Since early 2012 I had been hearing that Hazur‐Aqdas would Insha’Allah grace the 2012 USA and Canada Jalsa Salanas with his presence. I was in regular contact with members of the Jamaat from both countries about the media plans for Hazur’s visit. With each day that passed I could tell that their anticipation and eagerness to host the Khalifa was increasing. Furthermore, many of my family members in the United States also spoke about their happiness that Hazur‐Aqdas would Insha’Allah soon be with them. In my heart I kept thinking how this tour promised to be a very historic.
Just a few days before the tour, Hazur‐Aqdas asked me if I would be sad whilst he was away. I responded by saying that Hazur had not even yet departed and I was already sad and was already missing him. It was then that Hazur‐Aqdas, with a radiant smile on his face, said I should get ready to travel with him on the tour.
I will never forget the feeling in my heart for those few seconds; it was beating faster and louder than perhaps was healthy and I strained to control my tears. Hearing these words from anyone would have given me great joy, but to hear them directly from our beloved Khalifa filled my heart with unparalleled joy.
No matter how much I thanked Allah for this opportunity it would never be enough.