I don’t remember exactly when or how I met Hoda… I think it was over the phone or via email, when she was a member of the Board and would occasionally contact me through those means, asking for statistical data and little things like that. I remember having the feeling that she felt a bit uneasy about asking me for that information without really knowing me, because you could tell she showed a genuine interest in me during those conversations. She carried out those duties in a very humane way, and I truly appreciated that. In fact, I realize now that she was the one who inspired me to do the same years later, when it was my turn to take charge of the Region’s statistics in the Council. By the time I finally met her in person, I already loved her as a friend.
I grew up in a community where, for most of my life, I was the only young Bahá’í. So I felt deeply alone, except when I traveled to national gatherings or visited communities with Bahá’í friends my age. And yet, when I think of Hoda, I remember how she made me feel that I wasn’t alone — even from afar.
We didn’t have many opportunities to see each other in person or to get to know each other very deeply. But I believe souls speak a different language and connect on other levels. I admired her — for the way she was, her radiant smile, the light she emanated, and the sincere warmth that touched your heart. 🌹