Florence Minch Stauffacher Journal – 1914.                                                            Index

Jan. 1 1914 Thur. P.M.

The New Year is begun. How will it end? God is on the throne and there is no need of asking how it will end.

We get pretty well discouraged sometimes & feel like saying “O Lord, how long?” but ours is not to ask but to keep on doing doing doing until He comes. Perhaps that may happen before another New Year. May it be so! No matter; we are in His hands. How peaceful we should be.

I want to live each day this year that if the Lord come that night I can meet Him joyfully no tinge of shame.

So help me my Father.

Sun. P.M. Jan. 18.

On the afternoon of New Year's Day I felt miserable & went to bed. My temperature went up and about 9 P.M. was 105. Then began to come down some but staid above 101 until Sat. morning it was below normal. Sun. I was up & have felt very well ever since.

On Mon. the 5^th we started in earnest with regular duties. Miss Hurst has school & Miss Harland the women and at 2 P.M. Miss Harland teaches the native teachers and at 3 she, Mr Clarke & I do translation – are at John. Mr. C. is a great help, knowing Kavaronda so well & its so much like this language. John & Mr Clarke work at the walls of the ladies house every A.M. & Mr Morris makes doors and window frames. Then P.M's Jno goes with the workmen & they carry up stones for the next days work.

Had meetings for a few evenings when the mail came and so much to see to that we've no time for reading or anything. Had a letter from mama telling of her accident. getting her hand into the wringer which was being run by an engine. It was getting on nicely & the stitches were soon to be taken out.

We observe Sat. as our rest day so we have really only 5 work days. I've been working at Dr's dress & now its finished & I'll send it to Kijabe for her.

Last report from Kijabe no one knew when any one would be up as the two who were coming for Azandi work were both sick with typhoid fever. Mr. Hurlburt hopes to come too. Rather expect to hear something definite this next mail which comes on the 21^st instead of 22^nd. He did that trick the last time & our mail bag missed the boat but the White Fathers went over later & kindly took it along.

Yesterday we went for a picnic up past Nda and to the next stream beyond where there are some caves. Miss Harland remained behind. The children enjoyed the trip as also the rest of us. Miss Hurst rode Mr Clarke's horse & coming down Nda she slipped off over its head. Didn't hurt herself much. Miss Harland had baths & supper ready for us.

Our latest fad is going home via China. I some how got the notion I wanted to see Lora & so our plans are in that direction now but we may change our minds when we realize what it will cost. But it would be nice to see Lora's and Alberts in Japan and the people we know in the West.

A big dance going on down on the flat in front of us. Lots & lots of people there. Have been going all day. When will these people see their condition & change? If only one or two would stand out away from the rest and say they will change. but they do not realize their condition. Think because they believe on Jesus they can do what they please. We do earnestly pray that some may soon take a definite stand for Jesus and show by their changed life, their decision. We do long for this.

FMS letter Jan. 21, 1914

Wed. eve Jan. 28.

Just finished prayermeeting.

Latest news is that thieves were around last night. At the ladies house and when they couldn't accomplish anything there they came up here. When we finally aroused they had cut the cloth off the window above the canvas – on the window at the foot of our bed. John got up pretty close & was going to grab him but the bars at the window stopt him altho he touched the fellow. When Jno finally got Mr. Morris aroused they went outside & found his walking stick and the piece he had cut out of the cloth as well an old piece the boys had for cleaning lanterns. My! makes the shivers run thro' me now to think how that rasping sounded – cutting the cloth with a knife. Would like awfully to know who it was. We still have the stick here.

The boat didn't come at the usual time this time again – but a box of books had been at the Boma for some time, and the men bro't it part way but found it too heavy so left it & yesterday Nemienga went with four boxes to get it. Found it was Haases. One of the men went to the Boma with a letter and said the boat came in on Sun. Wonder if it brot nothing for us. It is so irregular one never knows when to send down.

For several days Claudon has been complaining of his toe. The one where Dr. took the jigger out while we were away. The old nail is just about off now and yesterday morning I took a jigger out but the whole toe was very swelled & red & last eve when we sat down to supper he began to cry & say it hurt him awfully & the end seemed discolored. He cried a great deal all evening & was very restless until 12 o'clock when he slept very well until morning. This morning the end was yellow and some around the nail. I kept hot compress on it til about 11 o'clock then tied it up & let him run around. Expect to open it in the morning if it hasn't opened by itself. He's resting alright tonight.

Have been having quite a time trying to buy some chickens with a pair of Mr Gribbles khaki trousers. Tho't sure I had four this eve but the old fellow tho't the trousers too short.

Men were working in the garden today. Have the pineapples all scattered more & are getting a place ready for seeds. I've divided that parcel of seed from Aunt Annie. Gave some to Mr. Morris & some to Miss Harland. Hope to get some put in this week.

The men did a good piece at the wall yesterday. One corner is up as high as the doors.

A week ago today Jan. 21 we had a soaking rain. Came so early this year. Miss Harland had gone to the villages for the day & came home soaked. Miss Hurst was here all day & today Miss Harland staid behind & was here to all meals.

Forgot to mention that last nights capers were the first since we've come back from Dungu. Zaouga had some francs stolen but caught the boy & had him tied up til Sindani brot the money back. O why don't these people change – Is it our fault? Teach us, Lord, what Thy will is!!!

Wed. eve Feb. 11.

Prayermeeting night again. J's turn. Now the house is getting on. Two corners are up for the plates & if it doesn't rain the rest will be up that far tomorrow night.

Last week Jno. worked in the garden all week. Have quite a lot of seeds in now. Hasn't rained to amount to anything for some time. Do hope they can get the roof on now while it's so dry. Hope to get most of the wood work done on it on Fri. On Sat. we want to take our tent & go out on the road for about two weeks work. The ladies will come up here & stay while we are away & we hope by the time we return they can move into part of their house at least.

Nemienga left on last boat. Sent a man for the mail but he returned without it and Sun morning early a soldier came up with it. A letter from Hurlburt says he hopes to get here by the middle of March. So we are rather planning a little for Mar. 7 but more for Mar. 22. He may bring Alta, Miss Morse, Mr & Mrs Hannay, Miss Cable & Messrs. Gilding & Flinn- and may not bring anyone. Other mails may tell more. He goes to G.E.A. first.

Letters from home say papa was in Pres. hospital, but was better and hoped to get back home again soon. His heart, lungs, kidneys & liver are all more or less conjested and not working properly. Letter from Aunt Lorene & a $2.00 bill for Xmas. And from my stamp company in London 25 shillings for the last amount of stamps I sent.

Lieut. Jadot sent up word there were no loads there for us & last night a soldier came with a note saying there were 3 loads for us. We sent to Butiaba for things & a box of little stuff came but the sugar, flour & Americano didn't come. We've been out of cloth for so long – Sent to the Indian twice but he didn't have any. So we owe about 5 bolts.

Have been getting things with salt mostly & old shirts etc etc. but haven't had chickens for a few days.

Recut my white skirt today & a suit for Claudon of that red of my old skirt – broadcloth.

Johns pajamas aren't finished yet either. Guess I'll have enough work to take along out with us.

Miss Hurst went to bed last Sun. noon feeling badly & a temp. of 100 & stayed there til this morning. Today she has been on the veranda all day with a sub-normal temp. but seems to be picking up again. Miss Harland went to some villages. Miss Hurst & I took tea to the men at the rocks. They had cut a tree yesterday for a ridge pole & today they trimmed it up & had it bro't up. It is very good.

Got half a load of flour at the Indians so am baking bread in the morning. Hope there will be another load up from the Boma tomorrow.

Baked a cake for supper then forgot to use it. Miss Harland is living mostly on broths as she has been troubled a great deal with indigestion.

Gonde is working for the girls and he was left alone on Sun. for a while & now a blanket is missing. So they've dismissed him. So sorry – for we trusted him pretty much. Always at it. Get all they can for nothing.

We've all been troubled more or less by irritating skins & hives so we took sulphur & it seemed to cause a breaking out on me something like a ring worm only larger & O so painful. Last Sat. I was in bed most all day because they hurt so. Just where I sit down & then around the corner up from there. They are pretty well healed now. John had awfully sore hands last week. little boil like swellings very painful – 4 on one had & 3 on the other.

Mr. Morris has trouble too with itchy skin- all seem somewhat effected. Think possibly its change of weather.

Claudons toe is alright. I'm trying to break him of sucking his thumb when he goes to sleep.

Bed time now & I must fix the bread. Twill be nice to have yeast bread again.

FMS letter Feb. 18, 1914

Sat. P.M. Feb. 21.

We are out camping. Came out last Sat. Are at the convenient stream or Bambe – the native name. Are working on the road. Hasn't been any rain since we are out and the road in some places is very very hard so it is hard working and takes longer than we had expected. We have enough workmen on to keep all tools in use. The last few days I have been sending his dinner out to him.

I have been getting quite a bit of writing done, and hope to get still more done. Okelo (mouthy) went to Boma yesterday with the mail. Suppose he will be back tomorrow some time. Hope he brings the mail, the last few times there has been such confusion about the mail that its been some time since we had it when it was due.

We send up every morning for milk and any thing else we happen to need. It is very handy & altho Jno got very tired this week yet we enjoy ourselves down here. His hands were scarcely healed before his face swelled & gathered under his upper lip and then broke open. He looks natural now again but couldn't shave last Sat. as his face was so sore & his hair was so long that with that trimmed and his whiskers shaved he looks quite respectable.

My trouble has about all disappeared & I feel fine. Raymond has not been acting well for the last few days & yesterday morning wanted to stay in bed & when I went to him I saw he was quite spotted with little blistery bites. More came out during the day & as he had no temp. I let him get up. but toward evening he seemed to feel worse and by the time I got him to bed he had a temp. of 102. We didn't read & sew long for we were too tired but R. was restless – about 9:30 his temp came down a degree but by 12 seemed up again. At 2 A.M. he seemed more comfortable and slept pretty well til morning. Had a little temp. so ate breakfast in bed & as we all bathed first thing after breakfast he staid in bed til his bath but has been up since. Looks pretty spotted but most seem to be going away. No doubt will be alright soon.

We read evenings. That is Jno reads & I sew. We have finished Thelma by Marie Corelli & are now reading the Master Christian by the same author. This is Mr. Haases book. We have brot the Church History to finish up too.

Word from the hill says the men have finished all the stone work on the house. Jno had helped get up the big timbers of the roof & we expected them to go on & get the roof on first to secure it against rains but they seemed to think best to finish the walls first. Altho we need rain so badly we hope it will kieep off til the roof is on as it is dried out fine now. The men have worked hard.

John thinks we better plan to stay out an extra week & work toward home & then he can work out from home by taking his lunch.

The first two nights we were here we heard a leopard around & got the trap down also the rifle and since then we've heard nothing of it. There was a big fire over on the opposite hillside yesterday and after it there was singing & the boys said they had killed a leopard.

One night John heard a noise outside & a sound that he couldn't make out. whether scratching or cutting the tent. We could find nothing. A few nights later the same thing disturbed me & I looked out of the tent just in time to see a little animal the size of a cat run away. The next night something got into the tent & up on the table among the kettles & it kept coming back so I let the lantern stand by the door & the bold thing came in right aside of it & climbed onto the trunk & got a potato. I threw John's shoe at it. Don't think it has been back since. Like a huge rat.

Rather hazy today. Otherwise we get a fine view from here. A nice camp. Zavuga takes the clothes to the stream to wash. Andega helps here too.

Tues. P.M. Mar. 3.

Still in camp. Mail did not come as expected. But heard the boat came in on Mon. so sent down on Tues. & got the mail. Boxes came on Fri eve.

