Dear Bahá'í Friends:
Your loving letter of June 9th has come to hand, telling of the activities of the friends in connection with the development of the teaching work in Germany and Austria, as well as in the pioneering fields.
So far as the questions you ask are concerned, the following will answer question Number 1, as this is a matter which the Guardian has elucidated.
The direction of the pioneers is entirely in the hands of the National Assemblies under whom they are serving. The Guardian simply enunciates the principle, and then it is up to the National Assemblies to apply that principle. The principle is that pioneers entering the pioneer field should realize that they are going there to represent the Cause, in fact, to be the Cause.
Their minds and their hearts should be centered in their new tasks and in their new environment. They should not be thinking of when they can return home, or when they can go somewhere else. Only when the Faith is firmly established should they give any thought to moving, and then, only in consultation with the National Assembly.
So far as pioneers taking a holiday is concerned, that is entirely in the hands of the National Assembly. You can appreciate that all of this depends upon location, and to a certain extent, funds. If a person feels they need a little change for a week or two, that of course is something which should be handled in each case.
The Guardian does not wish to make any hard and fast rules on any of these matters.
I will write you again in response to the other questions when the Guardian has given his advice....