Florence Minch Stauffacher Diary July 1, 1912 – Sept. 13, 1913.                               Index

[Inside front cover:] “Private Journal Florence M. Stauffacher

July 1, 1912.”

“Ebenezer - - - Hitherto hath the Lord helped us”. Daily Light.

What an appropriate opening for this Journal. Surely 'hitherto He hath helped us'.

I closed my last Journal yesterday. It covers 1 ½ years. It is interesting to follow Gods leading in that time. Such varied experiences I scarcely expect to have again in my life time.

I put quite a detailed account of the last few weeks & days into yesterdays write up but will just give a brief account here so that we know “where we are at”.

Last Wed. our family came over onto Api Hill to begin our work. Are tenting under a nice big tree. A few men are helping after much dickering etc. The foundation for the temporary 2 room house is being laid. Quite a little of the hill is cleared of the high grass. I've made a little garden. Sewed lettuce last Fri. & peas today.

Expected to start school today but new men were taken on this P.M. & there was much confusion so tho't I'd wait til tomorrow.

Hope the girls can come over this week. Miss Harland was improving the last we heard – which was yesterday when Lieu. Hommelen came from the Post & stopt here. Ate supper with us & spent the evening here. We had a good lively time. He cannot speak English but between Swahili, Kingwana [Swahili dialect, trade language in Congo], and German we managed to be understood. He left early this morning on his way to organize the country. He has 50 soldiers with him and such a host of porters. Gave us some potatoes and 2 sheep as gifts. He thinks a lot of Raymond. Enjoyed looking at his stereoptican views. Such beauties.

Claudons big boil on his head opened yesterday and today it looks much better. I have found no others starting so I hope that is the last. Mine in front of my ear is almost gone but one back of my ear hasn't opened yet. Getting acclimated we are told.

We were told that this is a National holiday here. The day Congo Free State was formed. Thurs. is the Fourth. Don't suppose we'll do much celebrating.

Things look rather gloomy sometimes then again, brighter. May God help us never to let Satan have any way in our lives by discouraging us. The work is The Lords – and so are we.

Wed. P.M. July 3.

How things change in Africa. Had school yesterday with 6 boys. After we finished school they asked for food. I told them to go home & get it but they said they couldn't eat the food of the Bashenzi [primitives] when they come to school. How we laughed but the poor things were in earnest. There was a big hallobaloo about dark when some of the smaller ones were refused food. We wondered what the effect would be on the class today. None would stay; but another fellow who had gone to Catholic school awhile is eager to learn and he comes and the rest stand around; so I'll not give up entirely.

Sent to the girls for some things. Had word Miss Harland was worse on Mon. and they would not come before next Mon. if they were well enough then. Mr. Haas was getting better but William was quite ill. And so it goes.

Today the stone laying goes better.

Raymond seems well again of his bowel trouble but Claudon is pretty bad. Big lot of wash because C. was sick in the night.

A big bunch of plantains came in today. Chickens & eggs- plenty. Also quite a lot of sweet potatoes. The lettuce I sewed is up- and last night I put in a few potatoes & radishes- over near the house. It is so stony I feel it must be much like grandpa & ma had to deal with when they started farming in Penn.

A “boy” came again yesterday. Doesn't know hardly any Kingwana- but seems willing to learn & very quick. Maybe he will be one of our helpers some day. I often look into the faces of some of the boys who love so to sit by our fire & see the things of the Muzungu [white person] and I wonder which ones the Lord will use for of course there will be some. I do hope I may be faithful in all He entrusts to my charge. I just feel sometimes that after all nothing counts but just the very actions for God- just that strength that is put forth for Him and nothing else matters. Such lots & lots of people on all sides and no one to tell them.

I do want to get the language quickly. I fear in the villages Kingwana isn't used much; many of the women who come here don't understand it at all.

We do feel Satan's power as never before. But we know God is stronger. I do want to gain some point each day for Him.

Many dear ones at home are busy today in preparation for tomorrow.

July 14. Sun. A.M.

The others and the little organ have gone to the villages. I'm keeping the children. Have planned to get the dinner for all too on other Sundays but not today as I didn't know it soon enough.

We did nothing to celebrate on the Fourth but I put a blue dress onto Raymond & a red onto Claudon. Jno worked at the house all day.

On Sat. the 6^th we had word from the girls again Jno went over on Sun. We watched for the boat but didn't come til Mon. The girls and Haases came on Tues. July 9. Jno was about sick on Sun. and Mon. with a cold and with clearing up the camp and taking care of the loads as they came on Tues. we didn't touch the building.

Tues. morning we thot we'd move out our beds & dig out the floor making it flat; and get the ground ready for attaching the store tent. We hadn't finished the work yet when the loads began to come & then of course one of us had to stay at the camp & one here so it was hard to accomplish much.

While at work about 9 o'clock A.M. July 9 there was a queer rumbling like thunder and then all at once the ground shook awfully. Dr. said it lasted 3 minutes. It was the first real earth quake shock I had felt but it was very hard and distinct. We had things in shape somewhat when the folks got here. We were certain of a storm so got every thing fixed up as well as possible. I had sewed the bath onto the store tent so that much was done. We had every thing inside but not in order at all. We had quite a rain that night & some wind but all tents were tied to trees so all felt quite safe. We're very comfortable now with the two tents and bath.

We have decided to finish the two room house & then let Haases have one room & the girls the other and we put up one room of our permanent house and live in that while the rest is being put up.

I mentioned that the boat came but it never bro't a bit of mail and left so quickly that none of ours was put onto it. There is a new captain and seems to be rather independent.

Jno wants to go to the station tomorrow and hopes to see the captain then as Mr Joris expects the boat in tomorrow.

The walls of the house are getting up nicely. by another week it will be ready for the roof no doubt.

Yesterday P.M. the girls came here to tea and were speaking of making a garden and Jno said their house ought to be staked out first. So they sat right down & planned it and we measured it off & put in stakes so now they can go at their garden any time.

Mr. Haas had several men working for him making a garden yesterday.

We haven't nearly so many people around here since the others are here. Most stop down there.

I had school two days with the one man and he hasn't been here since. Some have been bringing bamboo for the roof.

Chickens, etc continue to come in every day more than we can manage. One bunch of bananas is getting ripe and how we are enjoying them. We are going to have language class starting tomorrow.

A subchief was here and wants to send children to school. Hope he may.

Wonder what success they are having at the villages. We feared they'd all leave when the singing is started- Hope not. We have had special prayer for the meetings today – met every night since Wed.

We do hope we'll get mail from Boga. as Butiaba is closed and it seems it has been sent around there. Papers came this week. Hope letters will come on Tues. that's the day for the runner.

It is so nice to all be here together and all our stuff. We do thank God.

Thur. eve. July 18.

           FMS letter July 18, 1912

Raymond's 4^th birthday. Doesn't seem possible. We gave him a little rake for a present- a tin of chocolates & Mr. Joris sent him an auto harp. An old one but nice & large.

As Miss Harland was sick on her birthday she celebrated today with Raymond so Dr. made the cakes. Chocolate & white marble- and icing that refused to harden. Had no candles so used flags. The men were so busy laying out the new road that we ladies & children had P.M. tea by ourselves. Jam & bread- cake & chocolates.

Claudon has a spell of fever today. Can't understand why the children are having it now as there are no mosquitos here. but no doubt it isn't all out of their systems yet. Nothing is being done at the house these days for the soldiers are ready to make the road & it must first be lined out. Jno says it will be fine when finished.

I have had quite a bit of headache lately. Why, I don't know.

We have had class every day this week at 2 P.M. Jno attended one day.

Had a nice mail on Tues. when the boat came back.

Am putting in most P.M. at typing for language work. Have done only a little letter writing. Want to type one home and to J's home.

Mr. Haas has a spell of fever too again today. They have a nice lot of garden done. We discovered paipai up. Seven hills I put in. Everything doing nicely.

           FMS letter July 28, 1912

Wed. eve July 31.

After prayermeeting.

Things move on as usual. Lots of rain. Yesterday was the only day so far this week that we could get clothes dry. The girls & Mrs Haas washed. I baked bread.

Jno went to the Boma [government post]. Took men who took bananas over for the captain of the boat, then staid and finished lining up the road. Today he has been lying around and working around some but almost nothing has been done at the house since I last wrote in here.

It's so cool these rainy days that we all feel we'd like to be in a house with a fireplace. How we wish there was someone here to help a little. I feel like I'd like to go at it myself. If it's nice perhaps I will try tomorrow.

Have all the typing done for now and did a little sewing this P.M.

Uma sent 6 men over with bananas last week and Jno returned beads and a blanket to him and now something more has come. Don't know just what; Jno got back too late tonight to settle about it.

Claudon has had fever 3 days again. None today. Raymond complained of headache but had no fever.

Have been having Matara weather lately. Such fogs. and rain. Haven't done the washing yet this week. Hope I can do it tomorrow. It was very windy this eve and a little sprinkle so perhaps we'll have a change in the weather now.

Almost ever since we came up from our camp at the Lake we haven't been able to see the other shore- but no doubt when the rains are over we will be able to see across again. Garden things are coming up nice.

We put in a lot of wheat to see what it will do up here. Many of the things are eaten off just after getting thro' the ground. Insects & worms are plentiful in a new garden.

We killed one of our sheep last Fri. It tasted awfully good. Then today had chickens again & they tasted good again too for a change.

People aren't bringing in so much stuff as they did at first. The beads are getting low and so haven't been giving them out for food only for work. We hope our other order will come next Wed.

We have been here over a month & there isn't very much to show for it. We have language class every day but it's slow work. Couldn't have meetings at the villages last Sun. because of rain.

Miss Harland started school work today. A boy working for Mr. Haas wanted to be taught; so she taught him but a dozen others were there and learning too. Dare not call it school or it might break up the whole thing but she'll have it every day and perhaps they'll soon understand that it is not bad but good to go to school.

We haven't seen the boat come back yet and hardly think it has. Haases boy from the other side is returning by the boat this time.

Our week of getting milk begins tomorrow. Have a little boy making fires who will go. The last boy I had was not working yesterday but watching sheep however he came here & somehow noticed an opening where the bath fastens onto the tent and put his hand in and got 3 bananas. Jno tho't we better take him to Mr Joris but didn't do it after all. They just watch all the time for chances to snipe things. Wonder if we will ever be able to teach them differently God help us.

Jno doesn't seem to have much strength these days. Does a little then he's played out. If we had the money we'd ask some of Zemmer's boys from Kijabe to come and help; but fear it would take more than we have to spare. Provisions come so high after paying porterage & freight. I went with Jno a week ago Mon. & taught the class at the Boma. Had lunch with Mr. Joris. No boat came that day. but the next. when Jno went again & got sick. Had some fever & has been feeling badly ever since. Satan has all sorts of ways to hinder.

           FMS letter Aug. 1, 1912

Tues. eve Aug. 6.

Yesterday we had the first vegetables from the garden. Some radishes. The seeds come up so poorly. I think the ants carry away a lot. and after they're up some insect eats them off.

It was such a beautiful day yesterday that the girls took a day out among the villages. When they returned they found their tent had been cut in the back & some things taken out of the pockets. One boy was there so they kept him until Jno came from work & then he told all who were there that if every thing wasn't bro't back by this morning that he'd get the soldiers to come & take these boys and any others who have taken things and that they'd either get a hard whipping or be sent to Irumu. Haases sheep came back last night. Nothing else turned up. Today Jno got one of the boys of yesterdays trick & one that stole the bananas from here & chained them to a tree for awhile. Then he asked the men of the crowd what they would do. They said they'd whip them. Then Jno said they should be soldiers for him & take care of these two boys. We feared if too much were done about it the people might not come around any more. They took them away and gave each 10 lashes with a switch. Hope it will do some good.

We had such a hard rain last night. and wind. Hope it will be quiet tonight. It's quite clear so no doubt it will be. Tomorrow is boat day. Mr. Haas is going to take some men on the road and will go to the landing when we see the boat coming. Hope our order will be in this time. Also good mail.

The walls are going up pretty fast. Jno hires 5 men & works at the wall A.M. & gets poles for the roof every P.M.

It rained so hard just at noon today so we had dinner late and hence got no nap. Both are sleepy. Jno is writing a note for Grandpa's birthday letter. Have one ready for Cora & one for Lucile. Have to study evenings & that takes my time. Want to bake bread tomorrow. The last was very good. Am using green bananas in place of potatoes in yeast. Miss H's pupil has gone again.

FMS letter Aug. 8, 1912

Tues. eve Aug. 13.

I seem to do this writing on Tues. eves lately. The boat came last Wed. very early so Mr. Haas barely got over but they staid quite awhile. No mail & no goods. We were so disappointed for we are so short of most every thing. Sugar is the most noticeable, and this order was ordered 6 weeks or more ago. They said it had come in, the night before but wasn't booked & so they couldn't bring it. Now today we finished hiring men for beads. The beads are nearly done so will keep a few for buying bananas. We want to hire men for 4 days for cloth. Don't know if we'll get any body or not. The heaviest work on the house is done so Jno can get on alone if necessary but can't have it finished quite so soon. It is getting on splendidly. The two south corners up & the middle wall finished. The ridge pole is up and some of the bamboo rafters on. All the elephant grass needed is here and some grass cut. So if only two men work it will be enough to help quite a little.

The girls fixed their tent over today. They were nervous about wind for it was so high. We will all be glad when they can take down those two tents & live in a house – even if it is but one room.

