Lyda of Ponoka
We were greeted at the back door by Lyda and her two cats. Her bright blue eyes and a welcoming smile drew us into her home. She provided us with freshly brewed coffee and an open heart. She shared that she’d become a Baha’i in 1981 by signing a registration card and that the Faith had saved her life.
In her past, she had been encouraged by her doctor to investigate the Baha’i Faith and soon began attending New Believers classes. At the time, she was living in Victoria, British Columbia.
Her dedication to the Faith allowed her to become a travel teacher in some of Canada’s northern locations like Yellowknife, Hay River and Whitehorse.
In 1984, she went on a pilgrimage to Haifa, Israel.
Now, in Ponoka, Lyda is a group member. There are six Baha’is in that town and they gather to say prayers. Our new friend’s teaching habits include being involved in children’s classes and leading her work colleagues in prayer at the beginning of staff meetings. Also, on special Baha’i celebratory days, she brings flowers or cake to her workplace and explains to her fellows the meaning of the occasion.
We left her in good spirits – our hearts, like hers as she admitted to us, filled with love and the glow that comes with having had an elevated conversation with a friend.