Tracie of Sicamous

On April 15, 2016, Frank and I boarded Big White, our motorhome, on Vancouver Island, and travelled directly to Hope, British Columbia. At that location, we visited with a dear relative, Deanna. Her hospitality was open-hearted and she filled our stomachs with wholesome food.

“Where will you be going next?” she said.

“We’re heading to Kamloops, first, to visit with my daughter and her son,” Frank said. “From there we saunter from one town to another visiting our Baha’i friends. Our ultimate destination on this leg of our journey is a house sit in Okotoks, Alberta.”

Our primary purpose for trekking across British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan is to look up isolated Baha’i believers and to learn what faith means to them. We will listen to their stories about growing up, living in this age, becoming a Baha’i and being a Baha’i. As well, it will be our privilege to share with them our beliefs. We look forward to collecting the many aspects of being an isolated Baha’i; what is most important to some and what motivates others to remain with the faith even though they are isolated in a geographical sense from the friends. We strongly believe how people think and feel are important insights.

On Thursday, April 28, we celebrated the 9th day of Ridvan and the Feast of Jamal at Gail and Stewart’s home in Salmon Arm. The energy among the friends was electric. We were embraced with love and enthusiasm. We were encouraged by the friends to meet with Ms. Tracie in Sicamous and a few others further east on the TransCanada Highway in Golden. Our interest was piqued, and our determination made clear by the enthusiasm thrust upon us by the folks at that gathering.

Tracie of Sicamous treated Frank and me to a coffee and a baked good at a popular coffee house. Her passion for the Baha’i faith sang in her voice and danced in body language. She told us about her having recently attended the Baha’i National Convention in Calgary, Alberta, and how it boosted her dedication to Baha’u’llah. She admits that she is the only Baha’i in her family but that doesn’t impact her dedication to the cause.

A dimension of our conversation focuses on the translation of the writings, for example, the newest version of Some Answered Questions. We share our privilege of having in-depth conversations with friends on the many topics in Abdul’-Baha’s book and ask how it is that she finds within herself to digest the many ideas held within it.

“It seems that every new translation of the writings brings me more understanding of the topics. On every occasion I can, I get together with the friends in Salmon Arm, just south down the highway,” she said.

Clearly, Tracie’s open heart and mind is propelling her beyond blind pride and guides her through the obstacles that may prevent her from seeking the truth for the love of God. It is our belief that she stands steadfast in the present; introspectively, pleasingly satisfied in her belief and practice of the Baha’i Faith.

The Universal House of Justice said, “the periodic reevaluation of the effectiveness of the teaching work is an essential factor in promoting the growth of every community.” (Lample p. 132)