A Very Pleasant Surprise

Today was one of those days where I felt like a slug. Everything seemed a little off. I didn't have time to shower, get dressed or even brush my teeth. I felt yucky. I got a call from another mom reminding me about our playgroup. I had completely forgotten about it and didn't want to go because I was yucky. I was bummed because I didn't leave the house yesterday and it would have been nice to get out today. In the midst of my apathy, a knock came at the door. I could only open the door a crack because Baylie had strewn shoes, an umbrella stroller and some boxes in front of it. Imagine my surprise to see my dear friend Beth!

Beth was one of my mission companions. I love her. The last time we saw each other was almost two years ago, but Beth is one of those friends that Anne of Green Gables calls a kindred spirit. Beth is also the kind of friend that didn't care I looked like a slug, overlooked Baylie's spit-covered onesie and sat right down and had a pb&j with us. I love her.

Beth and I lived together, literally at the end of the earth. We were in Rio Gallegos, Argentina, which is just north of the Strait of Magellan. It was cold and wet. The sun came up at 10 a.m. and went down at 4 p.m. It could have been a dark and depressing place, but because I was there with Beth, it was fun and I have great memories of that time. Beth's suitcase was like Mary Poppins's carpet bag. She pulled all kinds of things out of there. It was truly magical. (She even had stuff to repair our bathroom sink!)


Here are some of my favorite Beth memories.


For a while, there were three of us together. We always wore long dark trench coats and got in the habit of calling our selves "Cappi's Angels" (our mission president's last name was Cappi). We used to have to decide whether to sprint across the empty lot in front of our apartment or walk the long way around. We'd get in our Cappi's Angels poses and then sprint across the field.


I was with Beth when I saw my first penguin - a sorry little thing that had been caught in an oil spill.


We used to walk in water that came up over our ankles. On this occasion, I played the hero and carried her across!


This is one of my favorite pictures of my mission. The Spanish writing says "Get out Yankees!"


Even when we weren't companions anymore, we got to serve in the same city so we could still see each other regularly. Here we are enjoying some local transportation.

There are so many memories that come to mind. I love you, Beth!

After her visit, I brushed my teeth, took a shower and got dressed. Beth's visit was just what I needed!