Last night after midnight I sent birthday greetings to my dear friend, Alan Chazen in South Africa. Thirty-one years ago my missionary companion and I knocked on his door at the end of a day, at the end of a street. He invited us in and introduced us to Leigh, his new bride. We immediately became friends. I’ve been thinking about them all day today, thinking about all joy we’ve shared as we’ve kept in touch with each other these thirty plus years.

I love Alan and Leigh and their children and now their first grandchild. I have always felt like a part of my heart is still in South Africa with them. They are so dear to me.
Last night Alan sent this response:
“Thanks Ann. I love you too. How our lives might have turned out if Leigh and I hadn’t met you. We both love you dearly and will be eternally grateful that you knocked on our door.”

Every now and again, as I make my paths across this planet, I meet someone who stops me in my tracks with a familiarity that almost takes my breath away. Alan and Leigh did that to me. We have always been friends, and we will always be the best of friends, in spite of the continents that lie between us.

God’s Plan
What made us friends in the long ago
When we first met?
Well, I think I know.
The best in you and the best in me
Hailed each other because we could see
That always and ever
Since time began,
Our being friends was part of God’s plan.

~ George Webster Douglas