

2 Basil I’M FROM A PENINSULA IN THE MEDITERRANEAN SEA. I’M USED IN PESTO AND OTHER PASTA SAUCES.

3 Ginger HINDI AND ENGLISH ARE TWO OF MY COUNTRY’S LANGUAGES. I FLAVOR CURRY, BREADS, TEA, AND OTHER FOODS.

4 Dill IN MY COUNTRY ON THE BLACK SEA, I’M SPRINKLED ON LOTS OF FOODS, SUCH AS BORSCHT, A DELICIOUS BEET SOUP.

5 Thyme I’M FROM THE MOST POPULATED COUNTRY IN AFRICA, WHERE I HANG OUT WITH TOMATOES AND PEPPERS IN JOLLOF RICE.

6 Oregano I’M FROM A SOUTH AMERICAN COUNTRY, WHERE YOU’LL FIND ME IN FAMOUS CHIMICHURRI SAUCE.

7 Saffron I’M CALLED “RED GOLD.” I’M FOUND IN RICE, KEBABS, AND DESSERTS. THE BAHÁ’Í FAITH BEGAN IN MY HOMELAND.

8 Star Anise I COME FROM A TREE AND HAVE A LICORICE FLAVOR. MY HOME HAS EARTH’S LARGEST POPULATION.

Today’s Spices Are From:

A	Argentina
B	China
C	India
D	Iran
E	Italy
F	Jamaica
G	Nigeria
H	Ukraine

[Page 20]

Guardians of Humanity

Whether rescuing people or protecting the planet, guardians overcome huge obstacles to help others. Their amazing adventures in books and movies can inspire us to face tough challenges.

The Bahá’í Faith has a unique kind of Guardian named Shoghi Effendi. He was appointed by his grandfather, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to guide Bahá’ís around the world and protect the Faith from disunity. In a letter sent to the U.S. in 1938, Shoghi Effendi urged us to make a mighty effort to end the prejudice and racism that harm all of humanity.

Shoghi Effendi said this journey would take us down a “long and thorny road,” but we have tools to help us. Virtues like love, justice, and honesty are lanterns to light our path. The more we use them, the stronger they get. Working together, we can create a world that shines with unity in diversity.

Find 19 words related to Shoghi Effendi’s guidance on defeating racism. Search forward, backward, up, down, and diagonally.

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Care	Honesty	Sacrifice
Courage	Hope	Tact
Equity	Love	Trustworthy
Faith	Oneness	Truthful
Fellowship	Reliable	Urgency
Fortitude		Vigilance
Justice		Wisdom

[Page 21]

THE OVERVIEW EFFECT

“Every part of the universe is connected with every other part . . .” —‘Abdu’l-Bahá

When astronauts see Earth from space, they often marvel at how their outlook changes. NASA Astronaut Leland Melvin said, “I looked back at the planet, and it was just stunningly beautiful, all the colors, the mountains, the oceans . . .”

As he shared a meal with astronauts from around the globe, he said, “This was my ‘Aha!’ moment. This was the moment where I realized that my perspective had changed . . . It changed the way I wanted to interact with people when I came back home. That’s called the overview effect. ”

When we gaze at the stars, meditate, or pray, we can try to focus on a similar feeling of connection and wonder. By keeping in mind that we’re all part of one human family, we can choose words and actions that build true unity.

Unscramble the letters in each star cluster to discover words that reflect the majesty of our amazing planet.

UNIVERSAL TIES

1 —————————————————————————— 2 ————————————————————— 3 —————————————————————————— 4 ————————————————————— 5 ——————————————— 6 ——————————————— 7 ————————————————————— 8 —————————————————————————— 9 ————————————————————— 10 —————————————

Check out Leland’s video: brilliantstarmagazine.org/videos/space-ace-leland-melvin ANSWERS ON PAGE 28 [Page 22]

Interview a Stargazer

Have you ever had a heart-to-heart talk with a friend or family member? When someone opens up to share their stories or feelings, it means they trust and appreciate you. When they listen to you in return, you may feel understood or loved. It's a great feeling to have this mutual openness and respect.

Choose a person you'd like to know better, and ask to interview them. Use these questions to start. Put away devices or distractions, focus on the person, and listen closely. The things you learn may surprise and inspire you! With their okay, share your interview with us at brilliant@usbnc.org. We'd love to see it!

Stargazer's Name

Birthplace

Birth Year

Draw your Stargazer portrait, or attach a photo of them.

What's one of your favorite memories?

Draw your Stargazer doing what they love, or attach a photo.

Where do you live, and what's your favorite thing about it?

What are some things that make you happy?