Over half the mail was ours. Word from Kijabe tells of Mr. Hannay's sudden death of typhoid & we expected them up here with Mr. Hurlburt. So sad. Don't know what she will do. Hurlburt, Alta & Miss Morse expected to leave for G.E.A. and then on up here - Getting here on Apr. 7. boat.

Papa was home again feeling much better. Aunt Katherine Goembel died.

All last week we took out dinners and went out two. Rain held off til Wed. night when it stormed pretty hard. But the house was covered and staid dry. Also had a rain Thurs. night. Road work went rather slow on Fri as there were very big stones to take out. Some aren't out yet but will finish to the end then come back & take out those.

We took lunch out yesterday again but when we got back I had headache & later in the eve had sick headache and was uncomfortable all night, so didn't go out today.

Rain last night & cloudy all day & now rain is beginning again.

Sat. was Mr Morrises birthday & he & Miss Hurst came down. Bro't a lot of things along to eat. After dinner some baboons came down the hill & Mr Morris tried to shoot some. But only wounded one. and early in the evening we heard the leopard around & the monkeys making an awful noise so I suppose he got the wounded one. They brot down half a dozen strawberries from the two vines we brot from Dungu. They did taste fine. Claudon calls them “Those good red balls.” We enjoyed the day very much & they too. They want to come down again next Sat. Hope they do.

Letter from Gribble said Dr. had miscarriage so they were going home as soon as possible. Mr. H.- expected to see them when he past there.

The house is getting on swimmingly and no doubt they will be able to move in when we go up. We expect to stay out another week. This week finishes out toward the Boma & next we want to work toward home & then when near enough for John to finish from home we'll pull up & go.

Am getting quite a lot of letters written and evenings are getting reading done. Finished “Master Christian” & will next go at “Nicholas Nickelby”. & I am getting a nice lot of sewing done. Every week there's a lot of mending too.

Have started one of those Bible Searching Calanders & it's interesting finding the passage and humiliating seeing how little I know.

One of R's teeth is loose.

Sun. A.M. Mar. 15

Expect to pull up tomorrow and go home. Am rather anxious to get there. the children too seem glad to go. Have enjoyed being out and have had excellent weather. Only missed about a half hour of work because of rain. Had some hard rains but came either at noon or night.

This last week worked toward home & reached the lunch valley – My! what an improvement. It certainly is very fine now.

Mr. Morris & Miss Hurst were down here last Sat. & it rained awfully hard & they couldn't return so Mr. M- slept in R's bed - & R on a bed fixed on chairs. C. slept with me & Miss H- on C's bed. Then they staid here til Sun. eve. Expected the mail on Sat. but came on Sun. Not very much. Parcel for Miss Hurst.

Letters saying Mr. H. & 2 ladies had left for G.E.A. and Messrs. Flinn & Gilding & Mrs. Hannay would meet them in Jinja and all come on together for Apr. 7 boat.

Miss Harland came down Mon. P.M. to call & on Wed. visited some villages near here & took dinner with us. We took tea & walked out on the road to John. She went on from there & we staid til John came back. Took lunch out 3 days. Now John will finish from home- & hopes to have time to work in the garden too.

Miss Hurst & Mr Morris spent yesterday with us again. It was threatening but didn't rain to amount to anything. Just after we got to bed it thundered & lightened awfully & I thot it would rain hard but suddenly it stopt & past off.

Thieves were around the first part of the night. Kept me awake quite a while worrying. I let the lantern burn for an hour or two.

Been writing letters this week but got the record breaker out last week. 23 letters & 3 post cards- went in the last mail. Stamps are short and so wont many letters go this time. Shall just write cards home.

Cloudy today. Have done up all the sewing I brot out – but did mending last night. Zavuga did a big washing yesterday. Wont have so much to do when we get up on the hill now.

The house is ready for the ladies so they will move in tomorrow & out of ours. Shall be glad to have them comfortably settled in their own quarters.

Andega went early this morning as I want to make dumplings & he is bringing some baking powder. Am enjoying the quiet of the day so much.

Mon. eve. Mar. 29

Came back two weeks ago today. The night before as I was getting the children ready for bed R. complained of being tired. and when I took his temp. it was 102. I got hot things around & he was soon sweating but the temp. didn't come down & Mon. morning it was still 101 so I slipt his clothes on over his pajamas & we made up a bed on the Azandi chair & had him carried up. He was pretty sick when he got here & I put him right to bed. His temp. hovered between 102 & 103 but finally yielding to senna tea his temp. dropt to below normal before Tues. morning. And he has had no rise in temp. since. The next week he was very poorly because of over doing with quinine. His stomach wouldn't have it nor anything else & for a day or two he kept nothing down but finally managed a little during the day but vomited during the night. Urine was so dark. but no rise in temp. The whites of his eyes were yellow and his face so pale & thin. He is picking up again & hope he'll gain a little.

The first night we were here the ladies house not having doors & windows they staid here. Miss Hurst with me, & Jno in dining room. Next day they moved down. Ceilings were rather sagging so they braced them up well & they are occupying all rooms. So glad to be in it too. Are having the yard fence put up.

Jno put ours up & hung gates last week so we feel rather secure now against goats. It is nice not to have natives & goats tearing thro the yard.

On last Fri. Mar. 27- I pulled R's first tooth. I feared it was crowding the new one so he let me take it out for a little piece of chocolate. He didn't make any fuss at all.

Jno & Mr. Morris worked on the road last Thur. and again today. & hope to do so again on Wed. & Fri. and the other days get things together & straightened up here. Hope to make & hang two doors & fix chairs. I want to take up the burlap & wash it & the white curtains. Then want Kamanda to do the washing on Sat. & I'll do the ironing on Mon. & be ready to go down the road on Tues.

John & Mr Morris will likely leave here on Mon. to meet the boat. Heard nothing definite in last mail. Not a very big mail. Got the Nairobi parcel with tan slippers for Claudon. Very nice.

Jno & Mr. M. are letting their beards grow because they think we don't like it.

Mr. Clarke took sick yesterday & has had pretty high fever much of the time since – keeps going up & down. He has recently decided that he wants to go home after seeing Mr. H. & not wait til his return. That may keep Jno here then for which I'd be glad. We are so eager to know what the plans are.

Miss Hurst, Claudon & I took dinner out to the men & staid for tea. I hadn't intended to but John urged & I submitted. Miss H. gave me pencil & paper & I started a letter to Mrs Downing.

Jno has finished the history & I must copy it yet. also write home too.

Finished Nicholas Nickelby & have begun “The Deemster” by Hall Caine also read part of Grecian history.

Have been feeling awfully done out for a few days. headaches so much.

Some folks brot two little wild kittens here yesterday & we've got them in a box hoping to tame them.

Am arranging the post cards by tieing them & hanging in the childrens room.

Good for nothing tonight but to go to bed.

Mon. eve Apr. 6.

John & Mr Morris left this morning for the Boma & to meet the party. We are planning to go out tomorrow to meet them with lunch. Have been watching for the boat but no one saw it. It was too cloudy some of the time but all P.M. was clear. Do hope they wont fool around too long as I have a lot of potatoes fixed for salad and some chickens ready to be ground for sandwiches.

Washed & ironed today. All went to ladies house for supper. We were all there too on Sat. night. Ate supper on the veranda. Very nice.

Cleaned out the childrens room today. Put Claudons bed into the corner of our room & fixed up R's bed for Mr Hurlburt. The room looks real nice. Have a lot of cards up also a row of pictures around the top of wall. curtains to the windows & the piece of ingrain carpet Mother S. sent long ago on the floor before the bed. If only we had glass windows yet then it would be nice.

Last week for 3 days the men were at the road. On Thurs. I took up the burlap and washed it also put up the rest of the bark cloth. The room looks very nice now. Red curtains at pantry door. Fri & Sat. the men made doors. Back & bedroom & put the old back door onto the children's room. Very comfortable and convenient now. Also set up the grinder on back veranda & took the Americano out of the front dining room window & made a frame & put new cloth on & it swings open on hinges. It is so lovely to have it open.

Every one worked on Sat. I finally got the house cleaned up. and all was nice for Sunday – (yesterday). It was a grand day. We sat on veranda all A.M. & had the phono. So clear & sunny and yet cool. Hills & Lake were great. We looked toward Butiaba & wondered if the party were there. How we wished we could see.

Mr. Clarke wasn't out til Thur. morning. He had quite a siege of it. Evidently has his mind set on leaving soon. Today he moved back into the house near here to make room for Alta & Dr. Morse in Gribble's house.

Claudon had two spells of nose bleed today. Very strange for him. Raymond eats so hearty again & is looking so well for which we are grateful.

Sent an Azandi cap to Floyd for his birthday May 19.

Wonder if we'll be disturbed tonight by thieves. Hope not. Am very tired. Hope if thieves come they'll be very noisy.

Wonder what another day will bring forth. Do so hope they'll come as I hate to have John gone so much of the time.

Almost finished “Deemster” but not quite. Don't like it at all.

Must do a little searching for verses then go to bed.

Tues. eve. Apr. 14.

One week ago today they came and perhaps by another week will be gone again.

We waited & waited for a note from John. Tues. A.M. clouds blew in all the time so couldn't see the boat. Lunch time came & went & still no note. At 2:30 just as we were going to class the man came. The boat had come and John had seen Mr. Hurlburt but didn't know how many more. They were coming right up & would likely be up by 4 P.M. So we decided to get tea ready for on the path & have supper after getting up. We were very much afraid we would be too late with it & would meet them near here so we hustled. Got to the Convenient stream & still no one came so got water hot & waited. Nasaneri, Singoma and Zavuga went out to meet them. Miss Harland tho't she ought to go back but we persuaded her to stay: then finally at 6 we (Miss Hurst, Mr Clarke & I) said we'd go out to meet them. We went & went and finally met the boys coming back saying they had been far & hadn't met them nor any of the porters. We sent word back to Miss Harland to wait that we were going on. Finally when almost too dark to read we met a boy with a note saying they were coming we should come along the path with tea til we meet them. However as he said they were far behind we wrote Miss Harland to take the children & go home if she wanted to & that we were going on to meet them. So we kept on & went across the divide some distance before we met them. The moon was bright so there was no danger. There were only Mr. H- Alta & Dr Morse besides Miss Stirton. The two other men were neither one able to come & Mrs Hannay said she tho't her duty lay in the white school.

Mulungit & several other boys & one girl & a dog all came but had to go back & were going to Kasenye & in by Kilo- so we expect them the end of this week.

We were glad to see the folks & have had a most enjoyable week. We got back to the Convenient stream & found tea waiting by a lovely big camp fire. All seemed to enjoy it very much. Miss Stirton was being carried so came slower and only got there when we were ready to go on. Mr Clarke waited for her. Got up here after some difficulty. Alta having had fever was not strong besides a bad back so it went slowly. Had supper when we got here & managed to find beds for all altho some of the porters didn't get in. Customs, & tea etc at the Boma made everything late. But the moon was lovely and of course it was cooler coming up by night.

Alta was better next day but has had two spells of fever since. One this eve tho' not serious. Wed. morning all had breakfast by our selves but dinner and supper together & have had all suppers together and Sun. had breakfast & dinner together too as it was Easter & we had an early meeting then native meeting & then breakfast.

On Thurs P.M. Mr Clarke left to go across the Lake by canoe & get things for us from Butiaba & see about things in general & then expects to go on home. Nasaneri went with him & will bring things back. The mail didn't come on the regular boat & hope he'll bring it.

On Sat. all but Miss Harland, Alta & the children went up on Daa for lunch. Pleasant day. Very clear & fine view.

We do need rain. The wheat will be ruined if it doesn't rain soon. One pine apple is coming out in the garden.

