For me, Hoda…
Hodita has always meant thinking of a ray of light. She lit up any space we were in —with her smile, her joy, her sweetness, or the maturity and wisdom she brought to meetings. Always so positive, she would find a way or an alternative for everything and could bring together opposing perspectives. She always shed light with the Writings in hand, and if not at that very moment, she would consult and then share the relevant guidance.
I met Hoda in casual settings, but I got to know her much better through service: organizing a spring school together, when she began serving on the National Board of the Institute in Spain, and later on the Regional Board of the Institute of Eastern Spain. Each of those services helped me know her more and more —though from the beginning, I loved serving alongside her. Her creativity, her flexibility, her warmth, sincerity, attention to detail, her care for every member of the group, her dedication and commitment, her selflessness in pursuit of the common good… There are so many qualities I witnessed in her. What I never saw —not even the slightest trace— was anything negative, and that is rare. Without a doubt, her soul was pure and radiant. It was a gift to have her near, to serve with her, consult with her, and share time as friends outside of the meetings.
I cherished her —and still do— so much that, even knowing her soul was ready to move on, it still hurts every time I think of it. She was ready —but I don’t know if we were.
I will always remember her passion for the visual arts. When I visited her home and she showed me her artworks, I was amazed. That same dedication and sensitivity she carried within was applied to her paintings and engravings —it was a true revelation.
Thank you, Hodita, for being a little ray of light who illuminated us during the time you were here. And I’m absolutely sure that, wherever you are now, you continue to shine your light upon us whenever we remember you and offer prayers for you.