Florence Minch Stauffacher Diary – 1937.                                                                                Index

Fri. Jan. 1

This day was spent in the usual way - only we looked for Stephensons but they’ve not come. In some ways I’d love to look ahead & see how this book is going to close. but it might be disappointing so I’ll just record a day at a time as God leads. Hope the boys will be here next year if the Lord tarries.

Sat. Jan. 2

Looked in vain for Stephensons. Don’t understand where they can be. or what is keeping them. Lois went to Lolopeny for a few purchases. Her foot keeps so sore. she stept on glass & cut it. Music tonight but no one is very peppy. The “barrel sweater” is to where the arms are - only it’s all knit straight.

Sun. Jan. 3

At noon Sofi came & said Manuel wanted her to go to Rombo with him. but I refused permission for we expect S’s in any min. Jno got worked up & went to Ndilai & Ku & Ndoyai and said they must get promise from Kulale that Sofi would be let alone til Shaffers return or we’d put our things on the lorry and go with S’s. All will come tomorrow to shauri. “He led them forth by the right way” says Daily Light.

Mon. Jan. 4

Still no Stephensons! What can be keeping them. How we want the car! Kulale, Ndilai, Mondet, Kuyoni & another came this morn & talked til 10 or later. K. went on bicycle to Rombo to call Manuel & Ndulanga to help settle Sofi’s affair. & Kulale is calling old men & warriors to settle Noongota’s affair - & we may be told to move on. Kulale talks just like Mr. Whitehouse.

Tues. Jan. 5

The whole delegation came just at noon so Jno said they should go & talk things over & he’d come out & hear their decision. He said he’d bring back Noongota to stay at the kraal & come to school. The warriors are not to come here at all. Sofi’s shauri will be taken up when Whitehouse & the Church elders come back. God can deliver her from them for he certainly has worked in behalf of Noongota.

Wed. Jan. 6

And still no Stephensons! N’s mother came early this morn to ask if this was so & course is very pleased. A warrior who had been mauled by a lion came to be dressed. Arm is bad & deep but the leg is swelled tho has only 2 claw marks. Wish he’d go to Lolopeny. If we had car we’d take him. Sending post to School in morning by Kuyoni. Very bad head. taking atebrin.

Thur. Jan. 7

And still no Stephensons. Poor Gordon! He does keep very happy apparently tho he must be as disappointed as we are. My visions of a big wood pile are fading. Jno called the fellows this morn: Kuyoni, Taroni, Ndilai, Manuel & drew up a paper for M. to sign. To leave Sofi with us til Shaffers return - or after a year to settle with Ndulanga & turn her over to him. Nothing more to be said ab’t cir. til S’s come. He signed & seems happy ab’t it.

Fri. Jan. 8 Mother Hurlburt

Had early lunch for the men were going fishing but Stephensons came just as we were thro. After they ate Jno & he returned to Lanys & tomorrow will go with Blaikie to Arusha. They will see Ludwig ab’t going to Kjb. then I’ll go with S’s. Blaikies come Mon. eve for the night & all want to leave early. Rather hope we can take our car. Gordon will then drive me to Syabei.

Sat. Jan. 9

Mrs. S. and girls gathered many wild flowers. for Marion to press. I baked bread. Ndoyai came & brot a lovely mail. Letter & pictures from Ray. and lots of late home mail. Finally a letter from Teasdale asking Jno to take part in Conf. Also one from Miss Norton & cheque for S. 100. Bless her. If she could only know how it’s needed. Boys took tea kettle & were out all day.

Sun. Jan. 10

Just as we finished service & before lunch. Jno & Mr. S. came. Ludwig will go but wants his own car. So sorry for I fear Gordon is greatly disappointed. We wont get a license now. Guess I’ll go with Ss & hope to get out to Syabei some how. Read from Keswick add. Children drove down the road for a ride.

Mon. Jan. 11

Mrs. S. packed lunch & they all went for a picnic & I baked & Lois washed. Blaikies came just as picnic returned and every thing is set for early start. I hate leaving Dad. but he thinks it’s best so. We hear Mr W. is held up in Nairobi with broken car. Boys all had a nice tramp with .22 on their shoulders. Every one to bed early.

Tues. Jan. 12

Didn’t sleep after 12. Up at 3. break. at 4. & off at 5. Before getting to bridge we saw a lovely huge rhino ab’t 30 yds from road. He didn’t seem to see us at all. Lots & lots of game. Stopt for tea & later for lunch. Then Blaikies hurried on & sent a telegram to Mr. T. for me. Had rest & sup & bath at S’s & they took me to the train. Mr. T. met me & I’m here at T’s. by midnight. Don’t know ab’t getting out to S. tomorrow.