This week are having dental work A.Ms & Mission & Bible Study P.M. so the time is pretty well taken up.

Mr. H & the two girls are getting their own meals. We didn't want it but they insisted. Mr H. slept in R's room one night but after that sleeps in the front of their house down there.

Thieves did not bother us the night the men were away nor have they since. And no storms either. Thundered early this morning.

Mr. H. brot the bark cloth for the ceiling in the dining room. So glad for it. Miss Stirton also brot some things for us from Kijabe. The tin of dried cherries finally came & John's music books from Cora. Also a parcel of waists from the Eng. box and a brown suit for R. Haven't divided the waists yet.

One of the porters sent down to Boma to get a bicycle of Miss Stirtons when lifting it spilled some things out of a basket & picked them up & put them into his pocket to carry and one of the soldiers saw him & said he was stealing. He is in prison but Mr Hurlburt is going to write a letter in the morning asking him to be released.

On the way up from the Boma Mr H had put his ax onto the load of chairs and when they arrived it couldn't be found so we of course tho't it had been stolen but John found it this morning in the tool box – and this eve one of the men told him that it had been stolen but when John spoke to them about how mean it was to steal from these new people, they bro't it back & put it into the box.

Tomorrow we hope to go to the picnic stream for lunch if Alta is able. Next Mon. is Apr. 20 so we'll have some celebration.

It's possible Miss Hurst & I may go to Aru with the crowd. To give Miss H. a little change.

Mr Hurlburt bot a little monkey yesterday. Call him Kelly. Zavuga took clothes to the stream to wash today. Kawanda was washing last Fri. when he had word his brother died & left before finishing. Andega promised to come but he didn't so I have another boy on now.

Was to bake bread today & altho the yeast was nice & light the bread wont come up so I baked a little tonight & will see what I can do with the rest tomorrow.

Had my big cavity filled yesterday. Didn't hurt at all tomorrow there's another small one to do.

Alta & Dr Morse will likely go with Mr H. & Mr Morris but they'll not go before the boys come.

Ought to get word from Mr Clarke by tomorrow.

Plenty phonograph lately- None tonight.

Tues. eve Apr. 21.

Yesterday was my 33^rd birthday and would no doubt have been as happy a one as any of the previous ones but for the news of papa's home going & yet why that should make it sad is hard to tell but we are a selfish lot and wanted so much to keep him. Dear father – there never was a better.

But I'll start with the morning. The ladies & Miss Morse & Alta had planned I wasn't to do any thing about the supper & was to go out some place til it was ready. Had Kamanda for washing as well as sending Zavuga to the stream with a lot. I baked bread and had a pick up lunch early.

Had naps and after cleaning up the rooms & my self & boys we went to the rocks. John & Mr. Hurlburt working at history and Mr. Morris reading and I had taken the tablet to write but we had hardly gotten settled – Mr. Morris took a snap – when the mail man came along with the bag. We took ours out & sent the rest up the hill and as we had quite a number I was looking them over & seeing one I couldn't recognize I opened it & found it from Fremond Offerle so read it & as I got near the end he said “We had a postal from your sister Cora telling of your dear father's death”. I was stunned & reread it then looked for mama's letters. There were 3 and fortunately I opened the last one which indeed verified my fears. I couldn't take it in at first. Then John & I went off to one side & read a page or two enough to tell us there was no mistake papa went home Feb. 15. I couldn't realize it – we read no more letters then & Jno went back to Mr. Hurlburt and Mr. Morris talked with me until 4:30 when we came up to the house. Mr. M- kindly informed the ladies so altho we had a pleasant time yet a cloud hung over me & I was rather eager to get at the letters.

Had a lovely supper all served on little tables with white covers & fern center pieces.

First was fried chicken two kinds of potatoes & squash. Then lettuce & tomato salad. Then custard and canned cherries & apricots. After this course the wind began to blow pretty hard & cold so moved the tables into the dining room. Then had coffee & chocolate cake and candy & peanuts.

John then looked over the mail while I took care of the clothes and then we read our letters. Mama had written Feb. 2, 8, and then later- but if we had gotten these two first we would have been prepared for the last one. However all 3 came together & unfortunately or otherwise we got the last first.

Cora wrote on mama's birthday and gave a lovely view of those last days. I shall keep it as also mama's last 3. Aunts Annie & Rena wrote too. Aunt Annie said the last time she was home papa showed her my wild flower bed & said “That's Florence's & we'll always keep it”.

He didn't suffer so very much tho he had hard work to breathe and it was after a bath he with Coras & Mamas help walked to his chair and while they were making him comfortable he slipped away from them & went to God. O how glad & thankful we are he was so ready to go. and now all these weeks we were wondering why we didn't hear papa has been enjoying the company of Jesus & the angels. O happy man. it almost makes me wish to go too. But it will be so happy when we meet again. Will it be in the air when Jesus comes? God knows.

I just can't realize it all. Don't know that I ever shall fully comprehend it. Mama is lonely but Cora intended staying with her for awhile as she wasn't needed at the hospital. The papers & sermon taken by Edward B. will likely come in next mail.

This is the first in our family since we are old enough to know any thing. and such a restful happy end.

Wed. eve. May 14.

It is late but want to write a little as I haven't for so long.

The next Mon. after I last wrote- on April 27^th the folks left here for Aru. About 80 porters in all. Got a fairly early start. They camped on the Kilo road that night. Got to Aru on Fri. P.M. John camped on the hill on this side until the porters returned. As they came back thro' the Madi they (Madi) attacked the porters. John thot it all a joke and no doubt because of that, saved a lot of trouble. Arrows were even stuck up in the path for the porters to step into. They were so terrified that they refuse to ever go to Aru again & so our fond hopes of being able to send things thro' to Dungu, were smashed.

John & Singoma and the porters got back here on Mon. While John was away Miss Hurst staid with me and I did her school work so she could get her letters written. She seemed to enjoy being here & I certainly never enjoyed any one any more. We had a most pleasant week. Never molested by thieves nor any trouble with the natives.

She is sick with fever now which may be the cause of sleeping without a net while here. Temp. has been 103 all day & this eve it has gone to 105. Yesterday was her first day in bed with a temp. of 100 & 101. We are praying for her recovery.

I had school tonight and quite a crowd were out so decided not to have any in the morning as every one is so busy.

John got back on Mon. not very tired but more stiff & lame. Rested Tues & Wed. Then Thurs., hearing of a place he could get a bull he took some of the cattle & went over into the hills – and traded for a nice young one- a small heifer. It was a very hard day & he had quite a spell of fever. He has no rise in temperature the last few days but feels done out so stays in bed much of the time.

Mail came May 7- letter from Alice saying Bro. Schutte died Mar. 9. He & papa weren't separated very long & how happy they are together now.

A number of loads came for everybody and we sent the men last Sat. They got back today. The Lieut. must be awfully slow or has so much work he hasn't time to see to customs.

Miss Harland hasn't been very well lately but manages to be around.

We do pray that God's will may be done in Miss Hurst's life.

FMS letter May 27, 1914

Fri. eve – May 29.

Have been having prayermeeting each night this week in preparation for special meetings next week for natives. Hope to put the question of deciding for Christ to them quite strong showing them what they must give up in order to be Christians. They believe so firmly in evil spirits that no doubt it will be hard to get them to give it all up but we pray some may be willing to do so.

Lieut. Jadot came here to see us two weeks ago today. Staid here for dinner & P.M. tea. Camped up on Daa. The natives said he was very bad to them & that if he came again they were going into the grass.

There has been a lot of trouble at Uma's. Since Uma died there were two eligible sons as chiefs. The people chose one and so the Gov't appointed him as Chief. The other was making trouble by burning villages. Lieut didn't know if he'd have to go there or not but the natives say he did go and there was much trouble and that he executed four men. My! I'm glad I'm no Gov't man – if such things are necessary.

The Lieut. told us there would be no mail until June 22. It's an awful time 6 weeks without mail or goods. Got the History off to Mr. Hurlburt last Sat. so had hoped to get quite a bit of mail off this week. Got a big home letter written and the Campmeeting letter.

We have language class every A.M. at 7 to 8. Next week we want to have prayermeeting in P.M. and native meeting in evening.

John has been out working, or rather watching the workmen every day this week so is glad that tomorrow is rest day.

The day the Lieut was here John was up most all day and I wasn't feeling at all well. had had a hard sick headache the day before & hadn't gotten over it. Miss Hurst was better but not able to be up & Miss Harland was quite sick with fever. Miss Stirton came up for tea but as she had been kept pretty busy she was more lame than usual with sciatica. The children were the only really well ones.

On Sat. then John was worse & I had a slight rise of temp. and felt just “measly” tho not so badly as on Fri. I went to bed Sat. P.M. Miss Hurst was sitting up a little but took quite a while for her to get her strength. and on Mon. Miss Harlands fever broke. Since then we have all been alright. John is making a path to Daa from here it goes along the hill & is nice & level. easy to ride out on wheels. When he finishes that then he wants to make one to Foya's. Works on the road every A.M. & in the garden or yard every P.M.

I made a box for the childrens shoes today. Covered it with green figured cloth like their wash stand. Am now fixing a ruffle for the mantle piece.

Planted potatoes today also other seeds. The orange & lemon that papa saved for me. Do hope they'll grow.

Miss Stirton bo't 2 more wild kittens. Keeps them in the store house. Will make another entry soon & report progress of meetings. May the Lord give us faith.

FMS letter May 30, 1914

Thur. A.M. June 4.

Yesterday was John's 36^th birthday.

It has almost been laughable with us. As soon as one is able to be around the other one is down.

I had not been feeling well last week. Much headache & sick stomach. Then Sun. eve I attended the first of the native services & felt awfully bum. My feet & up to my knees were like ice. But I stuck it out then came home & got into bed as quickly as possible & John got hot water. Had quite a chill but not a very high temp. Mon. morning it was down so I got up but didn't feel very well and by ten my temp. was going up again so I got into bed. Mon. P.M. & night had awful headache with sick stomach. Vomited twice and wouldn't have been surprised to see my toes come up. Head was awful sore Tues. morn. but temp was down & I felt better so got up about 10.

Yesterday was John's birthday & the ladies made the cake & came up for supper. Also fried the chicken.

Had a nice supper & every one enjoyed it so much. John seemed to feel pretty fine. Went for a walk afterward & then he complained of pain in his head- and when it was meeting time he tho't he couldn't go so got to bed. His head got worse & worse and finally got sick to his stomach too. Was very restless all night. Slept more toward morning. I was so thankful to be able to wait on him & feel well. Am sleepy today but will soon catch up. He has slept quite a little this morning & his head feels better. His eyes have troubled him for quite a while. All are complaining of that trouble since their last fever.

Expected to wash yesterday but it was so rainy in the morning so postponed it. In P.M. clouded & looked rainy so John set out some 70 strawberry plants. We gathered quite a nice little saucer of the berries for his dinner. They are doing so well. Spent A.M. with workmen cleaning up the road. Will just clean it up and then not make it further now but go at the one to Foya's. Miss Harland started Mon. to have regular school out there. About 50 attend. Have been having class every morning and are getting on fairly well. finding out how little we know. Following class the different ones have school.

Night meetings began on Sun. eve with a pretty good attendence. John spoke to them and if I could judge they certainly were set to thinking. Told them there was but one God & they could have no others and if they were His children they'd have to destroy all those spirit huts etc. He has been there every night until last night and the ladies say spoke splendidly every night. There was to be no decision until later.

No doubt Satan sees there is too much serious thinking on the part of the natives and so wants to remove the cause. We'll not be discouraged for that's a sure sign something is being accomplished. The ladies go on with the meetings & we pray on & God will work in some hearts.

