She was shy to say the least, our first conversation was labored. Of course in all fairness, I was a total stranger. The first call was to introduce myself, find out more about her, and invite her to some activity. Somewhere in our conversation she mentioned she didn't make it to church because she didn't have a way to get there, so I offered her a ride to some activity that was going on at the time. I picked her up, and again I had to draw things out of her. As uncomfortable as it was for me at the time, I am glad I made the effort! We shortly became fast friends and soon she was staying over at my house on Saturdays so we could go to church together. Our 'tradition' survived a couple of local moves, she even made a big move to Utah for a little while with me. Once I moved away to California and she got married to a fine young LDS man our 'tradition' ended. Although the over-night tradition stopped our friendship did not. Though months could pass without calls, and many miles between us, when we did talk or get together it was as if no time had passed between us. We make many "friends" in our life, but few "life time friends". Sally is one of my "life time friends."
I have a testimony of Visiting Teaching, not only because it is provides an excuse to have a cleaner house at least once a month when my teachers come to visit me, but because it helps us make friends with people we might not have made friends with on our own.
I reminisce because she called to let me know she has been called to Relief Society** President in her ward! A far cry from, but not really very shocking of, the young lady I met over a two decades ago! Congratulations Sally!!
* An inspired program in the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where the women members are assigned other women in their local area to visit once a month to care for their needs or concerns and provide fellowship.
** A philanthropic (service oriented) and educational women's organization and an official auxiliary of the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Their motto is: "Charity never faileth." 1 Corinthians 13:8 The official purpose of Relief Society is to "assist priesthood leaders in carrying out the mission of the Church by helping sisters [women] and families come unto Christ."