Wed. Jan. 13

Mr. T. suggested we ask Mr. Lehrer if he wants to go out. so we did & they have arranged it all. We take T’s car. Miss Truesdell goes along. Miss des F. wanted to but she is to go to Litein as bridesmaid. I went around & saw most everyone. Nyakeiru, Susana & Ruth W. will go on lorry tomorrow. Was at prmtg at Mrs Probsts. Downing crowd go to Litein.

Thur. Jan. 14 Syabei

Miss T. thot she couldn’t go but we persuaded her. and here we are. Many have been to greet us. We found our way in for Parmale was away with the key. Anna came & helpt clean up. Mr. L. up stairs & we two in our room. Had lovely trip out. Mr. Whitehouse hearing we had come came over to see us.

Fri. Jan. 15

Many came to greet us. Guess we’ve seen most every one. When I told Mr. W. what we’d done at Lasit - called Kulale etc. & the out come - he seemed most pleased. Cleaned a bit more & went over books with Parmale. Getting things together to take along. Mr. L. shot hawks & walked out thro the woods. Gets cloudy & threatens but no rain yet.

Sat. Jan. 16

Went thro garden with Parmale. Letter from Hajee Aboo saying we owe Sh 20. for transport. so I’ll pay it. No Kijabe folks have come and I’m rather glad. A load of 6 or 7 were going to Litein for Earl’s wedding & thot of coming this way. Went fishing. Miss T. caught a nice big one & I let it get away after its head was cut. Then Mr L. caught bigger one yet. & I caught 3 medium so will have a nice breakf.

Sun. Jan. 17

This has been a happy day. S.S. & Church as usual then Mr. L. drove to Narok. Nyakeiru & Susana went along. Mulungit, Sitoya & Soibi were coming home as we went. They all & their wives & Milaun & Njorogi came this eve & had a little sing & M. asked Sitoya to read Jno 15 & then I talked a bit to them. All seem so happy. Soibi too has had his eyes opened. I’m sure God is going to work among us.

Mon. Jan. 18

Got away by 9. Several came to see about last things. Folks want to send Sitoya to Bible School & I asked if he would go. He said yes. so will see Mr T. about it. Got here by 2:30. Stopt for lunch under tree near little hill. Train came in while at station & we thot Dr. Blakeslee would be on but she wasn’t. Mr Lyon came. Wepplers went up to school after tea so I only am here. Dr D. had welcome talk this eve. At Teasdales.

Tues. Jan. 19 Mrs. Lehrer and Emily B.

Mr. Downing spoke so helpfully on Christ the head of the church. So sorry John missed it. Mr. Teasdale spoke on Types of Christ in Bible. Very good too. Several new folks. Maxwell, Dr. Ashton. Mrs. Jester. and some settlers are attending. Miss Slater asked Mr. Maxwell if I could go with him to Nairobi on Mon. so will write the dentist and Mrs. Stephenson. No evening mt’g. Birthday cakes at tea. I typed for Mrs. T.

Wed. Jan. 20

Mr. Bryson on Psalms - and Mr. Guilding on Christs Prayer Ministry were good especially the latter. I went with Mrs Probst during Bus. meeting & heard Rox’s last letter & others. Herman was married Dec. 19 & R. will be Mar. 30. & Chas May or June. Not going to even. mtg. Educational.

Thur. Jan. 21

Mrs. T. not feeling well. I wrote dentist & Mrs. Stephenson. Meetings all pretty good. What I understood. Mr. Barnett spoke very quietly. Mr. Taylor had devotional & made a confession of neglecting to speak to a man who later took his own life. Very touching. Women’s meeting this eve was good - tho we staid til 9:45. Littlejohns & Bokas from G.M.S. came for the day.

Fri. Jan. 22

Dr. Ashton in John’s place was very good & spoke so well. I understood fine. Came home at 11 & typed & again after tea. and tonight. Have begun with the 2^nd time so will soon be thro. It is the Sex hygiene lessons Dr. Blakeslee teaches. A.I.M. have decided to share CMS house at Freretown with C.M.S. Wish we could go in July.

Sat. Jan. 23

Mr. Guildings talk on Second Coming was good - as always. I took typing up to school to finish but the typewriter was awful. However I finished & gave all around. Had lunch with des Forges & Moody. Tea at Dr Blakeslee’s as usual. Talked with Mrs. Probst ab’t Mombasa in July. She’d like it. Mrs Richardson showed pictures. Building is now lighted by power from a wind mill propeller arrangement.