Kamanda finishes today has been here since Apr. 24. Washing today.

Thur. eve July 2.

Almost a month since I last wrote. The time flies so fast.

John completed the road to Foya's and Miss Harland has been very faithful in going. Does not go on Wed. Singoma goes too.

The natives meetings closed that next Sun. night & class work begun at that hour. Kept that up until last Thur. a week ago tonight when we finished the Kavirondo grammar.

Another series of meetings were to begin Sun. night as the moon is growing but the weather has been very rainy this week & we have not had any so far yet.

Last night had the usual prayer meeting. Many were set to doing some definite thinking as Sun. night meetings showed. Have had services every Sun. night for natives. Last meeting we had John asked how many had destroyed the spirit houses. They said that they wouldn't do that, he was to. Which of course gave subject for a good long talk. We do pray that some will be strong enough to come out and trust God entirely & do all the destroying they should without being afraid.

We were greatly troubled about the time of my last entry & before, about Mulungit & his crowd. Where they were, what had become of them and why they did not come here. We sent to Kilo by some of our people & they returned without reaching there; then we sent to Kasenye by mail to hear but no reply yet.

We had about decided to go several times but John never felt able for the trip. At last one eve we got a letter from Mr Miller at Dungu saying they were there. Got there May 2. That was the best news we had had in a long time.

Hurlburts hadn't gotten there yet. Mulungit & 3 of the others left Dungu for Faradje to meet Mr H & party.

They met about half way between Dungu & Faradje and the boys returned to Dungu with them. Then after a few days rest Mulungit desiring to come on Mr. H. sent him away with Rupondi a boy from here whom they had taken along. They got here Sat. evening June 20. We were so glad to see Mulungit. He looks very natural but was so terribly thin. Have been trying to feed him up a little. He sleeps in the store house with Singoma & eats in the kitchen. He had a spell of fever the first day here but has had none since. But is so tired by noon that he's had little ambition to do much. He undertook to look after the cows and kept the calves away from them. We have a boy herding them by themselves and Mulungit milks every night and morning and gets twice as much milk each time as the other milkers did. They even tried to make him believe it was good to put water into the milk. It is so nice to get milk and know what we're getting. He hasn't yet tried the big bad one that Gribble & John had such trouble with but he found one very gentle one that gives a lot of milk that the natives never milked before. We had just lost a nice little heifer calf before he came which we are sure was starved to death. He had men working to fix up the calf pen and the yard and also to clean out a place for them to drink at the stream. Altogether he has done some necessary things and we are very grateful. We don't know how long he will stay but hope for a long time yet.

The letter he brot from Hurlburt said a good many things but nothing very definite. They were at the language & evidently had no tho't of returning yet for awhile. Haven't heard since.

Miss Harlands birthday was June 23 and we took dinner under the trees toward Foya's. also staid there for P.M. tea. I baked the birthday cake – fairly good.

Were expecting the mail but when what we thot was mail came we found it was a bag of mail sent down to meet the boat on June 15. We had not been able to get any mail out for 5 weeks and were so glad to get that much off – all Xmas orders, Nairobi & Masindi orders etc etc all returned just too late to get it off on the 22^nd. & we think it was because we told the man not to wait but to come back so we sent another man down on Mon & tho't he could bring anything back that came and then boat came when neither one was at the Boma & they didn't put it on. We are all sick about it. We will send it next week and hope it will get off. Our campmeeting letters too were in it. Very doubtful if they will get there in time or not.

Arembu went down for that mail and Foya & following went about the same time but Foya got here about noon & said Arembu was sick on the road & had a very big load- so we at once sent two men to meet him. They came up about the time we got up the hill but the bag wasn't awfully big & we wondered at them making such a fuss. The two fellows got their pay & Arembu came next morning for his & received it. Yesterday while John was working he comes & tells him he opened the bag and took out some parcels & left them with his friend as it was too heavy. Never told a word about it before. Too sickening. John told him he must go for them in the morning. So this evening he comes with them – a parcel of music for John & another parcel of school work for me and a tin for Miss Harland and our package from MW&Co, John's suit. At first we tho't it altogether too small- but later we found it would do alright. Tooth brushes & cream for us all. The children are so pleased with theirs & my biggest trouble now is that they don't scrub every thing else but their teeth.

John thinks one of his music parcels are still missing. I have a fine outfit now to begin the children on & had decided to start them on R's 6^th birthday but it is on Sat. so will likely begin on Mon. The books John & Mr Morris ordered from England came last mail. We read one & sent on to Mr M- and are about thro with a second one. They are very good.

Last week Thur. & Fri John was down the road so far that in order to save his strength the children & I went down for dinner. On Thur. we had just finished when word came down that the Indian had arrived. So we all came up and got him settled in the store house until something better is ready. John finished the road on Fri. and on Mon. took on 20 men & went at his (Indians) house. Have it above Singoma's house & back of where the Chapel will be.

One left on Tues with 11 men to get loads from the shop at “White Fathers” & hasn't come back yet. He expects to keep everything so we can get whatever whenever we want it.

Next Sat. is Fourth. We must do something. Don't know what just yet. and one week from today is Miss Stirton's birthday.

Last papers are full of war. U.S.A. has gone to war with Mexico. Mayor of New York's assassination was attempted but failed and his companion het, jaw broken & teeth knocked out. Nothing very serious. Assassin was caught. Another big steamer sank & most every one with her. Also battles in Col. miners vs U.S.A. Militia- etc etc- just what our Lord predicted. Surely these times can't continue long. Every news paper account makes one feel it can't be long & that we want to keep busy letting as many as possible know of His coming. We do hope it will be soon.

Nice letters from home in last mail. Alice is much better. Cora was still there. Diptheria epidemic had started. One death- a Blackert girl. Lynn's were having a siege – all four down & Lynn & Sue both so badly done out that they may not do much work all year.

R. & C. stay very well. C. says so many funny things. “You ought to not spank me”, “We ought to better not do that” etc.

Chickens hatched last Sun & how excited they were. Have 9 nice little ones every color of the rainbow tho.

May we ever watch for our Lords return.

Sat. A.M. July 11

Celebrated last Sat. Had dinner at the ladies house and supper on our veranda.

Sun. was as usual – only a very damp cold day. Mon. morning sent the man with the letters. I washed & got everything dry in spite of thunder & threats.

Tues toward evening the mail came. A very small bag. Some books from Kijabe. Home letters & one from Lora. Cora was still with mama. Says Lynn was very bad indeed. His heart had stopt once and had not the nurse been right there he would have died. The quarentine was soon to be lifted. Then Aunt & Uncle were going there to do the work. Others were well. and the epidemic seemed past.

On Wed. A.M. I felt quite miserable. Had had a restless night and later in AM had headache & chills. & soon a rise in temperature. Was baking bread & cookies so asked Miss Hurst to come & finish. She staid the rest of the day, got meals & looked after things in general. John was very miserable too. Neither of us went to native meeting. I was up Thurs for Miss Stirton's birthday and all had supper here together. I staid up but ate nothing & felt very miserable. Only a slight rise in temp. Felt better yesterday and pretty fine this morning but still have headache & no appetite.

The bread on Wed. was so fine until stiffened when it would not rise. Isn't fit to eat. so tried again a very little- and mixed it up quicker but its the same so have made up my mind it is the flour. The yeast is made after Lora's recipe & is fine but the flour is awful stale. We hope to send to Nairobi for some very soon.

We were very short of money for some time owing to my carelessness in keeping accounts. In last mail word came from the home office that Mr. Whiteside in Can. who sent us $100 last year was sending $300 now. We are so grateful. Hope to send $100 to Mr. Hurlburt tomorrow. Other we'll use as needed around the place here. May get windows for both houses.

Word from Zemmers reports them both in very bad condition. Mrs. to go to the Mengo hospital as soon as possible. Operation for appendicitis.

While reading our mail Tues. eve before meeting time there was a very bad thunderstorm. Lightening struck the house John is putting up for the Indian and bamboo poles & other timbers were split & some shattered in all parts of the building.

Tues. A.M. Mulungit, John & I put up the ceiling bark-cloth. Haven't finished it around the edges yet. Makes the room very pleasant.

The Indian at the Boma wrote us that a big box had come for Mr Haas so we sent the list down for customs & 4 men and our two empty safari bags to put things into and the other two men to carry up the empty box. They should have come back yesterday but haven't come yet. So provoking.

Thur. July 23.

I should have written last Sat. on Raymonds birthday. Six years old.

First thing he found things under his hat on the table. Lora had sent him some paints and there was a book and a bottle of Barley Sugar candy and kerchiefs and cards from Grandpa S.

Then the ladies had asked him to breakfast and later he spent much of the A.M. painting. They gave him a cloth sheep & dress for the Teddy bear and some magazines. We were all at the ladies house for dinner. and all were here for supper. We had supper early and went for a walk afterward had phonograph. Then about 8 had the birthday cake- lighting the 6 candles. and tea. Then everybody went to bed, and Raymond wished he could have a birthday on Sun. again. When R. went to the ladies house for breakfast Claudon cried awfully to go along and would scarcely be consoled with the tho't that he was going for dinner too.

Last year on R's birthday we had supper down at the spring where John was working. Mrs. Haas & William, Dr & Mr Gribble, Miss Harland, Mr. Batstone and we 4. When he was 4 we were at Api and John & Mr Haas were working on the road so we ladies & children had tea & birthday cake made by Dr. When 3 we were at Matara & Miss McKinstry made the cake & had supper with us. At 2 years we were at Kijabe alone. John & Mr Gribble made the trip up here. Had all Mothers & babies in for PM tea. At 1 we were at Hooppole. John hustled back from the East to be there for it.

I had a slight go of fever on Mon. Alright again. John has a bad sore on knuckle of his right hand. Grew from a small one.

Started school with the children on Mon. Doing fairly well. C. will no doubt be a little slower than R. as he can't think so fast yet. Many school books & games came a mail or two ago. So glad for it all. Think Mrs. Westervelt ordered it all.

Have sent a man to meet the boat this time but he has not yet returned. The 4 men we sent down for Haases box returned with nothing. So will try it again. Expect other boxes by this mail.

Finished off ceiling last week. It's very nice and improves things ever so much. No dirt dropping down now.

In this mail we sent to Haridas Visram for two windows. One in the children's room & one in front dining room. Want to see how they are made & the price then we may order the rest.

Had letters from Dungu this week. Mr. Hurlburt is very unwell. Do wish they would return. Also man at Aru sent word he had sent 16 porters June 4 but we saw nothing of them yet.

The pine apple is about ready to eat. It's lying on the mantle to ripen. Figs are ripening slowly.

A year ago today Miss Hurst & Miss Stirton, Mr Miller and Mr. Clarke arrived. We are going down there for tea this P.M. John is having men working at the cow barn. It is moved just above the garden. While they are cutting grass he is working at the organ again. Seems to go much better again. and he says he will either fix it so it will go or put it into the store house. The reeds need working with.

During a storm yesterday morning old Moro's house was struck and 4 people in it. None killed but all effected some by it.

We finished the “Rosary” by Florence L. Barclay and liked it pretty well. I've also read “Mistress of Shenstone” but it's not nearly so fine as Rosary. We also read “The Glorious Appearing of our Savior” by Mr. Gosset Tanner. It was splendid and have now begun “Following the Star” by same author as “Rosary” & I'm reading under the “Upas Tree” by same one. Will report on them later.

Mulungit was quite sick all last week. We feared dysentery but he is alright again. It's been very rainy for a few weeks. Made quite a bit of garden last week. Sweet peas etc seem to be coming alright.

Decided to have native school vacation in Aug.

Aug. 3. Mon. eve.

