Amal and I were on a three-day pilgrimage in September 2003. On the advice of Kiyan, we left Heathrow on the 10:30 flight arriving in Tel Aviv at 5:15 a.m. As three day visitors are only allowed to be in the Haifa / Akaka area for three nights, arriving early on the first day meant that we would have almost four full days there. The excitement of arriving in Haifa helped us overcome the exhaustion from the overnight trip. The pilgrimage season had not started when we were there so we had the place to our selves. When I climbed the terraces there was nobody other than the gardeners and security staff there.
On our second day we had a message from Kiyan, “If you want to see Mr. Furután be at the old pilgrim house at 6:00 p.m. as he often visits the Shrine of the Báb around then.” We waited expectantly for his arrival by the door, hopping that he would pass by today. At about five past six, Amal jumped to his feet as he saw Mr. Furután outside the window. We were introduced to him by his aid, previously we had been advised not to embrace him as he was so frail. When he heard that we were from Ireland his thoughts turned to Hand of the cause George Townshend. As his eyes welled up with tears he spoke about him with great admiration and love. Mr. Furután concluded our conversation by asking us to carry his love back to the Bahá’í community in Ireland. As I let go of his hand I couldn’t help wandering if I would ever see him again or if my family would get to see him in July when our nine day pilgrimage is to take place.. I have to admit then and today the thought still brings a tear to my eye. We stood and watched him make his way slowly up the white pebbled path past the orange trees towards the Shrine of the Báb. Such was his frailty and devotion that it took him about 10-15 minutes to make it along that path. He had to stop regularly for a few minutes to rest and talk to the pilgrims. We were filled with awe to see one of the only two remaining Hands of the Cause make that journey at the age of 98 under such obvious difficulty - but then its that kind of dedication and love that epitomises their lives.
Next day we went to Bahji to visit the Shrine of Baha'u'llah. The blessings of our trip just kept coming, Jamshid invited us to stay with him and his wife Suki in the Master’s tea house. My bed that night was the divan that Abdul-Bahá sat on while entertaining the pilgrims. What a place to say your prayers and to dream!
On our final day we returned to Haifa and made our way back to the Shrine of the Báb. Amal and I said our last prayers and were ready in our hearts to leave. As we rounded the shrine to head back towards the old pilgrim house, at about half past four in the afternoon, we came upon Mr. Furután one final time. We were very fortunate to have met him on those two occasions and are privileged to be able to share it with you all.
Darrin Lynn
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