And the Trees Clapped Their Hands

Stories compiled by Claire Vreeland

A new language, a new culture, a new job, a new school, a new home, a new way of life, new friends - we're new pioneers!

'Abdu'l-Bahá in the Tablets of the Divine Plan directed Bahá'ís to take the message of Bahá'u'lláh around the world. Here are 38 stories of some of the Bahá'í pioneers who did just that.

They all had difficulties - many of them the same problems, no matter in what part of the world they found themselves - language, accommodation, money, schools, jobs, BUGS, water supply but the stories depict 'valiant, inspired and determined Bahá'ís rendering sterling service to the Cause'.

They came from Africa, the Americas, Europe, Australia, Iran and Asia; they went to Africa, the Arctic, the Americas, the islands of the Pacific and the Caribbean. Their adventures in a new land, sometimes as the first Bahá'í, are told with wit and poignancy, warmth and insight, with pride for their chosen posts and the love of God in their hearts.