May Bolles (Maxwell) was one of fifteen fortunate pilgrims welcomed

May Bolles (Maxwell) was one of fifteen fortunate pilgrims welcomed in the prison-city from December 1898 to early 1899. She recorded her experiences in An Early Pilgrimage -- a divine love story! In the Holy Land, whose very air was 'laden with the perfume of roses and orange blossoms', she found ‘Abdu’l-Bahá whose love, wisdom and gentleness penetrated her very soul. In 'Akká the Holy Family had vacated their own rooms that the pilgrims might be comfortable.

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Early each morning the Master would inquire about their happiness and health, and at night He would wish them 'beautiful dreams' and a good rest. There, for three precious days and nights, they heard nothing 'but the mention of God'. Never, elsewhere, had she seen such happiness, or heard so much laughter. The Master wanted no tears. At one time He asked some pilgrims who were moved to tears to weep no more for His sake.

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Only when all were fully composed would He teach the friends. She wrote, 'We had learned that to be with ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was all life, joy and blessedness.

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