Haases both had fever on Sun. We had William all day. Jno was lying down most all day. Mr. H was up for meeting. He led.

Fri. night we had some chickens shut up in a grass coop the boy made at the corner of the tent. About 1:30 A.M. I heard one squawk & that was all. I got up & watched quite a while. Felt confident it was a native for I tho't no animal would have shut it up so quickly. After watching awhile we decided to light the lantern & see if there could have been any mistake. No there was none for a bunch of feathers outside a little hole was proof – besides only 4 left inside. We went back to bed after getting the gun ready and decided to give whoever it was a good scare if he came back. Had scarcely lain down when there was such a squawking – I got to the door first & saw a dark object beside the coop but it wasn't light enough to tell whether it was a man or beast. Jno fired the gun & happened to hit the stick that propt the corner of the tent up. It dropt one chicken which flew up a small tree but took one away with it. Jno fired the gun a second time. I was so sure it was a native that it made me most sick. Next morning natives came early to see what was shot & they at once suggested a leopard. Then some found a chicken torn to pieces but not all eaten. We were much relieved when we found it was an animal instead of a native. Jno got out the leopard trap and set it but early in the eve (Sat.) it started to storm. Blew and rained harder than it ever has since we are here. Kept it up all night- so nothing came around. altho' earlier in the evening I had heard it. We put a box over the trap during the day Sun. and uncovered it again Sun. night. Just after blowing out the light the trap snapped. Jno shot one shot from the tent door & killed it. It was no leopard tho' but a peculiar hyena. Spotted much like a leopard but much smaller. How the natives whooped & laughed when they came next morning and saw it.

Tonight we have some chickens again. This time we put them into the box – put a folding chair over them & a big stone on it & set them under the table. Hope nothing will disturb them. it is too exciting.

Just as Jno came in from work this eve we saw the boat pull in. They are no doubt staying tonight & we hope to get a boy to go early enough in the morning to catch them. Mr. Joris left last Fri for a trip to Uma's so we had no place to send our letters to. The boat is due back again a week from Thur. & we do hope it will bring our mail & goods. Hope there will be beads among it for they are in great demand. These two days have been very pleasant. Sun. was cloudy mostly.

When Mr. Joris passed here he wouldn't stop nor would he say where he was going but just said he'd tell us when he returns. He was in a big hurry. He brot us two letters from mama & Cora. They had come via Boga.

We are hoping to get some cows soon. Asked permission from Chef of Zone for privelege to get some of the Government cattle. Have had no reply yet. We are asking Mr. Gribble to bring gold with him for us.

Am going to bake bread tomorrow if possible.

Claudon is having a little trouble with piles. Not bad but I have to be careful and keep him lying down when possible.

It keeps thundering & threatening all around. Sat. night as the boy was bringing the boiling water for tea he stumbled over a stump & poured most of the water over his face & shoulder. He suffered a good deal. The skin is coming off. He says he wants to come again when well. Another boy is here now. Working for red cloth. We save the white for wages. Hope we get some to work for that.

Fri. eve. Sept. 6.

What a long time has elapsed since I wrote and so many things have happened.

One of the first was letters from the Chef de Zone saying Mr Gribble could come in at this port but no boys. and instead of giving permission to buy a cow they gave us 5 cows- 2 oxen & a bull. The only conditions are that at the end of 5 years we return 5 cows. Of course it is Mr. Joris' doings. We were so surprised. A native from the Boma brot the letter and Jno & Mr. H. went over after an early supper to have Mr. Joris read them as they were in French. We wired Gribble as well as wrote him both at Kijabe and at Jinja.

Of course after getting cows we had to build a place for them so Jno took on a bunch of men and in one day the most was done. The day (Aug. 20) they were working at it Dr. & Miss H. came here for class & while here Dr. got a chill & then fever. & all before she could get back to their tent so she slept on J's bed & Miss H. on the childrens and J & the children slept at the girls' tent. Dr. was pretty sick but not over 104 temp. But the fever staid up so long. Didn't come down to 102 until midnight- and wasn't down to normal in the morning but she didn't have a rise afterward at all. She has been working too hard at the language. Both she & Miss H. seem very nervous. We think perhaps she & J. can go to Conf. for a change for her.

We are expecting Gribble on the Sept. 22 boat. Have sent for quite a lot of stuff – Hope it will last to the end of the year.

The next Fri. after Dr's fever on Tues. the goods & mail came. Such a lot of stuff. Mail from a month. We were glad for it. It had been just 2 mos. after it was ordered.

Now we have an order coming from Jinja which is at Masindi and Gribble will have to bring when he comes. We got the trade goods – but the beads aren't the right sort & they sent only 5 bolts of Americano instead of 8 as we ordered.

We have a boy for looking after the cows. They were brot Aug. 24, Sat. Does the milking too. Think he does pretty well. One of the calves died. We expected to pay for it but Mr Joris said no there was nothing to pay.

Jno has been working at the house with many interruptions.

Last time when the boat came back we saw it steam in just at dark and as there were important letters to go Mr. H. & Jno intended taking them over that night. Left here about 10 P.M. & when they got to the river found it too high to cross so came back and Jno got up a little after 3 and went- and when he got there he found the boat had left. Then he asked Mr. Joris to get a canoe for him. The man took the letters & bro't back a little mail.

Last Mon. Mr. Joris & Lieu. Buloff spent the day here. Made out papers for the land etc. We all ate together under the trees at the girls' tent. Two villages on our land were asked to move to a hill near by where all the people here will soon be asked to go. One village of scamps- all who have made most trouble for us- fooled around with every thing but wouldn't move. Jno threatened with Mr. Joris threat that if they hadn't started by a certain time that he'd fire the village. They have left. Don't think any went to the hill indicated but we don't think they have gone far. Tues. John had to go to the Boma to finish things up so when the courier came all would be ready. When he came back he was about done out- and staid in for two days. No fever but done out.

Now the house is just about done. Mr. H- put the floors in. That's the first he has done at it. Jno has about 1 hr. work at the roof yet. Today we lined out our house & this eve Jno laid the corner stone. Now we wonder how many months it will be until we can get in.

We have been grateful for the last week of dry weather. Had a storm & rain tonight but think the roof kept it out of the house. The floors dry slowly. We had hoped they could get in tomorrow but they can't yet. Everything depends on how fast the floors dry.

Mr. H. went to the Boma today and did the teaching and expects to go tomorrow again to meet the boat. Have a few letters ready but will have more when the boat comes back.

Raymond had a spell of fever on Tues. Quite high. Yesterday it returned so will have to look out tomorrow. Claudon hasn't had any malaria for some time. He has little spells which last only an hour but that's from his teeth. He's cutting the second set of double teeth.

Mr. Joris sent Raymond a puppy that's only 3 weeks old. They have great times with it.

Have had such a flood of bananas. Can't buy all that come.

Now I'm working on the arranging of the vocabulary. Think we must have over 1000 words.

There still seems plenty to do. Can't get much accomplished of language. Shall try to record oftener.

FMS letter Sept. 7, 1912

Mon. eve. Sept. 16.

Claudon is 21 mos. old today. (Ray 4 yrs.) He chatters everything, or tries to. Repeats so much of what we say that he will soon speak quite intelligently.

Last Thur. night Aug. 12. our property had the first increase in the form of a bull calf. We are sorry it isn't a heifer but are glad for it any way. Have had several changes of cow boys. But none are so good as the first one. We hope he will come back.

The last mail brot us the mail bag. A fine large water proof bag. Don't suppose it will ever be full- either coming or going. Had a nice letter from home – Mama had sent Claudon's shoes. Hope they'll come in next mail.

We are looking for Mr. Gribble next boat but aren't at all sure he will get here. In a letter from Mr Downing he said Gribble intends leaving Sept. 19. Well, if he doesn't leave before then he can't make this Sept. 22 boat. so we hardly know what to expect. The boat will hardly come in on Sun so shall look for it on Mon.

Jno had a spell of fever last week. Was in bed most of the week.

Last Thurs. was the big day at home. Suppose there were many guests. How! we would have enjoyed to be there.

Dr. was not well yesterday. Had a little fever.

Miss Harland is finishing the vocabulary and I'm busy typing Jno's writeup the history of the Mission.

I washed & baked bread today and because of wind & rain we didn't have breakfast until 8:30.

On Sept. 10, 12 Mr. Joris left. We had a note from him on Mon. & I borrowed bread from Mrs. Haas to send him & Tues Morning he again wrote us a last goodby just as his porters were coming. We are sorry to have him go but he needs the change. That night Romo- a man from near here- tried to steal a box from Hasses tent. Cut a long place in the side & back of the tent expecting to get it out but Mrs. Haases bed was on it and so it wakened her & she called Mr. Haas. He got her rain coat & good skirt also light lawn dress and petticoat. He had stolen a little shirt of the babies off the line that day & that Mr. Haas found in his hut but couldn't find any of the other things. We are positive it was he for the day before he had gone back there to that part of the tent to size things up.

Jno told him to return the things or we'd take of his sheep. He of course denied having taken them. Then there was council meeting all day as to what should be done. Should we punish him severely as the Gov't. would do or should we let him go & ought we to share our things with these people, as a Mr. Richards on West Coast did. It is hard to decide. And nothing definite was decided.

He couldn't have been taken to the Boma that morning as the river was too high. Jno thinks he'll tell the Lieu. about it when he goes over & let him do as he pleases about it. It has made us all rather nervous & one night lately I didn't sleep before midnight for I imagined some one at the tent.

The girls expect to get into their house day after tomorrow. It's getting quite dry.

Mr. H. continues to fix his shoes and speak about what he's going to do sometime.

Took on a new boy tonight. One who worked at the Boma for some time. Hope he'll stay awhile.

Am tired & sleepy tonight & shall not run the typewriter. Girls were here all P.M. after class. Psalm 103:4.

Sept. 30 Mon. P.M.

Grandpa Offerle's 83^rd birthday.

The girls moved into their house Sept 17 the next day after writing for that night there ws a bad wind and they decided it was better to be in the house.

Mr. Gribble did not come last Mon. but will surely come next as every letter from Kijabe said he had left. We think he missed the boat at Jinja or Kakindu.

Raymond took sick with fever Sept 20 and was out of bed for the first time yesterday. His temp. had not been normal until yesterday morning. Today it was normal again for awhile but is again up a little. He is very thin and pale and we are glad the fever broke for another week of it would have left him with little strength. It is a kind that climaxes every 7 days and when there was no break Sat. morning we feared another week but God can work independent of rules and the fever broke on the 9^th day instead of the 7^th. Of course I was busy most of last week with him. At first the fever was high and he slept much. Toward the end of the week he seemed more nervous & needed entertaining. but all along was an easy patient considering everything. Yesterday & today he spent each A.M. with Dr. & Miss Harland. He is easily annoyed and Claudon often “bothers him” as he says. We hope now that it seems broken, that he will gain strength and soon be himself again.

Jno. has had a little trouble again. Twice last week he was sure he was going to have a spell of fever but both times heavy doses of quinine warded it off.

The mosquitos have been quite bad lately; so much so that Jno has put aside all tho't of work on the house until he can get the hill cleared of grass. He moved the cow barn last week and now has men working at the grass. We do hope it will make a difference, for it would be too bad to have an unhealthy station and too bad to have to move it.

I have not felt as strong for a day or two and didn't know but that fever was getting hold of me but I try not to analyze my feelings and the I'm quite well.

We had such a hard storm last night. First wind. My! how it blew and then rained. and with the wind blowing it battered things down pretty well. Blew so hard that the water came in under our beds. Wasn't cleared off well yet this morning so didn't wash but this P.M. the sun shines fine.

Word from Kijabe last mail said a son: Romeyn W. at Westervelts Sept. 11. Hope the next brings Zemmer's report. Also that Mr. Downing was ill with a nervous breakdown. We are so sorry.

Propsts expect to return to Kijabe again. Too much criticism where they are (Mukaa). Most of us had very little mail and are rather expecting Mr. Gribble to bring a lot for us so next Mon. we aught to have a double lot.

Language work in class continues. Dr. does very fine. Haases haven't moved into their room yet. Last nights rain blew into the windows wetting things up badly.

We have been trying to get the near villages into one large one near the cow barn. Two or three have moved but they are awful slow about it.

Had tomatoes for dinner from our garden & Jno will dig some potatoes tonight. Haases had 4 chickens stolen last night.

Dr. & I went to villages yesterday A.M. Both yesterday & last Sun. we had dinner with the girls. They are so tho'tful & kind.

Wed eve. Oct. 16.

Claudon is 22 mos. today. It's so cunning to hear him speak the native language. He tries to say everything. Raymond rattles off Kingwana too.

Haases moved into their room Oct. 1. and seem quite comfortable but crowded. Mr. Gribble did come Oct. 7. Jno. spied the boat while we were still at breakfast and hustled off with Mr. Haas and 10 men and when they weren't here by noon I gave R & C. their dinners but waited & waited & waited and looked so long. It was threatening rain all day & we did hope it would hold off until they got in. I finally dispatched the boy with a note but before he returned I spied the porters on a distant hill but couldn't distinguish anything but about 5:30 they all came. Very tired for they had worked hard. There had been so much goods that the porters had to carry it up on the hill to the Boma for storing. and altho working all day they didn't get everything up so that Jno & Mr G. went the next two days again and finally the 4^th day they brot the last things. Mr Haases received their M.W.&Co [Montgomery Ward & Co.] order was the reason there was so much.

