TOUCHED BY YOUR LOVE

 
This was the first visit to America for the Eastern women, and Mani in a letter to those still in India described her impressions and those of Mehera.

Dear Everybody,

Today is the second day of our arrival in Myrtle Beach. We have put our sweaters on for it is quite coldish but in a very pleasant way. Mehera is sitting beside me dictating this letter. From our window in front of me we can see the lake which is our own private, freshwater lake in spite of it being so close to the blue sea, which we can also see from the horizon.

We had a very comfortable journey (except for cramped nights) with excellent service on board. . . . Meheru and Goher and Kitty were "seasickish" on the last day (if you mention airplane to Goher just now she looks ready to scream). . . . Of course Baba could not sleep at nights in the plane though He had a very comfortable seat with the seat in front facing towards Him so He could stretch His legs. . . . The funniest part on the plane was that they kept putting the clock back every now and then, so that the nights and days seemed doubly long and we were tired, longing for N.Y. to come.

When our plane landed, the first person we saw was dear Elizabeth waving frantically to us. We got through customs very easily and the officials were very friendly and kept smiling at Baba.

Now about Baba's health — He was looking very tired and weak on the plane up till N.Y. but the minute we got down we noticed a marked change in Baba's appearance and He looked wonderfully better. The aerodrome was actually at Long Island from where we drove over to a hotel in N.Y. . . . The taxi driver was a friendly soul and wished us welcome to America.

New York at night was a most beautiful sight with its towering skyscrapers and the gay lights of Broadway and its lovely shop windows. We went to the Radio City building and looked down on a very gorgeous sight of the lighted city.

That night we also saw the ice-skating rink where couples were dancing to the music — it was a lovely sight. . . . After seeing the sights we went to the station and on the train we slept most comfortably in Pullman compartments.

We crossed beautiful scenery, trees in springtime bloom amidst fine forests and adorable houses. We will tell you details when we meet. I forgot to mention that the American people are the most friendly and warm-hearted people anywhere and the service is efficient and willing; it is a perpetual pleasure. . . .

On the Myrtle Beach property we first went to see the house that is especially built for Baba with its soundproof bedroom, and it was not only beautiful in structure and surroundings but also most conveniently furnished in minute details with every modern fixture and convenience, including a "Hollywood" kitchen. Norina was at the door to embrace Baba.

We next went to see our little house (which is also newly built) and it is a most dear little cottage made of pinewood and also with modern conveniences. The situation is most inexpressively beautiful.

Mehera's little bedroom with pink furniture is facing the lake and there are acres and acres of grounds for beautiful walks in the woods. There are also many other cottages all over the place. This morning Elizabeth drove us round the whole property and Baba told Elinora at the end of it, "I am not only extremely happy with all this but also touched by your love which has made you do all this for Me." Really they are a wonderful pair. . . .

Baba has been very busy looking to details and so far has not had any rest He needs so badly. He hasn't slept well as yet and today is developing a cold. So from tomorrow He wants to take a complete rest for ten days so as to be refreshed for His work which is fast approaching.

[p.s.] Elinora had kept Baba's date of arrival a very well-guarded secret as Baba told them to and therefore we met no one at the Aerodrome, or else there might have been crowds and reporters, etc. . . . An agent of the International Airways [was] a great help to us. But the funny thing was he didn't know who Baba was, but He kept looking for a Mr. Irani and came over and shook hands with Baba and offered his card. Isn't it strange how the unexpected have a chance of meeting Baba. This was meant to be mailed yesterday, but I am just adding a line today before Elizabeth goes to town with it. Today is cloudy and drizzly, we all have colds.