The thought of being separated by long distances and many years from our children and loved ones always brings a pang to our hearts. But “nearness” is a condition of heart, and “distance” is not necessarily concerned with miles. The only thing that will truly hold any family together is the oneness which comes when each member of the family knows and loves the Lord Jesus Christ as his Savior and the whole family is united in Him.
Oct. 20, 1955. We (Dewitt, Verna Mae, Anna Marie, and I) had lunch with the sisters at the sewing room at the Sellersburg church. They very thoughtfully gave us each a Christmas gift. Packing the car was a task but we finally got everything inside except the back seat cushions which were tied on top. Left our apartment at 4:30, drove down to Sister Smith’s so she and Mother could see our load, then on to Louisville where we stopped to tell the Braxtons goodbye. They insisted we eat supper with them, so it was 6:30 before we got away. Arrived at Winchester 9:15. The KBC folks were just returning from church—Bro. Richard Ramsey preaching. Sister Mullins put us up for the night. Oh, how tired we were!
Oct. 21. We all went to chapel. Bro. Chambers gave a good lesson. They asked Dewitt to say a few words also. Afterward we talked with Richard Ramsey and Lavern Houtz. I had a good visit with Irene Allen, also. Bro. Mullins was away at Jacksonville, Fla. I rested in the afternoon and Dewitt went to Lexington to get a side-view mirror and luggage carrier. Had supper at the KBC cafeteria. The Vernon Lawyer family were there also. After church Sister Mullins had a birthday party for two of the students. Coy Campbell helped Dewitt repack the car while the party was in progress. Some bulky things were put on top which gave us a little more room inside.
Oct. 22. Sister Mullins gave us an early breakfast and we left at 8 o’clock. Arrived at Bob and Joy’s (Johnson City, Tenn.) at 5:15 p. m. The mountains were beautifully dressed in the brilliant colors of fall. We had to drive slowly on account of our load, but it gave us a chance to enjoy the scenery.
Oct. 23. Sunday. All went to Sunday school except Joy and me. Dewitt preached. After church we visited with the brethren a while and so were really hungry. Joy had a good dinner. Dewitt spoke again at night. More visiting. And when we went to bed R. L. started stuffing a squirrel!
Oct. 24. Finally left Johnson City at 11 a. m., Monday. Spent the night at Chattanooga, and Tuesday night at Laurel, Mississippi. Arrived at Seventh and Camp Streets, New Orleans, about 2 p. m. Wednesday, Oct. 26. Our sailing date was uncertain, and we had a number of things to get done, so gave up our trip to Baton Rouge and instead asked Cecil and Betsy to come to New Orleans on Sunday. Dewitt spoke Sunday morning and the sisters had a basket dinner in the basement, which we thoroughly enjoyed.
Tues., Nov. 1. Car and luggage to the docks at 10, and 4 p. m. we went on board the SS. Louise Lykes. but it was 6:20 before she pulled away from the dock. We were well out into the Gulf the next morning. We sailed along the north coast of Cuba and Haiti, then south to Trinidad, on Monday, Nov. 7. Loaded asphalt all night- plenty of noise. Sailed from Trinidad on Tuesday morning—16 more days to Cape Town! Strong headwinds held us back, and long heavy swells at right angles to the ocean currents have given us a rough ride most of the way. But none of us have been seasick.
Nov. 24. We pulled into the harbor at Cape Town this morning around 5:30. We are close now, waiting to go into dock. It is now 7:15.
Our love to all the brethren and our heartfelt thanks to each and every one who has made it possible for us to get back to the work of the Lord in Africa. We are
anxious to get on up to Salisbury. Knowing your prayers are ever before the Throne of Grace for us, we are encouraged and strengthened.
—Dollie Adamson Garett. “Missionary Messenger, Vol. XXII, No. 12, December 1955