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2 NO.4
VOLS
INE.ORG
ABAHA'| COMPANION FOR YOUNG EXPLORERS —BRILLIANTSTARMAGAZ
[Page 0]Amethel Parel-Sewell EDITOR / CREATIVE DIRECTOR
C. Aaron Kreader DESIGNER/ILLUSTRATOR
Amy Renshaw SENIOR EDITOR
Heidi Parsons ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Darcy Greenwood ASSISTANT EDITOR
Foad Ghorbani PRODUCTION ASSISTANT
Lisa Blecker ARTIST & WRITER
Donna Price WRITER
Dr. Stephen Scotti STEAMS EDUCATION ADVISOR”
MANY THANKS TO OUR CONTRIBUTORS: Katie Bishop « Heather Coletti - Celeste Cortés Eleanor Davis » Amy Guerra « Elijah Jennings Layli Kline » John Leyba - Nabil Mato
Dr. Sarah McAnulty + Dr. Mansur Nurdel Kaelum Parham Sandy Pué + Sami Stefan Benin Tamiru + Tabor Weatherdon
Dr. Benjamin Weitzman « Dr. Jamie Womble Roger Wood
ART AND PHOTO CREDITS
Illustrations by C. Aaron Kreader, unless noted
By Lisa Blecker: Photos on pp. 8-9
Historical photos courtesy National Bahi'i Archives, unless noted
STORY AND ACTIVITY CREDITS By Amy Renshaw: 7, 11, 14, 26, 27, 29 By C. Aaron Kread: By Heidi Parsons: 1, 10, 16, 22, 28
By Darcy Greenwood: 1, 2, 6, 12, 19, 20, 24, 29 By Lisa Blecker: 8, 13,
By Donna Price: 3, 11, 12, 13, 14, 26, 28
By Katie Bishop: 4, 10, 21, 25, 26, 27
SUBSCRIPTION RATES AND RENEWALS To subscribe, vst biliantstarmagazine.org or contact Bah’ Subscriber Servic: Toll-free: 1.800.999.9019 / Email: subscrption@usbre.org
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RIGHTS, PERMISSIONS, AND CLASS USE ‘Al ontenin Brilliant Stars copied bythe National Spit Assembly the Baht ofthe US orb indvidual otros, Fr peision to copy rate,
se frm at blantstarmagune rppeissnequs or ite Brant Star, 1255 Cent Se Evanston IL 60201 Teachers may photocopy ages in ited quotes for dssoom se. “Balint Strand volumeunberorisue dle
tus be present nal copies, and pope cet gen tothe copyright one.
Brilliant Star empowers kids to explore their roles as world citizens. Inspired by the principles of peace and unity in the Baha'i Faith, we encourage readers to use their virtues to make the world a better place. The Baha'i Faith is the second most widespread religion in the world, with over five million Baha'is. It was founded by the Prophet Bahd'u'llah (“Glory of God” in Arabic) in 1863. Baha'u'llah taught that all people are part of one human family, and all religions come from one God. Bahd\u'llah's eldest son, ‘Abdu'l-Baha, interpreted His teachings and led the Baha'i community after Baha'u'lldh’s passing. Today, Baha'is work to bring love and justice to the world, and end prejudice and discrimination of all kinds.
Isswosse3635
26 28
Lee
1 29
Baha’u’llah’s Life: Mission of Peace
Mirza Musa was His devoted brother and helper.
Nur’s Nook
Create a welcoming door to your home and heart.
We Are One
Explore and care for the place we all call home.
Maya’s Mysteries
Create art while exploring nature's diversity.
Lightning and Luna: Episode #95
The Erasers power up a shocking new plot!
Radiant Stars Get to know kids who shine, like you.
Stargazer: Dr. Mansur Nurdel
He fled persecution and focused on a new vision.
Riley’s Rainforest
A family that dines together shines together!
Shining Lamp: Soo Fouts
She was full of passion for sharing the Faith.
Cosmo’s Corner
A crossword and more from our favorite chameleon
A-MAZE-ing ADVENTURE Fun, fresh air, and family unity at camp
- Leam more about
STEAMS
[Page 1]ae
SOARING WITH UNITY vou.s2 no4
aad
NEW DESTINATIONS
Celebrate! Lift people up with loving support.
) Pack for a Peaceful Journey
re 6 Dive Deeper
Growing Nobility 7 ‘Abdu'l-Baha helped farmers flourish.
Discover how animals get along in groups.
Webs of Unity
A new spin on cooperation
Photo Fun or Photo Flop?
Zoom in on patience and kindness.
Play and Connect Games for building fun friendships
The Story of Us
Journey through favorite family stories.
Quiz: How Do You Deal with Conflict?
Give your skills a workout.
Cave Cooperation Tips for teamwork in tough times
wv
= } printreleaf.
Stars by Markovka, skyline by Spectrum Studio, both from Shutterstock kids by aldomurillo/Getty
What do you need for an awesome adventure?
What can dolphins teach us about dialogue?
Stuart & Gabriella: Critter Communities
DEAR FRIENDA,
Life with your family and friends is a big adventure. Together,
you experience small moments every day and big milestones that might happen once ina lifetime. You enjoy fun celebrations and work through tough challenges. You grow and learn together. No matter where your journey takes you, you have companions to help you on your path.
In this issue, discover how you can strengthen bonds of unity with your family and with your community. Craft a welcoming door with
Nur to get to know your neighbors. Dive through small talk and learn ways to deepen your conversations. Quiz yourself on handling conflicts. Share memorable stories with your family. Play group games to create fun camaraderie. And meet Dr. Mansur Nurdel, who
fled persecution in Iran and risked his life to serve
the Baha'i Faith.
Every act, from helping a sibling pack their suitcase to hosting a housewarming party for a neighbor, can help you along your journey to harmony. With love, patience, and a spirit of service, our families and communities can
soar with unity.
LOVE BRILLIANT ATAR *
[Page 2]any
ay! There’s so much to celebrate in our families and
communities. We can appreciate accomplishments
like winning a trophy in a track meet or learning a
and family in simple ways, too. Give a hug, write a kind note, or cheer at their soccer game to give them a boost. Offer love and support with no strings attached. Don't deflate someone's spirit
new piano solo. Everyone has uplifting qualities, from ifthey make a mistake—they can learn from the experience. hilarious humor to fantastic friendliness. When we focus on the positive and encourage people
Throwing a party is fun, but you can applaud your friends around us, everyone's spirits can soar!
we e
Match pairs of balloons to find nine words that help us celebrate and support our friends and family.
J
THAT RACE WAS UPLIFTING!
THIS PARTY
\S POPPIN’! Uy CAKE
LOWS _ ME AWAY!
5 iy 1g L WRITE YOUR ANSWERS HERE!
Lie
2s Brilhant Star %& v52 N4 a inswers on page 28
Na
[Page 3]4
(Zo
help you focus on fun experiences instead.
0 you pack with careful planning, or do you pack at the last minute? Either way, traveling is a great way to discover what you truly need. Limiting what you bring along can
Like the puzzle of fitting your stuff in a suitcase, it can take effort for a family or community to work together in harmony.