Mr. Gribble has his tent pitched on the hill near the foundation of the house.

Haven't had much hard wind since he's here. He helps along with the work. Yesterday they started at the house again. Today they started 2 men at sawing. Jno wasn't feeling very well so didn't do much. Mr. G- bro't lots of cuttings etc- & they put up a roof for them & have planted a lot of things there.

The day Mr. G. came the two calves belonging to the Gov't were returned so we haven't been getting much milk. This morning Jno went down to get the leopard trap which has been set for a few days and caught the man taking milk into Kumo's hut. When asked about it Kumo said “did Jno refuse him milk when he was sick?” and we getting scarcely enough for our tea. Jno had paid out 6 hands of cloth to a man into whose garden the cattle got and they wouldn't pay him back so today he told them to bring those 6 & 4 more or he'd burn their huts. After offering chickens & sheep they finally bro't it. They are a bad lot. and no doubt will make trouble for a long time. The “Piper” doesn't seem so bad but Kumo seems thoroughly bad & so lazy.

I went to morning native service today & read the verse for them to repeat. These services at 11 with workmen etc were started Oct. 3- Each one takes a morning.

A telegram as well as printed post card came in last mail to tell us Hazel Edith had come to Zemmers on Sept. 22. All were doing well, altho there had been some trouble. I'm so glad for them. Downings were planning a visit to Kaimosi & Mr. D- is soon to go home.

Mr. G- comes to our P.M. language class and there he & Mrs. Haas are in a class taught by Miss Harland at 6 P.M. Mrs. Haas has fever again this eve.

Raymond seems quite himself again. Not as fat yet as he was or rather filled out so well but seems to feel well.

I've had a hard headache today. Let up some when the sun set but still feels very uncomfortable so think I'll go to bed.

The old Okelo boy (burned) is back to work again. I do hope some of these people will soon get hold of the Gospel and turn and try to do better.

Mon. eve. Oct. 28

Poor widow tonight. First time since May when Jno went across the Lake with Mr. Hurlburt.

Our plans change so fast here and so sudden that one is never sure of one day uninterrupted.

The men had been working hard at the house every A.M. and had a nice lot done. Fri. night they sat at the supper table while I ran over to Doctor's about something. When I came back Jno said they had planned to go to the mountain the next day. I was glad for it would do them good to have a change. The 3 men went & came back about 5 P.M. tired but full of new plans. They found many many people up there and much better gardens etc and hoped there'd be no mosquitos. We talked it all over and over. Was it wise to think of moving. The only consideration I gave it was if there were certainly no mosquitos there then I'd be in for moving; otherwise not. Mr. Gribble thinks we ought to because of the large numbers of people. Mr. Haas thinks we ought to go back toward Chief Momba's territory.

So today Jno & Mr G. took G's tent and left. Expecting to camp on the hills some where tonight go on to Uma's tomorrow and look the country over – returning Fri noon or Sat. If they see no mosquitos then we make arrangements to move. Would have to write the Chief of Zone for permission to change our site- but while we are waiting for his answer work up there anyway for it's quite sure he'd permit it. We would have to be there two months at least before we'd be sure there were no mosquitos. There were none here when we first came.

The children & I are staying alone. I didn't like to ask Miss Harland to come because she is nervous when in a tent and I didn't want to ask Dr. for Miss H. wouldn't rest well alone. So we are trying it alone. I'm sure we'll be alright.

I washed a few things today. Will do it up properly tomorrow. Baked bread too today. Not much.

It does seem lonely tonight. Had class here at 7. Too upset to have it at 2 P.M. I shall be sorry to leave all the work that's been done here but if we can get out of the mosquitos will be glad there's no more been done.

I was so stupid about fixing up their chop box. Forgot cups & several other things. Tried to send a man after them but he said he didn't know the path.

As I was getting out a book from the tin lined box I found ants had gotten in and just ruined so many of them. I'm sure they'll be awful in the big box. Jno will feel badly about it.

I'm so sleepy. Shall set the rat traps & go to bed. It's beginning to blow a little but no thunder or rain yet.

Wonder how the hill will be for wind etc.

I shall use the gun if necessary but I hope we'll not be troubled.

May God guide the men's steps and show them just where He wants us to locate. So help them- Father.

Wed. eve. Nov. 6.

Still Api Hill but not for long. If the boat brings our ordered trade goods then we Stauffachers & Mr Gribble will leave on Fri. for Gasengo Hill the chosen site.

Mon. night – when I last wrote – we had one of the hardest storms we've ever had. The very fiercest lasted only a few minutes but it was hard. The rain blew in pretty bad. The whole store tent floor was soaked. I lay & prayed – 'Twas all I could do. The children slept thro' it all. Such sweet trust they have- and how it shames our unbelief. Tues. night it didn't storm. nor Wed. night. Thurs. night had one again but not so hard- and Fri P.M. the men came in. Thur. A.M. a man bro't a parcel from them including notes. There were mosquitos up on the hill and at Umas so we judged that settled our staying here – altho the men were still looking around. Then Fri. when they came in Mr. G- especially couldn't tell us enough about a place they had found. The first night there was one mosquito but the second night none. It is back from the Lake further and away from the Boma too. I'm sorry about that but no doubt we must get further from the Lake than we are or be troubled with mosquitos.

Well, we are all agreed to try it. and altho we couldn't leave before Fri. as we are out of cloth & the boat comes tomorrow. We are expecting to leave then if we can get the porters. We are packing our extra boxes into a corner of the girls room.

Took almost all the boxes out today – a good deal of damage done by ants but not so much as might have been. Jno worked hard all day and is tired tonight but must have a little play before retiring. Miss Harland led prayermeeting.

We had an awful wind last night. I hadn't gone to bed – Jno had but was up & we both held onto the tent poles. Yesterday was election day in U.S.A. and of course we are anxious to know who got there. We had election here. 4 for Wilson & 2 for Teddy. We hope the boat men can tell us tomorrow how it went. Last night then the girls asked Jno to run the phono & they served Postum and cake & toffy. All had a nice time. I had sick headache today.

Tonight or rather about 4:30 such awful clouds came up & wind that we tho't we'd have an awful storm. The Lake was a sight. In spots it was bright green & some places pink blended in with the shades of gray. About the oddest sight we've seen. It blew pretty hard a while. The children & I went to the girls house and Jno & Mr. G. were working with his tent. The wind passed & finally the rain came fairly quiet & so after we had eaten supper at the girls we came back. It blew some but is quiet now. I'm starting a letter home. 'Twill be a start only as I'm sleepy.

Have a cold – Several have. A boys house & tree back of the reed house No. 2 at the station blew down that Mon. night J. was away.

I do hope this move to the hill will be the right thing.

Nov. 11 Mon. P.M. Gasengo Hill.

Our goods came Thurs. and Fri we left. On Thurs. we ordered the men. Hoped for 40 but didn't expect them. We scarcely tho't we'd have enough to leave on Fri. but before breakfast Jno found there were enough so we hurried & hurried and finally about 10 A.M. we were ready but the men then refused to go without their pay first. It was all Kumo's affair. He wants to be the big fellow and makes himself most obnoxious. Okelo or Smoker is much better all the way around. Jno went out with paper & pencil to sign on & none would come then he told them they must clear out & got after them proper – cleaned them all out of sight then started down for Kumo's house with matches – for we knew he was the culprit.

Kumo soon got the men around & after we ate dinner at the girls house or their corner – for that's all that's left to them we finally got started. Got down to the cowbarn expecting to find Kumo & the gang there for there were two men missing for carrying the children. Found no one so Jno went back to see if he could get some of the boys that were helping the girls & Haases. Four came & two carried the hammock & Claudon & the other two lanterns & gun etc. Raymond was to ride but it made it pretty heavy so Jno would carry him on his back occasionally. I led the puppy. Much swamp to cross & many streams. Was grateful for my good waterproof shoes and short skirt. Camped at the foot of the hill. A nice camp; noticed no mosquitos.

We brot the cows along with us. Next morning when about ready to leave camp Kumo said he wanted to go over the hill. There was a good path etc. etc. We went- started straight up the hill- instead of going around the path the men both knew & which was very nice. The one we took was awful! awful! No path at all for the first hour and a half or two hours and tall grass over our heads & up up up and Jno and Mr. G. changed about carrying Raymond as he couldn't walk at all. It was an awful discouraging morning. We finally got to one stream. It was so pretty & had two large caves just at the crossing. Large ferns & rocks & such cold clear water.

When we finally over took Kumo and asked him why he bro't us over such a path he said he didn't know the path – the Bashenzi had said it was a good path. We felt like spanking him. The other path was so pretty & the way we came was terrible. After an awful hard forenoon we finally reached here just about noon. Made some tea & at once had bread & sardines & tea. Then paid the men. Then set to cutting the grass and getting the tents up. The men worked so hard. after having such a hard trip. But finally we were pretty well settled. We expected the men to go back that P.M. but they didn't until the next morning.

The Chief Foya called & brot a sheep and some native meal. We had an early supper & had good hot baths and went to bed. Jno was not feeling at all well & feared a chill but got on all right. Was very stiff & tired on Sun. We just lazied around. Had no meeting of any sort. There are such throngs of natives around all the time. Seldom less than 50.

Now as to the place – I suppose when it's all cleaned up and we are somewhat arranged and settled I'll like as well or better than Api but now it seems strange and awfully unhomelike. It is cooler here. and somehow the sun doesn't feel so hot. The view is grand. Much bigger than at Api but not such a fine Lake view. The river valley tho' is beautiful and the big wide valley running back into the Interior. The water is much better here too. Can get it just where the spring starts which is very fine – and nice cold clear water. Wood is not so plentiful as at Api nor are there nearly so many trees. Only two clumps of wild fig with a palm tree growing up among them. Our tents are pitched by one clump & our house will be built by the other. The temp. houses will be in a line between this clump and that. The flies are awful bad but it may be somewhat because the cows are around the tents so much. There has no barn been made for them yet so we have a great time with them nights especially, they bother the tents so. We tie the dog just outside the tent & he does bark so when any natives come around.

There are ever so many more people around here than there were at Api. Sat. when we came & were setting up, Jno counted over a hundred around looking on.

We took on a boy for building fires etc. and yesterday I had him roasting some corn & I tried to talk with him in Aluru but didn't succeed very well in making him understand. However I soon had the crowd around me & tried to tell them a little about Jesus. They said they understood some but not all but said if I told them every day then soon they would understand all. Don't know how they'll be for repeating verses or doing school work.

We signed on 14 men today & they worked fine. Jno. says, “much better than the Api Hill fellows ever did”. They are very eager for cloth. They haven't taken anything yet and don't come very near the tent like the others did.

We just chose the site for this temp. house over the tent, this morn. and went to work and now the bamboo is already up ready for the grass tomorrow. It will be ready to have us in by Wed. or Thurs. Hope the Api porters come back again with the rest of our loads tomorrow. We have no tables nor chairs nor nearly enough cooking kettles etc.

I wanted to try to get out- a little each day but there are such crowds around here all the time that it's hard to leave.

The boy is real faithful & has only asked for his pay once.

Children are rather upset. We got a lot of green corn Sat. & they over ate. Jno was still very stiff this morning but is feeling better now. This noon they started fire back of the tent in the grass with a strong wind blowing this way. Got everything full of charred grass and most strangled the children & I. I washed out some clothes. We would like to see these people as eager for our God as for our cloth.

FMS letter Nov. 16, 1912

Tues. eve. Dec. 3.

Dr's birthday.

So many things have happened since I last wrote. The next Wed. or Nov. 13 we put up our tent in the bamboo frame work. It had no grass on but we were grateful to be tied up in the frame when that evening we got the worst wind that ever struck us yet and it's almost certain our tent would have gone if it hadn't been here. Mr. G's tent was ripped some. He came up here & sat with us during the worst. We were all in bed. Putting the tent up as we did made it come over two feet from touching the floor so we've tacked and pinned up native blankets around to keep the wind out. On Thurs. the men put grass onto our house and thus was the first term of workmen paid off. They were a happy crowd and took their cloth & marched off. On Fri., seeing none were coming from Api, we sent 40 porters for loads. We were grateful for table & chairs again.

We expected to go right on & put up the ladies house but a note from them made us think perhaps they better not come yet. They hesitated about this place being much of an improvement over that if mosquitos are found here too. So we finished up Gribbles by hiring for buttons, safety pins & needles.

On Tues. the 19^th the men made a long hard trip- trying to find Momba's. They were misdirected and didn't get but within 5 miles from it after walking about 14 hours.

That morning it happened to be the time for a new boy & altho I had told one, another tried to crowd him out by coming early so that both boys were here by 4:30 making a fire so as we were awakened by the noise & the light from the fire. We got up and that helpt the men get an early breakfast & they were off by 6. and didn't get back before 9:30. Almost too tired to eat. Jno was threatened with a chill but was soon feeling fairly comfortable but for the ache in his legs.

Mr. G. was to start for Api the next day but they were both so stiff they decided to take it easy that day. Mr. G. left on Thurs. taking 20 more men with him for the remainder of our stuff and some of the girls'.

When he had left Jno still felt rather knocked out so made things more convenient here. Made a nice large cupboard and put bamboo bars to the front of the veranda with a door which we close nights & can leave things out there nicely.