Sun. Jan. 24

Edgar Bryson spoke at 11. I went to native mtg with Mrs Barnett. Mr. D. spoke so well at 4 oclock mtg. I had headache but took aspirin & it is better this eve. Baby Skoda & Paul Teasdale were dedicated. and then we had communion. This eve was the usual testimony mtg & many helpful testimonies were given. It is very late as usual & Mr Maxwell wants to get away by 8:30.

Mon. Jan. 25

We got away in good time & took Miss Keefer to Kambui first - but lost our way so got to Nairobi at 1:30 & when I went to the dentist I found my hour was at 12:30 so will go tomorrow at 10:30. Went to Rosenblums & ordered Raymond’s stove - so that is done. Took the 3 oclock bus back to Stephensons and here I am & no Ludwig has come yet. Wepplers called too. Do hope L. comes tomorrow.

Tues. Jan. 26

Went down town with Mr S. & had done a good bit of shopping & finished my teeth when I saw Earl & Eriks & they brot a letter saying Ludwig is not coming for a week. because of the Magney girl. So I came to Kjb - expecting to go to Syabei with Earls tomorrow but can be there only 2 days - so don’t know if I’ll go. Am very tired tonight. Am with Mrs Probst.

Wed. Jan. 27

And I suppose tonight Jno is looking his eyes out for our car. I’m just so disappointed I’d cry if ‘twould do any good. I did want to be home tonight. I didn’t go with the young folks to Syabei. They were packed full any way. Miss Rhodes is here - teaching in R.V.A. Miss Norton is here too for a few days. Mrs P. went to Nairobi. I do wonder if I’m doing the right thing.

Thur. Jan. 28

I do want to get home so badly & just every way seems blocked. Tonight Miss Truesdell had word the boat got in this morning so Farnsworths will no doubt be up tomorrow or Sat. I wish I were there. I’m doing typing for Dr Blakeslee & trying to get some letters off too. Want to send Cl’s trenching tools. Mrs P. got some pretty records. Have enjoyed playing them today.

Fri. Jan. 29

My, how these days drag by. Did more typing & this eve had music & I almost finished knitting Loises sweater. I’m glad to be getting it done. Mrs. P. has one she wants me to knit over for her. How I’d love to see how Jno is faring - if he only knows why I’m not coming. Dr. Davis says we are first to be recommended for Rule 13. furlo. as we’ve been here longer.

Sat. Jan. 30

Slowly the days are slipping by. Finished the typing & took it to Dr. B. & met Harriet Truesdell. Then to Teasdales for tea. This Miss Rhodes & I did & met Mrs. P. & Miss Norton there. Miss N & I had been at Davises for lunch. Finished Loises sweater & sewed it up. Looks nice. Started a try of Mrs. P’s brown. Sat at table & talked of old times til 9:30. Do hope Farnsworths are with Jno tonight.

Sun. Jan. 31

Sitoya & Mulungit came first thing & we all went to see Mrs Teasdale. then Sitoya went back - but will come over on Wed. or so. M. stays to see if he can go with Ludwig. M. spoke in native service this morn. but read in Eng. which disappointed us all. Don’t know what he spoke on. Mr. Taylor spoke at 4 P.M. mtg. very well & I could hear him very well. Had sacred concert on phono tonight.

Little did I think when I began this & I’d be here at Kijabe to finish the month. I’d have enjoyed this extra week if Jno had been here too or if I’d have known that he knew why I didn’t return. I hope Farnsworths were with him yesterday. That would help. And how I wonder how the girls are doing. Hope Ludwig comes tomorrow night.

Mon. Feb. 1

No Ludwig yet so far as I know. Got peaches packed & am all set ready whenever he turns up. There’s been no letter nor wire so hope he’s on the way. Have started Mrs. P’s sweater. Bad head all P.M. Miss Norton & I baked apple pie. Mrs. P. & I forgot ab’t prayermtg & went for a walk. Mulungit brot up my suit case but Esther sent the wrong bathing suit. Not Dads.

Tues. Feb. 2

Ludwig came 11:30 so we had dinner. Miss Norton fearing he might not come went to station by mule cart - & then took the train. We passed the train at Kabete. Are at Stephensons. L. wants to spend tomorrow here then we’ll get an early start Thur. Have waited this long, guess I can wait a day longer. but hope Jno wont look too hard for us. Writing Aunt L’s birthday letter.

Wed. Feb. 3

Went down town with Ludwig. Mr Clarke was not at office but I left note & he found me at tea time at Stephensons. also Mr & Mrs Farnsworth & Mrs Guilding called. I got 3 records. and plenty of fruit for Jno. Wonder if I’ll be home tomorrow night this time. Can hardly believe I will. Posted girls sweaters today & started Mrs. Probsts as I haven’t the pattern for Wardlees.