If you could have a superpower, what would it be, and why?

See examples of our Stargazer interviews with inspirational Bahá’ís: brilliantstarmagazine.org/themes/Stargazers [Page 23]

Reflections

Draw your Stargazer with their family or friends, or attach a photo.

What places in the world would you love to visit, and why?

What’s a big challenge you had, and how did you handle it?

If you could fix a global problem, what would you choose, and why?

What three things are you most thankful for?

When you’re feeling sad or stressed, who or what helps you?

What’s your greatest wish for the kids and youth of the world?

Virtues I see in this Stargazer:

Things we have in common:

Something interesting I learned:

What happens when you connect with others?

• Good friendships can boost your happiness and self-esteem. They give you a sense of belonging.
• Close friendships can help make you more resilient, so you bounce back from challenges.
• You build trust and empathy. If you have a disagreement, you’re more likely to find the patience to resolve it.
• You can turn to them for support when you need it. It’s great to know that someone’s got your back.
• You can be your true self around them. They accept and encourage you, and you do the same for them.
• Listening deeply and talking openly with others are valuable skills that enhance all areas of life.

[Page 24]

RILEY’S RAINFOREST

"Send down... from the clouds of Thy mercy the rains of Thy healing..." -Bahá’u’lláh

Art Around the World

I’m so stoked! My family hosted our neighborhood devotional gathering today. This is when our community shares prayers, sings songs, and makes art. It’s especially cool because a lot of our neighbors are from different religions and countries!

But at first we only sang songs from here in Australia. I asked the other birds to teach us songs from their countries, too. When my friend Vita had a turn, I was in awe! South American music and dance were new to me. Then she talked about when she lived in the Amazon Rainforest. Did you know the Amazon is called the "Lungs of the Planet" because of how much oxygen it gives us?

After Vita, others sang songs from countries in Africa and Asia. It was so fun! Sharing our music helped us feel closer and more unified, like birds of one nest. All the songs made me feel like my heart wanted to burst out singing, too. The arts are so good for our souls and bodies.

Making and sharing art builds virtues, like creativity and joy. It can also reduce stress, boost self-esteem, and even strengthen your immune system! Incredible, right?

I’m glad our friends sang their songs today. We want to keep exploring different kinds of art when we get together to pray. Next week, my friend Pip is going to show us how to make origami with palm leaves. I can’t wait!

Curiosity Canopy

There are lots of awesome animal artists! For example, the male satin bowerbird in Australia builds a "bower" from grass and twigs to attract a mate. He decorates the bower area with objects like flowers, feathers, and shells. Then, when an impressed female sits under his bower, he dances for her. That’s real showmanship!

Photo: bowerbird by lainStych/Getty

Explore & Soar: Sample Diverse Arts

Check out these ideas for appreciating the arts of cultures from around the world.

• Learn a song in another language with a friend, and perform it at a community event.
• Watch or learn a traditional folk dance from another culture. How does it make you feel?
• Ask a friend from another culture to show you how to make a favorite treat. What stories or memories does it bring to mind for them?

One Earth, One Family

• Create a work of art inspired by the oneness of humanity with your friends. What can you learn from it?
• Read a folktale from a culture you admire. What foods, words, or traditions make the story unique?
• Learn about an artist or musician from another country. What inspires their work?

[Page 25]

Seas of Unity

All hands on deck! It’s time to work in harmony as humanity sails toward peace and unity. We can learn from sailors of the past, who sang songs called sea shanties to stay motivated and work in rhythm. With diverse roots, including African and British cultures, these catchy tunes set the work pace and gave every sailor a part. Today, people around the world are riding this musical wave to feel connected and weather life’s storms together.

Like a good shanty, teams work best when everyone joins in. But when prejudice and racism try to silence some voices, our songs are incomplete. So whether you and your friends are swabbing the deck or hoisting the sails, make sure everyone has a chance to chime in. Then we can sail toward brighter horizons together.

Use the Musical Mini Code to replace each note in the quote with the correct letter.

UNITY IN DIVER-SEA-TY

THE WORD SHANTY MAY HAVE COME FROM THE FRENCH WORD CHANTER, WHICH MEANS, “TO SING.” WORDS SHORE ARE COOL!

Li_t up your voi_ _ s _ n_ sin_ . . . Qu_ n_ h y_ th_ _ ir_ s o_ w_ r, li_ t hi_h th_ _ _ nn_ rs o_ p_ _ _ _’ work _ _ or th_ on_ n_ ss o_ hum_ nkin_ . . . —‘Abdu’l-Bahá [Page 26]

SHINING LAMP

A Bahá’í who served humanity with radiance Creadell Haley (1917-2000)

As she steered the plane above the open fields, Creadell Haley faced two big problems: she was lost, and she was running out of gas.