Sat. eve the porters came saying that Mr. G. was staying until Tues or Wed. & would then bring the ladies along & we were to send 30 more porters for their things. Sent 40.

We were quite nicely in order by this time. The childrens & my beds & some boxes in the back room & Jno's bed & more boxes in the middle room & the dining room table cupboard & chairs in the veranda part.

Got a nice mail with these Sat. porters. Learned that Zemmers baby had been quite sick but seemed better. Mon. morn. early we sent a man with the mail & tho't the porters would come later but they wouldn't go til the next day as there was a hunt on and they went to that. So the folks didn't get started back til Wed. & then sent most of the porters in & they camped out getting in about 10 the next morning which was Thanksgiving Day morning.

On Wed. I baked bread, buns, a cake, & two squash pies – for pumpkin pies- and Thurs. morning Jno killed the sheep the chief had given us. So we had for our Thanksgiving dinner: Roast leg of mutton & dressing, baked beans & new potatoes- also fresh tomatoes from Api. Then Postum and squash pie.

The girls rested & bathed and as we had dinner late it was soon evening. Jno was working at their house but didn't get it done so they slept in Mr. G's tent & Mr. G. slept in this room with Jno. We talked quite late & were tired so got up late next morning. The girls got pretty well settled in their new home. They left Mr. Haas ill when they came so Dr. sent down on Sat. to see how he was. Word on Sun. said he was better.

The girls ate here 'til Sun. night. These people are better than Api ites. They (Api) seem to be trying in every way to get everything possible. These have taken nothing that we are positive of but a safety pin.

Today we all went to the river for a picnic all day & nothing was molested. that we know of.

Sun. the ladies got dinner & took care of the children & Jno & I went roving & found how nice this stream was & so today had our party picnic there. Children had a great time.

Mr. G. planning to go to Hoima when the boat returns in another week. Get some Xmas fruit.

Fri. P.M. Dec. 13.

Mr. Gribble left on Fri. a week ago today. We sent 45 men on Mon. & Tues night Haases got here. Came thro in a day. He was feeling better so walked some of the way. Mrs. H was very tired of course. Gribble came part way then returned to the station.

Mr. Buxstaens came Sun. eve while we were at the supper table. He is Sec. for a Judge who is at the station. He came over to use the type writer. We gave him some supper & he took all his meals with us. Staid until Wed. morning. Haases ate at the girls on Tues night & Wed. morning and here until Thurs. noon. got their own supper Thurs eve. and as the girls were out to villages all day I had them come to supper. So today is the first we are alone since Gribble left.

Miss Harland is having a spell of fever today. Mr. Haas wasn't feeling very well either. Claudon had fever yesterday.

Men are putting up a building for services and school. Jno works in the garden some. is trying to drain a very swampy place. One of the places no doubt where our mosquitos come from. This P.M. he is working at the record box.

Had a nice mail on Sat. only it didn't come in 'til Sun. morning. Our things from the Masindi Indian came too. cloth, oil, writing paper & nails.

Are having lots of wind now but no rains. Guess the rains have stopt for good. but if all works well we'll be able to have nice garden with irrigation.

Mon. is Claudons birthday. Want to take our dinner out.

Mon. eve Dec. 16

Claudon's 2^nd birthday.

Last year had Downings children for a tea party on this day. We live in the McKenrick house.

At eleven we packed up things and went out along the road to the pretty place among the rocks and ferns and moss. Very very pretty. I took mashed potatoes and fried chicken & gravy and fresh biscuits and honey- ginger cookies & bananas and Postum. The girls made a lovely coconut birthday cake and Mrs. Haas bro't some salad of endive & tomatoes. It all tasted so good. and we enjoyed it all ever so much. Miss Harland feared she ought not to go but finally decided to go any way. She didn't seem to be any worse off for it. Tomorrow will tell.

Mr. Haas didn't seem to be feeling very well but didn't complain.

This morning had first services at 7 o'clock. Quite a crowd there and we think that a pretty good time. We have breakfast first so we have to get up early.

Jno worked at the spring today. Think we can make it very good. Also put up the poles for the clothes line. That will be a great help. Hope to wash tomorrow.

Put the white linen suit onto Claudon. He looked so cunning. The first time I've put a suit onto him. Raymond also wore it on his 2^nd birthday celebration at Kijabe.

Claudon keeps asking for the “phonograss” so much these days. They both enjoy it so much. We do hope our Xmas records will come on next boat. Mr. Gribble is no doubt having a good time at Hoima.

Mon. Jan. 6, 1913.

All this time and still no record. Have just been too busy with housework & meetings for any writing.

Xmas eve we had the people here for supper & the tree. It looked so pretty. Had a lot of shiny beads draped around and all the gifts on and some candied cherries & bright candies. Raymond helpt get it ready & was wild over it. Mr. Gribble got back the night before with lots of nice things among them some gifts from Fishers.

After we enjoyed the tree and phono awhile we got the wood piled and had a big bon fire. When that was finished we came back & each read something from the Ladies Home Journal. little Xmas something. Mr. Haas spoke a comic piece. Then after distributing the gifts we dispersed for the night. Next day (Xmas) we had a meeting for natives. Then at 10 our English Xmas service & at 1 P.M. dinner at the ladies house. Had such original place cards. made by Doctor. Acrostics about each one – it was well into the P.M. before we finished and Mrs Haas asked us for supper of chocolate & cookies. Then had our regular Wed. night prayermeeting. Mr. Haas led and all enjoyed it. Decided then to have meetings every night for awhile for our own benefit and for native work.

The next night some one cut the ropes of the girls' door and went in & took all the clothes out of the hamper – a dress & petticoat & apron for each of them and the tin box of medicines and some kettles & Miss H's sweater & Dr's coat & over a bolt of cloth. several towels & stocking & a night gown. Dr. awakened & hearing a noise said “sithi” & they did go. Left a white enamel pail on the path & the little coffee pot & bottle of malted milk. Nothing else was found. That's one of Satan's tricks to overthrow our meetings. we kept on. I felt especially depressed on Sat. night. but Sun. morning I couldn't keep from singing and all day Sun. I felt so peaceful & contented and nothing annoyed me.

How I prayed that I could keep in that state always. We continued our own meeting til Tues. night. New Years eve. Had watch night and a very blessed meeting. I'd put the children to bed & then when asleep come away but keep my ears open. When meetings have lasted longer than 10 they usually waken and cry but soon go to sleep again after I say a few words to them. New Years morning at the native meeting the invitation was given asking all who wanted Jesus to arise. 7 got up & came to the front. Then they and as many others as cared to were asked to come at sundown for a meeting.

Mrs. Haas was to have the New Years dinner but as she was not well with fever we decided to have it at our house & the girls helped with it. After dinner we had the phonograph & when all left we decided to meet at 4 at the girls for prayer for the native service. Didn't have any supper. I fed the children and got them to bed but didn't feel quite free about going to the native service for fear I'd just disturb them so I staid & prayed where I was. A big crowd gathered at first but kept leaving until there were the original 7 and a few others. eight more came the next morning. We have our prayerservice every P.M. at 2 and have had a native service every evening until about 9. No new ones have come out in response to the invitation but several come every night.

One is Kadillo in whom we are very much interested. and are sure he will soon come out. The people here have the same excuse that people at home do. “Not now. another day”. We have very blessed & helpful meetings both P.Ms & eve.

Yesterday Sun. was a day of rest. Had native service in A.M. and a song & testimony meeting at 4 and nothing else. Jno & I both rested before dinner and then afterward when the children slept we went for a walk. Went way out east & sat down on some rocks overlooking the valley in front of the station. It is peppered with villages. and so pretty. I was loathe to return. Don't know when I felt so indifferent about the children waking up – we got back at 3 and found them both at Mr. Gribbles tent.

On Fri. noon Mr. Gribble told us that his bachelor life would soon end. He & Dr. had been out at the villages & that was the result. We were shocked, to say the least.

Sat. was Mr. Haases birthday. We went to the river & had our dinner. Haases had never been there. All enjoyed it. Didn't stay long.

Last night some one pulled the door open far enough to get into the girls house again and got the last box of medicines etc. and again cleaned out the hamper of clothes. The girls called out again & they ran away.

Mr. Gribble and some men went to the Boma for the mail etc. The girls washed today and this P.M. Dr. has fever. Now this is night & I'm staying here with Miss Harland. There was no native service as many had gone with Mr.G. It was the affair of the boys not to have meeeting we expected to. Dr. is still pretty hot- but her temp. is going down.

I'm here because some one has been around tonight. Two different times they've been outside & ran away when we went out.

I went up to ask Jno what to do & have come back with one of Gribble's steel traps which we'll fasten to the door and hope the fellow will get his hands into it. Dr is getting flighty so we've taken the hot bottles away & dried her off. Her temp. isn't going down much but hope it will now.

Dec. 21 was Mrs. Haases birthday & we had tea at our house. Then after it walked to the garden & to the spring. The next day (Sun) Jno & I walked to the garden & sat down and were discussing things when suddenly we stumbled onto making bricks for some of the walls of the house. We mentioned it to Gribble & he tho't it wise & now there are about 600 bricks made already.

Today they started piling stones inside of where the foundation will be. Jno has almost fixed up the wheelbarrow concern for hauling stones up. There is quite a good place for stones just a little way back of here. Have women working in the garden beating out the sod. Jno's sore thumb refuses to heal. It has been sore for several weeks. cut it while sharpening the sickles. Satan tries every possible device to get ahead of us. May God help us to be faithful & steady. Such battles I've never before fought. If only God can carry out His purpose in me is my New Year wish.

Mon. P.M. Jan. 13.

How much can happen in a week. Tues. night just at meeting time Gribble & the mail came. but he brot nothing from the Indian & we had borrowed cloth from the girls and had about 15 men to pay. Most of them are working on until next boat. some took beads.

But the mail upset us mostly. Letters from C.E.H. asking Dr. to drop everything & get the Azandi language. and Jno is to get out and find a way to Faradje for the English party of 4 who are coming soon. sail Jan. 24. Well, we didn't open our mail until after the meeting but it rather upset things the rest of the week.

We talked & talked & talked & planned. but somehow could come to no conclusion. Finally Dr suggested that Jno & Mr. Haas go to Faradje and Mr. Haas stay there and get the language started til the party come. That was finally decided as best. Mr. Gribble was to stay here & do the house building.

O my! my heart was heavy. Somehow separation seems almost unbearable. Jno was awake early and tho't things over and finally decided he ought not to go – as he'd only get back and have to start out again. and we haven't the money now for it and didn't seem quite right to ask Gribble to put up our house. Mr. Haas went to the Boma on Fri to get more Bangala expected to come back today & the Lieutenant was coming too. It's going onto 5 and they're not here yet. Since Mr. Haas left we've decided Mr. Gribble better go in place of Jno. and Jno be ready then to go with the party. Mrs. Owen said she was sending us $50 again so we sent to have Zemmer send up our things from Kijabe. It will be so nice to have them here when the house is up. Hope to go on with it now. Started laying corner stones & foundation today. Jno's sore thumb is better & today he cut the other.

Tues. A.M. Didn't finish yesterday. The Lieut. and Mr. Haas didn't come last night, suppose they will be in today.

Had meeting at Ladies house again. We long to feel God's power in our midst. Each one desires to be so filled that we will have power in prayer for the natives. 19 have said they want Jesus but we can see no change in their lives and we do want to see them so filled that they will be able to testify before their people in a special way.

I meant to record yet the sad news in last mail. Mama wrote on the train on the way from Abilene to Illinois. Rena had died Nov. 8, Fri. and they were taking her to Hooppole to bury. Her sickness had been very short- only something like two weeks- pleuro pneumonia.

She had been to Illinois for the celebration Sept 12. and had had a very nice visit. Millard Cook, the young man to whom she was engaged, had met her in Chicago and they two & Cora & E.H.B had had a fine time. She and Millard had gone back to Abilene and a few days later she was taken sick. Mama & Stacy left for Abilene on Thur. and got there Fri P.M. and Rena had died in A.M. The lady osteopath was with her at the end. Rena said “The Lord doesn't want me here any longer. The angels are coming for me” and with that she left. A terrible shock to everyone. She had many friends altho she was rather quiet. Short services were held at Abilene on Sat morn. Then they took a fast train & got to Geneseo early Sun. morning. Had a short service at Grandpas then by auto to Hooppole where the services were held at 1 P.M. It all was most more than Auntie could stand and she was quite sick afterward. Rena was to have been married last Fall but it was put off for awhile. Everything was ready but her last dresses. Then they made up the cream silk wedding dress into her shroud. Poor Millard was too ill to go to Illinois. We know what we must do to meet her again. We may not even die before our Lord comes then we'll all meet in the air. Wont that be splendid.

I do want to write Auntie a letter for next mail if possible. If we only get the power the Lord has for us he'll come all the sooner. O Lord send Thy power now.

Sun. eve Jan. 26

Ruth Raynor is 2 years old today.

Mr. Haas & the Lieut. came in time for dinner of the day I last wrote. Mr Haas had a bath & later had a violent chill & fever to 106. Felt better next day so got up but Thur. had another chill and fever almost 107 and heart complications with it. A very very sick man. He refused quinine and every other day had a chill & fever coming an hour earlier every time. Finally he was getting very very weak and she was giving out too and Gribble who always helpt on bad days was beginning to feel it too, then Mr. Haas of his own will said he'd take quinine. We were all so glad and he hasn't had a chill nor fever since – so far as we know.

