What a Year of Service to Humanity Can Do

Postponing my education wasn’t an easy decision, but the friendships I formed during my year of service at the Baha’i World Centre in Haifa, Israel became some of the most meaningful relationships of my life. 

We weren’t just a group of people brought together by chance; our shared commitment to serving a higher purpose created an unbreakable bond. 

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Together, we experienced both the joys and challenges of our responsibilities, supporting each other every step of the way. Our close connections, built on mutual respect and trust, grew out of the belief that we were working toward something greater than ourselves — toward the primary Baha’i goal of world unity:

The purpose of that which hath been sent down from the heaven of the Will of God in this most exalted, this most holy Revelation, is the unity of the world and love and fellowship among its peoples. 

Through my new friendships, I came to truly understand the strength and beauty of community — how much more we can achieve when we’re united by a common goal. 

Every morning, I woke up to the breathtaking view of the Shrine of the Bab, often referred to as the “Queen of Carmel.” The magnificence of its golden dome, set against the backdrop of the serene Mediterranean, was truly awe-inspiring. Surrounding the Shrine were the meticulously maintained Baha’i gardens, which provided a peaceful refuge for both work and reflection. These gardens, with their perfect symmetry and vibrant blooms, not only attracted visitors from around the world, but offered a sense of tranquility that helped me center myself amid my responsibilities.

On weekends, we would often make our way to the Shrine of Baha’u’llah in Bahji. I found the spiritual atmosphere of that sacred place indescribable — an experience that transcends the limits of words. At the Shrine of Baha’u’llah, history, devotion, and spirituality intertwine, leaving a profound impact on everyone who visits. The silence there felt holy, as if the very air resonated with reverence for the legacy and deep spiritual teachings Baha’u’llah brought to humankind.

On a few occasions, I had the privilege of visiting the Shrine of Baha’u’llah at night. The experience was nothing short of mesmerizing. The stillness of the night combined with the glory of that sacred space heightened my sense of awe. Standing there, in the presence of Baha’u’llah’s resting place, I would often reflect on the immense historical significance of that spot. I thought about Baha’u’llah’s journey — from his imprisonment in the Black Pit of Tehran to his exile and eventual imprisonment in the fortress city of Acre, all endured so his message of love and unity could spread. His sufferings, his teachings of peace, and his vision for the unity of humankind would flood my mind and my soul.

In those quiet, reflective nighttime moments, the weight of Baha’u’llah’s sacrifice became almost tangible. I felt a deep connection to his teachings, marveling at how they continue to resonate across the world, bringing together a growing global community of people from all walks of life in a spirit of unity and service. The silence around me seemed to echo the depth of his message: a call for humanity to rise above division and strive for peace and oneness. These moments were transformative, leaving an indelible imprint on my soul. 

That year of service deepened my faith in ways I could never have imagined. 

Yes, I completed tasks and had profound moments of quiet reflection; but more importantly, I witnessed how service became action, transforming into a living expression of my beliefs. Being part of something larger than myself, contributing to the well-being of others, brought my Faith to life and made it even more real and tangible. The spiritual growth I experienced continues to guide me today, reinforcing my belief that even the smallest acts of service to others can create lasting change.

Reflecting on that pivotal year, I now realize how profoundly it shaped my outlook on life. In a world where many search for happiness and fulfillment, this experience solidified my understanding that true happiness comes from making a positive difference. This conviction has since influenced both my personal and professional decisions.

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That year was not just a chapter in my life but a transformative experience that continues to shape who I am and what I aspire to be. It taught me that facing challenges in unfamiliar situations leads to profound personal growth, and that faith, when put into practice, strengthens both the individual and the community. Challenges, whether personal or professional, may seem overwhelming, but when faced directly they can lead to growth and resilience. As Baha’u’llah eloquently expressed: “Wert thou to consider this world and realize how fleeting are the things that pertain unto it, thou wouldst choose to tread no path except the path of service to the cause of thy Lord.”

In choosing service, I realized that education and service are not in opposition, but complement one another in profound ways. The lessons I gained from that experience have been invaluable, significantly shaping my academic and professional journey. While dedicating a year to service might seem like a delay in progress, it ultimately enriched both my education and career in ways that offer long-term benefits.

The time I spent in my year of service taught me that contributing to a greater purpose can impact one’s deepest beliefs and values. As I continue through life, I carry forward the friendships, insights, and strengthened faith cultivated during that year. My commitment to serving humanity, reinforced by this experience, remains central to my endeavors, and has grown even stronger. I know now that the impact of service extends far beyond immediate results, creating a legacy of compassion and support that endures over time.