CHECK OUT MY
Aa SY B PACKING TIPS. x as) 7) Ys Es - oN CO) — |
PABLO’S PACKING TIPS
- Pack as light as possible.
- Check the weather for your destination.
« Create alist of essentials. SUITCASE, FIND THE
CORRECT
- Bring clothes you can wear in layers
and that go well together.
- Bring comfortable shoes.
+ Stay organized with packing cubes or another system.
+ After you pack, review to see what you
can leave behind.
ON IT THE
\TS SPOT.
Answers on page 28
Pack for a Peaceful Journey
- Research the culture to find out what F THEN FOR
+e ‘ EACH EMPTY clothing is appropriate. I coat THE
ITEM. WRITE © NUMBER OF AS E
Je HAT TRAVELS AROUND & x, THE WORLD BUT STAYS
a Ti ay
Ceaie ne Vy
ATUL)
Somebody's words might poke at you like sharp edges. You may feel crowded by someone with a personality that’s different from yours. If your feelings get squished, speak up with kindness and consult about making space for everyone.
For all of life’s adventures, pack your patience, empathy, and = compassion. And it’s fun to bring extra snacks to share!
IN ONE CORNER?
v5s2.N4 w& BrilliantStar 3
[Page 4]The hife of
Baha’ lah
The highlighted area marks the time in which this story takes place.
1817 November 12__| Birth of Bahd'u'llh in Tibrén, ran
1844s ~ Tas | Recognizes the Bab as anew Messenger ofGod
1852s Shits =|
Imprisonment in the “Black Pt’ of Tinran
1853-1863
Exile in Baghdéd, Iraq. From 1854-1856, He goes into the mountains topray in solitude.
Declares Divine Mission as Prophet-Founder oftthe Baha‘ Faith
1863-1868 __| Exile in Constantinople ([stanbul, then Adrianople (Edime), Turkey. Begins writing letters to kings and rulers in 1867,
urging world unity
IBGE. WT. |
Last exile, to prison-city of ‘Akka, Israel
S77 FE 8) Finally fre to live in countryside homes
of Mazra‘h and then Bahjt, outside ‘Akké
Bahd{ullah passes away at Babi.
ho do you count on to stick with you through hard times? For Baha'u'llah, one of those people was His younger brother, Mirza Musa. Even as a little kid, Mirza Musa was devoted to Baha'u'llah, Who showed him great love and kindness. When their father, Mirza Buzurg, passed away, Baha'u'llah cared for His siblings and mother. He provided a home for them. and helped His younger brothers learn writing, spelling, and calligraphy. Mirza Musa adored Baha'u'llah, and for his entire life, his attachment never wavered. From the earliest days of Baha'i history, Mirza Musa was at Baha'u'llah’s side. When a new Messenger of God named the Bab shared teachings to guide humanity, He sent some of His writings to Baha'u'llah. Mirza Musa greeted the messenger at the gate of their family home and took the tablet to Baha'u'llah. After reading, Baha'u'llah said, “Musa, what have you to say?” Both brothers accepted the new Faith and became Babis. Years later, when the Bab was martyred, Mirza Musa helped keep His sacred remains hidden until they could be safely laid to rest in Haifa (now in Israel). In 1852, Baha'u'llah was arrested because He was a Babi. Mirza Musa helped care for Baha’u'llah's family while He was in prison. After Baha’u'llah's release, Mirza Musa joined Him in exile from their home in Persia (now Iran) to Baghdad (now in Iraq). In Baghdad, Baha'u'llah declared that He was the Messenger of God foretold by the Bab. He shared teachings to help bring world peace. Building unity in the family
4 Brilliant Star * vs2.N4
In this prison in ‘Akka, Israel, Mirza Musa helped ‘Abdu’l-Baha tend to the sick Baha'is.
is an important part of that. Baha'u'llah urged us to be as unified as “the fingers of one hand, the members of one body.”
Mirza Musa devoted himself to serving the Bahai Faith. The family was exiled three more times as authorities tried to stop Baha'u'llah's message of peace. If disunity arose in their family or community, Mirza Musa was trusted to resolve it with justice.
Mirza Musa deeply loved his nephew, Baha’u'llah's eldest son, ‘Abdu'l-Baha. Together they tended to the sick and met with government and religious leaders to share Baha'i teachings.
‘Abdu'l-Baha called his uncle a “true brother” to Baha'u'llah.
Mirza Musa passed away in ‘Akka (now in Israel) in 1887. ‘Abdu'l-Baha said, "He remained steadfast, under all conditions, to the very end. Unto him be praise and salutations ... upon him be mercy and grace.”
Photo © Baha‘ International Community
[Page 5]“One should wish for one’s brother that which one wisheth for oneself” —Baha’u'llah
Play these games to strengthen bonds of unity with friends and family.
Ping-Pong Party Give each person a ping-pong ball with a different get-to-know-you question written on it in permanent marker. Everyone stands in a circle and bounces the balls back and forth. After two minutes, players read aloud and answer the question on the ball they're holding.
Name That Story
Give everyone a blank sheet of paper and a pencil or pen. Invite friends to write a short, one- paragraph story about an act of kindness someone did that had a big impact on them. Do not write names on the paper.
Fold the stories and put
them in a bowl Mix the stories up, then ask each player to take a story from the bowl. Each person reads aloud the story they selected. After all stories are read, group members guess the author of each one.
Interconnections Top Two
Give everyone a blank piece of paper and a pencil. Each person writes two facts that they want to share about themselves. Place all papers ina bowl. Take turns pulling a paper from the bowl and reading it out loud. After each one is read, the group guesses who wrote it.
Give a prompt that includes at least some folks in the group. Then ask everyone to mingle and talk until they can split into smaller groups based on the prompt. Examples:
- People who play the same sport or have the same hobby
- People who have the same favorite season
- People who have the same number of siblings
v5s2.N4 w& BrilliantStar 5
[Page 6]language of whistles and clicks is so complex too. Sometimes it’s easy to make small talk and just skim
that humans haven’t been able to crack it! the surface. That’s a good place to start, but we can dive Scientists think dolphins talk about lots of things, fromfacts deeper to strengthen our relationships. Be a good listener like their age to how they feel. Theyswimin groups, orpods, and ask questions. Curiosity, kindness, and positivity can of up to 30. Pod members hunt together, protect each other, _ help you swim along. Check out the tips below. How do
‘Die are amazing communicators! Their Communication is crucial for human families and friends
and teach each other how to use tools to catch food. you deepen your conversations? 500 8 se) Of or Unscramble the letters to complete these diverse dolphins’ talking tips. Sy
O crner wins swat TALK, THEN (2) 3)
N 5 CTLKA) 10 MAKE A SPLASH BY
, PLUNGE INTO PEOPLE ONE-ON-ONESO |) = SHARING A FUN (DEREFE) TOPICS. YOU'RE BOTH COMFORTABLE. ~ CAFTC).
yy
BOTTLENOSE
Aa) af ‘s r Me 11'S OKAY IF THERE'S A LITTLE ou aN rc) Wirt (SIECNEL) OUnGEN PUT AWAY IN A CONVERSATION.