William broke the last thermometer on the place so now when any one has fever we just guess at it. At first Mr. Haas regretted having taken the quinine but I should think now he'd be mighty grateful.

The Lieut. staid here til early Thur. morning he left.

Jno went to meet the boat last Wed. Left Tues. P.M. and got back late Wed. night. He was waiting for Mr Forbes who however couldn't get finished that day. So Jno came on and Mr Forbes came early next morning. We had just finished our breakfast when he got here.

Quite a nice mail. The records came and as Jno was awfully tired he undressed & went to bed & I made tea for him & he ate a little bread & cheese & I put one record after another on- and after we had run them all we read our letters. It was 11:30 before we finished. The records are the finest we've ever gotten all so clear & nice. These are the ones: Hungarian Rhapsody 1 & 2; Unfinished Symphony 1 & 2; Bach's Fugue in D minor & Rubenstein's Melody; Harp solo 2; Prelude in C Sharp & March Militaire; Il Travatore, 1 & 2; Love in Idleness & The Herd Girls Dream; Gavotte in E & Caprice; Invitation to Valse & Overture to Rosamund; Finale & Ah Mimi.

The harp solo was a little disappointing at first but we are liking it better. Forgot to say that Miss H., Dr. & Mr G came to see if I wanted to walk out to meet Jno Wed eve. It was beautifully moonlight so we did & met him coming out about 20 min.

Mr. Forbes came Thurs. morning & staid til Fri P.M. We got quite a lot of things from him. Things he didn't want to take along & as he isn't coming back this way he sold them cheap. He had left 8 boxes with us when he left the country in July and now going thro' them he found much he didn't want. We gave him 100 francs in gold or 4 pieces. There were a lot of little things – supplies etc that are nice to have.

Raymond had a little fever Wed. P.M. and more on Thurs. Couldn't tell how much as we're without thermometer. Had prayer meeting Fri. eve but I didn't go as R. seemed so restless. I was up until midnight with him.

Sat. sent 4 men to the Boma with some boxes Mr Forbes wants sent to his wife who is at Hoima. We sent the mail too.

Took on 15 men for work & had them carry up bricks. Jno hopes to go at the house and stay at it as much as possible. Are expecting a Mr. Coode and a Belgian Surveyor some time but we don't know just when they will come.

Miss Zimmerman & Miss Newton – Dr. Hendersons bride were expected at Kijabe on 23. This is the last night of Conf. week. They had put it a week later.

Had a quiet day. took walk this P.M. Had prayermeeting. Dr. not very well. Run phono every spare minute.

Tues. eve. Feb. 4 1912. [1913]

Have had some exciting times lately. Last Wed. P.M. a fellow came to the fence with a tin of goats milk to sell and for his loin cloth he had a towel of Drs with her name & address on it. One of the articles taken in the first theft. We at once chained him. But then Jno & Mr. G. went with him to his village to see if there were more things there but they found nothing. They brot him back & chained him to the post of Mr G's house and just at dark while Mr G. was away a few minutes some one cut the chain & the fellow was off. We were so sorry for we were sure he was guilty as he told all kinds of lies about where he got the towel. Mr. G. went to the Boma anyway the next day and reported it to the Lieu. but he is not doing anything about it which disappoints us awfully. The people here too say that everybody will steal now when they see nothing will be done. A few mornings afterward the piece of chain that was around his neck had been cut and was hanging on the clothes line.

Some of the people here were so eager to have something done that on Sun. they went down to some village where the goods were & came back with a dress of Drs & some muslin clothes as well as the tray out of the tin box of medicines. So Mr. G. went with the guns on Mon. and tho't perhaps he could scare them into bringing out the things as well as delivering up the thieves. But there was no scare to them. They brot back a small basket that had been taken & some more bottles. Mr. G. goes again on Thurs. to meet the boat & will tell the Lieu. about it again & see if he can't urge him to do something. They have been here two nights since we caught that fellow. Always at the girls house. That shows what cowards they are. The father of the fellow we had here wanted to hush it all up by sending us a sheep. We do hope the Lieu. will do something now. It isn't in our place anyway.

The house is going on fine. They made all the door frames today. It goes faster than we thot it would. Do hope we can get the roof on any way before the rains proper come. Had quite a rain last Thurs. night.

Fri. I went to the garden with some seeds and made a little garden. It's pretty dry now tho' so I don't think they'll do much. Some beans we planted about a week ago are up nicely.

I hire about 15 old women every day for salt or beads & they are beating out the sods. That makes it very nice and it will be ready for planting when the rains come.

Mr. Haas is gaining strength every day. I've about finished Williams pink Xmas suit. Washed and ironed today. Had sick headache yesterday. Raymond has very bad cold. Croupy.

Tues. eve Feb. 18.

One corner- northeast- of the house has the wall finished up to the roof. All door frames & all window frames but two are In. All the stone walls are up as high as can well be reached without boxes. They made a high platform last Sat. and are using it.

Have had no rain since last Tues. but it has been very warm today. Have noticed the sun so much. and this evening it seems quite warm.

Yesterday washed & did all the mending expecting today to sew all day. When I first got up this morning the tho't crossed my mind “Wonder when Mr. Coode will be in here” and by 8 A.M. his porters were arriving. We hadn't heard any thing from him for almost a month & I hadn't thot of his coming for some time. Jno went out to meet him.

He took dinner here also P.M. tea & supper at Haases. Suppose he'll eat here all the time he stays here. He goes to the Boma for a few days. He seems very nice.

Started our evening meetings again a week ago Sun. or rather a week yesterday. Have had them every night since.

Are again very much interested in looking up prophesy about the end. and it does seem as tho' it will be very soon. Sometimes it seems as tho nothing is worth while but preaching the Gospel only. We shall all be glad when all have comfortable houses to live in so itinerating may be done very extensively. We do long for God's Power in a special way as there is special work to do. Just now Jno is interested in Gen. Hist. Studying it in connection with Daniel.

We bot a sheep this P.M. Very good. The garden is in pretty good shape only I want to put in more seed. Also potatoes.

(Yesterday Jno fixed up a temporary out-house with sheets of Iron. It does very well.)

Washed hair on Fri. Jno had a bad cold but about broke it up by sweating on Sat. P.M. Miss H- is making her dress. I'm working at the childrens brown & white striped suits. The girl that came last Sat is a caution. I have her wash dishes and she thinks it's awful.

Baked bread today.

Are rather expecting rain tonight. It's lovely moonlight. The girls went to villages. We went for a walk.

We get out at 5:15 every morning lately. This was my day for native service but Jno took it as I had to take care of the bread and I'll take his on Fri morning.

Hope I'll accomplish more tomorrow than I did today. Sat. is mail day; we do hope our cloth comes. Have been out so long. Can get workmen right along tho'. They have learned to trust us pretty well.

The children never fuss any more about our going away evenings. We often go before they are asleep.

We had a nice walk on Sun. to the chiefs village & back. Saw some pretty bushes on way back that we think of getting for hedge.

Want to have the fence put up soon now. My it will be nice when we can get into the house. We, Miss H & I, have school every morning. Quite a number stay.

Thur. eve. Feb. 27.

Mama's 59^th birthday. Can't hardly believe it. That seems so very old and she really isn't old at all. How I wish we could all step in and spend the evening with them.

We'll be pretty apt to remember this date as we had quite a hard storm. Such awful wind. Took some of the iron sheets off the house & they went sailing down over the hill. One was across this little valley below the near village. Some big timbers went too & we feared things would be generally ruined but they had started to put on the roof & the part they had nailed staid all right. and they worked very late this evening and got the iron all on over the two bedrooms. Rain can't hurt so very much now unless it comes in great quantities.

Both yesterday and this A.M. were very sultry and hot. We had quite a wind & some rain last night. Some iron went then too. but today was worse.

Yesterday I put in some more water melons and potatoes as well as cabbage & celery & carrots & beans. Today a piece was dug up back of the house where I expect to have vegetables. Finished the fence yesterday so I'll begin planting.

The mail was the only thing that came on last boat so we were without cloth again. Their confidence was somewhat shaken but Mr. Coode lent us 8 bolts. We feel it is almost Providential.

He took dinners, P.M. tea & supper with us. Fri. P.M. we had tea at the ladies house and just as we finished it got so black behind us over the hills. Think I never saw a darker cloud. Rained, hailed and blew then also thundered & lightened. Mr. Coode came into our house. A hut down the hill was struck & a woman hurt some. A call was given & every one turned out. Dr. helped her.

Sat. morning Mr. Coode moved his camp up on Nda, The high hill back of us. Had erected a beacon there & wanted to take observations. We tho't that after the heavy rain the atmosphere would clear but it didn't. Sat. was Washington's birthday so we had an out door supper under Haases big tree. Had a nice time. Mr. Coode came down for it. Sun. P.M. when J & I went for our usual walk we went up to see him. He had gotten some points. and it was quite clear all day. Mon. morning dawned clear & fine so he finished up his work & then went to the Boma. Our men with the cloth came in Tues. noon and Tues P.M. we paid off all our cloth debts.

Mon. wrote most of the time as we sent the mail out Tues. morning. Tues. was Mr. G's 30 birthday. Had supper in evening out in our room. Had brick seats & brick tables. Things tasted good. Mr. Haas had made some candy & it was very good. The girls made the cake & got the icing of honey and chocolate too heavy so the whole thing mashed down.

After supper came in here & had the phono. Washed a big wash so was very tired. Tired tonight as we didn't nap today.

Sat. Mar. 15

Got up with headache- so had no breakfast myself but got it for the others. Miss Harland is baking crusts & I'll make filling of lemon pie with limes. New girl this morning. Washing dishes for first time.

House is getting on very well. They are putting in back veranda today. Will put up chimneys on Mon. and clean up better fix doors & windows and by Wed. or Thur. we will move into the two rooms. Have had no rain nor storm for almost two weeks but the sun has been very hot lately so we may get some any time.

The men went over past Foya's the other day to look for trees found none suitable for cutting but brot a lovely big palm we have planted southwest of house.

We had no word of any kind in last mail as to whether or not the Eng. party were coming. Some of us expect them next boat and some don't. A week from today they come if they come next boat. Rather poor mail all around last week. The boat got in so late they couldn't get thro' on Fri but came in Sat. morn. Mr. Haas was with them. His language books came from Stanleyville. Have some good Kingwana helps for school especially.

A week ago Jno moved a big tree into the yard back of the house. Hope it will grow. Expect to get more still. Several of the posts of our house are growing. The smaller ones along the side.

A soldier from the Boma is here having his arm treated. Was shot by mistake and has an ugly wound. Dr. is dressing it. He lives in back of chapel – also his two wives.

On Sun. Mar. 3 Jno & I turned the children over to the ladies & we went down to the river that's way down in the valley. We had seen a waterfalls up one of the valleys and had wanted to see it close by so went there. Took lunch & a book. Going down was quite a strain but coming up was so very tiresome. We went in bathing at the falls 'twas so nice & warm & sheltered. Didn't get back til about 6 and found the rest just finishing services. Read a little but were walking most of the time. One very steep place to climb coming back made me so tired toward the last Jno went ahead & I took hold of his coat & he pulled me. The whole next week I was so stiff & sore it was agony to walk. Worse even than the time we climbed the pyramids. But we enjoyed the day fine. Found the valleys have many villages or rather the ridges leading into the big valley.

Fri eve Mar. 21. At home

Wed. morning, the 19^th, we were up bright & early – children and all. and right after breakfast we began tearing around. Neither Jno or I went to chapel or school. Jno got the floors cleaned in the house and I got the floor clothes out & by the time the workmen came from chapel we were ready for them. Put the floor clothes down first & then moved the beds & piled all the boxes into one room. before noon we had everything over here & had the beds cleaned & set up. The girls asked us there for dinner & supper – I was so grateful. by evening we were settled enough to have prayermeeting. We were very tired but so happy to be in the new house even if it is only two rooms yet.

Jno has his bed in our room which we use as living room & I have mine with the children's in their room. Yesterday, Thur. I baked & made candy in A.M. and Jno made a round table. It took him all day but its very good & solid. and so convenient.

But I do wish our other furniture and goods would come soon. Well, last night we had the house warming. Asked the rest to come for the evening. Had phono until it began to rain & storm then we had tea or cocoa & cake, biscuits & candy also bananas. The folks left about 10 when the storm had cleared. We are a little better straightened up today. Boxes arranged better and pictures up. so we look quite cosy & nice. Suppose we'll hardly feel like moving into the other room even when it's done. It's so cosy & nice in here. Have fire every night.

Started yeast tonight. It acts real lively now. Hope I can get some good bread tomorrow.

We tho't we were going to have a big storm tonight but nothing came of it but cold wind. So sorry for we do need rain. Something has eaten off so much of our stuff – the strawberry raspberry that Jno tho't so much of and the fushia and roses. Think it must have been the goats. They are so mean. Plenty of grass. More outside than inside but they must come in & destroy things.

Sent men to the Boma but not to meet the party for we've had no word that they were coming. Hope we'll hear this time just when they'll come. It's hard to be in suspense.

These are such lovely moonlight nights that Mr. G. & the ladies have been going to the villages after supper.

Jno is reading aloud “Light for Last Day” by Guiness- & I sew. I do enjoy it. We will soon finish it.

We are so glad for this house. Iron roof & all. So comfortable & nice – much more so than our last quarters. We wish all the others were in good houses too.