Yesterday was Al's 3^rd wedding anniversary.

Had the pine apple few days ago- It was very good. Have had several figs.

Had letters from Dungu today. Mr. Hurlburt was still very unwell but others were alright. We do hope they will soon return. We sent them $100 of the $300 sent us by Mr. Whiteside.

A week ago Sat. eve when we were returning from our walk we saw Lieut. Rose coming into the station on the lower path. He pitched his tent in Rubo's village & came here to supper. seemed very nice. Came again all day Sun. John tried hard to show him a good time but it seemed hard to make him understand. He was very much annoyed because the Indian was here. and ordered him off at once. We don't think he has any right to send him away but we said nothing for we were not sure. He also said that Singoma must go but we will make fuss if they take him away.

The Lieut. seemed very much cut up about something on Sun. P.M. but came for supper and as he had asked for the phono. John got it out after our walk but he had only run a few records when the Lieut. hurriedly left. however said he'd come for breakfast. We waited some time and then he came and as we were gathering for class we saw him leaving with his whole safari. Never said he was leaving or anything. even said he would be back for dinner. Evidently was spunky about something. He went to Foya's village. At noon Keta & his following came. and for two, three days the hill was never free from a crowd of people. On Tues. eve John went to see him as he had written a note to say he had fever – also he had sent two sheep as gift (he was collecting hut tax) but the people consider it stealing and we did not feel it right to take the sheep- so John went down just before supper and when he came back the Lieut came along- uninvited- evidently got hungry.

He was extremely pleasant and came back for breakfast – just after breakfast his safari came along and he went to Keta's where he is building a rest-house. We sent him a load of eatables- sour kraut- cabbage, lettuce, bananas, bread & tin of butter. Have heard nothing from him.

Having so many strangers around here I was a little worried about thieves.

John worked at the organ on the veranda and nights we'd just put old canvass over it. All was well until Thur. eve. John awakened hearing a noise on the veranda. He wakened me & we talked & lit the lantern and John went to the door and unlocked it & as he threw the light out there was the fellow squatting in front of it. Of course when John threw the light on him he got up & ran around the west end of the house. As John saw him he (J) gave an awful yell. We certainly thot he was frightened so much that he'd never return. Raymond declared he went at the canvas at his window but I stood & listened & was sure there was no one there. We had set the organ into the house & went back to bed. We were still talking when John said he heard him again at the little wagon on the veranda. I hustled out & lit the lantern but when I got to the door I could see nothing. However it lightened in the south & by that light I saw the fellow standing between the house & fence watching me. I called for John but the fellow went around the east end of house and went right to R's window & ripped & tore at the canvas at the window. R- screamed & John rushed in but the fellow evidently got what he wanted & skipped. John got his pistol ready & waited quite a while but we could see nor hear nothing more.

Then John took the lantern to see what he had done at the window. He ripped over half off & skipped with it. It took long for the children to settle down to sleep again they were so excited.

Next morning we saw that he had cut the treadle straps and pulled the leather off one of the bellows where it covered the holes. Otherwise nothing was hurt. No trouble since.

Fri. then John finished fixing up the organ and found it didn't go any better than the little organ and the action was much harder. so he let Miss Harland have it in her room. They think it's very nice & enjoy it.

The children are doing nicely in school. R. does better of course but C. is pretty quick too. C. likes playing with the colored sticks but R. likes the stencils.

The last mail brot. two parcels from M. W & Co. sweaters, skirt, goods, water-bottle etc. Also books from Lora for the children to paint. also some parcels straight from her containing a pair of rompers for each red for C. & blue for R. Also $25 from Mr. Johnson Treas. for us from people who give for Africa.

Mulungit keeps well now. I had a little fever Fri. night & bowel trouble. Sat I made up Haases parcels and sent two on Sun. 5 others to go later. Now the lid of my right eye is sore- perhaps a sty.

Washed today. Beginning of vacation.

All were at meeting last night and suddenly there was frightful screeching among the chickens & Andega hustled out. I followed thinking the children might be frightened. We decided it was an animal & not thieves. Heard them several times during the night.

Do hope to get a great many letters written this month.

We liked the book “Following the Star”. but “Under the Upas Tree” was not so good. Am reading “Place & Power” by Ellen Thornycroft Fowler. One from a lot Fishers sent over. Don't care so very much for it.

Having a great deal of rain now. Last night quite a lot of wind & after it rain. Have set out hybiscus & other shrubs in the yard. Sowed some seeds in the garden too. Looks like pieplant coming up. Hope so.

The Indian left on Tues. noon. Singoma is still here and we hope nothing more will be done about it for he has been in the country so long. Hope to send to Boma tomorrow for some things Hurlburts want. May lunch out tomorrow.

Now the latest excitement is war in Europe. A Servian killed the Crownprince of Austria and Servia refused indemnity so Austria declared war. Russia stept up to help Servia & Germany helping Austria so England, & France are helping Russia. Germany asked Belgium to help but as Belgium refused Germany sent an army of 46,000 cavalry which was met by 25,000 Belgians & defeated. Have not heard very late news except what came from Masindi Aug. 13. Hope to get more by the boat tomorrow. Do hope the boat wont stop coming – we could get on alright for quite awhile if we had to but we'd rather not have to.

School work with the children is going on. They are slowly picking up things. Started R. again in music. Have him right after the horn blows at 2 P.M.

Miss Hurst & Miss Stirton went out camping last Mon. are about an hour or two from here. Send back & forth every day. Have Singoma with them. I sleep with Miss Harland & she takes her dinners here. Will come to supper too tonight.

Got the mail off this morning. for the boat.

Had a letter from Mr. Hurlburt saying we shouldn't be surprised if Miller was at Dorumu, Batstone at Faradje & he at Aba. May be just a sudden out burst of enthusiasm. Hope to hear again soon.

Miss Harland goes to camp on Mon. & Miss Stirton comes back. They are sending landi up and we all like it pretty well. Mulungit is very fond of it. A big lot came today that I wanted to get but couldn't strike a bargain.

With this war breaking out so suddenly in Europe has inspired more prophesy study. It is a striking fact that the countries involved are in two groups of 3 and in Daniel there are to be three kingdoms destroyed by the little horn.

John has been rather miserable for the last two weeks. Think it is the sun. Thot at first it was his heart. Gets dizzy spells. & feels faint. May all pass off again- for awhile he wanted very much to go home.

Will write again when mail comes. Hope to hear whether or not mama is coming.

FMS letter Aug. 4, 1914

Tues. P.M. Aug. 25

Miss Stirton returned yesterday morning. Miss Harland was to meet her on the way but she didn't get off in time so Miss S. got up here before she got started. Had tea here.

Had Mukena, a new boy wash for me. He wants the work of a boy & may get it when Okelo leaves.

I staid with Miss Harland every night last week. Today they sent a native baby up for Miss Stirton one she had helped while down there – so Miss S. says I better not go down tonight as she will ask one of the boys to sleep in the other room & no doubt the baby will be restless. It's a poor skinny little thing but looks bright & well otherwise. She has had the children there to suppers. She comes here for dinner.

John made some shutters for the childrens window but hasn't them put up yet. Will make a back to the blackboard tomorrow.

Nyakelo- Bira's daughter- is working for me now. We found Kamanda took things- salt, sugar, bananas, corn & every thing he could- so I gave him a talking to & told him I fine him a franc. He evidently kept at it. So I told him if I caught him at it again I'd take all his pay & send him off. We went out for a walk Sat. A.M. and as Mulungit was in the yard I told him to watch a little. He slipt into the house under the table & watched & found him (K) go into the pantry & give out salt to the old “baba” watching the calves & then return & help himself to sugar twice.

When we got back K. said at once he wanted to go – stop work. that night. Then Mulungit reported & John sent K. away at once & said if he caught him taking things again he would send him to the Boma.

Of course with the “new” help it has left me very busy.

There was such a misunderstanding between J & I again. I was just about sick over it & kept thinking about it instead of talking it over with him & then to go still more wrong I spoke very cross to him before Miss Harland. Well, we did talk things over then Sat. eve I found I was at fault as usual & could have cleared matters easily if I had not thot so much & talked with him more.

This eve word came back that the boat had come & brot mail but no boxes and that I had sent the wrong key & would we send another. but I can't understand & I sent the right key unless its a new lock. or the wrong bag.

Not much war news. The Crown Prince of Germany is wounded & in a hospital & Germans seem to be getting the worst of things all around. 10,000 Indians have come to B.E.A. to guard the railway & “conquer GEA” so Jadot wrote.

Aru porters arrived at the Boma on Sun. & were badly treated & went back so Jadot says he is sending for more for us. He intended they should come here. The soldier came & said all had run off. It's pretty plainly Jadot's affair but he is doing the square thing by sending for more. & says if they don't come he will send some Aluru thro with a soldier.

Letter from Hurlburt says they may man, Dorumo, Faradje & Aba. Miller-Dorumo, Batstone-Faradje & he & the girls hold Aba til help comes. Should think now however that he'd feel he must get back to Kijabe if matters are in any questionable shape at all.

We do want our Nairobi orders so badly. Flour is so bad here that we can't make descent bread at all.

Do hope the mail comes & brings a letter from mama saying she is coming out. How very nice it would be.

John is rather seedy again. Has to be so careful of the sun. Feels it so quickly.

Made Nyakelo a little slip to wear while here. May make another. I do so need patience. May God help me.

Thurs. eve. Sept. 3.

Yesterday was Lora's 38 birthday & day before yesterday was Warren's 24^th.

The mail finally came but not much news. A letter from Cora but they hadn't had ours yet asking mama to come. Neither did she say definitely what day they were to be married – but likely Sept. 1. I thot of her very hard that day also yesterday & today. Harry & Florence Hoopes were to be married the 3^rd week in Aug. So it goes. Warren only remains of our two families.

We are very much interested in seeing what bearing this European outbreak has on prophesy. We thot once we'd go out itinerating but after calling Miss Harland up from camp last Mon. eve – Miss Hurst had come up in the morning – we talked the thing over and asked Mulungit if itinerating is best & he said no so decidedly that he sort of decided us to stay here. The ladies Miss Harland & Miss Stirton wanted to go down where they had been for this week yet so they went but now write that they'll be back tomorrow. They built a temporary house there & we may go down again some time for some work. but the people aren't so anxious as they were before. Have decided to go on with work as usual & never to lose an opportunity of speaking with the people about Jesus & his return.

Miss Hurst started school. It's not so well attended but more will come later as just now they are very busy in their gardens.

Are using these lovely moon light nights for village work. Miss Hurst & I were out last night & tonight and night before last Mulungit & John were out. These people- many of them know & understand but they fear to let go their old customs – especially the works of evil spirits. Think the younger ones could easily be taught but Jesus may come any time and we want to get whoever we can.

John is working around here these days – in the shade. He has to be very careful about the sun. He has made shutters for two windows and fixed a box so I can lock up the salt etc. & today made or fixed up that little chair Al gave me- also put a drawer into the school table. Had the floor of the childrens room fixed up with ant heap & cow dung.

Mail again on Mon. we hope.

Wed. eve. Sept. 9. '14.

The mail came in late yesterday P.M. Not very much but we are grateful for what there was. No goods came for us as we learned from a letter from Mr. Tegart that they dare not send food out of Uganda. Everybody has what they have and otherwise will have to live off the country.

There were letters from Kijabe. No passengers nor freight were taken by the R.R. Occasionally mail but very irregular. We had had word that our boxes- provisions we got from Mr. Clarke- had been sent on. Don't suppose well get them now – at least not til the war is settled. Banks are closed so we don't know whether the Indian will take any more checks. If not we'll have to dispose of our goods for food to the natives. It wouldn't be so very hard to live on the country since we have the cattle. We still have some salt but are not using it for trade any more as we must have it for ourselves. We still have some honey & the season will be on again in 2 months or so.