CNSRCEES) AND PAY & CLOSE ATTENTION TO THE PERSON. Py
INDO-PACIFIC HUMPBACK.
KEEP AN OPEN MIND, EVEN IF YOU DON'T CEERAS).
SPINNER
CLNPA) SOME QUESTIONS TO ASK SO THE CONVERSATION FLOWS.”
6 Brilliant Star * vs2.N4 Answers on page 28
“Conversation Ideas: brillantstarmagazine.org/uploads/play/cool
[Page 7]es,
DAM DIEZ NASR IRR VRS WCRI) SG OUNCCREIIN DS SEN ee ee JI GROWING NOBILITY =p, “ ; . . SY a YE \ 5 ee yy B nto blazing 7 sun, the village of ‘Adasiyyah
(now in Jordan) was overgrown with
covered the land. Wheat, beans, eggplant, cabbage, and many more crops fed the farmers’ families, and the
\ \ thorny bushes and surplus was sold. \ ean
Wns trees. But when he ‘Abdu’l-Baha 4) (Re ) WSS | § purchased it, obtained banana SSH
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X In 1907, he invited Baha’is the area—people didn’t even OS X , peop’ eX SS
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N RY (ly Vv land. Unlike landowners who gave eat them! But soon they were popular NX =“ GD) tenants a meager living, he allowed and profitable. KY) Y 9 , .
SS RS) EEN them to keep 80% of the farm’s The village became so successful, By ) ZB) <ESS ESS income. The rest was used for the the government of Jordan considered \S AX < EN Wx Shrines of Baha'u'llah and the Bab. it a model community. During World A> h ‘\ CAN \ 5] “Agriculture is anoble science...” War, it contributed wheat to feed Am va EO iD) | § ‘Abdu’l-Baha said. He visited the hundreds in Haifa and ‘Akka (now NN (Gae> \Z YY EN Zw farmers and joined their Baha’ in Israel). NI Z Wy gatherings. He encouraged them to With perseverance, the people of = ZZ
\ JP YY plant diverse fruit trees, vegetables, ‘Adasiyyah cooperated to put into ES = Ny)
WSS and grains. They were inspired action ‘Abdu’l-Baha’s guidance: yy 7(\ KS
WS Ss C by his kindness and wisdom. “All effort and exertion... is worship, ) \eaas
RE | In time, the fields and orchards if it is prompted by the highest RY) A) EQ
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Photo: Baha‘ International Community; Art: kiyanochka/Getty v52.N4 & BrilliantStar 7
SS RS
y)
[Page 8]and
“Let us try to do the will of God.
L
it really dimmed my light.
..shunning division and welcoming the divin
st week, my family went to a house-swarming party. | was excited to meet our new moth neighbors! But none of them talked to me. | felt unwanted,
| talked with my family, and we decided to have a Games, Bugs, and Grubs party at our treehouse. We're inviting diverse bugs of all ages, from ants to yellow jackets. We
1
2
You'll Need three 4%" x fe" + paintbrush (11.4 x 1m) standard o caer craft sticks + water
six 6" x %" (15.2 x 2cm) jumbo craft sticks
tuler
clean, empty half-gallon (1.9 L) beverage carton .
books acrylic paint duct tape tacky glue
For door, put six jumbo craft sticks side by side in an even
vertical row. Yu
Glue a standard craft stick about 1" (2.5 cm) from each end of door. Glue another standard craft stick diagonally between horizontal sticks. Stack books on door to help it dry flat.
8 Brilliant Star * vs2.N4
thin permanent markers medium-sized bead
four straight twigs
craft moss
tiny charms or ornaments
small nature items (such as pinecone scales or pebbles)
adult to help
Connect with Your Community: Create a Welcoming Door
e oneness of humanity.” —‘Abdu’l-Baha
consulted about helping everyone feel appreciated, and decided to greet guests with kind smiles and pass out nametags. We'll ask about their favorite places to bee and listen to the answers with respect. My sister will lead party games, and we'll try to make sure no one feels left out.
| made this fun welcoming door for everybody to sign. You can make one for your community, too!
HERE’S A CRAFT TO
| WELCOME MY COMMUNITY!
3 With help of adult, make doorway by cutting section about 6"x 4/4" (15.2 x 10.8 cm) from carton. Make
it the same size as door’s vertical row, but with straight edges.
| a
a
tl
[Page 9]4 (a) Flip door over. Place carton doorway next to door so
fo)
long edges meet. Secure door and doorway together with duct tape to make a smooth hinge. (b) Cover hinged side of carton with duct tape so it’s smooth. Fold door and doorway together at hinge. Trim any excess taped carton so edges are even with door.
(a) Open door and place on table with taped side of doorway face down. Paint front of door and back of doorway. Let dry. (b) Flip door over and paint inside of door and taped doorway. Let dry.
ia} EA ib] © ee
Close door. Glue
small bits of moss
around it for border. r Avoid covering standard craft
sticks. Moss border should be nearly even in thickness with standard craft stick crossbars.
7 Fordoorframe, use plenty of glue to secure twigs onto door’s border. Stack books on top to help frame dry flat.
a: ft
8 Glue to front door and doorframe ¥ tiny decorations such as charms, 4. @
ornaments, moss, and nature items.
9 (a) Create “Welcome” sign in permanent marker on small piece of carton. Glue sign and bead for doorknob to front door. (b) Inside doorway, draw or paint a welcoming picture or message. Invite community members to sign. Display door inside or outside.
Vs52 N4 %& Brilliant Star
9
[Page 10]STUART & GABRIELLA: CRITTER COMMUNITIES
i! Stuart and Gabriella here. We're having fun traveling the world to check out animals that live together in harmony. Like human families, animal families and communities come in diverse forms. One cool thing about animals is that
To avoid the cold, millions of these creatures fly south as far as 3,000 miles (4,628 km)! When resting, they cluster together for warmth,
08)
These creatures live on north Pacific
coasts and may gather in groups of several hundred. They have thick
fur and huge lung capacity.
10 Brilhant Star %& v52 N4
Wits
KALEIDOSCOPE OF BUTTERFLIES
These animals can see predators a mile away! Rather than a vocal alarm, a group member's steady stare will alert others to danger.
These relatives of sharks often migrate and hunt in large groups. They go to Cleaning stations to get
tidied by small fish,
their groups can have fun names, like a prickle of porcupines or a wisdom of wombats. What does “community” mean to you? It might be your family, friends, neighbors,
faith group, or team. But communities are more than just a collection of people.
They're folks whose hearts and spirits connect as they work or play together.
Match each animal community to its description.
TOWER OF GIRAFFES
orldwide, these Found nearly w ce with facial
mammals communica expressions, awide range of sounds, scent marking, and tail movements.
These animals gather in groups of 20 or more for cooperative fishing. They chase fish into groups 50
they're easier to scoop up. ‘Answers on page 28
Photos: Calin Stan, USO, JMrocek, Kara Capaldo, 1001slide, Gerald Corsi, al via Getty
[Page 11]Take a good look at squid,
cuttlefish, and other
cephalopods. They have
the same kind of eyes that
humans do. Our “camera eyes” have a single lens that projects images onto the retina,
a sensitive area inside the eye. When species
that aren't closely related develop similar
features, that’s convergent evolution. Humans and animals share so much, including Earth.