Americani windows but that's much better than none as before.

Washed G's & our nets today. Haven't put ours up yet. It's so nice without. Do hope shoes come for R. in tomorrows mail. He's all out.

Thurs. eve. Apr. 3.

Nothing special to write about but just tho't it was time to get at it again.

Yesterday Jno brot up a potato from the garden as big as my fist which was planted Feb. 6. That's pretty well done I think. I put in seeds (flowers) of all sorts on Mon. and set out tomatoes, cauliflower & beets.

No the English party didn't come last mail – word that Mr. Studd had left the A.I.M. is all that came & no particulars as that was a cable. We were so disappointed.

Raymonds helmet came but no shoes. He is now wearing one slipper and the one shoe of the pair that had one stolen. Claudon is wearing the little red felt house slippers. Hope we can keep a better supply on hand hereafter.

Today the men went out again for the day. The girls asked us down to dinner. I have been so tired all day. Jno is playing a little & I've written Aunt Polly now I'll go to bed. I think.

We've begun reading “Tale of two Cities” c. Dickens. I'm remodeling that tan shambray piped in red dress and last week colored the pale green of Al's that I fixed up at Kijabe and now Mrs. Haas is wearing it. Also colored Claudon's little white linen suit- so he can wear it longer without washing. Things are wearing out awfully fast lately.

Planted or transplanted 3 trees in the yard above the house- brot from away.

The front & back walls of living room are up & the end wall will likely go up tomorrow. Then we'll be pretty well protected from storms coming from that corner. Jno has a board door partly made. Looks real nice.

Will bake bread tomorrow also cookies etc. Have started a double letter home & to Lora. They sail Apr. 12.

Jno brot such pretty flowers tonight- light outside petals & dark inside ones.

It was so cold & wet last Sun. Rained til about 9 A.M. The fire was so comfortable. Haases staid to supper.

Claudon's latest song is: Irimo ni twero lara; Bin ka Jalar; “Give the glory revive us again”. He sings all right straight along. Sounds so funny.

The latest topic of interest is a trip to be taken by Jno & Mr. G. sometime in the future – when, unknown.

Sat. eve. Apr. 19.

A year ago tonight – by day – we had supper with Mr. Joris which lasted til midnight. Landed in the Congo. This sentence brings up all that accompanied that landing.

What a year it has been!!! But after all we are so glad to be here and do hope we may spend the rest of our days here, the Lord willing.

Tomorrow is really the date of our landing as well as my 32^nd birthday- but being Sun. we tho't we'd celebrate today. Had everybody here for dinner & supper. Mrs. Haas bro't pot roast dressing & gravy and I got the rest of the dinner. The girls got supper or late P.M. tea - : Salmon sandwiches, cold mutton, scones, white cake, chocolates, bananas, & peanuts. Everyone enjoyed themselves- or seemed to. Has been cold, cloudy & rainy all day.

Many unlooked for things have taken place in the last 10 days or more. A week ago Wed. night Jno suggested our starting meetings among ourselves again. They met the next morning for prayer and somehow they all felt the necessity of moving on among tribes untouched – and felt God would have them go soon. I didn't go to meeting but Dr. called me about 11:30 as they wanted me to know plans.

Met again at 2 P.M. and things were pretty well decided that all go but us and Dr. thot God would have them go the next Tues. or Apr. 15. I feared it was all done too hastily and opposed many of the plans. I shouldn't have been so concerned as we weren't going but I rather felt for Mrs. Haas as she wanted to wait for this next boat Apr. 22. especially as last boat bro't us nothing – not even stopt with mail.

There was much time spent in discussion. On Sat. noon and afterward we had all come here for meals. We kept expecting mail until Mon. night. Then when it didn't come we felt it was a mistake to go on Tues. but again we left it to the getting of porters. They packed up every thing and waited but no one would go. So in P.M. they began unpacking again. Ate supper here Tuesday eve and thereafter got their own breakfast.

Can't account for it all. but it was a great experience. We haven't started up the meetings either. Jno & Mr. G. are planning to leave early Mon. morning for the boma and visit villages on the way down & stop at Api over night then meet the boat Tues. morn. and come back. Hope the weather will clear. According to what the mail brings will the next move be planned; but if nothing definite comes G. & the ladies may go itinerating around here. And when they return we may go. All depends on mails.

The white cow has a heifer calf born last night. Shall be glad for more milk.

Got the bamboo on the roof. Still some iron missing so can't put it all over yet.

We hope for a large check as our bills are so high. The Lord can provide.

When Mr. G. unpacked he moved into the new house put up for the English ladies, and his has been taken down as one of the posts was growing so nicely. 3 posts in our house are growing. Hope to take it down too before long.

Think we have enough bricks made and when they are bro't up that shed will be taken down and put up as a cow barn.

Have the new calf tied under the back veranda tonight. It is so cold outside. and last night was a hard rain most all night. Rather a cool reception into the world it got.

Jno isn't feeling very well the last few days. May be fever in his system. Think Claudon had a touch today. R. had a spell lasting a few days 2 weeks ago. Otherwise we have all been very well. Can see Butiaba most every day.

FMS letter Apr. 21, 1913

Sat. eve May 3.

Well, things did turn up. Mr. Studd and Mr. Buxton came on the boat with about 75 loads. The boat came rather late so it was hard to get off and as there was trouble about getting things thro'. Mr. Gribble & Mr. Studd staid there & Jno & Mr. Buxton came on. Dr. & Miss H. came up to wait but when it got near 9 they tho't they'd not come any more – we had had a note from Jno saying they might not get in. I waited until 11 then went into the bedroom & was just taking down my hair when Jno “helloed” out on the hill.

They were very tired and as the grass was very wet they were soaked to their waists. Some porters came in that night but Mr. B's bed & bedding didn't so we got in a sheet of corrugated iron & put it on boxes & scared up a little bedding & got on. We got about 60 porters to go the next day- but every day was rainy & disagreeable- and they had to see about things & so waited until the boat returned on Fri. We sent our mail but it got there too late. The boat had gone.

Mr. S- & Mr. G. got in about Sat. noon a week ago. G- was soaked thro' & thro' for it rained all A.M. We were glad to see them.

We expect Mr. Morris & Mr. Batstone on next boat. Mr. Hurlburt may come too but rather expect him on the next.

We are all out of sugar. Never such a thing happened before. Mr. Studd had two 4-lb. tins of caster sugar. Gave us one & Dr. one so we have that for tea but I'm not making many deserts these days- nor cakes either. We do hope & pray the next boat will bring our Nairobi order.

On Mon. Mr. G. & the two ladies left here for Strawberry knob & that line of hills- to be gone a week itinerating.

This week the weather has been a little more pleasant. Jno put in the pantry floor & part of the living room. Also finished the end wall & put up the chimney today- so now we can finally say we are finished. Brick are made but aren't dry enough yet to put down but can soon finish now when he gets back from the boma. No doubt he & Mr. Buxton will go to meet the boat on Wed. They leave here on Tues. If the others come they may bring our goods from Kijabe. Rather hope they will – and do so hope they'll bring the things ordered from Nairobi.

Raymonds shoes haven't come yet either. This week Mr. B. & I fixed up the slipper so it does better but we shall be glad to see the parcel come from Nairobi or better still the box from home sent last Oct.

When Mr. G. & the ladies left Mr. G. brot all his boxes up here. The ladies intended to do the same but Mr. Buxton offered to sleep there so they left them. All was well until last night he didn't go down til about 11 & when he got there he found some one had stolen all his blankets but not the pillow and some of the boxes were gone. This morning one box was found on the path & one was only partway out. Jno intends taking matters in his own hands if the Gov't wont do it. Mr. B. had such lovely blankets too. Mr. Studd had a double set so he can help out nicely.

We rather think Mr. Studd & all should stay here until Hurlburt comes but Mr. S. thinks they'll go on. doubtless by way of Kilo.

Mr. S- finally got his donkey in but the Lieut. wouldn't allow them to keep any boys. Makes it awfully hard for them for they have, evidently, never had much experience in cooking. However they are very brave & want to learn how to do everything.

Mr. Haas went toward Momba's yesterday. Took only one man to carry blankets will sleep in a native hut & eat native food.

Mr. S. has one Somali boy here (Friday), but can't take him further. Wonder what the next week will reveal.

May 22. Thur. eve.

Yesterday Jno & Mr. Batstone & Mr. Morris went to the Boma to meet the boat, expecting Mr. Hurlburt. Tonight at dark a note came to say the boat hadn't come yet & they would wait til tomorrow or if it came yet this P.M. they would travel tonight. Of course as usual we were so disappointed. Our M.W.& Co parcel ordered last Oct. arrived tonight in awful shape but everything here. The napkins are terribly soiled so they'll all have to be washed before used.

One year ago this morning the house blew down. Cora's 25^th birthday today.

Mr. B & Mr. M. came on last boat. They came in that night at ll o'clock. None of the porters got in so all slept on the floor here.

Mr. B. brot Freddie Strauss along as he had been turned out of school at Kijabe. No boys boarding there now until a boys dormitory can be put up.

There was much misunderstanding and soforth between Mr. Studd & Jno & Mr. Studd & Mr. Morris which made things very unpleasant toward the last. Finally Mr. Studd & Mr. Buxton took their meals at the ladies house until they left on last Mon. May 19. Mr. Gribble intends going to Kilo with them and bring the 18 porters back. They have stored many many loads up in our attic. The ceiling is in – Mr. M. & Mr. B. put it in – and Jno finished the floor on last Mon. & Tues he dug the potatoes. Got about 6 to 8 loads. It does seem so nice to be getting something from the garden. About all the little seeds either didn't come up or were no good because it was too wet. Am getting a lot from Nairobi again so hope to get some agoing again.

Friday, Mr. Studds boy, was owing Mr. S- for a months work so Mr. S. told him to stay a month & work for Dr. He refused and went to the Boma on Tues. but yesterday he came back again and is now at work at Drs.

We have had a few days of nice dry weather but this morning early it started to rain and was disagreeable until about 10 A.M. & then cold all day.

When Messers. M & B came they bro't the 7 loads of flour, sugar etc from Nairobi but saw nothing of the rest of the stuff. We hoped Haridas Visram would have sent it over by this boat. The boat has been so irregular lately both in stopping with the mail & in calling for our mail on returning. So that some of our mail has been hanging around 6 weeks. Mr. Coode was to leave last Sat. so we hope he finally took it over with him. Can't understand why it doesn't come this time. Jno had hoped to make arrangements with the new Capt. Dugdale for regular service. I do hope they'll come over in the morning early.

Cut Raymonds, Claudons & Freddies hair today. Am hearing Freddie say his lessons too.

Nothing done yet about the stolen stuff. Hope the Lieut. soon gets a push on or everything will be forgotten. R's & C's shoes came in May 7 boat. So they are fixed better now. And we have word that our Xmas box from home is on the way up from the coast. And tonight our parcel got here with shoes for Jno etc. so I guess we can get on pretty well til the next things come. The parcel came by West Coast and of course took so long & our draft sent months & months ago came by W.C. and we wondering & wondering where that money went. It would seem to be good to forget Belgian Congo for awhile. We've written so often to have it changed to Butiaba, Uganda.

Finished sewing my big blue apron today. Must do a little more mending tomorrow.

Not very moonlight as its cloudy and windy & cold. Lightening some but can't storm much it's too cold.

Claudon uses such large words of late- most more than he can manage which makes it awfully cute. Bed time – fire is out.

Thur. P.M. May 29.

In camp. Who'd have tho't that inside a week from last entrance we'd be in camp. Well, the men got back from the Boma on Fri. eve having seen the boat go up & leave them sitting at Mahagi. We sent the mail on Sat. hoping it would stop as it came back. It seems from the Lieut. letter that the boat had only gone to Debukelo and had then come back to Mahagi just after the men left. Capt. Dugdale announced he would not stop any more unless there were loads or passengers. The Lieut said nothing about the mail bag already there but we hope he put it onto the boat. The one that went Sat. of course was late.

There is civil war on between Ulongoi's people & Keta Mukubwa's people. A great many villages have been burned and many wounded & one killed. We asked the Lieut to come over with the soldiers but he says he can't leave now. And he says we can't do anything either. It's awfully provoking.

Well, when the men got back from the Boma Jno said nothing would keep him from going at the road full blast the next week. He at once cleaned up in the pantry and cleaned down the dining room walls & we moved in on Sat.

Sun. Mr. Morris led the Eng. service and had part of the regular church service.

Mon. Jno took on 8 men & started at our gate to make the road. Worked Mon. & Tues. and on Wed. Jno brot his dinner as it was getting too far to come back & today we decided to camp. Making it a little outing for all of us. We didn't intend starting very early but just after chapel men were seen gathering on the flat between us & picnic stream & we tho't they meant mischief to us- so we waited and as it was rather rainy we had almost decided not to leave today for the people all said if their villages were burned it would be our fault if we didn't stop & help them.

Finally they sent a man down to the marauders to know what they intended doing and they said they were going to the other side of the Kakoi- so we decided to come on.

Miss Harland would have us stop for a lunch- so had tea & corn bread which was very very good. We came on- R. walked & Claudon was carried on one of the mens shoulders. We aren't more than an hour from Gasengo. Tambali and Okelo (mouthy) are working and go home every night. We will no doubt camp here until Mon. and then move to the foot of the hill to the regular camp- and work on from there. Jno would like to get pretty well worked thro' before it's time for the boat – a week from Sat. After that if no one comes on the boat we expect to work back again and improve the road. I have bro't sewing and knitting as well as writing along. Mr. Batstone & Mr. Morris moved up into our house to live and with Freddy will keep house for themselves. Rather expect Mr. Gribble back tomorrow and hope he'll soon come out to see us. We are anxious to see him and hear of his experiences.

