Of the first personal letter she received from the Guardian (December 2, 1923) she wrote, “The words penned by his hand at the end of the letter so affected me that for several days my heart was filled with joy and inspiration, and a realization came to me of the power with which God had endowed him.”
Following are excerpts from some of the many letters written to Miss Alexander by the Guardian, or on his behalf, which give insights, not only into her role as a “distinguished pioneer”, but also into her relationship with the Japanese, among whom she lived for so many years and whom she loved so dearly.
My dear sister in God,
Your letter to our very dear Shoghi Effendi was most encouraging and created in him new hopes for the spread of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s great and noble Message after the painful calamity in Japan[23]. It was indeed a miracle that amid a city all shaken to pieces and burned to ashes by the wild flames, the Lord should have kept you so safe and unscathed. We can never doubt that this is a direct proof of the mighty task which the Lord has wanted you to take up and fulfill in that far away East. Shoghi Effendi has always looked forward with great expectations at the progress of the Cause in Japan to which he attaches very great importance.
The Japanese are really progressive people and such vital teachings which comprise the principles of the Bahá’í religion are sure to seize their attention and arouse a deep interest in them. Your presence in Japan was always a means of comfort to Shoghi Effendi’s heart because he fully realized the zeal and ardour with which you had taken up your work there and although Japan might now miss you, he is sure that wherever you are you will strive to your utmost in spreading far and near this Message of Peace to humanity. Furthermore he hopes that you will not give up altogether your interest in that promising country, but as long as you are away you will keep your tender plants all fresh and green with stimulating messages to them. These are Shoghi Effendi’s earnest hopes...
(signed by Soheil Afnan)
(in the Guardian’s handwriting)
With loving greetings and prayers for the success of my dearly-loved sister, Miss A. Alexander.
Shoghi
(December 2, 1923)