We need to protect our home.
« e) WHERE IN THE WORLD? ),
———4
EXPioRE AND PROTECT THE EARTH AnD ITs CREATURES
Sea stars have an eye on the end of each arm. Some species have 40 arms and 40 eyes! They can even regrow an arm if they lose one.
Keep Reefs Safe Sun protection is important to prevent skin cancer, but
some ingredients can harm coral reefs. Look for reef-safe or reef- friendly sunscreen.
Dr. Sarah McAnulty is a biologist in Pennsylvania, U.S. She founded Skype-a- Scientist to connect classrooms to scientists. She drives a “Squidmobile”—a car covered in squid drawings. She says, “Don't wait for an educator to teach you something. You can teach yourself whatever you want.”
The Oriental Pearl Tower, a broadcasting and sightseeing tower, is one of the many skyscrapers in this city on the Huangpu River. It’s in the second-most populous country in the world (after India). Unscramble the letters to find its name:
ANSHGHIA, NCAIH
Answers on page 28. Images: Panwasin gett, Rob Atherton, XIUYUAN YAO, slowmotiongi all via Getty; Dr. Sarah McAnulty
These marine mammals are the largest dolphins. Highly intelligent and social, they make a wide variety of sounds. Each family group, or pod, has its own calls that members can recognize from afar. Fill in the blanks to find their name:
ocs
v5s2.N4 w Brilliant Star 11
[Page 12]ac WHEN WE
/ et . BALANCE
¢ a 7 5“Ad | THE DIVERSE
¢ PIECES, IT’S
rf BEAUTIFUL!
STERIES a
VSTERIES
“Baha'u'llah came to bring unity to the world, and a
| fundamental unity is that of the family.” —Baha’i Writings
{nite apr t
uess who got the summer job of taking care of her little sibs twice a week? That's right—me! We've been having fun playing tennis, going to Taiko drum class, and helping in the garden. Today we're mixing two of my fave things, nature and art! Nature has so many cool colors and patterns; it always
OUTDOOR ART j
inspires me with creative ideas. To collect nature items, we don’t harm any plants or animals—we just pick things up.” My sibs love it, and | learn a lot, too. Today, as we were gathering stuff, | realized how diverse nature is—just like my family and our community. All that diversity is beautiful! Try out our nature-inspired art projects.
MANDALA MEDITATION
A mandala is a spiritual symbol in many cultures.
In some traditions, the circle stands for the universe. You can meditate by focusing on the mandala and imagining you're moving slowly to the center. To make one, find a flat surface. Collect nature objects like leaves, stones, sticks, and pinecones, and thoughtfully arrange them in a creative design.
WILD WINDCATCHER
Find an arm-length stick. Gather diverse nature items. Cut natural string or twine in different lengths. Tie items to strings so they dangle from the stick. Tie a string to each end of the windcatcher for hanging.
CREATIVE FUN
NATURE PORTRAIT
Make a face by using pebbles or leaves for an outline, or draw a shape in sand or dirt. Use leaves or pine needles for hair and other nature objects for facial features. You can make yourself, your dog, or your whole family. When done, take a photo or draw a picture of it.
e _* ¢ < iw
Q 0
SUN PRINTS
On a sunny day, arrange nature items on dark-colored construction paper. Cover with a plastic sheet protector held in place with rocks or an empty picture frame. Wait 4-6 hours. Once the paper color fades, you have a sun print! Create a card from it, or give it as a gift.
12 Brilhant Star *& v52 N4
Check that you have permission to gather nature objects.
[Page 13]my
y
4, / = a Ea j an you imagine discovering a massive spider web that’s / Cc 40 feet (12 m) tall? That's what happened in Texas, U.S. Thousands of spiders spun a giant web to capture more insects to share. Though spiders usually work alone, scientists __ think they cooperated because changing weather led to a _~ huge amount of small, flying insects being born at once. Like spiders, people can weave webs of unity to help each
A ebs of |
“The supreme need of humanity is cooperation and reciprocity.” —Abdu’l-Baha
other—in any weather. You can connect with neighbors by smiling and saying hi, bringing treats to a new family, or helping an elder with yard work. If something bugs you, like trash in the park, you can team up with neighbors to fix it. Strong friendships build happiness and unity. So keep your eyes open for ways you can help a neighbor in need. When a community sticks together, everyone has fun!
COOPERATIVE COCO
SPIDERS N.
eo
‘Answers on page 28
|AMED FOR VIRTUES IN THIS COMMUNITY WEB.
———
WHAT'S A SPECIAL AGENT SPIDER?
v5s2.N4 w Brilliant Star 13
[Page 14]NO ae
LIGHTNING & LUNA
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- See Episode #60: briliantstarmagazine.org/luminous-library/LLTheme
14 Brilhant Star *& v52 N4
[Page 15]BUT—
S| ITLOOKE? COOL IN THE SIMULATOR,
MIN’S CUBEDRONE TEST 27: USING AIR POWER TO DEPLOY SEEDS.
WE HAVE BIGGER PLANS FOR THESE CUBES THAN PLANTING STUPID SEEDS!
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WANT 10 60 FIRST?
ar YOU'RE RIGHT. \ = YEAH, LET'S NS
USING WATER POWER TO WATER THE SEEDS.
eT .
HE’S DONE! GRAB THE CUBE ANP THE CUBEMAKER!
V52.N4 we
15
[Page 16]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?
( LayliK.
= Age: 9 4 live in: Ohio, U.S. a | want to be
Early childhood educator or doctor
These careers interest
me because:
They involve helping and taking care of people, and little kids are cute!
Hobbies or sports: Basketball,swimming ” ~
Favorite Baha’i activity: Junior youth group
A favorite food: Macarons
A hero or role model: Malala [Yousafzai] and [Babi heroine] Tahirih
like to help people by:
Being thoughtful, speaking out, and helping [people] learn new skills
| show my family love by: Making time for them, writing them nice notes
To work out conflicts, | Take time to myself, and when I'm ready, we talk
Favorite family activity Ayyam-i-Ha,™* because it is joyful ... there are many things to look forward to.
From an elder relative.
I've learned
How to make bread from my great uncle and aunt
What | love about
my community
That there are a lot of kids my age
16 he 52 N4
(Elijah J.
Age: 14
| live in: Michigan, U.S.
| want to be: Senior staff software engineer
This career interests . 4 me because
like programming and computer science.
Virtue | admire most: Patience
Hobbies or sports: Ice hockey (goalie), chess
Favorite Baha’i activity: Studying The Hidden Words* and other books
Favorite animal: Anteater
A hero or role model: [Chess grandmaster] Magnus Carlsen LS
What love about my community: The camaraderie we share
( Kaelum P.
Age: 12 *
I live in: Virginia, U.S.
| want to be: Acartoonist for Brilliant Star magazine, a writer, a video game developer (for the Baha’i Faith)
This career interests
me because
Ilove being creative... with ideas.