This is a pretty camp & well protected from winds. Large rocks all around and only enough room for a tent. We aren't putting up our veranda- as it's so stony and we'd have to pile up stones to put the poles on. Don't believe the wind strikes us here much as there are high rocks on 3 sides. There's a little stream beside the tent with pools in the rocks where the children can play. We are in sort of a valley and as we look out to the front the tree tops are swaying with the wind & just the sight almost makes me seasick. The valley & hills beyond are grand from here. A grand place. Wish the home folks could be here and enjoy it. Makes me think of 7 yrs. ago when J & I used to go camping along the Narok at Rumuruti.

Sun. June 15.

Back in camp at the foot of the hill. It does seem nice to get back here again.

From the first camp we moved on a little beyond here to what we call the leopard camp. From there into a garden and then under a big tree between Api Hill & Mt. Melia. From here, on last Sat. Jno went to meet the boat but it didn't come. The Lieut. told him an Indian Shop keeper had set up at Old Mahagi so Jno went straight there & found he was at the Catholic Mission. Got sugar & tea & milk and came back just at dark. Sun. We settled for a good restful day and at noon a full mail bag came & word that 14 boxes were there. Only one porter was on hand so Jno & he went to the Lake to put the boxes in shelter & found 46 instead of 14. On Mon. we moved over down to the Lake to repack & sent for 65 men. They came Tues. We found things in awful shape. So many things spoiled. Wet & moldy and rotten. The top trays in the trunks had nothing good in them. Lieut. had told us we could list things but later sent down word he'd have to see it. So we sent everything up. We didn't have to pay much. The bureau & sewing machine weren't damaged. Five big boxes haven't come: organ, stove, writing desk, beds & mattresses. Hope the next boat will bring them.

Got back under the big tree for Tues. night. Claudon had fever all day Tues. so was carried back in the bed. While camped under the tree we were very near 3 big villages which were mostly Api Hill people and they proved themselves same as always for one hoe disappeared as well as Claudons knife.

We left there yesterday morning and came as far as the path was cut. Just as we got there it began to rain so we tied the tent between two trees and all got under. It soon stopt and the men went on with the work. Jno returned & we had tea and soon the men came and we came o here- under a nice tree on the home side of the regular camping stream.

Since we left home a leopard got our puppy. They've set the trap now. We had it set here for leopards were around. We have had fine weather since we are out. The men are allowed 5 hands a day for food. Yesterday they got a sheep & killed it here last evening before going home. Gave us liver etc. Very nice of them. John felt about done out last night but seems rested this morning. We expect Mr. Gribble down in the morning with the men.

Lovely moonlight nights now. Finished reading “Waverly” last night. Will start Pierson's life today.

The children got awfully mosquito bitten while down at the Lake that night and Claudon was broken out with prickly heat. All will be better now up here & as we'll continue to go higher it will improve.

Mr. Gribble built a new house for the ladies. They moved in last Thur. The bamboo houses don't last very long.

Freddie S & Friday are to return to Uganda by next boat. We'll be out about another week. Then home- C. wants to return every day.

FMS letter June 16, 1913

Sun. eve. July 6.

We left that camp the next Wed. morn. and moved along with the making of the road & finally pitched in a stony hillside garden for the night & the next morning they worked thro' & joined the old road and we came home. Mr. Gribble had been down as planned and we sent word by him that we'd come on Thurs. P.M. Glad to get back but found things awfully upset of course with our boxes all over. and Mr. Batstone was sick with fever and wasn't moved til the next Sun. but we got sort of straightened up altho everything was so damp we took floor clothes out & haven't put them down again. The big boxes haven't come yet.

Mr. Morris went over to meet the boat last time with Fred & Friday but it didn't stop so they returned. Now they hope to get word tomorrow when they (the boat) will call for them. They'll likely leave on Tues. & if the boat doesn't call will go across by canoe. Expect C.E.H. on July 22.

Jno made a lovely big book case for the books- & a phono. case for plates & the phonograph.

We started meetings last Sun. Have been having 3 a day- today had only one and next week will have A.M & night. O it is necessary. We haven't any power in our lives at all. and it shows in the natives too They all say they are “danu pa Yesu” but don't know at all what it means. We do crave such an out pouring of God's love & Spirit that the natives will understand there's something more necessary.

I'd like to write Cora tonight. Don't know if I'll get it done. Freddie has been staying with the children nights.

We've not caught the leopard yet. Mr. Haas left for Kilo June 25. Got there alright & is going on to Arebi. Hazy some now but occasional clear days.

Fri. eve Aug. 1.

Mr Morris & Freddy went by the Gov't sail boat. and Mr Morris & party of 4 returned on July 22^nd boat. Jno & Mr Gribble went down to meet it. Came on 23^rd bro't Misses Hurst & Stirton and Messrs Miller & Clarke. The ladies stay with Dr. & Miss H. & the men, here. They were getting an early start so Jno sent word we should bring supper down to the stream where the two palms are. We did. children & all. but they came so slowly that instead of being up by 3 as they expected it was nearer 5:30. We ate a hurried supper & Jno & children & I came on as Jno had had fever & was not well. We had tea ready for the crowd when they got here. Mr. Miller & Clarke slept here for two nights until they could get Dr's old house fixed up more thief proof. Of course altho he took 40 porters there was still lots of stuff left behind & Jno & Mr Batstone went down the next morning again with 80 more porters. Repacked our big boxes & got everything up but several large boxes belonging to Mr. Clarke & Mr Miller. Got them later. The M.W. & Co box sent last Oct. (now Aug. 1) came too but it had been robbed – nothing left in but a doz. lamp chimneys & a lamp and a box of dried apples that had been opened. I was so disappointed for the shoes & stockings were so badly needed. The missing Nairobi box didn't come either. I'm ordering from home & Nairobi so hope to have things here again soon.

The meetings have continued. A little break when the folks came but have been quite regular. Now are having evenings only. Still expect the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with perfect love that our service may be more glorifying to God.

Mr. Hurlburt didn't come as he was sick but he sent a letter of instructions. The four men are to go on, John with 'em. to Faradje Mr. G. & Dr. to stay here & Mr. Haas to open a station between here & Faradje. Mr. G. was quite upset about it but is now more resigned. Is putting up another house & he & Dr. will be married Aug. 12. The men expected to leave shortly after. The other day Miss H. suggested my going with them and the suggestion has been taken up & now it's decided I'll go & leave the children with Miss H.

I'm very glad in a way but 'twill be hard to leave the children.

Jno, Mr. Batstone & Mr Miller went to the Indian shop at the Catholic Mission & got lost slept in the chiefs house over night. That Indian is going to Arru and will go with us. We may not leave before Aug. 18.

Mr. Haas expects to return via Faradje & Arru.

Thefts are going on every once in a while. getting worse & worse. Stole quite a bit from Mrs. Haas and were at the house a second night but she called out & they scampered off. Were here too but got scared off. Very busy these days. So much to be done before we leave.

Mon eve Aug 11.

Tomorrow is the great day. Lieut. Boulouff came this P.M. and tells us he is going into the thief question proper. Had song service here last night and while all were here thieves got Mr. Morris's sleeping bag and pair of pajamas and Mr. Millers big coat & pair of trousers.

A week ago last Sat. morning about 3 o'clock we were wakened by yelling of natives & reflection of fire brands in the room. We could see fire running here & there & an awful amount of yelling. We couldn't make out what ailed them when suddenly there was a song of triumph and we knew they had accomplished what they wanted. Shortly after they called “Jalmora” out & said they caught a thief – and they brot up a poor man more dead than alive and we put him into chains on the back veranda. If we hadn't taken him the people would have killed him. He had a big cut over his left hip and one on his cheek & another on his head. all bleeding badly. There was little sleep for any body on the station and first thing the next morning we had a meeting to know what should be done. Every one 'most was agreed that his wounds should be dressed and he should be given every care but left free to do as he pleased. He owned up to having taken 3 knives and the table cloth but said he didn't have them any more that the people had taken them away from him. Mr Batstone is taking care of him and altho' his mother and others have bothered some still he seems to be doing very well. He stays in the house with the two boys that Mr Clarke bro't, and who are both working for me. Almost every night since some one has been at the house where Gribble, Miller & Clarke live. One night they went off with 4 boxes & were at the 5^th. All were found again. Molested Mrs Haas several nights too. Miss Stirton sleeps there now & Miss Hurst with the ladies.

We leave on Thur. if nothing happens. Mr. Clarke's leg is still bad but he'll be carried. These are noisy busy days. We were all about distracted last week. Things are in pretty good shape for tomorrow. Will do some decorating in the morning.

Lieut. ate supper here & will be with us all day tomorrow no doubt the next day too as he wants to go into things thoroughly. He has bro't Keta Mukubwa along. I do hope they'll settle things. If they don't, no doubt we'll have more trouble than ever.

While we are away Miss Harland & Miss Hurst will live here with the children. Am anxious to go & then get back again. 'Twill seem very strange to be alone in camp. We will miss the children.

Mr. Miller made Gribbles a table. Messers Morris & Batstone made them a cupboard out of our nice cedar boards but it's a beauty. The silverware didn't come yet so I gave Dr. two handkerchiefs & Mr G a kerchief & tie.

Have a sheep ready to roast & will fix white potatoes & tomatoes and Mrs. Haas is making squash & eggs fixed up. Miss Harland made the cake but it was too rich, however 'twill be awfully good. I'm making prune pies too. Mr. G. is working late tonight but they are pretty well settled and wont have much to do tomorrow.

Guess the thieves wont molest much tonight – Lieut. is camped near the spring.

We have almost 60 porters signed on. All seem very anxious to go.

Am making candy while I write this but am getting very sleepy. Washed today – no rest after dinner. Want to keep sort of a diary while away.

Not having meeting tonight. No mail came on boat- just boxes. Most of Mrs. Haases things came. My sifter & corsets got here. Wish I'd have had shoes come too. Must wear my old ragged ones tomorrow. Candy is ready.

Sat eve. Aug 16

First camp toward Faradje- at head of valley of Kakoi – near Falls.

Finally got started this A.M. 31 porters came and we got started and hope to meet others at Songa's on Mon. The children were very nice about seeing us go. They didn't seem to realize we were going so far away. My! how I'd like to see them tonight. We have a very nice camp here. Shall write up more fully tomorrow.

Sun. A.M. - 17.

Must first write about the wedding. Mon. eve Lieut Boulouff arrived – soldiers galore. Tues. morning I filled the pie crusts and got things cleaned up for the decorations. John got two nice bamboo trees that arched from fire place to corner of book case. Then Mr Morris & Miss Hurst brot ferns in quantities and we had all vases & every available dish filled up. Things looked very pretty several little tables laid in white beside the big table with a fern centre piece. At 5 minutes before 11:30 Mr. Gribble & Mr. Batstone came in & John started the wedding march Lohengren. Shortly Dr. & Miss Harland came in then after a short exhortation we sang “Love Divine” and then Mr. Morris read Psa. 23 and prayed and then had the usual ceremony after which John played the Mendelssohn march while congratulations were spoken.

Then the Lieut. went thro his affair which took so long but finally finished and we had several pictures taken and then had dinner. The bridal four sat at one little table. Mr. Morris, Miss Hurst, Mr Clarke & Miss Stirton at another and the rest of us at our big table. Had boiled potatoes, squash, roast mutton & dressing. Then tomatoes & salad dressing & eggs sort of deviled – then pie & later jelly & fruit cake & then tea & brides cake. Keta & Foya were at the ceremony and during the meal there were crowds at the gate so after dinner they had a service with them & every one rested. Tea at 4 at Dr's and we had super at 5:30 and phono. afterward. Most every one left early and we were about ready for bed when Mr. Morris, Miss Hurst, Mr. Batstone & Miss Harland came in to sing. So we took a short moonlight walk first & then came back. They soon left & we went to bed.

Next morning shauris were on thick & fast and some people went by with Miss Harlands sweater & she thotlessly walked over to where they were talking at Kadillos village and they gave it to her. When the Lieut. came up so angry he could scarcely speak. said “the missionaries were spoiling his tactics”. Of course Miss H. felt badly about it & Lieut. pulled up his tent at once & went to Foya's. They got nothing except some little stuff that was taken just at first. Never looked any place but Longois- when we know that the worst thefts were made by people right there on the hill beside us. They never looked there at all. We wanted to leave on Thurs. but could get no porters while the Lieut. was there. He left Fri. but they wouldn't come then as Keta was still there. Fri eve Deta came with a tin box – said a man from Longois brot it – 'twas the old medicine box two or 3 bottles of medicine in it.

Jno talked pretty strongly to the natives earlier in the day he had offered Keta the spotted ox if he'd get us 75 men by 1 o'clock but he didn't seem to care about it. but said we'd get porters when he left. and at once left.