Thur. Feb. 4 HOME.

Got here by 2 P.M. having left S’s at 7:30. Ludwig drove fast but quite carefully. Jno was in bath room shaving. He looks alright. perhaps a bit thin. But the house is frightfully dirty. The girls said they didn’t sweep these rooms once while I was away. Mulungit came with us. Ludwig wouldn’t stop for a drink of tea even. but said he had to go on at once because of work.

Fri. Feb. 5

We did some shovelling out today - and that’s no figure of speech either - and the north end hasn’t been touched yet. But its beginning to look a bit homey again. The old flowers were still in vases! Nice letters from the boys. I’m glad Ray’s stove & Cl. hoes are on the way to them. Very hot & dry here. Corn coming on in garden Good.

Sat. Feb. 6

Sofi skipt off this morning before I got out so sent K. on bicycle with note to Mr. W. to ask him to tea & supper. I baked apple pie. and Mrs. Stephensons gift of lovely tea biscuits for tea. He appreciated all. We had gramaphone this eve. I baked cookies too today. Have lots of bread. So hot.

Sun. Feb. 7

Seems hotter than ever today. I get such hot flashes too. Noongota was at class & church. She came to class a bit late & then cried so she went outside. I let the boys read by themselves & went out & tried to comfort her. She says they wont give her permission to come. Perhaps we can hire her & then she could attend. Ndoyai & Lois want to be married soon. Lois wants to go to Kijabe for it. Are talking ab’t what’s best.

Mon. Feb. 8

Washed. big lot. Sofi worked at rooms but didn’t finish. Mulungit came & talked about wedding plans. Ndoyai can leave now, it seems, so I’ve written Mr. W. a note asking if ‘twould suit to have them all go to Kajiado with him next Sun. M. will take it tomorrow. School began today.

Tues. Feb. 9

Mulungit took my note to W. and returned with the post. it & his attitude & Mr W’s letter were all very disappointing. 2 airmails from Cora telling of a Mr. Tuffree coming this way & wanting to see us & boys. but he’s with a party & his time is too short. Letter from London Office asking what they should do with Shaffers letters waiting there since Oct! Mr. W. (and Mulungit) are saying Lois shall go & live with Ndoyai & have Xian marriage later. Mulungit is very angry with us. Jno wrote Mr. W.

Wed. Feb. 10

Not a very comfy night. Prayed much for Mulungit. that he may see his mistake. Can’t understand Mr. W. at all. His attitude toward us & our principles is very evident. He just does not agree with us at all. If nothing may be done without the father’s consent how does he get 100 boys in his school? I’m not happy in my head nor in my body tonight. Felt sick all day.

Thur. Feb. 11

Had a bad night with awful indigestion & felt “all in” all day but we got down a load of wood - but have to crank the car. K did it this morn. Have eaten nothing but drank a lot of hot water so will be OK tomorrow. Didn’t go to pr. mtg but to bed. Have seen nothing of M. today but he was at mtg. J has written Mr. W. again. Ndilai takes it.

Fri. Feb. 12

Noongota came to school but says father threatened to put wires on her legs. Got more mail tonight. & a huge letter from Mr. W. 3 typed pages in reply to J’s sent him yesterday. Also remittance of $130. Shall we go to coast or get a car? Mr. Tuffree who comes out here. is in Nairobi Apr. 2-5! Wishes we could meet him. Don’t see how we can. have written air mail to meet him at Jo burg. Hope he sees Cl. Got down 2 big loads of wood. Car must be cranked but otherwise goes alright. Mulungit came this eve for a chat. Seems to have prayed thro & feels better in his heart. Says he knew I was praying for he couldn’t sleep.

Sat. Feb. 13

What a day! Started out after break. for wood. No one seemed very peppy but we got a fair load & then it seemed the car wouldn’t start & when it did it wouldn’t keep going. Jno thot I put on too much petrol. We sent girls on & then he pushed & somehow it went very easy but would not start even coming quite fast down road. so K. & his 4 men came & pushed in. All are tired but had music tonight for all the 3 households.

Sun. Feb. 14

Meetings as usual. Ngatia preached and very few came down from school. Don’t know why. Several are leaving for Ngong school. Ndoyai & Manuel came from Rombo just as church was out. Ndoyai did not bring cattle but older bro. was here & said he’d bring them this wk. so Mulungit went with teachers & will go with Mr. W. tomorrow. No word from Mr. W.