Virtue | admire most: Willingness to abide by rules
| show my family love by: Hugging them
| like to help people by: Making their day, whether that means doing an
act of service or simply complimenting them
| show my family love by; Doing contributions to the house [chores to help out] and using good manners
To work out conflicts, |:
Talk about what the source of the problem could be and then try to resolve it
Favorite family activity Memorial Day picnic.
We gather to see relatives, go swimming and fishing, and have a fun time.
Aplace I'd love to visit
The Bluebell Railway in Wales because it has exotic and historical steam trains
Favorite Baha’i activity: Ayyam-i-Ha. | like giving gifts to my family and teachers...
To work out conflicts, |: Explain my reasoning
Favorite family activity Having pizza on Friday
From an elder relative,
I've learned:
From Mon, I’ve learned sharing is caring. She does it by sharing things with me...I share with my brothers, Sebi and Evander.
What | love about my community: » People are nice—they respect each other's privacy. I like to say
hi to my neighbors...
“The Hidden Wordsis a collection of short passages by Baha'u'ldh.
- Ayyim-i-Ha isa festival of hospitality, gift giving, and preparing for the Baha‘ Fast.
[Page 17]( Roger W.
J Age: 12 " I live in: Oregon, U.S.
| want to be: Civil engineer
This career interests
me because:
Ireally like engineering and building things, and | want to apply this skill to help people. | can make buildings that are more sustainable against natural disasters and climate change.
Virtue | admire most: Truthfulness
Favorite Baha’ activities: Holy day celebrations
»
A place I'd love to visit: Baha’i House of
Worship in Illinois
A hero or role model: ‘Abdu’l-Baha
Favorite food: Pumpkin pie
( BeninT.
Age: 11
Ilive in: Australia
x
| want to be: Architect
This career interests
me because Since | was very young, I've enjoyed LEGO bricks, [and that] inspired me ....| figured [if] could build houses in LEGO bricks, | could use [those] skills to create houses in real life. | could be supporting. .. people without homes...
Virtue | admire most: Loyalty
Hobbies or sports: Basketball, [caring] for rescued horses
Favorite Baha’ activities:
Volunteering ‘
Place I'd love to visit: Monaco
| show my family love by: Helping around the house, spending time with them, playing games together
To work out conflicts: We usually consult and discuss problems...
Favorite family activity:
Ireally like Ayyam-i-Ha because itis filled with so much joy and fun...
From an elder relative.
I've learned:
My parents taught me to memorize the morning and nighttime prayers.
A favorite book: Books focusing on Black culture
Ahero or role model: Guccio Gucci, founder of [fashion company] Gucci. I share the same birthday.
| show my family love by: Feeling comfortable around them
From an elder relative,
I've learned:
To save [and] to treat everything as if it’s precious
radiant star
( Eleanor D. Age: 10 I live in: New Jersey, U.S. | want to be: A teacher
This career interests
me because:
| want to treat the children I'm teaching the same way | would want to be treated.
Favorite Baha’ activities: Celebrating holy days
> |
Favorite animal: Lions
Ahero or role model: My big sibling Ollie and my sister Elsie
| like to help people by: Being encouraging
Favorite family activity:
We take out a stuffed ferret, and she helps us prepare
for Ayyam-i-Ha. My mom makes the voice for her.
My dad does voices for other puppets and imaginary friends ... They make things fun.
To work out conflicts:
Most of the time, we just make funny faces at each other, and it’s solved. We like to laugh. I tell them how I'm feeling and then they say how they're feeling, and we make a compromise.
From an elder relative, I've learned:
How to take care of my guinea pigs. My mom taught me. That shows care and responsibility.
Whatllove about +x my community:
In the Baha’i community, we work together, like making projects for children’s classes...
as
1. If you're aged 7-14, scan the QR code with a smart phone's camera. Or go to brilliantstarmagazine.org id from the top menu, choose “Discover.” Click Become a Radiant Star or Trailblazer.” Or email us at brilliant@usbne.org. Include your name, age, birthdate, mailing address, and phone number.
2. When it’s your turn to shine, we'll ask for at least two good-quality, close-up photographs of your smiling face.
Pa
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).
3. We'll send you questions and a form for you and your parents to sign. Answer the questions and send them to us with the signed form, and you'll be in our next issue!
52 N4 we 17
[Page 18]x
(_ Tabor W.
Age: 10 ag Ilive in: Oregon, U.S. \/ This career interests
me because:
It seems like hard work and good pay. And | like going to. . . job sites.
| want to be: Construction worker, like my dad
Virtues | admire most: Trust (truthfulness and trustworthiness)
Hobbies or sports: Piano *
Favorite animal: Horses (I do horseback riding.)
Ahero or role model:
My brother, Roman... He’s good, and he’s very musical. | like feeling his love, and he’s funny.
( Nabil M. Age: 9 I live in: Illinois, U.S.
- «
| want to be: An animator
This career interests me because:
| want to make cool animations for people to watch.
Virtue | admire most: Humor
Hobbies or sports: Swimming, riding my bike, reading books, video games
| show my family love by: Snuggling them
To work out conflicts, |: Take abreak, hug, _ L and apologize D a Favorite family activity:
Ilove skiing, boating, and playing instruments.
From an elder relative,
I've learned:
Stories in the Baha’i Faith What | love about
my community: ™
Playing with my friends
A favorite book: Once Upon a Space-Time! [by Jeffrey Brown]
A favorite food: Mac & cheese
A hero or role model: Walt Disney
| show my family love by: Being cooperative and helpful, by smiling a lot, and by giving hugs
Favorite family activity:
In winter, we walk together through an amazing garden filled with lights (at the Botanic Garden).
From an elder relative, rs
I've learned:
To try new things, even when |’m not sure I'll like them
What | love about my community: Our annual block party!
I~] ve
18 Brilhant Star * v52 N4
( Amy 6G.
Age: 9 ;
I live in: New Jersey, U.S. me because:
Hove all animals, and!
want to work with them.
| want to be: Zoologist
This career interests
Favorite Baha’ activities: All Ayyam-i-Ha activities
A favorite food: Pandebono (Colombian
cheese bread) : | like to help people by: Making them happy [and]
cheering them up when they are sad.
Ahero or role model: Malala Yousafzai
| show my family love by: Drawing pictures and writing letters to them
(amis.
D Age: 8 Ilive in: Washington, U.S. | want to be:
An author & illustrator This career interests
me because:
Ican make books to
share with others.
Favorite Baha'i activity: 19-Day Feast* om
A hero or role model:
Hiccup Horrendous Haddock Ill [from the How to Train Your Dragon series]. He’s a hero that always chooses the thing that’s right, not what other people think he should do.
I like to help people by: Being their friend, helping them in math, making them laugh
I show my family love by: Hugging them, telling them | love them
To work out conflicts, |: Listen to the person and figure out whose [idea] makes the most sense
Favorite family activity: Going to the farm every spring to pick flowers, fruits, and vegetables...
From an elder relative, I've learned: Resilience gp What | love about aw my community:
Our community is safe, clean, and everybody is kind to each other.
Favorite family activity: Reading, because you
can learn new things and hear creative stories. [Also], Hove to travel with my family and explore new places and foods.