Our missionaries in G.E.A. are cut off too & can't even get letters back & forth so the papers say.

Zemmers are at Kijabe waiting for money to go home. Both are better.

Had a letter from Hassan Ali saying his brother wanted permission to locate near us & open a shop. We think he came by the boat. Tambali said they had lots of boxes. We have sent down today to know if there were any provisions to be had or cloth. We were never so out of every thing. Of course our orders haven't been filled properly for some time.

The Lieut. sent us no news but we hope he'll send some up tomorrow. England is only “in it” when needed to support weaker ones. Japan has “cut” with Germany & every where so far Germany & Austria are the losers.

The ladies came up last eve & I read the newspapers aloud while they sewed. Things are not quieting down any and there have been several severe battles.

Surely this points very distinctly that we are in the last days.

The Pope has died too. That looks as tho' something may come thro' the Catholics. & Italy remains neutral.

Claudon has fever tonight. First for about 6 months.

Next day – P.M.

The man returned from the Indian this morning bringing a letter in which he says – no provisions to be had but some cloth. So Miss Hurst & Miss Harland & Mulungit have gone down to get what they can with checks & francs. We hope he'll still take checks but fear he wont. It looks as tho' we're in for a spell of living on the country. Do hope the natives wont be mean about it & demand awful prices.

Well, we are in the Lord's hands and if worst comes we will be with him. He has been very good to us so far. We will need more faith to live on the natives than it required to get money from friends. But God is sufficient & I only pray I may be kept trustful. Claudon's fever is still 101.

Sun. A.M. Sept. 20. '14.

While the ladies were away Miss Stirton had a chance to buy some “kal” native millet, with an old waist. That started it & before we were finished we had gotten rid of 6 or 8 old waists and had several bags of kal on hand- we use it for porridge also for bread & roasted it makes a pleasant drink. We sort of expect Mr. Hurlburt to return most any time & if he does the boys he has will need feeding too.

The ladies went to the boma & found they had just missed the Indian who had gone on to Old Mahagi. They finally followed him & didn't get back here til Sun. eve- a week ago. The porters were very bad & came back before they reached the boma.

They got a few things besides cloth – 10 bolts – so we will likely get on alright. Dismissed the boy & girl last Mon. night. Mulungit did most of the washing. He & I have been doing the house work. It goes very well. Have supper at 4:30 & go to garden at 5 & dig & plant. Lots of fun. All work together. This week we go to the ladies garden. John & I both feel so much better since doing that.

One day Mulungit & Singoma went to the Cha & bot a load of landi. Want to get more. We have such appetites. Have had two sheep fattening about 3 mos. & killed one this week. It was fine. Got about 2 qts of fat & the meat was so good.

Had mail on Wed. More news. Belgium was taken by Germans. Fighting in East Congo. South of here at Kivu. Heard from natives that one white man was killed.

Had word that Mrs Ellson died Aug. 20. She had been to Mengo for operation & the Drs. Cook said there was nothing wrong but she suffered a great deal. finally Drs. Blakeslee & Henderson were going to operate- or did & found a tumor in the bowels. which had caused stoppage. & awful suffering. So sad. Husband & two boys about 14 & 11 remain.

Zemmers hoped to go by Sept. 20 boat. She felt very badly & he too.

Elliots have sent our order. Whether it gets here or not will remain to be seen.

Ladies came up with sewing & I read news aloud. Letter from Mrs Riebe. They aren't expecting to come back.

Evidently Bank cashes checks again- when we know certainly we will take on boys & workmen.

No word from mama yet in answer to our plan for her coming.

Thur. A.M. Oct. 1.

This is the month according to figures, that the 70^th week of Daniel 9. is to begin. Yesterday was grandpa's 85^th birthday. It is interesting to figure up things. How every thing works out by 7s for the Jews. We are expecting to find by next papers that there has been a covenant made with the Jews for the last week.

The war continues. More & more hotly. Papers from Eng. came in this last mail. Altho war had only been declared a few days. people in London were already starving. Each country supposes it has been forced into the war & is doing it all in self defense. Germany declares its a case of Slavs against Teutons and one or the other will be overcome before war closes. Everyone is calling on God to help because they are in the right.

Fighting continues South of here. Only half a dozen soldiers left here & a new man. Everyone else gone. We get very little news tho' from the fighting there. Papers come every mail. “Standard” especially contains full accounts “Thro an Englishman's eyes”.

Had a letter finally from mama. She thanks us for our invitation and says there is so much to be fixed up yet about the estate that she can't think of coming this year but if we come home next year she might return with us. I don't believe we'll be here then any more but if we were it would be a good plan. Getting those letters has made me very anxious to get home again. And yet how much finer it would be to all meet in the air then none need be missing.

I must pray more for Warren. He is very careless, Cora says. So sorry.

We hear our goods are at Jinja but can't come on as they wont hand it over to our agent there. So we must write & tell them to do so, & then no telling when we'll get things. Do hope they'll come thro' a kiting then. Seems its all boxes & bags both from Nairobi & Kijabe. About 14 cases in all.

Nice letter from Aunt Annie in last mail. How I wish I had time to write to them all. Think I'll take a week off & do nothing but write letters. Got a nice lot of stamps in last mail so can do some writing again.

Killed another sheep yesterday. Ladies are coming for dinner today. Have a pot roast. beans & corn & tomatoes.

Have had no Dungu mail for a long time. Think there may be trouble in getting it through.

Baking today. Work in garden every eve. Native meetings this week. Last night went to Foya's. Mulungit's not been very well.

John speaks very plainly to natives & we do hope some will be saved.

Tues. P.M. Oct. 6.

Last night when we went to work in the garden the children wanted to pick the strawberries and got enough for a short cake today for dinner. Made the sweet kind & every one thot it was fine. Had a nice lot of strawberries with it.

Planted some popcorn last night. Want to put in some more tonight if we go down.

Mail left this morning. Hope he will return tomorrow with a good lot.

Had a letter from Mr Hurlburt on Sat. He was coming back. Would probably get to Aru by Sept. 30. If everything went fine they could be here by today but sometimes things don't go as planned. I look for them on Thur.

Yesterday was Miss Harland's sister's birthday but every one being so busy getting letters off they tho't it more convenient to have us for supper today. Hence we go.

Didn't get many extra letters off this time. Mostly business letters.

John & Mulungit started for Suto's village last night but got stuck in the long grass & came back.

John is fixing pictures into a book today. More pasting. He keeps looking for Hurlburts.

Fri. eve Oct. 9.

For once, as I said it came to pass. Just as we had dinner almost ready yesterday, John who had been in the garden saw them coming & every one but Miss Harland & I ran out to meet them. We staid & planned the dinner. Put everything together & all ate here.

Mr. Hurlburt looks bad but the girls are both well. They brot along a traveler who is crossing the continent & will write on it. A Mr. Duplessis. Very nice educated man. He is staying with us.

All had supper together last eve and then decided it would be best to each eat by themselves as Hurlburts like to have but two meals. They have put up in the house we put up for the Indian and seem to like it. Mr. D. is in Gribble's house & eats with us. Expects to leave Mon. & camp at the Lake.

The boat came a day early & bro't nothing for us. Hope he'll see about getting it over.

Cleaned the house today. Had no school. John was feeling miserable and was lying down most all day.

There was another case of catching a woman & punishing for making some one sick & the ladies were very much worked up and seemed very put out that John too didn't interfere. But he knew we could do nothing & he could not go out into the sun. Then this morning old Janga tried to get his boy out of school & made an awful fuss which got Miss Hurst quite worked up & it again seemed John should have interfered. Taking it all together he was done out & Mr Hurlburt wants us to talk it over & think which would be best to go away or to stay & have complete rest for awhile.

If Downings were at Kijabe we'd go but don't like to go among strangers.

Tomorrow we'll eat like Hurlburts & have dinner at 3 P.M. at the ladies house. (I had a spell of fever & didn't go. Mr. du P- got a picture of the crowd, but I wasn't in it.)

Singoma went to the Indians for francs (800 +) got back this noon. Porters will return in the morning with some loads.

At Mahagi Boma.

Thur. A.M. Oct. 22.

Well, one can never tell what will happen and on Mon. A.M. Oct. 12 Mr. H. came in & talked awhile with John & then called me from the washing and after pros & cons decided if possible we'd leave by next boat, go at least as far as Kijabe and if we have enough money then go on to America. I was very much dissatisfied at first and couldn't make up my mind so quickly but they thot it best & I moved along with the crowd.

Washed & ironed on Mon. & Tues began to think of what sewing ought to be done.

Wed. noon when just about ready for dinner Mr. du Plessis walked in very heated & excited. Had come back from looking for his cook. They had gone down on Mon. and the cook had not been well & was unable to keep up so lost his way. When he (Mr. du P.) found we hadn't seen him he asked that some one be sent out to find him.

Sindani who had just returned from Momba's said he had seen him there & that he was running away. Several left in different directions but soon came back having met a soldier coming from the boma to say the boy had arrived there. Of course we were very glad and Mr. du Plessis much relieved. He staid for prayermeeting & slept on a camp bed in the dining room and then left early next morning. I got up & fixed coffee and sandwiches for him & he left just at day break.

That day the ladies came up & got meals & ate with us so I could keep at the sewing more steadily.

Am making 5 suits for the boys & two waists for myself. and a coat for Claudon from my old one. Miss Morse insists that I take her black rain coat & Alta would have me take her gray suit – which had to be altered a little.

Every one helped & we got things nicely finished up. Miss Stirton who is suffering from sciatica did a lot of the hand work. I did much of the machining.

Several nights I couldn't sleep well. Not restless but just sleepless. Some mornings I'd get up & sew by lamp light.

Sat. after 3 oclock dinner we had the phono until dark. The ladies had been having their meals like Hurlburts so we did too when they cooked for us but can't say we like it for it certainly takes more time with 3 tea times & two big meals. I much prefer 3 meals a day & done with it.

Sun. Mr. Hurlburt spoke & we had communion. A very nice service. Monday there were odds & ends to see to & Tues. morning we left. Waited at Hurlburts 'til they had finished their breakfast & then they & Miss Hurst & Miss Harland walked along til on top of the hill. We took the upper path to escape the long grass of the lower one. but when past the precipice we went so straight down that it became rather painful business. and by the time we got down my knees didn't want to go right any more. We kept on until 11:30 when the sun was pretty hot & we got to a nice stream on the divide so stopt for lunch. Children waded & played about, for some time then went on again. The sun shone for a little while but soon all was cloudy & we had no more sun all day. The grass was bad in the Kabolo valley but otherwise it was not bad. When we got to the Kabolo we found it awfully high & thot first perhaps we couldn't cross it but we did. The current was so swift that I couldn't stand on my feet but Mulungit, Andega & John got me across alright. Got wet some as the water was most to my hips but not so bad as might have been.

Mulungit had been carrying our lantern but fell with it & broke the fount so the oil was leaking out. He brot the other one of ours so we poured oil into that & threw the broken one away.

We got in about 5 P.M. Mr. du P. met us in the path. & as the soldier said two white men were coming the next day we came into the same house with Mr. du P.

We eat together and enjoy it.

A native with a telegram came to Gasengu on Sunday & Mr Hurlburt sent word back with him that we were leaving. John also wrote that we would be waiting for the boat after Wed. noon &

Sun. P.M. Oct. 25, 1914

Just there I stopt for some reason or other and now we are camped at Butiaba.

I think the reason for my sudden stop was that some one thot the boat was coming.

