ENTRY 46 — Hettie’s Gift


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Asia » Pakistan » Punjab » Lahore
April 29th 1987
Published: January 27th 2006
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Lahore to Waterloo 1987


The Vicarage, Lahore CathedralThe Vicarage, Lahore CathedralThe Vicarage, Lahore Cathedral

This photo was taken early in the morning, during the cool of the day. It was also taken before the monsoon. Notice how much greener everything looks after the monsoon (next photo).
ENTRY 46 April 29th 1987

Hettie’s Gift





The valley was a wonderful place, with numerous legends and stories to titillate our imaginations. We enjoyed being shown around by Mrs Fox and came to realize the valley was far bigger than it appeared when we first arrived. The widow Fox talked and talked about Nigel: she told us of how they met, his early life in the Catholic Apostolic Church and his years as an Episcopal preacher. She also told us about his missionary work in South Africa. He, with some Methodists, had set up a mission about 90 miles north of East London near a place called Bawa Falls. Unlike most whites, he had lived and socialized with the Xhosa people.

We also learned that Bawa Falls had been home to Sipho Mnyapi. Mrs. Fox went on, ad infinitum, yet we were all ears. Miranda and I felt we knew the man and wanted to learn every detail. I continued to ask about Nigel's quest. "I don't know much more than I've already told you, except to say when it came to this subject, he acted like a man possessed. He believed that
Motorcycle mamaMotorcycle mamaMotorcycle mama

Miranda poses with the Cathedral motorcycle. (She won't drive it, but she will ride side-saddle.)
Western materialism was represented by the harlot on the beast and that even the Church had prostituted herself. He predicted that at the end of the millennium, the woman on the beast would be struck at her heart and the smoke of her burning would be seen round the world! Nigel did say he was planning to write a book entitled Parousia. He also promised to let me be the first to read it and I respected his privacy."


Blue Moon




"Mrs. Fox," I said, "Miranda and I have our anniversary tomorrow." (Of the day we met)

"Wonderful," she said. "I will even give you a bottle of wine for your celebrations."

My lovely wife and I awoke at 3:30 a.m. and made our way up the mountain. There are no words to describe the valley's beauty by the light of a blue moon! We stayed until well after the sun had risen and we took several photographs of our majestic surroundings. Upon our return well after 9:00 a.m., we were greeted in an unusually somber fashion. "Padre Sahib, Memsahib, we have some very sad news for you. Mrs. Fox passed away this morning,
Looking down from aboveLooking down from aboveLooking down from above

A view of Miranda and friends from the balcony at St. Hilda's Guesthouse.
a little before dawn. She woke with indigestion and died 15 minutes later. Her heart just stopped. According to the doctor, it was a heart attack. It was a peaceful passing."

Both Miranda and I were taken aback by the grief we felt for a lady we had just known for a few days. We were told that she had a small gift that she was going to give us for our anniversary. There was also a card. On the front of the card was a photo of the mountains. Inside was a note in her handwriting.



Dear Bryan and Miranda,

Thank you for listening to an old lady talk on and on.

I hope you will enjoy my little anniversary gift.

Love,

Hettie Fox



Miranda eagerly opened the package. It contained letters and mementos (some of which were confidential but most were not) of the Rev. H. Nigel Fox. The information would be very helpful in reconstructing Nigel's travel journal as we now had the full story. Having to return for the Easter services, I was unable to attend the funeral. Marleena barely missed us as she had been fairly smitten by a Pakistani journalist (we agreed to keep this romance secret). For everyone, it had been a most worthwhile "retreat".

After those days, Miranda and I rarely talked about the Foxes. For some time that part of our lives was on hold. Both Miranda and I enjoyed the remainder of our missionary work in Lahore. It went by quickly, and before we knew it we were back in Canada.


Additional photos below
Photos: 22, Displayed: 22


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Luke, ActsLuke, Acts
Luke, Acts

Bryan poses with his class. He taught Cambridge Luke, Acts to mostly Muslim students.
High Court building - Lahore, PakistanHigh Court building - Lahore, Pakistan
High Court building - Lahore, Pakistan

This is the front view of the High Court building in Lahore, which was directly across the street from Cathedral Close.
Bread-baking operationBread-baking operation
Bread-baking operation

Miranda watches in fascination as bread is made in a small kiosk on a Lahore street.
The American Center, Lahore, PakistanThe American Center, Lahore, Pakistan
The American Center, Lahore, Pakistan

We would gather on Saturday nights to watch first run American movies and ABC World News Tonight with Peter Jennings. (Peter was from Canada). The air conditioning was great but sometimes necessitated a sweater!
Lahore road sceneLahore road scene
Lahore road scene

A view of the Mall Road intersection near the statue of Queen Victoria.
Street sceneStreet scene
Street scene

A typical street scene in Lahore.
A modern mosqueA modern mosque
A modern mosque

This mosque on the mall road was very modern in design.
Crowded marketCrowded market
Crowded market

The crowded markets could be a bit intimidating at times.
Would madame like to buy something?Would madame like to buy something?
Would madame like to buy something?

The salesmen in a material shop show Miranda their wares. If she was really serious they would offer her a cup of tea.
Lahore Cathedral, PakistanLahore Cathedral, Pakistan
Lahore Cathedral, Pakistan

Enid and Miranda with the Cathedral is in the background.
Salt and PepperSalt and Pepper
Salt and Pepper

Rachel, Miranda, Roy and Bryan at their favourite fast-food restaurant, the Salt and Pepper.
Going Away Party Summer (Hot Season) 1987Going Away Party Summer (Hot Season) 1987
Going Away Party Summer (Hot Season) 1987

The scene at St. Hilda's at Bryan and Miranda's farewell
The Vicarage, Lahore, Pakistan.The Vicarage, Lahore, Pakistan.
The Vicarage, Lahore, Pakistan.

*Distortion: Travelblog photos are best viewed with Internet Explorer.
The Vicarage, Bashir cooks up a delightThe Vicarage, Bashir cooks up a delight
The Vicarage, Bashir cooks up a delight

*Distortion: Travelblog photos are best viewed with Internet Explorer.
Visiting the Fort in Lahore, PakistanVisiting the Fort in Lahore, Pakistan
Visiting the Fort in Lahore, Pakistan

*Distortion: Travelblog photos are best viewed with Internet Explorer.
Return to Canada, July 1987Return to Canada, July 1987
Return to Canada, July 1987

Relaxing a bit be fore meeting with the Archbishop.


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Lahore road scene

Queen Victoria
Correct, the statue of Queen Victoria has been taken down.

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