A family visit to Jo’burg meant unexpected opportunities for Mothers’ Union friendships to be nurtured; Margaret Taylor tells of her travels and proves that wherever you go in the world Mothers’ Union is right there with you!

When I knew we would be visiting South Africa I wrote to Barbara Mdi explaining that I was going to visit our son who was now living in Jo'burg but that, as all the family were meeting up for Christmas and New Year and then going off on holiday altogether, I wouldn't be making a trip to the Free State.  

Barbara used to be the Diocesan Literature rep. for the Free State when I was the one for Blackburn and since then she has been the Links rep.  She is very enthusiastic and diligent with her writing and keeping in touch. She did visit Blackburn Diocese in the 1990's and has many contacts in the Diocese.

The day after Boxing Day the extended Taylor family took off on safari in 2 vehicles towing a trailer, on a tour of the 'great, grey-green, greasy Limpopo ' valley. We went towards the border of Zimbabwe and Botswana , an area of outstanding beauty, because everyone else would be making for the coastal regions, but also we had been given the opportunity of staying at the DeBeers’ private game reservation. 

A few days into our journey my son Andrew received a call on his mobile ‘phone to say that a caller had rung the DeBeers head office and was trying to contact his mum.  As the office staff weren't allowed to give Andrew's details they had taken the caller's number and asked Andrew to ring her. Puzzled and curious Andrew did ring and it turned out to be Barbara Mdi. Barbara was staying in Pretoria visiting her son until the end of January, and as Pretoria was much nearer to Jo'burg would it be possible for us to meet up. It amused the family no end that even in the wilds of Africa someone in the MU had tracked me down and arranged to meet!