So Jno told those who stood there that if they were going with us they'd have to come in the morning or if they didn't that he was finished with them he'd get the Muhinde to do the portering for us. Then we decided if less than 25 came I'd have to stay behind. On Sat. morning the first lot he signed on numbered 25 but we got only 6 more. We have 31 with us but told Mr. Gribble to send more on to Songa's if he could get them- and meet us there Mon. eve or Tues. noon. I do hope they'll come as a box of provisions was left behind that we ought really to have. We have no soap at all. except our toilet soap. and no flour & only little sugar & milk. But we can get on. Lots of food came in last night & we also bot a little this morning. Have plenty now tomorrow too. Rained most all night but sunny today. How I'd like to see the children. Give anything to spend today with them.

Everything is lovely & clean & clear this morning. The Falls are pretty too. Shall spend the day quietly and restfully & be ready to move on in the morning.

Mon. eve in camp.

A very very large village on Kilo road before getting to Songe's. Had a very bad morning. Heavy clouds settled over the hills before we got started and for two hours we went thro grass over our heads and loaded with water. To cap the climax we lost the right path & went wrong for half an hour. We finally at 10 A.M. got to a large village on the Kilo road and then the sun came out & we had fine walking and finally got dry. Had our lunch at the regular “Momba” camp and came on intending to get to Songe's tonight but found it pretty far- so stopt here.

Storm threatened but blew around. Haven't used our mosquito nets as its been so cold. As we had a cup of tea this eve Jno appointed each to their work. Mr Miller helps me with the cooking. Messrs. Clark & Batstone do the buying. Mr. Morris is chaplain & Jno feeds the men. All pretty tired tonight. Road leads around a good deal but is pretty level. Don't know what we'll meet at Songe's tomorrow. Mr Gribble was going to try to send some on with more boxes.

Yesterday after dinner went to falls. So very pretty. Messrs. Batstone & Miller climbed the hill to see the top – awful coming down.

Tues. morning broke camp at usual time. Awfully cold Mon. night. Bot quite a lot of stuff of all sorts. Ate lunch at Songe's but no new porters turned up so suppose Mr. G. could get none. We went on as per directions in Forbes letter (just as we left Mr. Morris took a picture of us all) to the next village which is the first of Juru's people & here we were to leave the path & strike in and get a guide but the old man started a tale of a white man being killed & our porters all refused to go. We didn't know what to do for evidently it had been a recent murder and we might be running a risk in going in among an unsettled tribe. so we decided to go on to Nyoka and find out what we can do. We went. Camped first at Kabakaba camp and had heaps of food bro't. Lots of nice milk.

Mon

Next morning the porters refused to go on so Jno said they'd have to go back without any pay etc etc. They decided to go on. At noon when we ate our lunch they again refused to go on & Jno had to go back & compel them to go.

Wed. eve we got to Nyoka. an hour on this side we found a frenchman living near Juru's village – don't know what his work is but he told us all about this murder & we found 'twas the same man, Mr. Dixon, that we heard about some two months ago. Found Mr. Du Cheyne at Nyoka very nice but couldn't speak english & couldn't give us help as he didn't know any way to go from there to Aru.

We camped there. He gave us a sheep and some milk & we gave him some white potatoes.

Next morning sent letters back to Gasengo. Hope they'll get them on Mon. We were very perplexed to know what to do next. No guide & further away than usual, we hardly thot it wise to strike into unknown country with 31 porters not knowing if we could get food or not. So we decided we'd better return to Songe's & see what we could do there. We got a very late start. Got to Juru's village and waited there to see about getting a guide. Could find none however.

Had our dinner there of 4 legs of sheep and squash & sweet potatoes. Just as we finished eating a rain came up & we found shelter until 3 or so then went on & camped at the place we lunched at the day before. From there we came back to the first of Juru's people where the old man told the awful tale of murder etc. and are camped here for the night which is Friday Aug. 22.

The porters act very glum and sulky but Jno will wait til they eat & then speak to them about things. We are trusting the Lord to lead us on. He can incline the porters hearts towards us no matter what the villagers say.

Not many people in the village here- perhaps most are in the gardens. Haven't had time to read anything yet. Could have left the books at home.

Mon. morning Aug. 25

When Jno spoke to the porters they'd listen to nothing but were determined to go home. No inducement made the slightest difference. In 15 minutes after he had spoken to them they had all gone & left us here. New plans were at once thot out. Mr. Morris & Mr Batstone were to leave at 2 next morning for Mahagi & intercept their mail which wold likely be sent from Gasengo by Sun. post. Also ask the Indian if he could get porters for us. Then go to Gasengo for Sun. and leave there this morning with porters to bring supplies.

Jno & Mr. Miller were to look along the proposed route for a mission site & Mr. Clarke was to go see Songe about porters. All did their stunts. At least the bicyclers left at 3 A.M. Sat. & haven't been heard from since so suppose they're carrying out the instructions. Jno & Mr Miller were gone all day Sat. but found nothing suitable. Songe told Mr Clarke that if we came up there he could help us on a day and the chief there could help us further. Before any of these plans were made several villages were visited and calls made for porters but none would come.

I wrote two letters on Sat. besides sleeping off a hard headache. Yesterday we read some in Church History. The head man here said he'd get porters for us but he hasn't come with them yet. He hasn't appeared this morning they say he's gone to call more. Very bright & sunny both yesterday & today but cool wind. Feet are cold all the time. Jno is busy picking over beans.

Thur. A.M. Aug 28 Songe's Camp.

Mon. Jno & Mr. C. called on Songe and asked if he'd move us. He said he would but Tues. morning none came from him so we got busy and gathered what we could there with the help of the two old men. We finally got enough & came. When we got almost here we found Songe's men coming but it was noon so no doubt they just watched to come when they saw we were started. Got our camp up & had dinner & were reading when 10 Gasengo porters came with loads & letters. Such a lot of good mail. and as they bro't oil we read most after going to bed. Morris wrote that the Indian was coming with 40 porters to take us to Aru. Miss H. wrote the children were fine – keeping well and happy.

Yesterday morning when the porters were to return we persuaded 9 of the 10 to remain & go with us. Last night the bicyclers returned and informed us that the Indian was to get his porters here at Songe's so we haven't much hopes of getting them. So Jno & Mr C. have again gone to see Songe about men to take us to Upio's at Karo Mt. We've decided it's best to go on that far if possible. More porters may come in this P.M. as Clarke & Miller may stay til tomorrow morning. Will try to go on with our porters any way.

Sat P.M. Eng. Post on the boundary.

We got off from Songe's fine all together and got to Upio's at the foot of Okaro Mt. Mostly thro' high grass. but got there after about 3 hrs. walking. Paid off the porters & got new ones to bring us on to here. They first promised to take us to Mulla's but when they got here to this Eng. post they wanted to return. We are still only two days from Gasengo. It seems too bad. We've been wandering around so much that we've been gone two weeks and are only two days from home now. Do hope we'll soon get out of sight of familiar objects so we'll feel as tho' we'll get back some time.

We came for about 3 ½ hrs. this A.M. & never sat down once. Came along on the divide most of the way. Have been able to pay the porters with francs so far. The Englishman is away just now so don't know just what can be done about porters from here on. Have frightful appetites. Eat lots of beans & native squash these days.

Wed. eve Sept. 3.

We left Onega's (English Boma) on Mon. morning fine – plenty of men to take us on. Kadillo shammed sick so they wouldn't come on with us but no doubt returned- we gave them no letter.

Got to Mulla's son and hoped to go on but rain was working up so we camped. Early this morning we came to a very large river – Jno took off trousers and carried me across on his shoulders the water came over his knees. Mr Morris took our picture. Paid porters with cloth Tues.

Got pretty early start and plenty of porters. Just before going up the hill to Mulla's we crossed another very large stream. Got to Mullas before 11 and wanted to go on but he wouldn't listen. He was dressed in drab waist coat & white coat with brass buttons blue bloomers & putties and helmet – Very fine- We put up camp & were just well settled when Mr. Haas came into camp. He had his over coat on and also two heavy woolen blankets around him. Says he hasn't had a chill but nearly. I never saw anyone look so knocked out as he did. He had much to say & was very excited talking Bangala etc. etc. He was to leave for home this morning after we left. We got off 7:45 and promised to take us to the Madi. Mr Haas had two soldiers and they were to return with us. All went well but when we got to the first Madi village the porters bolted. Mostly threw their loads & ran. The kettle of beans was half spilled & things scattered in general. Nothing happened. They just bolted. Carried off our lantern but it was recovered. The soldiers worked hard trying to get porters for us. We got 19 and went to the next village Jno & I with them. We had them return for more loads & they finally all got to this 2^nd village. However while waiting at this first village we got some lunch. At 4 we left the 2^nd village with a new lot of men having paid the first ones off. These had promised to take us on to Aru in the morning but when we had walked about an hour & ½ they wanted to return. so paid them. While waiting at 2^nd village one soldier wanted to return to Aru & bring porters tomorrow & we sent for them. however we'll go on in the morning if we can. High grass & many streams & swamps to wade. One of the first ones we crossed Jno got into a hole & even got his hands in. Getting lots of green corn here & eggs.

Wed. Sept. 10

Slow getting off Thur. morning but we finally got to the next village & some returned & brot more loads. Here we got enough to take us on but they went only about half an hour & refused to go further. We finally decided to camp and send the remaining soldier in to bring out porters. This was the most trying day. Toward evening we saw porters coming and when only a hill away they turned & ran back. Learned later that the owner of the village turned them back. no doubt he considered them too many to entertain. Next morning we deliberately had breakfast then packed up expecting those we saw last night to return but they didn't so Messrs Morris & Batstone & wheels went on and about 25 porters. They had scarcely reached the chiefs village down on the plain when we saw a dozen coming on a run and two soldiers. Some of the first ones returned & we got off meeting the rest at the chiefs. We paid those from the last village & came in with gov't men & 4 soldiers.

Got into Aru just after noon on Fri. Sept. 5. Two white men here but neither speak English so we speak Bangala thro' Kigere.

Had to wait for porters until Tues. morn. Wrote letters and washed & Mr. Morris baked yeast bread. I baked baking powd. bread & Mr. Miller baked sponge cake. Read quite a bit. I finished sewing some stockings for Claudon. Mon. night the porters came. 45 and a head man.

Sat night we bot a young goat from the Greek. and he gave us 3 chickens. Sun. eve the Officer sent us half a sheep. also many eggs. and we've been buying vegetables so have been living high.

Tues. morning we were on the move by 8 A.M. The porters were signed on and examined & listed by the Officer. I had sick headache so felt rather weak. We did 17 miles to a large river & camped. About 10 o'clock we met three white men: Chef de Sector, Mr Gillis and another Mr. whose name I've forgotten. They gave us quite a lot of information then we moved on. Path was very bad – not cut at all just an ordinary native path. When we got to the river we sat down under a tree & the people brot us ripe bananas. They did taste good. Had a lot baked for supper. Porters were quite a distance behind. Wanted to get an early start this morning but at 4:30 a thunderstorm struck us and it rained very hard. However we had breakfast & were ready to start by 8. After 5 miles got to the first rest house. Sprinkled a little but no harm done. We came on. Jno carried me across one stream & one that was very much over its banks I waded. The bridge was under water too but we walked across on it. Got to Danga rest house about 1:15. Mr Clarke staid back of porters and they came in about 2:30. He was very tired. Will try the wheel tomorrow. I am certainly grateful for the strength God gives me. Made 14 miles in all today.

Wed. P.M. Sept. 17.

Made two rest houses a day, ave. 17 miles. Camped at the big mountain for Sun. Fri. camp for lunch 7 porters ran away and we sent others back for loads. Kigere staid behind & finally brot all laggers into camp at Sat. eve. I felt very bum on Sat & had just remarked to Jno that I'd stay in bed next morning & less than an hour later John got quite feverish. His temp. went to 103 but was down to normal by midnight. Had a very restful day on Sun. Jno staid in bed most of the day. Walked around a little that eve. Was very very warm. Talked long & had just dozed off when a thunderstorm struck. One awful crack. Had an ordinary day on Mon. Crossed a big stream by canoe. Messrs Morris & B. stopt to fish. Caught enough for supper. Mr. Miller was slow in getting in & got soaked in a heavy shower.

We were up at 4:30 next morning and got started by 6. The porters want to go thro' to Faradje tho the people said it's very far. We ate our lunch at the last rest house. Past one house between. Left the last house at 1. and walked very fast. A storm came up behind us & we walked fast to miss it but got into a little of the last. Messrs M & B came in fast and got some biscuits & jam at the Greeks & came out about 2 miles to meet us. My! that tasted good. Came in & had some lemonade at the Officials & then came to the house assigned to us & waited for porters.

Had supper of clear tea with lime juice and hard boiled eggs & fruit – biscuits & sardines. Waited until 9:30 when porters came. Were so glad to get to bed. Had a hard storm during the night. Paid the porters this morning & then went to see the official. He refused much information but told the men to go to Dungu & find out. Seemed very unkind. Messrs B. & M. went out 1 ½ days or 8 hrs. to see a place Mr. Haas suggested. Upon their report tonight will depend whether or not we go to Dungu.

Think I'll close this Journal and continue in a new one. Sorry I couldn't finish the trip here but can't do it. Will try to get a book from the Greek shop-keeper and continue.

Little did I dream when I started this that it would be closed at Faradje. That seemed almost out of the world. And here we are. True we had a time to get here but not more than we should expect.

Started this a year ago on July 1^st so have something over a year recorded. A wonderful year too. Each one seems more wonderful than the last. God does lead us in many ways. I long to be lead more definitely every day. After all there's so little we can do for Him.

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