Mon. Feb. 15

Mulungit took Sh 4. to get cloth for Lois a white dress. & head cloth for wedding. K. went to Lolopeny. Lois washed. Letter from Mr. W. saying he was glad for Jno’s last which meant that they could again enjoy together “apple pie” etc. Wrote Mattie & class thanks for money $23. all together. O it’s hot these days. Emptying tank so we can see whats stopping the water in the garden. No school only 3 came.

Tues. Feb. 16

Post came. Word from Syabei that both Grandma Soibe and Elija have died. and Mulungit’s house burned down. Now M. will have a good pull to get down here. Writing thanks letters. for money received. Guess we can plan for Mombasa if we want to. Will see when we know what train fare is. Children stopped ram. Jno caught one & put in chicken yard.

Wed. Feb. 17

Getting letters ready for post. Kuyoni is still not here. ‘Twas terribly hot in school room. In spite of heat I seem to have taken cold. I have such hot flashes that I suppose I uncover in my sleep & then chill. it’s in my throat & nose & ears. Lois complains of sore ears too. Many sore eyes come for treatment these days.

Thur. Feb. 18

Kuyoni returned but didn’t see him til at prmtg. A Chaga took my letters etc for the post early this morn. K. didn’t sell any beans as they wont give him any better price than here at Lolopeny.

Fri. Feb. 19

Kuyoni went to Lolopeny. and Ramtulla came this P.M. & got the beans - 12 bags. so some of the Church money is getting paid back again. Guess K- & Wambui will go to Kijabe & Nairaq Ngare when Ram. goes to Simba next time. Taroni will teach in K’s place. K. said Mr. W. is not yet back.

Sat. Feb. 20

Thot Mr W. might come to tea but perhaps he’s not yet back. Baked a bit but feel very punk. cold seems worse - throat is so sore & ears are very dull. Lois helpt me with the womens prayer letter. I’ve started Wardlee’s sweater.

Sun. Feb. 21

Felt so badly this morn. I had a notion to stay in bed - but didn’t. Took Atebrin at breakfast and have felt much better this P.M. Started a letter to Robertses. Had early supper & went for a long walk. Saw lots of eland & giraffe. Mr. W. called & we chatted til dark. The D.C. is coming in about 5 wks. & he has power to marry folks - so that’s settled.

Mon. Feb. 22

Still very hot but heavy clouds around this P.M. & more snow on the Mt. Did the usual work but I got quite a long letter typed to Shaffers. as well as the prayer letter to the Women at Syabei. Noongota was hanging around again this eve saying her mother is leading her away again. but her father & Kulale both said she could come to school & church.

Tues. Feb. 23

Nice mail came. N. & her father & mother came up ab’t 8. Her father says she must go now & be cir. & put on wires. We tried to tell him he promised she could come to school but he said he lied. K. went to chief & he says she should come to school. She was there this PM tho I talked long with her this morn. telling her to keep true to God even tho they did these things to her. her mother stood by & heard it all.

Wed. Feb. 24

Sisian, Noongota & Kasoni all went to Lolopeny. Brot more mail. Letter from Slater asking us to please try to go to M. in July. So I wrote her we were expecting to. Rumor says Sisian is to be carried away among the Masai by Ndilai’s bro. Don’t know what N. has to say. Got lots of letters & papers ready to send. K. goes in morn on bike.

Thur. Feb. 25

Went to see Sisian this eve. She is to be taken away tomorrow by Ndilai’s brothers. They’ve taken her clothes off & put on Masai skins etc. Manuel is very sad over it all. They want her to marry a shenzi Masai. Noongota is in hiding too someplace. here but I don’t know where. her Mother called this morning very mad. These are surely trouble ful days & O so hot.

Fri. Feb. 26

Kuyoni & Wambui left this eve to meet Indian. Noongota staid here some place last night so first came Mondet, Kuyoni & Taroni & said the father was calling her. Then ab’t 11 father came with a note from Kulale calling her so she went. As there were also other shauris there was no school. N. has permission to come to school this term then she must be cir. etc. Maybe the Lord will come before that. The stock inspector & another called this A.M. & returned for lunch & then for tea too. Rained all around us.

Sat. Feb. 27

Usual work. Noongota seems to be about but haven’t seen her. Coughed so hard last night but not much today. so hope will be better tonight. Baked bread. have food pretty well ready for tomorrow. Wrote Aunt Ellen.

Sun. Feb. 28

Noongota came to all mtgs & went to kraals with others this P.M. Taroni took S.S. in Kuyoni’s place. Rather nervous but got there. Wrote Miss Grindley today. One boy finished page 4 of scripture verses so got a song book. 2 others know them somewhat, but will try again next Sun.

