Monroe Wis May 26^th 1903                                                                                           Index

Miss Florence Minch,
Naperville, Ill.

Dear friend:
        I suppose you are waiting anxiously for this letter. I meant to write sooner, but was waiting for a letter from Philadelphia, which was to tell me definitely concerning the events of the near future. You have no doubt by this time learned of my plans. My appointment to Africa is now fixed and if it please God I will set sail from New York on the 29^th of June. we go from New York to Hamburg Germany. From Hamburg we sail around the coast of Europe through the Mediterranean Sea, through the Suez Canal, and down the East Coast of Africa to Mombasa. From Mombasa we take the new railroad up to Kangundo. Kangundo will be my home until I learn the language, and then I will be placed at a station in that locality.

        I am sure that it is only with the perfect confidence that this is the Will of God, that I undertake this vastly important step in my life. He has so wonderfully guided me in the past that I know He would not permit me to do this against His will. My heart is filled with joy at the thought of going so soon. You cannot know how safe and secure I feel. It seems that when God is about to send one of His children on a perilous journey He fills that ones heart with a peace that drives away all anxiety and leaves him in perfect quietness.

        I must reach Philadelphia by June 5^th and expect to be at Naperville on Tuesday night June 2^nd. Then I shall be able to see you all and I am sure it will be a great pleasure for me to meet the members of the V. Band. I did not expect God would send me so soon but He calls and I must obey.

        Your friend,

        John. W. Stauffacher