Daily Lessons Received at ‘Akká, January 1908/Arrival at ‘Akká

Daily Lessons Received at ‘Akká, January 1908 Arrival at ‘Akká

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[Page 6]

ARRIVAL AT ‘AKKÁ

Having first called to see Rúḥá Khánum and Madam Asadulláh in Haifa, we arrived at ‘Akká at noon January 4th.

As we drove through the streets of the prison city, Mírzá Munír-i Zayn and another believer joined us and walked by the side of the carriage, but without speaking.

We were met at the gate by Mírzá Asadulláh and other men believers who conducted us through the inner court to the long flight of stone steps leading to the third story. At the top we were met by Madame Yazdí (Riḍváníyyih, a niece of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá who was then visiting there), who showed us to our room. Then dear Munavvar Khánum came with her cordial greeting and announced that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá would be with us in a few moments.

He came at once, the joyous ring of His voice reaching us even before we saw Him, calling, “Welcome! Welcome! I am glad you are here!” and adding to His warm, strong handclasp the greater welcome of His wonderful eyes and heavenly smile. He made us sit down with Him and immediately asked about the American believers, of those in London and Paris, and also about our California believers. When we mentioned those who had sent Him special greeting, His beautiful face beamed with happiness.

He asked about our long journey and said, “Those who go in search of the North Pole count as nothing [Page 7]the hardships endured, and although you have come here in the winter when it is cold and the way a little difficult, yet you count the journey as nothing. Those having this Visit as their goal will bear any hardship for the sake of attaining.”