From an elder relative, I've learned: Watercolor painting with my grandma
What | love about » my community:
Riding bicycles ... We
can walk to playgrounds, parks, and restaurants. Ilove that my friends are in my community.
“Feastisa Baha'i community gathering with prayers, consultation, and fellowship.
[Page 19]NA IED or Photo Flop?
amily photo shoots can be fun—but also frustrating. Family time isn’t always picture-perfect. It can get
Everybody rushes to get ready. Then, when you hectic, but what counts is how you handle it. Do you reach a great location, you wait for everyone to get in complain or keep your cool? Try to zoom in on patience position. Maybe your sister starts whining or your brother and kindness. Tell jokes to make your sister smile, or gets his clothes dirty. It can begin to feel like aphoto flop —_—help your brother clean up. Embracing your family with love instead of a festive photo shoot. and a spirit of service can help create magical memories.
Find at least 9 differences between these scenes. Write the differences below.
Answers on page 28 v5s2 N4 w Brilliant Star 19
[Page 20]Fellowship Volleybatt
Set up two teams of four. Each person holds one corner of a blanket. One team puts volley- ball in center of blanket. They lower blanket, then raise it quickly, so the ball flies up. The other team catches the ball with their blanket and tosses it back. See how many exchanges you can make.
Create groups of two to four people. One player in each is storyteller. The others are word givers who name a topic, such as “a fun hike.” As storyteller tells a story on the topic, word givers call out random words that must be included, trying to make storyteller think creatively. Each person takes a turn as storyteller.
Batance the Stick Common Qualities Blindfotded Find
Form pairs or small groups. Player 1 names an object anda characteristic of it, like “The sky is blue.” Player 2 names new object with same quality, plus anew quality: “The ocean is blue, and it’s deep.” Next player continues: “Canyons are deep, and they're rocky.” How long can you play?
Divide into evenly numbered groups. Each group balances a long, thin stick on their forefingers. They cross the room without dropping it or speaking to each other. When they reach their destination, they lower stick to floor. If someone loses contact with stick, their group starts over.
Write names of objects in room on slips of paper and putin a bowl. Split into pairs. One person in each pair is blindfolded. Their partner selects a slip of paper, then gives blindfolded person verbal directions to move around room and find the object.
20 Brilliant Star * v5s2.N4
[Page 21]The Story of Us
hat are your family’s favorite stories to tell? Maybe you
have a great one about the day you got your family pet. You might have fun sharing the most awesome experience from your summer vacation. Or maybe there was a moment that seemed like a disaster at the time, but now you love to remember and laugh about it.
/ Family Members:
What's a favorite family memory?
What are some hopes for our family, now and in the future?
What are some of our family’s strengths?
=— A
How do we show love for each other and our community?
Images: Art Alex, GooseFrol, Alunat, all via Getty
ES Stories can have a powerful impact. They help shape how ~ <7 - we see ourselves, our families, and our communities. They can teach us what we value in ourselves and in each other, help us through hard times, or make us feel at home. So tell your family about your day, or ask them about something they learned. Every story, big or small, can help your family grow.
Attach a photo or drawing
What are some ways we like to help others?
What are some things that bring us joy and make us laugh?
Something fun we plan to do together:
Virtues and qualities we want to strengthen:
Service we can do together:
v5s2.N4 w Brilliant Star 21
[Page 22]iT
[a
fu
N
<
O
a
<=
7)
Dr. Mansur Nurdel
Q:What’s one of your favorite childhood memories?
A: Playing barefoot soccer in our village with the kids and my cousin, who used to come and visit us. That was my favorite thing to do. As the only Baha’ family [in the village], we were always persecuted and beaten, [but] during soccer... we were part of the group.
Q: What was the most challenging experience for you as a kid?
A: The persecution we faced... The hardest of all was that my younger brother was attacked. However, being bullied because of being a Baha’ has solidified my love for the Faith and... whol am today.
22 Brilliant Star * v5s2.N4
dark, with little food. That was part of Mansur Nurdel’s frightening 13-day trek to escape from Iran through Turkey. He describes the journey in his new book, One More Mountain.
Born in 1963 to the only Baha’ family in his Iranian village, Mansur had an extremely turbulent childhood. Due to religious prejudice, he and his four siblings were often harassed, and a brother was seriously injured. Mansur couldn't attend college. In 1979, the family’s home was destroyed by a mob, and they fled to the city of Tabriz. Mansur took pictures to record the brutal treatment of Bahd’is, putting his life in greater danger. At age 25, he was forced to leave his family and country behind.
After 18 months in Turkey, Mansur arrived in Wisconsin, U.S. He worked as a janitor to earn money for college. After graduating from the University of Wisconsin, he went to optometry school in Missouri. Today, Mansur owns a thriving optometry practice in Colorado, where he lives with his wife, Roza, and their adult sons, Ryan and Dustin.
[= running for your life over snow-covered mountains in the
Q: What prompted you to write a book about your experiences?
A: Writing this book has been the ultimate healing ...| wanted people to know what's happening to the Baha'is [in Iran] today... This is happening right now, right in
front of us ...| hope more people
will step forward to write about Infifth grade, Mansur loved
playing soccer with his cousin in his village of Harvan, Iran.
this and talk about it. Itis not easy to open up.
Q: You were 15 when Iran became an Islamic republic. How did life change for you and your family?
A: That changed my life totally. On January 1, 1979. .. our home was completely destroyed in front of our eyes. [A mob] looted everything we had, literally everything, [including] our livestock. My parents say it took one hour, but | thought it lasted a century ... We were guarded by some [Muslim] family members from being hurt... . They [told] us to either go to the mosque and recant our Faith or get out from the village. We chose the second one.
Portrait by Sandy Puc
[Page 23]Questions and
Above: Mansur and his family enjoy the sunset at a park near their home in Colorado (left to right: son Ryan, wife Roza, Mansur, son Dustin). Left: Mansur examines a patient's eyes at one of his offices. He says, “Llove really being able to make a difference in their vision.”
Q: How did you deal with the anxiety of living under government persecution?
A: My grandparents did not know how to read and write... My grandfather used to ask me to
read The Dawn-Breakers* for him ... Later, | learned that he knew
the stories. What he was doing was solidifying my faith ... The Q: Was it hard to leave Iran? What gave you the strength to keep going?
anxiety did not bother us because __ A‘! really didn’t have a choice. Some atrocities happened to our beloved
we looked at [it as] “We are the friends [and] | took some pictures .. . So | had to leave. It is absolutely not @ ¢ current Dawn-Breakers.” [That] easy to leave everything behind . .. There were two routes to escape...
doesn’t mean it wasn’t hard. It Pakistan [or] Turkey . . . But in 1988, they were not taking any refugees
gave us perspective [on] how in Pakistan. So my only option was Turkey, which is a much harder, harsher
to handle it. route, [with] mountains as high as 15,000 feet . . . The total journey was 13
days of walking [in] the dead of winter. [I drew] strength from the Faith . .. Q: How did the Baha’i Faith
influence your career choice? and of course, relying on [my two friends] ... We would walk at nighttime influ your career choice?