Sun. continued - Sofi and Ndulanga talked quite a while over in church. Ndoyai & Lois were also there & Noongota & she perhaps gave moral support for she is as determined as Sofi that she wont be cir. Sofi says Ndulanga says they can’t be married if she isn’t done - & she says she can’t be done because the Church hates it.

O what a month again - Not getting home when I wanted to and now these shauris continuing its awful trying. Poor Sisian - wonder where she is & what this next month will have for Lois. Indian brot parcel of material - for dress. She’ll likely be married some time during the Mo.

Mon. Mar. 1

N’s father came this eve all worked up tho he had a note from Kulale saying the words he (father) says but didn’t say she must go. Mother too is having lots of trouble for the father is sending her back to Chaga country but keeping the children. N. is here tonight & will go with mother to see Whitehouse tomorrow morning. The father acted like he was drunk. wouldn’t be surprised if Kulale is too.

Tues. Mar. 2

Mts. white way down on saddle. Sofi went to Lolopeny for potatoes for M. Noongota staid here all day. and her father did not come. What tomorrow? Major Buxton has arrived & Ollegelisho. Mother wants N. to go with her tomorrow to see W. ab’t the treatment father gives her. Wrote several letters. Very murky all AM but clear & HOT this P.M.

Wed. Mar. 3

Blew & stormed terribly in night & rained. Then ab’t 11 A.M. started to rain again - & this P.M. & some cold wind. Fire feels good. N’s father came ab’t 10. & hung around & talked to every one he could find. He was determined to take her but I told him not for a few days. He says she can’t wait 2 mo. to be cir. She & Mother go to D.C. on Fri. No shauris before that time.

Thur. Mar. 4

N. was unmolested today by her father but Mother came several times. He has taken the children to Kulales & says she must move there. So N. got very little studying done. They worked in their school gardens this PM. Taroni is too busy to try to have school & there’s no one to come but these 3. Jno spading & planting some.

Fri. Mar. 5

An airplane came to Lolopeny yesterday for people to see today so Sofi & N. went. Lois didn’t want to. We worked at her dress. It’s such nice material. Have about all the fitting & big stitching done. Haven’t decided on the furnishing for the front yet. John’s new khaki trousers have come. Wrote Mrs Brown birthday letter.

Sat. Mar. 6

Surely thot Mr. W. & his guests the Buxtons would come to tea today - but no one came at all. Cleaned & puttered around all day but don’t seem to have accomplished much. Fixed up two of J’s old khaki coats - with best parts of the third.

Sun. Mar. 7

Only 2 school boys came. but Ngatia and several others. We had communion. Don’t understand at all why the folks haven’t come from Lolopeny to see us. N’s mother said she is to see the D.C. tomorrow. May be we will get orders then. for N. is staying here all the time. Gets pretty trying for me sometimes - the 3 do no more than Lois by herself.

Mon. Mar. 8

Lovely mail. Letters from both boys. At tea time Major Buxton came from Kulales - all by himself. Wanted to see the dam & asked about Noongota. The girls had gone to the far garden but she finally came & he questioned her. But he shook his head when he told us he didn’t know what could be done. Said perhaps Mrs B. could drive down tomottow- but wasn’t sure.

Tues. Mar. 9

Word came thro Lehrer that Wendell Hoyt ws killed in motorcycle accident in Texas. No one came today. It is Rose Marys birthday & they had a picnic up at the Foresters & I suppose couldn’t manage to get here. They expected to leave tomorrow. so tho I made some fudge for Rose Mary, I’ll not send it for they’ll likely go early. Major B. seemed as perplexed as Mr. W. as to what should be done about Noongota. So are we.

Wed. Mar. 10

Had Noongota at it pretty hard all day. Says her head aches tonight. It’s so warm - some clouds but very warm any way. Have quite a few letters ready to post. A Chaga will take ‘em. Thot perhaps Buxtons didn’t get away & might come to tea but no one came. We rather expected word of some sort from him about N. but it may come later.

Thur. Mar. 11

Today we got quite a long letter from Major B. saying the elders decided that N’s mother should live with the father. N. can come to school but stay home nights - and she must not refuse her fathers words about being cir. The Lord can over rule and we just pray we may be patient & quiet & prayerful all the time. He said he gave Gov’t side & elders gave Masai side & they decided in favor of Masai!!!

Fri. Mar. 12

Rained this P.M. Thot of going fishing tomorrow but not now. N. went to Kulale’s kraal tonight where her father is supposed to be living. She said her mother was coming this eve to lead her away - but we told her she better do what Gov’t says - as much as she can & then we can ask the Lord to undertake in what we can’t do. Mail came. More Gen’l Fund money.

