Andrew Muir, 38, worked for the space agency in Washington, D.C., as a design draftsman, and his wife, Maude Anna "Peggy" Muir, 54, managed a hairstyling salon. Both had found out about Baba from Ivy Duce in the early forties and had become Sufi preceptors. Peggy had actually seen Baba's photograph in a newspaper in 1932 and had remarked to her mother, "Some day I'm going to meet this man."
17 May 1952 was that destined day. They came to the Center dressed as if going to church; Andy was wearing a jacket and tie and Peggy was beautifully outfitted. As they stood outside the Barn waiting to meet Baba, Andy felt no apprehensions or nervousness. Peggy was called into the Barn first. She had often remarked to Andy: "If I thought that I have helped one soul come closer to God, I would be so happy."
When Peggy went up to Baba the first thing that Baba gestured was: "You have brought many souls to me." There was nothing that Baba could have said that would have made Peggy happier. Coming from him, this was the divine confirmation of her innermost longing. Baba's sweet words meant everything to her.
Andy was called next. In his own words:
I went through the door and, as I did, I immediately saw Baba sitting there. I did not see anyone else in the room. I was so overwhelmed with his beauty that I ran to him. I grabbed him in my arms. Peggy said later that she was afraid I was going to hurt him because my embrace was almost violent.
As I held Baba very closely, our faces inches apart, I looked into his eyes and I felt such relief and joy. I can only describe my feelings (and it doesn't even approach it) as like when I was a small boy and I was lost, almost in my own neighborhood. I was very frightened because it was getting dark.
I was frightened that I would not find my way home. I was overwhelmed with fear. As I walked, I noticed some streetcar tracks and remembered this was the way home. I stopped crying. I was so happy that I would be home in my own bed that night. This was the sort of relief I felt in Baba's arms.
It was as though not only will I come home but I am home.