- and hide in the daytime. A: After high school, even today,
there is really no future for Baha'is ~~ Q: What can kids do to help those who are persecuted for their faith? ... My career choice [was] really A: Read the history of the Faith . .. plus take action ...| don’t think | could
defined by what Baha'is are able have been able to endure what | have without my reliance on the history of to doin Iran... [For example], you our beloved heroes. . . And call [your] congressmen and say, “I've learned cannot [do] anything with food, that the Baha'is [in Iran] are persecuted . . . | want you to sponsor this because Baha'is are [considered] resolution.” It will have much, much more impact than an adult calling. unclean. So | looked into the [Also], when you meet someone with a different language, different accent, eyecare business . .. That helped don’t make a judgment, don’t [believe] a stereotype. You might be losing me to [find] my current profession. a beautiful story... Family photo by Sandy Pu, work photo by John Leyba vs2N4 w Brilliant Star 23
- The Dawn-Breakers is a book about Babi and Bahai history.
[Page 24]FAMILY FEAST
my friend Pip invited me over to his nest for dinner, | was super stoked. Pip used to live in Japan, and his parents made a traditional dish called okonomiyaki. It’s like a savory pancake that can be made from all kinds of seafood and veggies. It was amazing! Being with Pip and his parents was really fun, too. They told awesome stories! Pip said his family always has dinner
| love trying new food. So when
together. Eating meals
Wh J ‘ as a family is a great way to
stay connected. It can help you eat healthier and feel happier, too. Pip said kids have more self-esteem and even get better grades if they have a lot of
CURIOSITY CANOPY
hs: .
FAMILY MEALS ARE A TASTY WAY TO SHOW YOUR LOVE!
family meals. | had no idea!
My family usually has dinner together too. But we've been busy lately, so we haven't perched at the table for long. | eat super fast because | want to go fly with my friends. It can
be hard for everyone to juggle schedules and make time to eat together. But now | want to do it more often.
When | asked my parents about it, they agreed. We're going to
have pepper pizza
night, and I'll stay until
everyone is done. We're also going to try these ideas
Pip and | came up with for fun family
mealtimes. | hope they help you dig in
to delicious moments with your fam!
at the table tomorrow
ood is a satisfying way to explore cultures! Trying recipes from around the world can give you a taste
| of another way of life. Make a dish from another country, or ask a friend from that culture to show you how. You'll add new flavor to your meal and your friendship!
24 Brilliant Star * vs2.N4
RAINFOREST
“Send down...from the clouds of Thy mercy the rains of Thy healing...” —Baha’u'llah
EXPLORE & SOAR: DISH UP FAMILY TIME
Check out these appetizing ideas for happy family meals.
¢ Create a new tradition at mealtime, like playing a guessing game or answering a silly question.
+ Find anew recipe that the whole family can help prepare.
+ Choose theme nights, like Japanese, Mexican, or build your own pizza.
+ Think of fun topics to talk about, like dream vacations or funniest moments of the day.
¢ Plan a meal around a favorite book, movie, or place you've visited.
+ Ask everyone to pick a person or fictional character they'd invite to dinner. What would you serve them? What would you talk about?
Photos: puhimec/Getty, Paperkites/Getty
[Page 25]@& How Do You Deal with Conflict?
“If any differences arise amongst you, behold Me standing before your face, and overlook the faults of one another for My name’s sake . ..” —Baha’u'llah
hen you watch rowers glide smoothly across
the water, their graceful movements make it easy
to forget how incredibly strong they are. Rowing not only builds up your lungs, it uses nearly every muscle
in your body!
That kind of power doesn’t just happen. Rowers work hard for it. When they do a challenging workout, it creates very small tears in their muscles called microtears. After
the microtears are repaired, the muscles become stronger.
Then rowers can pull their oars harder and faster than ever. Friendships can be a bit like rowing. We want them to
always glide along, but disagreements happen. They can
feel like microtears after a workout. But if we can come
back and solve the problem together, the relationship grows and develops. It can get stronger and more resilient until we're racing through obstacles together.
1. When | face a conflict that upsets me, | calm down and think about it before | make big decisions.
Often=3 + Sometimes=2 + Rarely=1
2.1 plan with the other person how conflicts can be repaired and avoided in the future.
Often=3 + Sometimes=2 Rarely=1
3.1 think about my whole relationship with the person over time, not only this one challenge.
Often=3 + Sometimes=2 + Rarely=1
My Score T
36-28 POINTS, You're developing strong relationship-repair muscles. Keep it up!
Images: PayPau/Getty
4. | try to be aware of messages | send with my tone of voice or facial expressions.
Often=3 + Sometimes=2 + Rarely=1
5. | use the elements of consultation, such as listening and speaking with love, sincerity, and kindness. Often=3 + Sometimes=2 « Rarely=1
6. | listen to others with respect, acknowledge their feelings, and try to see things from their point of view. Often=3 - Sometimes =2 « Rarely=1
27-20 POINTS | You're getting stronger! Choose an item from the quiz and keep practicing your problem-solving skills.
7. If bring up a problem, | also try to offer possible solutions to consider. Often=3 + Sometimes=2 + Rarely=1
8. take responsibility for my part in the conflict and apologize if | need to. Often=3 - Sometimes =2 « Rarely=1
9.1 look for the best in the other person and share what | appreciate about them. Often=3 + Sometimes=2 + Rarely=1
10. To organize my thoughts, | write down what | want to say and practice with others | trust.
Often=3 - Sometimes =2 « Rarely=1
1. lexplain the problem and share how | feel without blaming others. Often=3 + Sometimes=2 « Rarely=1
12. | discuss the problem in person if possible, since texts and e-mails can lead to confusion and make the situation worse.
Often=3 - Sometimes =2 « Rarely=1
SS >-
19-12 POINTS. You're learning the ropes! Try some tips from the quiz to help you glide along.
v5s2.N4 w Brilliant Star 25
[Page 26]N LIN
A Baha'i who serve
|
humanity with Yadiance
"$00" Fo
na Sunday morning in 1941, Japanese fighter planes attacked the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Over 2,400 lives were lost. It was the start of World War II for the US. It was also the end of formal schooling for Soo Fouts. High school seniors were asked to work at Pearl Harbor, and Soo took a job. Eleanor Moon Fouts, who was known as Soo, was born in Hawaii in 1923. Her parents came to the island of Maui from Korea to work ona plantation. They didn't earn much, but they tried to give Soo and her five siblings a bright future. When she was about six, Soo went to some of the first Baha'i children’s classes in Hawaii. At the start, she was most excited by the lemonade and cookies in class. But she grew fascinated by Baha'u'llah. She became a Bahai at age 17.
World Travels
While working at Pearl Harbor, Soo met a serviceman named Leroy Fouts. They married when she was 20 and had a son, Leroy Jr. They went to the mainland U.S. and moved from place to place. They chose cities with few Baha'is and helped to build communities. Over the years, their homes ranged from California to Florida. Soo said she felt empty if she let too much time pass without telling someone about the Faith.
