Sometimes, you can go home again!

Or at least revisit those places in your memory - and have them come up pretty close to just where you would want them.

Over 40 years ago Harry was assigned, along with his companion Elder Michael Cox, to open the city of Iquique, Chile for missionary work. This was in March of 1967 - and it was the last 3 months of his mission.

He and Elder Cox arrived on a Friday and set about to find a place to live - and a place to hold church meetings. At that time, there were no members of the church in the city. They did not have much luck and were getting discouraged. So they decided to stop and pray for guidance. They felt directed to knock on a door - and the man who answered told them to come in - even before they told him who they were or what they were looking for.

The man's name was Phillip Marais. He was a South African married to a Peruvian living in Chile! He was not interested in the church at the time, but he and his wife rented a room to the elders and helped them find a house to rent to use for church meetings. Harry refers to this event as one of the miracles he witnessed on his mission.

That first Sunday, Harry and Elder Cox were the only two in attendance at Sacrament meeting. But the next Sunday found 24 people there. The first baptisms were held in the ocean, and soon the branch was growing.

On the last Saturday of his mission, Harry baptized the Castillos family - and we have been visiting with Iluvina and her son and his children. They had nine children. Not all of them are active now, but they were certainly happy to see us - and shared happy memories of life in the church. Iluvina has remained faithful -her husband died a few years ago.

Phillip Marais eventually joined the church - as did his wife and daughter. And he served as the stake president. He died a few years ago. We had dinner tonight with his daughter and her husband and beautiful daughters. (Lily, Phillip's wife, died about 12 years ago.) They are still strong in the gospel.

On the very last night of Harry's mission, he and his companion tracted out a family and gave a first discussion. After he went home, Harry found out that the family joined the church. Brother Martinez is now a stake patriarch - and we met with them this afternoon. All of these people are in the same houses and apartments they were in 40 years ago!!

Today we went to Iluvina's ward - and they asked Harry to speak. He told the story of the beginning of the church in Iquique - and I could understand nearly everything he said - maybe because I know the story, but I have felt truly blessed to be able to understand much of what I hear. He shared his great joy and happiness at being able to return and see the fruits of his labors, so to speak. More importantly, he emphasized that all of these experiences of his in Iquique were truly miracles and he felt blessed to be able to be part of them.

The members of the ward were very warm and loving - and delighted to hear the story of the beginnings of the church in their town. I have also heard more than once the comment that his Spanish is so excellent.

We head for Chillon tomorrow morning - Harry commented that he's not sure how many more emotional reunions he can handle - this has been a wonderful experience and a great blessing for both of us. I have always known Harry was a great missionary - and it is illuminating for me to put events and names and faces together from all the letters Harry sent me while he was on his mission.

Of course we have taken lots of pictures - and will post them when we get home. The trip is quickly winding down - and will soon just be a memory.

But like I told Harry, "We'll always have Iquique!"