Sat. Mar. 13

Quite cloudy all day & some rain. Guess we could have gone fishing had we known how the weather would be. N. came about 9. her father came later & said her Mother was very sick & she N. should come & carry water etc. N. said he lied & Mother was here this eve & didn’t seem sick. N went again this eve.

Sun. Mar. 14

Meetings as usual. Ab’t 25 boys from School came. It rained quite hard ab’t 12 to 2. Then girls etc went to kraals. Taroni does get so nervous when conducting the meetings. Several teachers here too. Not Ndoyai. Starting to read “The Remarkable Jew” by Sales Harrison. It’s very good. Easy reading.

Mon. Mar. 15

Rained quite hard this P.M. N. came for lessons. and ab’t 11 her mother came asking if she could go to the garden & help plant. I said yes. but would like her back tomorrow. so she went. Ndoyai came just at dark & says the post leaves tomorrow instead of Thur. So I gave him what I had ready but the boys aren’t written yet. He staid talking with Lois til 9.

Tues. Mar. 16

I was getting seeds sown in tins this morning when N’s father came asking for her. I said she went yesterday to help Mother plant. He was angry & said they’ve run away to Chaga country & I guess it’s true as Mother wanted her bro to come for shauri ab’t the children. Seems father has never paid any dowry. Don’t know if we can help N. any more or not. since she left in this way.

Wed. Mar. 17

Indian brot fruit. Quite an uneventful day. No one missing. nor any special shauris. Have ab’t finished Lois’s dress. No rain & no sighn of any. Manuel hasn’t done any thing ab’t getting Sisian back - as he was advised not to by Ndoyai. I guess she is gone for good. as it seems ‘twas her to be husband who took her from here.

Thur. Mar. 18

Had a bit of school & some sewing this P.M. but not many - so its not very interesting. Rains seem to have let up again. No one is planting corn til they come proper. Wish Kuyoni would come back. Taroni tries to fill his place but no village work is being done.

Fri. Mar. 19

Baked bread & cake and cleaned as girls want to go shopping tomorrow and we may go fishing. just to get out a bit. John is cutting out kaffir apples & it does make the place look so nice. Has burned some too so it’s all cleaned up.

Sat. Mar. 20

Baked some & cleaned yesterday so we could go fishing today. Went to the near place but on way down saw very fresh rhino & elephant tracks so it was rather scary. and then we tried all along but the water was not clear & we got nothing. First time we’ve had to come back with none. Girls went to Lolopeny for things.

Sun. Mar. 21

None of the teachers were down today - but Emily. While in mtg a car came in. it was Mr. Denwitt & another man. They came back later to lunch. and staid to tea too. Very hot & flies are awful. John is tired as he talked all PM. I wrote at a letter to Shaffers. These men take our post tomorrow.

Mon. Mar. 22

Mail came but nothing from WSA. Dr. D. wants to know if we think this plot should be kept if we have to go to the expense of surveying it. Then min. of Council mtg say we will be recommended for furlo next year! No matter how well we are. It seems like a most outlandish rule.

Tues. Mar. 23

Mr W. called just at our supper time so had just tea. Gave him some cottage cheese, bread & butter. He says Vidal P.C. says nothing must be done ab’t girls cir. now. They will advise fathers against it but nothing can be forced. Children here seem to be too busy for school. so we aren’t having any.

Wed. Mar. 24

Jno took a long walk. was out all P.M. Thinking, thinking what should be written to the Council about this place. Mr. W. is a puzzle. He keeps us guessing all the time as to just what he means. Says we can tell our Council Ss are not wanted back & that’s official. Why doesn’t he tell the Council.

Thur. Mar. 25

Jno worked in lower garden today as old men grumbled at him yesterday for cleaning up kaffir apples. When I asked Sofi why she said they think we want to make garden!!! Course what fool would work so hard only for looks. Wrote Mrs. Westervelt & sent used stamps. Washed hair. Sun is so hot. Prayer Mtg.

Fri. Mar. 26

Cleaned up front rooms. ceiling, walls & took rug out. Lois cleaned windows yesterday. Ndoyai stopt in on his way to Moshi with Indian - taking his mother to hospital. She’s been sick long. Jno fixed up a seat out by this big tree. We went over prayer letter this eve. Council wants to know what we think ab’t keeping or giving up this place.

Sat. Mar. 27

Sofi had to go to Lolopeny so Lois & I did the work. baked bread, buns, pie & cheese straws. Got all done. I bathed after lunch. Expected Mr. W. for tea as well as dinner but he came ab’t 6. We had a cup of tea any way. The chicken cooked long but even so wasn’t too tender. ‘twas good tho. Chatted til 9:30 when he left. Very dark clouds & very windy - but no rain yet.