Just after dinner we did see the Kenia coming in & of course we hustled & packed our things & went down thinking she had come to get us in reply to John's letter of last Sun. We got down & found she was bound for Nimule and couldn't take us along. So we wrote again and sent a canoe man off over here. We took what boxes we didn't have to have & put them into a native hut. The rest we toted up the hill again.

My legs pained me terribly but I had hoped the exercise would limber them up but Fri. they were worse than ever.

We sent the Gasengu porters home Thur. eve with boxes that came for Miss Hurst from Congo Estates. Some mail was forgotten. There were two loads of parcels & only one went so on Fri. P.M. we sent a man with the rest & letters and expected him to come back yesterday but yesterday morning before breakfast we found a sail boat had come for us in reply to Johns Sun. note. So John & Mr. du P. had coffee & we went down the hill again. The Chef was leaving too & had porters to take him to Momba's so let us take them first for taking our things down to the Lake.

We had bot two sheep & had eaten only part of one so brot the other along alive.

There was a strong breeze that got us across the Lake by 1 P.M. but were way below Butiaba. Just at sundown we landed here.

We hadn't gotten far from shore when I decided to lie down. Then Claudon soon came & John also. Raymond kept up longest but he too had to get down & before long all the boys & even two of the sailors collapsed. John was terribly sick. Mr du P. was so hungry he got some meat fried & had some breakfast. He didn't mind it at all.

We found no one here when we got in so put up our tents right near & had some supper & got to bed. I felt as tired as tho I had walked the distance.

Lots of mosquitos here. We are expecting porters tomorrow to take us to the top of the hill (7 miles) & go by motor car on Tues. to Masindi. And on by motor car to Masindi Port on Fri morning. & meet the boat. Hope to get to Kijabe by Wed. or so.

Capt. Dugdale's little boy entertains the children very nicely. Takes them boating and gave them oranges. They gave him a cooky.

Killed the 2^nd sheep today and had some for dinner. The other was all spoiled last night. Hope to do way with most of this before it spoils.

It is quite comfortable here today. A cool breeze all the time. Tho't we were going to have a storm but it past by on the other side of the Lake.

Capt. Dugdale sent a lot of papers over for us to look at.

We will go to the Indians tomorrow & do a little ordering for Mr. Hurlburt.

Our clothes are getting dirty but hope to wash up some when we get to Masindi, we will have a little time there.

Prospects for getting to America are not very bright. Miss Jacobson wanted to get home but couldn't.

We got Rs. 244 more but will need still more to go on with.

Letters from Dr. Newberry G- in South Africa. They were well & were doing evangelistic work both among white & black- at a station in from East London.

Miss Stumpf wrote sugar, flour & kerocene were scarce. Otherwise things were as usual.

We may go home via South Africa. if we can't get past Suez. Do hope we can go some way or other. If the Lord wants us to go He'll provide for our going. He certainly knows we can't go if we haven't the money. Wish Zemmers & we could go together.

The children are enjoying the sand & shells here, also the beach. My stomach still feels rather upset. but my limbs aren't quite so sore.

Wed. P.M. Oct. 28 1914

Mon. night after we had retired a headman came and said he wanted our loads as he had two push carts which were to be taken up the hill during the night. John got up & got loads ready – even took the fly off the tent and besides these loads 8 men slept near which were to take our bedding etc in the morning. It was about 10 when we finally settled down and 3 when we wakened. We got up & got things packed- had a little breakfast & were off. R. walking but a native carrying Claudon. The way seemed longer than 7 miles til we got up to where the motor car passes. The motor road is different from the old road- but wont be long 'til it comes the whole distance to Butiaba. When we got up we had some cold chicken & coffee & biscuits before the car came. It seemed pretty full when we saw it of whites, blacks & boxes. The chauffeur had had his family out for a picnic & of course it was their retinue & safari things but we got some boxes on & we on the boxes but Mulungit & Singoma had to stay. About a third of the distance back we met the other motor going so they'll likely get back this evening. The children both slept.

We stopt at one for lunch & shortly after starting again saw a lot of monkeys – baboons – big fellows. Mr. du P- shot at them but didn't get any.

Arrived here at about 5 P.M. Found another American in the banda, Mr. Manheim. He is very talkative & gave us tea, & cake & bread for supper.

Today John has been visiting with him some besides shopping. Hope our boxes come in tonight as we want to call on Tegarts (C.M.S.) tomorrow.

Brot J's & Claudon's box & stuck a few clothes into it for R & I so we are cleaned up a little. Very dirty camp – ground all cleaned off & no grass on it. The tent poles sink right into the ground awfully.

This is a nice place but awfully scattered - - -

Motor car has come & the boys so we will soon have our things together. Mulungit doesn't look well. Has cold or something. Shall give him oil. Just got a few things from the Indian shop. Big check cashed- etc.

Sat. eve. Oct. 31.

On board “S.S. Stanley”.

Thur. morning I gave Singoma a big lot of clothes to wash at the stream; Mulungit went to the market. Among other things he got some green corn and a lot of wood so I did some baking- 1 big loaf & some biscuits & steamed a pudding with which we ate some stewed dried apricots. Had some chickens roasted which also served as breakfast next morning.

Singoma didn't get in with the wash til noon and then when Mr. du P-'s boy grumbled something at him he got angry & said he wanted his pay & was going to leave. We were eating so told him to wait awhile. Were sure if he thot it over he'd think better of it. and so he did. Nothing more was heard of it. We rested then got ready to go to Tegarts. J & Mr. du P- had been there in A.M. & we went for tea. Had a very nice time. Mrs. T- is a splendid hostess. The children had a little table to themselves & enjoyed it all very much. It rained & stormed a little but we had told Mulungit to look after the tent & clothes. About 5:30 we started home altho it looked awfully threatening. An old man came along carrying bananas & a pine apple. We had not gone far when it came very hard. J. tried to carry C- but soon had to give that up & poor little C- got soaked as he ran alongside of J. R. & I didn't get so very wet as Mrs. T- had pressed us to put on rain coats. My clean laundered dress & new white petticoat were awful around the bottom. We hung things up hoping they'd dry a little during the night but it rained some & was awfully misty most of the time. A big safari came in about noon. A Mr. & Mrs “Buttefat” or something like it and another man. Put up 3 tents & eat in the banda. She knows Rhoads & Miss Newman- came out on the same boat with them. Fri. morn- or yesterday morning a motor came at 6:30 & took Mr. du P. telling us to wait for the 2^nd one & when that came it steamed right by never stopping. We couldn't understand it & no one else could. Think it must have been Mr. Riordon's- the driver- fault. However they assured us they'd hold the boat for us & we could come this morning. It rained hard & steady & things got pretty wet lying out waiting for our motor to return. John went to see Mr. Anderson the D.C. & then pitched our tent again. The compensation was that mail came in & we got it last evening. we were glad for that. only we were afraid Mr. du P. was suffering. While resting after dinner a boy came with a note from BEA Cor. & a bill of Rs. 373.+ which they say is what was paid out from Masindi Port to Mahagi. We did not settle. They have had that bill against us for 2 years – we think it's all made up. for they never presented it before.

We'll try to settle at Jinja & the others must wait.

In the mail my fountain pen came & a drawn work centre piece from Lora. and “The Children's Hour” from Lora for the boys. Very nice stories. & several pounds of tea from Gribbles also a letter from Zemmers as they were leaving Mombasa for Eng. with Miss Jacobson on the “Dunvegan Castle”. I don't like to go to Kijabe since they are gone but its too late to back out. Just hope we'll find enough money there to take us on home so we wont need to stop long.

Rained again a little yesterday P.M. but as there was bright sun shine in A.M. got everything dry. Were to be ready by 6:30 this morning but were ready to go at 5:30. Motor came & we left. Took 3 hrs. to get to the Port & at once got on board. Have nice cabins. C & I in one & R. & J. in another. Found Mr du P- still unwell but better than yesterday. He felt very concerned that we hadn't come. We have our own meals. but he takes his in the dining room. This eve he feels very miserable again. It seems to be fever. Our shoes were so dirty from the red soil at the camp that we all put our nice shoes on & the others will be cleaned in the morning. We thot we'd stop for the night but they are going on still.

I've started to read “Villette” by Charlotte Bronte – a book Mr du P- gave us.

Nothing specially new in the Standard this time. Germany is trying to stir up a holy war.

We are to get to Namasagali or something like that- on Mon. morning then go on to Jinja by train.

All had baths- but the water was cold so didn't enjoy it so much. Mr. Du P- found a snake skin in his tent & R. asked if it was a “snake-pod”. Shall read awhile before going to sleep.

Thur. P.M. Nov. 5. Jinja

We learned when we got here Tues. eve at 5- that a steamer for Kampala had left an hour before. How provoking. Now we hear that the next one leaves next Wed. and goes to Kisumu – another to Kampala in two weeks. Mr. du P- will have his mail sent here.

John was feeling miserable on Sun. & Mon. Instead of landing Mon. morning we didn't reach Numasagali til Mon. eve. All day Sun. we stopt at Ports & loaded & unloaded. Tiresome day. We staid on Mon. night & til train time on Tues. We left at 12:30 & got here by 5. John was feeling so miserable we decided to go to the hotel but when we enquired we found it run by a Greek & cost Rs. 8.50 per day. The station master is Ama Jahn Kahn who used to be at Kijabe & very friendly with Hurlburts. He said we could sleep in the train. So we did. Yesterday morning John felt better and they took us to the pier on the train & we came here & found this camp & are settled. It is a very nice spot. beautiful view & nice breeze. On the road to the Falls.

The martial law is removed here & we find we can buy any thing in quantities. We are getting bread- awfully nice too. 4 loaves for a rupee. and today Mr. du P- got some very nice fresh Lumbwa butter. It does taste good.

John, the children & I went to the Falls this morning. Had great fun in watching the fish. Could see them in the water. While walking out on one of the piers suddenly a hippo put its head out of the water. How surprised we were. We went back to shore and watched about every two minutes it would come up. The children were so amused. We had a nice time & enjoyed the morning. The sun is very hot and we wont go out again until evening.

The boys did the washing. Looks very nice & is drying well.

Suppose it will rain again tonight. Seems to be very regular. Thunders & lightens about sun down every night but doesn't storm hard. Usually passes & we get a nice sprinkle.

Thur. Nov. 12. A.M.

On board the “Nyanza” bound for Kisumu.

This boat came into Jinja on Sun. morning & was loading & unloading until yesterday P.M. when we left. John & Mulungit went to market & when they got back John went to enquire when the boat was leaving. They said at 4 P.M. & that they had sent us word. We didn't receive the word tho so got a hustle on. Had dinner early & then got on. We hurried with dinner as we feared a storm was coming & we didn't want the tent to get wet. But altho it was very dark & threatened most all around we only got a sprinkle.

We had a man to carry things down for us so the boys (Mulungit & Singoma) had only themselves to look after.

They were loading bags of something & then stopt & began loading donkeys. Put 200 on. & there are a lot of passengers so we are on a lower deck next door to the donkeys. Can have only one room too but made a bed on the floor for the children.

But the donkeys were very noisy all night & altho we anchored & things were quiet they made an awful fuss. Of course there's an awful smell from them too.

Everything is so packed up between where we are & the front where the boys are that its pretty hard to get thro & they never came near last eve. We got some hot water for tea and had supper. The children were tired & soon went to sleep. John & I read awhile. Claudon was very restless. This morning Singoma came & said there were many people to cook there but we gave him the eggs to cook & told him to make tea. We've eaten & they've not come yet. Had grapenuts & bread & butter and a pineapple. We are right out now away from land entirely. They have a native on top at the front watching for any sign of Germans. They (G's) trouble them greatly. Have two gun boats on the Lake but no one knows where. The Sybil has been lost and the Winifred was to accompany the Clement Hill but has not come yet. Causes some anxiety and much excitement.

