Three days ago, two beloved pioneer women who were sisters-in-law in the Chatsworth, Durban Ward graduated from this earthly life and went to the Next Place, probably hand in hand.  They were my dear friends when I lived in Durban in 1982 as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Every week my companions and I visited their homes to learn from them and share with them lessons of welfare services and self-reliance.  We talked about things like health and nutrition, finances and budgeting, and providing for our families.  We shared the things we love and that included a lot of good Indian food!

Chatsworth was one of my happy places.  Those were the days during Apartheid, when so many other things separated our lives, but the gospel and teachings of Jesus brought us together in magical ways.

I’ve never forgotten my time in Chatsworth and the friends I made there.  I miss them.  Today I was daydreaming about a time and place not really that far from now, where we will all be together again and can spend time in a warm kitchen filled with the rich aromas of curry and spices and all the things we loved.  We will talk about our families and all that’s happened in our lives since the days we were together.  We will remember our time on earth and the sisterhood we shared here.

One of the richest blessings in my life are the friends I’ve made in many parts of the world.  Sometimes I can hardly wait to bring all of my memories and friends and the places I’ve lived back together in one warm and bright spot.  It will be glorious and I will feel whole.

Until we all meet again, with love from Frankfurt.