Soo worked for 14 years at a media company in Washington, D.C. Her life changed in 1976, when she became the first Asian woman elected to the National Spiritual Assembly, the governing body for the Baha'is of the U.S. For a decade, she traveled
26 Brilliant Star * v5s2.N4
the world representing the Assembly. One highlight was meeting the only reigning Baha'i monarch, His Highness Malietoa Tanumafili II, at the dedication of the Baha'i House of Worship in Western Samoa. Soo also served as the U.S. representative to the United Nations Conference on ending racism and racial discrimination in 1979.
Soo and Leroy purchased a gift shop in Florida. With Soo's talent for business, they soon owned four shops. She visited 16 countries to purchase items to sell. At every stop, she loved to speak about the Faith, her “favorite subject.”
Back home, Soo traveled and shared the Faith, especially in the South. “Mankind’s remaining hope,” she said, is “a common Faith under one God which will address itself to all mankind... to help us live up to our fullest potential as spiritual beings encased in this physical vehicle.”
Return to Her Roots
After her husband's passing in 1992, Soo fulfilled her dream to live and teach the Faith in another country. She moved to China and then to Korea, her parents’ homeland. She was over 70 years old and had forgotten how to speak Korean, but she said, “I re-learned it and I was very happy.” In 2004, she returned to the U.S.
Allher life, Soo lovingly encouraged people
with her unshakeable faith. She passed away in
2016 in Illinois. The Universal House of Justice
praised her “passion for teaching the Faith and her
many years of selfless service” and offered prayers
“for the progress of her noble soul..."
[Page 27]SE \ |
VEGCORER A
feels great when the sun is shining andthe days — when family members stick together. are calm and carefree. But every family faces a Find ways to look out for each other and show you crisis once in a while. Someone might lose a job or get care. Help with the dishes, share a treat, or make your sick, or a natural disaster could threaten your home. sibling laugh. Even little things can bring a spark that lt can be scary when you don’t know what will brightens someone’s day. With unity, your family can happen next. Beastly fears or frustrations may fire up. shine a light in stormy skies.
Hi your family handle hard times? Life Instead of snapping and snarling at each other, it helps
Turn to friends and family for S_PPO_T and comfort.
e It’s okay to F_ _L upset or sad. Share your feelings.
Cf, (3) Be GE_T_E with yourself: get sleep, exercise, and healthy food.
4) _IST_N to music, do art, or write ina
journal to lower stress. ‘
(5) _RA_ and meditate to nurture your spirit. aM
(6) Talk as a family, and be H_NE_T about your thoughts.
| (7 } P_AIS_ the members of your family } to let them know you appreciate them. (8) RE_LE_T on how you've handled hard If times in the past; they don’t last forever. 5
Focus on what youcan _EAR_ orthe good that might come from the situation.
Answers on page 28 v5s2 N4 w Brilliant Star 27
[Page 28]Look for Cosmo the Chameleon’s clues throughout the magazine.
2. Your community might be your , friends,
neighbors, faith group, or team. (p. 10)
5. Everyone has uplifting qualities, from hilarious to fantastic friendliness. (p. 2)
6. Nur’s family appreciated. (p. 8)
about how to help everyone feel
9. Dolphins use a complex of whistles and clicks. (p. 6)
10. Eating as a family can help you eat healthier and feel happier. (p. 24)
12. Benin and Tabor both like these animals. (pp. 17-18)
13. When Dr. Mansur Nurdel was young, he read The -Breakers to his grandfather. (p. 23)
14. When we play cooperative , we work together to achieve goals and solve problems. (p. 20)
16. Nabil and Sami both enjoy this activity. (p. 18)
FROM OUR MAILBOX
There are lots of things that | love [about Brilliant Star], but if | HAVE to choose [a favorite], | say Radiant Stars. The magazine makes me feel like I’m not alone, and like there are other Baha’i
kids out there, learning the same stuff—we're all connected.
— Celeste C., age 13, North Carolina, U.S.
28 Brilliant Star * v5s2.N4
1. Being outside can soothe the
connect. (p. 29)
3. To make family time more fun, try to zoom in on . (p.19)
patience and
and help people
4. is a great way to discover what you truly
need. (p. 3)
6. Nature’s cool
7. Sea stars have an
8. Soo Fouts was the
and patterns inspire Maya with creative ideas. (p. 12)
on the end of each arm. (p. 11)
Asian woman elected to
the National Spiritual Assembly of the U.S. (p. 26)
11. Give your friends and family a boost by offering and support with no strings attached. (p. 2)
15. Dr. Sarah McAnulty drives a car covered in ]
drawings. (p. 11)
KEY: T=Top, C=Center, B=Bottom, L=Left, R=Right
Page 2: Creativity, encourage, enthusiasm, generous, gratitude, happiness, optimism, supportive, thoughtful
Page 3:1) CapTC 2) prayer bookTl, 3) sunsceen BL, 4) bottle TC, 5) gloveBC 6) headphonesTl, 7) shit TC, 8) camera BR, 9) toothbrush BL,
10) cube R, 11) umbrella BR, 12) glasses BR Page 6: 1) deeper, 2) Talk, 3) fact, 4 respect, 5) silence, 6 screens, 7) patience 8) Plan,
9) agree
Page 10: A) 5,B) 6,)3,D) 4, ) 2, F)1
Page 11: Shanghai, China; Orcas
Page 13: Coco at TC, Fuzzy at BC, Hopo at CR, Jumpi at BC, Luva at BL, Orbi at TL, Piva at BC, Taran at C, Wogo at CR
Page 19: Positive (left to right): Sand sculpture intact, mom smiling, smiling kid with happy drawing, gil caring for dog, kid has comb
and tidy hai, crab not stealing comb, cooler Upright, chairintact, men at gil are happy and food is on plate, photographer calm
Page 27: 1) support, 2) fel, 3) gentle,
4) Listen, 5) Pray, 6) honest, 7) Praise,
8) Reflect, 9) eam
[Page 29]A-MAZE-ING
ADVENTURE i, ! ws ih) S CONNEC TWA Te CAM Preres sa Fa. Se ack your bags and get ready for adventure—it’s time for to help with chores and be considerate of fellow campers. If your P sine camp! Going to a family camp is an awesome siblings are driving you wild, take a hike or explore nature together. [ie way to have fun with your fam in the great outdoors. It’s also Being outside can soothe the spirit and help people connect. Put 3
a perfect place to meet new friends, explore the arts, and
away electronics to absorb the beauty around you. Saying or aN play together. And roast marshmallows for s’mores!
singing prayers can build family bonds, too. When you treat each Rain or shine, it's important to pitch the tent of teamwork. Offer _ other with love and respect, you can all be happier campers!
T
v5s2.N4 w Brilliant Star 29
[Page 30]“Compare the nations of the world to the members of a family. A family is a nation
in miniature. Simply enlarge the circle of the household, and you have the nation.
Enlarge the circle of nations, and you have all humanity.” —Abdu'l-Baha
Brilliant Star soaring with Unity « Vol. 52.No. 4 es AWARD-WINNING PUBLICATION OF THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHA'IS OF THE UNITED STATES BRILLIANTSTARMAGAZINE.ORG Sah