THE HOME THAT I LOVE THE BEST

 
On April 20th [1952], from the railroad station at Florence we drove by car to Myrtle Beach. Arriving in the afternoon at the Center on a bright, sunny day, Baba and party went first to His own house at the far end of Long Lake.

Norina was awaiting Baba in the living room and it was a wonderful reunion after three long years of waiting for His visit. The room was bright with flowers and sunshine and aglow with Baba's loving presence.

We stood whilst Baba sat on the sofa with Norina beside Him and remained a few minutes in silence. Thus Baba bridged, as it were, the span of years of separation. Then, led by Norina and Elizabeth, we went with Baba through the different rooms.

In His own bedroom, Baba saw a big surprise — a large bed not with box springs but strung in the Indian fashion with strips of wide, strong interlaced tape which could be tightened when necessary (if you knew how!).

When we were again assembled in the living room, Baba spelled out on His board, with Mani interpreting, how happy He was to be at the Center, and most of all how deeply touched He was with the love, devotion and work shown by both Elizabeth and Norina throughout the past years in preparing such a unique spot for His work and comfort.

No detail, no expense had been spared to carry out His wishes, and all had been the labor of love — love direct from the heart, and as such He accepted the gift.

After embracing Elizabeth and Norina He said, "I have had many homes this time. I have laid My head on the ground [bowed down] in palaces and on concrete floors of humble homes."

Then Baba gestured over all the Center and continued, "Of all the homes I have visited, this is the home that I love the best, because it was given to Me and built for Me with such love."

After a bit He added, "I never leave. Remember, I do not leave because this is My home."

Baba then proceeded to walk around the grounds surrounding the house, having us all stand at different spots to appreciate the magnificent view of the freshwater lake with the vista of ocean beyond. I recall that Baba, in commenting on the unusualness of this aspect of the Center, later told a visitor, "Ages ago this was a place where I moved about and stayed, and the combination of the lake, the ocean and the woods gives it a unique atmosphere."

Following Baba out the large gate in front of His house, we then walked south to the other cabins situated about a half-mile away. We stopped first at the Guest House where the Eastern women mandali were to stay.

In India during our many tours with Baba He always allotted rooms and houses. This He did at the Center. Sarosh and Meherjee were in the Cabin on the Hill, Dr. Donkin was in the Caretaker's Cabin, Gustadji in the Far Cabin, Adi Sr. with Dr. Nilu in the Near Cabin — all south of the bridge spanning the lagoon.

Cabins for the women staying at the Center were situated north of the bridge. Elizabeth and Norina were in the Log Cabin; Delia, Margaret, Ruano, Rano and I (along with others from time to time during Baba's visit) were accommodated in the Lantern and Twin Cabins.

This personal touch of Baba's meant so much.

Francis Brabazon came over from Australia, expecting to continue on to California with the party, but after a few days Baba sent him back to Australia for His work. Malcolm Schloss stayed at the Center and, I believe, made two journeys back and forth to Los Angeles whilst Baba was at the Center.

Malcolm was working on material Baba had given him which he was to put into verse and which was later published and entitled, Ways to Attain the Supreme Reality.

Whilst Baba was at the Center, many stayed in Myrtle Beach including Ivy Duce and her daughter Charmian, Fred and Ella Winterfeldt, Darwin Shaw and family, Beryl Williams, and Barbara Mahon.