It was 1949, and Creadell had drifted off course over the Midwestern U.S. on her first solo flight. But she didn't panic. She managed to land her plane safely in an oat field. She got help from a farmer and spent the night in town. The next morning, she found fuel and navigated her way home to Illinois, where she fulfilled her dream of earning her pilot's license.

An Early Takeoff

Creadell was born in 1917 in Oklahoma. Her parents divorced, and she and her brother, Nathaniel, were raised by their aunt and uncle in Illinois. From a young age, she was drawn to the wonder of flight. She found a library book called How to Fly and was determined to become a pilot.

She was the first woman in her area to enroll in flying lessons and became the instructor's best student. During World War II, she joined the newly created Women's Army Air Corps as a mechanic. After intense training, she served in England and France. When the war ended, she was finally able to get her pilot's license and take to the skies.

Creadell's adventures continued in California, where she attended the Los Angeles Conservatory of Music. She learned about the Bahá’í Faith and composed songs to express her beliefs. In a tune called "Love, Love, Love," she encouraged the oneness of humanity: "Love God's creatures / Be they near or far / See each human / As a shining star." Her songs became popular among Bahá’ís around the world, and they're still sung today.

Navigating New Horizons

Creadell learned that Bahá’ís in Latin America needed help strengthening their communities. In 1959, she moved to Nicaragua and spent much of her time in remote areas that could only be reached by boat or on foot. But Creadell faced each new challenge with determination as she shared the Bahá’í teachings, and the Bahá’í community grew. Her service soared to new heights.

After five years, Creadell's health suffered, and she returned to Illinois. She stayed for several years. When she finally returned to Latin America, she said, "I was so happy I could hardly contain myself. There is no other way to describe it." Creadell then spent six years in Venezuela, a country she found "gloriously beautiful." She said it was "a melting pot of people and that too is very beautiful."

Poor health sent Creadell back to the U.S. in 1973, but her service continued. She moved to South Carolina, where she taught Spanish and piano. She gave presentations on her experiences in Latin America and told friends and neighbors about the Bahá’í Faith.

When Creadell passed away in 2000 at the age of 83, the Universal House of Justice "warmly remembered" her "services in Latin America" and offered "ardent prayers" for "the progress of her radiant soul throughout the divine realms." [Page 27]

HOW TO CREATE CURRENTS OF UNITY

“Your souls are as waves on the sea of the spirit; although each individual is a distinct wave, the ocean is one, all are united in God.” —‘Abdu’l-Bahá

Smile and say “Hi” Invite a new kid to sit with you at lunch Forgive someone Ask a friend about their happiest memories Bake a treat for an elder Visit another faith’s house of worship Tell a friend what you admire about them Explore a holiday from a different culture Send a cheerful note or text Help a sibling or friend with homework Take treats to the fire or police station Listen when friends need to talk Share flowers or veggies from your garden Volunteer at a soup kitchen Let someone in front of you in line Find out about heroes from another culture Ask an elder to tell you a story Participate in a walk or run for charity Invite a neighbor to hang out

Hold the door open for someone Go to an event that celebrates another culture Give sincere compliments Help a friend or neighbor care for their pet Make a craft to give as a gift Write an uplifting message in sidewalk chalk Play a game with a younger kid Turn a negative thought into a positive one Write a kind note and put it in a library book Learn to say “thank you” in six languages Hug a family member Cheer for a friend’s accomplishment Write a thank-you note to a teacher Help clean up without being asked Send someone a photo of a happy memory Talk to someone who’s sitting alone Play a game that’s popular in another country ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________

[Page 28]

COSMO’S CORNER

Look for Cosmo the Chameleon’s clues throughout the magazine.

WHY DO TREES HAVE SO MANY FRIENDS?

WE’RE ALWAYS BRANCHING OUT TO CONNECT WITH OTHERS!

