unravel the mysteries (part 3)

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We woke up bright and early (I think) and got ready for the morning sessions.

Vafa, representin’.

Mees, representin’.

Yours truly, representin’.
(With a certain someone in the background,
representin’ his pillow)

To our delight, a continental breakfast was waiting for us downstairs!

Danishes! :9

Mmm… coffee, and the International
Service Bulletin… start your day
the pioneer way.

Slowly, more and more people woke up and joined us downstairs to socialize and partake of danishes, muffins, and various other pastries. The gracious hotel crew also provided coffee, tea and O.J. for the brave souls greeting the sun’s gentle morning rays after last night’s moving and serene commemoration.

Books, care of Unity Arts.

Not sure that new look suits you, Mees.

Sunday mornings at youth conferences are generally reserved for wrap-ups and addresses from members of Bahá’í institutions. Gordon Naylor took to the stage first, representing the National Spiritual Assembly. He spoke to us about intensifying collaboration with our communities, and cited the need for individuals to surrender themselves to the Will of God if the earth is to function as a unified, coherent, and healthy whole.

The inimitable Mr. Naylor.

Counsellor Rebequa Murphy addressed us afterwards on the issue of modernity, and the challenges and opportunities it creates for us. How do we live a sane, spiritual life in this world of decay, materialism and confusion? By living responsible lives – remembering at all times why we were created, dedicating ourselves to manifest spiritual principles in all our affairs, and serving others. (that’s a very, very condensed version of an inspiring talk… sorry if it loses something in the HTML version.)

A rapt audience is challenged and enchanted.

And of course – no Ontario youth conference would be the same without the Baha’i power pair themselves, Arman & Aryan. I hadn’t seen them in so long so it was a real treat.

By the time it was all over we were so pumped and just wanted to hang around with each other forever. Of course we had to return to our respective homes and keep on living our respective lives so it was a long goodbye for everyone. We just love each other’s company so much.

Especially this guy’s.

Since the conference finished around lunch time, we felt it was appropriate for a big, multi-city group of us to share one final meal together as a send-off. After a few false starts (and more long goodbyes) we ended up in Montana at Montana’s Steakhouse & Grill. We would have gone to this huge Chinese buffet (name withheld to protect the innocent), but they closed the restaurant right as we walked through the door. Oh well. At least at Montana’s, we got crayons!