John tried to settle with B.E.A. Cor. and after going again & again they finally settled on one bill and another one the man gave to John to divide & collect as well as he could.

Mr. du P- got his mail & was busy & happy getting it answered. He had a great deal of fever. Was very sick on Sun. John is better again.

Fri. eve. Nov. 20

A week ago yesterday I made the last entry.

A week this morning before the sun was up the Second Officer whom we had rather liked, brot a kiboko [hippo-hide whipping] victim right in front of our door for punishment. I asked him 3 times to go somewhere else, and he finally stopt. Later he apologized to John – said he forgot any one was in there. It upset me so I staid in the cabin all morning. They unloaded donkeys & then got to Kisumu about 4 P.M. We went to the Bungalo but found them full. Also the hotel. A sick man who came on our boat finally got the station master to put an accommodation onto the freight train that left at 3 A.M. So we had our supper at the bungalo & then got on board our coach. Very nice for us only had to leave Mulungit & Singoma to come by Sun. passenger train. At the bungalo we met Mrs. Morse & several other Adventist missionaries who couldn't go to their stations. The town is full of soldiers & every one crazy about the war. A lot of soldiers got on our boat & she steamed away with them before unloading.

We came all day Sat. and at about 7 P.M. got to Nakuru and staid there til 1 A.M. and got to Kijabe about 7 A.M. Ate our breakfast & changed our clothes & put our boxes into the store house & then walked up here. Miss Messenger saw us first & we went in there. She gave us another breakfast. Then we went to school building. Mr. Wallace seemed rather put out that we hadn't telegraphed but we thot if we did they'd feel they ought to come for us & we didn't know when we'd get here & thot it wouldn't break up the Sun. rest so much if we just quietly came up- without letting them know.

Staid at school with Mr. Wallace, Mrs Hannay, Misses Pett & Cable, until Tues. Mon. John went to the station & got our things up & we went into Downing house. Where we are now.

John has been feeling badly & hasn't done any thing. He is trimming up the rose bushes a little. This was day of prayer. John was going but got so cold & numb that he went to bed & I gave him hot drinks & water bottle. Got up this P.M. & went to Hetzes for tea. Mrs. H's birthday. Singoma has fever.

Find we have enough money to go to England. but we hope Downings are coming & we want to wait for them if they're coming soon.

R. has a cold. Mulungit brot C- a dog.

Thur. eve. Nov. 26 Thanksgiving Day.

Had Hetzes, Misses Zimmerman & Messenger here for dinner. They helpt too. Miss Messenger gave two young chickens. They were fine. Mrs. Hetz sent her dishes & table linen & celery & jelly and coffee. Had a very nice time. Miss Zimmerman brot a fruit cake for the children with pink candies on it.

This P.M. at 4 Mr. McKenrick held communion service for all in the chapel. Then came here to supper & we've been talking. So nice to see him again.

Had word once that we would have to go I Class to America from England but since have heard again we can go II. Hope to get off soon. May hear on Sat. Making arrangements for Miss Cable & Miss Pett to meet Miss G. Hurst & others at the Station when they come up from Mombasa.

Mulungit has been away & comes back today very much put out with Kikeriko as he took 25 of M's sheep. Singoma will go back with the people. Tired tonight.

Sun. eve. Dec. 13.

Have engaged passage on the “Llandovery Castle” leaving Dec. 30. Are going to Rhoads next Fri. for a week & from there on to the coast.

Mr. du Plessis came this morning. Had wired to meet his boys but he stopt too & has been here today. Leaves again in the morning for Nairobi & Mombasa. Preached this P.M. Sleeps at Hetzes. Eats here. All had supper at Hetzes tonight. Mrs. Hannay sent some scalloped potatoes which we'll have for our breakfast.

Last Thurs. Miss Messenger spent the day here. We sewed. Haven't R's suit done yet but hope to finish it in the morning. Then work at some of Miss M's sewing for her children for Christmas. Have written letters home which are to go by French boat 18^th. They'll get there 2 or 3 weeks before we do.

Mr. Herdman had tea party for us at his house yesterday. Were to have it on the lawn but it rained so we went inside.

Mrs. Hetz & Miss Stumpf were sick last week but both are better again. Mulungit is quite sick. Had fever & doesn't seem to get strong from it.

Suppose by next Sun. we will be at Rhoads & the next on our way to the coast. D.V.

Tues. Dec. 22. Al's birthday.

At Rhoads – Mboni.

At Nairobi last Fri. on our way down here, Mr. Hassler got on with us & came down too. Mrs. H- was to come but was not well. Mr. Rhoad met us at Kapiti and had camp all fixed. We camped and started out early next morning with the spring wagon & two teams of mules. Had lunch about half way & at the foot of this hill had tea & got up here about 5 P.M.

Miss Pett & Miss Cable left here last Sat. for Congo. Meet Mr Flinn at Kisumu. Mr. du Plessis saw them.

Mr. R. tried a long time to get a “tommy” or kongoni but didn't succeed til just the last thing. John kept saying there was an animal some where for him and we saw a tommy near the road and all alone. Mr. R. got off & got it very easily. We have been enjoying it since we're here. Very nice eating.

Porters carried our loads & didn't get in til Sun. morning. John felt very ill Sat. night. I had head ache & felt badly most all day Sun. This morning have headache too. Raymond went to bed with fever yesterday P.M. Had pretty high temperature all night. Is still in bed & feels pretty bum. Finished reading “Calling of Dan Matthews” by Harold B. Wright. Miss Newman's book. Shall now read “The Shepherd of the Hills” by same author. Played tennis last eve. Helped Miss N. with girls dresses for Xmas. Will likely leave early Mon. morn. & catch the train about 5 for Mombasa.

Fri. Dec. 25. Christmas Day.

Have been doing a little of everything and not much of anything. Am reading “Laddie” by Gene Stratton Porter. Finished R's gray suit & have been working a little at my crepe waist- also helpt Miss Newman make dresses for her girls. They did a good deal of the sewing themselves but she helped them some so they'd get them done in time.

I washed & ironed on Wed. Yesterday we had a telegram from B.E.A. Cor. saying the boat leaves the 3^rd of Jan. so we'll not leave on Mon. as at first planned, but next Thurs.

Were rather looking for a letter from Miss Messenger. She had some U.S.A. money and wanted us to take it to Miss Young and as we didn't think about it until we were at the station coming away she said she'd send them by mail. Just the night before we left for down here Miss M. had word that her brother was shot in battle. She wrote a letter to the man in Switzerland who wrote her and asked us to mail it as she feared it might not be allowed or passed if mailed here. We have heard since here that the mails are being carefully searched. John wants to return it to her for fear we might be arrested. I don't think there's any danger.

Mr. Clarke came from Machakos yesterday- to spend Xmas here. Seems very nice.

Had magic lantern pictures in the chapel for the natives last night. The children enjoyed them so much. Had some very good ones. Mr. Rhoad talked & Mr. Clarke ran the lantern.

They fixed up a tree on their veranda but didn't decorate it 'til after the children were abed.

This morning Raymond was up just as it was getting light. He was in such a hurry to see the tree. Gordon & Owen were running in all directions to wish Merry Christmas & carry gifts. Ours were at our places at the table. I gave Mrs. R. the Chinese centre-piece from Lora. She gave me a book “Uncle William” and Miss Newman gave me an Indian made doily. The children got bows & arrows & bags of candy & nuts from Mrs. Caldwell. and sewing cards from Miss Newman. Everyone had a nice time opening & examining. Mr. R. gave John a package of kodak pictures.

We all had dinner here at Rhoads and supper at Miss Newmans & Mrs. Caldwell helped give it.

Mr. Hassler had cut & arranged a boquet of apple roses on the sitting room table & I fixed up a boquet of the shell pink ones for the dining room centre piece.

For dinner we had- Roast chicken, dressing, potatoes, green peas, salad, celery, green beans, mince-pie (Mr. Hasslers make) & tea & sweets. Everything was very good. At Miss Newmans we had two sorts of sandwiches & salad & 5 sweets & raisins & tea, 2 cakes. also a ginger drink.

Enjoyed the day very much. Everyone did. After supper we sat in Miss Newmans room & sang.

Hope Raymond hasn't over-eaten or overdone. He was pretty weak yesterday. Has had subnormal temp. mostly. He'll soon pick up now. Am giving him a little quinine but not heavy doses.

Thur. Dec. 31. In camp. Kapiti Plains

On Sat. after Christmas a man came from Machakos & brot another telegram from Hetz saying we should be sure & take our citizenship papers. & that a letter would follow but we've not yet received the letter.

Washed & ironed on Tues. Mon. eve were sports in the school building for the natives. Had a good time. Claudon got tired so he & I left early. John & R. came later. John wasn't feeling well at all.

Wed. (yesterday) everyone seemed rather knocked out. I got up with headache & had it all day. Miss Newman and Mrs. R. had been doing translation work all week but didn't yesterday as there were many things to get ready. Mr. Rhoad packed a box of skins for us to take along.

Tues. eve we were at Caldwells for supper & then took a long walk. They are very nice. Gave us $5 to get sodas with on the boat, so he said.

Mr. Clarke & Mr. Hassler were going to leave too this morning. but late last eve Mr. H. decided not to go.

We were up by 4 this morning. & had breakfast & were started by 6.

Mr. Rhoad drove down the hill then John drove from there & two native boys will take the rig back. Mr. Clarke followed us on the mule but soon gave it up. he wasn't feeling well. so sent the mule back & he rode with us & had lunch with us then went along the Machakos road & we to Kapiti. After lunch John let the boy drive as he was hoarse from yelling. We got to the station about 3:30.

Just got the tent up & things taken care of when a rain came & it rained awfully hard. Are rather crowded in the tent but are dry. Are pretty tired tonight but glad to be here. The trip from Mboni is rather tiresome.

And now its come to the last night of the old year. I can't realize it at all. We had rather expected, as far as we were able to find out, that this year would close the Churches career on earth and altho some very wonderful things have taken place we have not yet received our release. But it is very evident that the time is drawing near very fast.

Certainly a year ago we didn't expect by the end of the year to be on our way home. Of course John has had a pretty strenuous time of it since in the Congo and no doubt over-did at any rate he can't do much now. Seems to be his heart. He's never been so fat in his life as now but altho his appetite stays good he still gets those faint spells. First we thot those came on after he had been out in the sun but now they seem to come without any provocation.

Well, it is hard to know why we are to leave now but it seems to be His will, and we can only go on each day as He guides. O that one of these days he will guide us to heaven.

No doubt many are tonight keeping watchnight. Some in worship & some in revelry. and the appalling thot is that, without doubt, those who are waiting to kill & be killed are no doubt among the revellers and not worshipers.

This war certainly was not tho't of by many at the beginning of the year. The awfulness of it! & why? No motive whatever except an insatiable desire to kill. How good that God does the judging. It is awful, awful to think of.

The night before we left Kijabe Miss Messenger had word of the death of her brother in battle. That's but one of the 3,000,000 now reported. Surely the intense suffering of bereft ones must soon make an impression & things must change.

I'm, perhaps above all, grateful for Jesus as intercessor with the Father for me. Mistakes and shortcomings are plentiful but I have confidence that as Gods child I'm forgiven thro' Christ.

The year has been hard In many ways different from other years- Tst. My first hard spell of fever was last New Years and many have followed since making it hard to keep sweet. 

God is able and with that confidence I look ahead, grateful for the veil that hides the future.

“I read from the past that my future shall be

Far better than all my fears.” [Line quoted from a leaflet included in the diary.]

May I more fully glorify Christ in my life every day – Amen.

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