ACROSS

2. People who have cross-racial friendships and stand up for equal rights can be a powerful force for \_\_\_\_\_\_. (p. 10)

6. The Amazon is called the “Lungs of the Planet” because of how much \_\_\_\_\_\_ it gives us. (p. 24)

9. Sharing \_\_\_\_\_\_ can help us feel closer and more unified, like birds of one nest. (p. 24)

11. Salt and pepper were once used as \_\_\_\_\_\_. (p. 19)

12. Anisa and Natalia would both like to visit Haifa, \_\_\_\_\_\_. (p. 18)

13. If you think of the world as one global community, you’re a world \_\_\_\_\_\_! (p. 3)

15. Sailors of the past sang songs called sea \_\_\_\_\_\_ to stay motivated and work in rhythm. (p. 25)

16. From a young age, Creadell Haley was drawn to the wonder of \_\_\_\_\_\_. (p. 26)

DOWN

1. Maleyk and Tahlia both enjoy this sport. (pp. 16–17)

3. From tidepools to tundras, Earth has an amazing diversity of connected \_\_\_\_\_\_. (p. 11)

4. Friends from diverse backgrounds help open our minds to new \_\_\_\_\_\_ and break down prejudices. (p. 2)

5. Experiencing \_\_\_\_\_\_ can help you understand others’ perspectives. (p. 13)

6. When an astronaut’s perspective changes after seeing the Earth from space, that’s the \_\_\_\_\_\_ effect. (p. 21)

7. Race \_\_\_\_\_\_ is friendship between people of different races. (p. 10)

8. The best gift you can give to friends is taking \_\_\_\_\_\_ to celebrate them for all they are. (p. 7)

10. We’re happier and healthier when we \_\_\_\_\_\_ with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds. (p. 29)

14. \_\_\_\_\_\_ teaches us to live in harmony. (p. 12)

FROM OUR MAILBOX

What I like most [about Brilliant Star] is learning how to be a kinder and better person. I love the quizzes! I feel inspired. I learned so much stuff from Brilliant Star it’s hard to count! Like . . . how to listen to people better. [If I could choose a theme, it would be] equal rights, because people should not be discriminated [against]!

—Paola Cardoza, age 9, Massachusetts, U.S.

ANSWERS

KEY: T=Top, C=Center, B=Bottom, L=Left, R=Right

Page 2: 1) Balanced Baklava, 2) Bold Brigadeiro, 3) Dependable Donut, 4) Determined Dango, 5) Humorous Halva, 6) Kind Kashata, 7) Loving Laddu, 8) Listening Lokum, 9) Merry Macaron, 10) Modest Mazapan, 11) Sincere Saltwater Taffy, 12) Sharing Shortbread

Page 7: Matches: Overlapping squares at TC and C, triangles at CL and BL, flowers at C and CL, diamonds at CR and CL, blue rings at C and BL, blue ovals on yellow at TC and BR, brown plaid at CR and CL, white waves on red at C and CL, blue-gray waves at C and BR, green w/stripes at CL and TC, thin green ovals at C and BC, purple “3” shapes at CL and C.

Page 10: 1) G, 2) F, 3) A, 4) E, 5) B, 6) D, 7) C

Page 11: Kyiv, Ukraine; European Hedgehog

Page 19: 1) F, 2) E, 3) C, 4) H, 5) G, 6) A, 7) D, 8) B

Page 21: 1) appreciate, 2) awesome, 3) connection, 4) respect, 5) peace, 6) unity, 7) diversity, 8) spiritual, 9) awareness, 10) wonder

Page 25: “Lift up your voices and sing . . . Quench ye the fires of war, lift high the banners of peace, work for the oneness of humankind . . .” [Page 29]aMAZEing ADVENTURE

ONE HUMANI-TREE

“Become as . . . trees of one forest, growing in the utmost love, agreement and unity.” —‘Abdu’l-Bahá

Did you know trees live in communities and help each other, like people do? Each tree’s roots intertwine with the roots of others nearby—sort of like linking arms. They hold each other in place during strong winds and floods. They also share nutrients through their roots. Trees can even send signals and respond to each other’s needs.

As in human communities, diversity brings strength to a forest. When many species grow together, they spread out their branches to fill in gaps where sunlight is available. That way, the whole forest soaks up more life-giving rays.

Our neighborhoods are like these forests. We can build strong bonds that help us during challenges. We’re happier and healthier when we connect with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures. We can learn from each other, solve problems creatively, and share amazing arts. So branch out with kindness toward someone different from you. The rewards are unbe-leaf-able!

Earthworms are soil superheroes! We help trees by mixing soil, air, and food around. Help the two of us tunnel to the cove.

I’M ROOTING FOR YOU!

ARE YOU STUMPED?

YOU’RE IN FOR A TREE-T!

START

COOPERATION COVE [Page 30]“Ye are the fruits of one tree, and the leaves of one branch. Deal ye one with another with the utmost love and harmony, with friendliness and fellowship.” —Bahá’u’lláh

Signs of Growth

SEEDS HONEYDEW

Brilliant Star One Garden • VOL. 52 NO. 1

AN AWARD-WINNING PUBLICATION OF THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHÁ’ÍS OF THE UNITED STATES

brilliantstarmagazine.org