Its been a journey. If i was to relate all the stories and situations i've faced over the past 4 days it would be a very, very long blog post! Its been a historic Jalsa for so many reasos, full of significance and meaning, and for the 6 hours or so when i was actually at the site and released from duty to attend the event it was a moving and emotional experience - there's nothing like Jalsa.
The highlight of the day i went - Sunday - was the International Bait. I cannot desribe the feelings and emotions of being part of 10's of thousands of people speaking in unison pledging to serve the faith and live by the ten conditions of bait - which include pledges of obedience, high moral standards, being regular in prayer - each linked through a human chain formed simply by placing one hand on the person in front's shoulder. It was around 30 degrees that day - this took place at 1pm - we were in direct sunlight - yet i had shivers through my whole body during those moments.
People describe the Bait ceremony and re-affirmation of the pledges at Jalsa as a type of re-birth. For me as well it felt like a landmark day and event - Jalsa Salana is always a highlight of the year for an Ahmadi Muslim and it feels for me that coming out of the Jalsa experience is a fresh start. The past year's trials started around Jalsa 2007 - this year at the end of Jalsa 2008 things are very different.
Those who know me may be wondering why there's a big bit of news that i've not talked about at all on this blog - all i'll say is that im waiting for the right moment - "all in good time" - is one of my favourite phrases.
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