Sun. Mar. 28 Easter

A nice crowd out for service after which Lois was baptised. Manuel wanted to be but we got him to wait til later. as K. is not here & he’s been teaching him, so knows whether or not he is ready. Snow on the Mt this morn. stormed back south of here. Thunder & lightening & blew but rained very little here.

Mon. Mar. 29

Post came this P.M. Letters from all 3 girls. also reg. remittance. and letter from Mrs. R.E.S. & Mrs Hargrave. Mrs. Hoyt wrote telling of Wendell’s death. Motor cycle accident. Very sad. Ndoyai sent Lois the wedding ring to see if it fits. really sent 2. don’t know why 2. Wish the other were for Sofi. but Ndulanga seems to argue for cir. now. P.C. says we must not say anything ab’t cir. now. They have enuf troubles at present.

Tues. Mar. 30

Kasoni wanted to mend socks but she didn’t come. Sofi has finally finished her dress to wear at the wedding but silly girl took it to Lolopeny to have it stitched - tho I said I’d do it - & got it so dirty it must be washed & the Indian stitched it with khaki thread!!!

Wed. Mar. 31

Rather expected Mr W. & the D.C. but Ndoyai said he was to come yesterday. But no one came. Jno has cut the kaffir apples & weeds straight out to the road & burned the cattle kraal where sales were held. A woman came twice today with burst open finger. I fear blood poison so told her to go to Lolopeny tomorrow.

I don’t know where the mo. has gone & not because I’ve been very busy either. Seems most like vacation mo. for we aren’t trying to have any school. Have made Loises wedding dress & helped Sofi with hers, to be worn that day. It is raining a bit tonight but has been very dry for over 2 wks.

Thur. Apr. 1

Sent mail by Taroni. Indian saw Jno today & wants the car. but doesn’t want to pay S. 300.- only 200. So he wont get it right away. Had girls all come for sewing especially because Kasoni wants to mend her Dads socks & then she did not come. The others did. I’m getting on with Wardlees sweater. Will post it next week.

Fri. Apr. 2 Aunt Ellen.

Wonder if Aunt Ellen has her letter. Jno said Ndilai came & told him the Indian says he’ll give us 250. & that’s all & we should tell Ndilai if we want that. & Jno said alright. but I’m not very happy abt not letting Stephenson know at all. I want to ask the Indian to wait a bit. Jno suggested going fishing tomorrow but I have no Sat. work done & marmalade to make.

Sat. Apr. 3

Taroni fixed up the broken fence by church. Sofi went to Lolopeny. Jno went fishing so Lois & I had the day to ourselves & we did things. Made 3 qts marmalade. Baked pie & cake. made melon sauce & boiled vegs. for tomorrow. Jno got back ab’t 3 P.M. with 3 nice fish which we had for supper. He ran onto 3 elephants! One huge one very near. but they didn’t see him. Told Ndilai to ask the Indian to wait til I write Stephenson.

Sun. Apr. 4

A lot of school boys came. Such a lot of little fellows. Teachers came too. Had communion. Rained some while we were at dinner and more this P.M. but not an awful lot even so. But looked like more fell to east & south.

Mon. Apr. 5

More rain this P.M. & very black toward Voi like it stormed hard but all blew up the Mt. & some to the east of us. Mail brot a letter from Oulton saying Shaffer took the wrong lion skin. a lovely black maned one & the daughter got the one S. was to have. which is good but not so nicely marked.

Tues. Apr. 6

Nice white mt. this morning. Those clouds yesterday had something in them alright. Ndilai took Gladys to hospital today as she has a queer bunch in the groin & one place that has opened. Kasoni said a worm came out but guess it looked like a worm.

Wed. Apr. 7

Post leaves tomorrow so am getting several letters ready. Had the girls come for sewing but most are knitting. Threatens a lot but only blows up awful cold & clouds all pass. Getting cold feet ab’t Mombasa as it’s going to be hard getting there with all we must take. If others want to go we’ll stay here. I’d rather.

Thur. Apr. 8

Rained a bit. but more at the school. Kuyoni returned & brot letter & check from Mr. Teasdale. our credit there. Also a note from Mr. W. to say he will come down tomorrow & get us for the week end. I told him to come for tea then we’d go with him. Kuyoni was quite ill at Nairaq Ngare. Left Wambui there.

Fri. Apr. 9

Got work done & somewhat ready before dinner. then ab’t 12:30 it began to rain & came down hard & blew hard so it came thro the roof all over & in the front door. where I’d sweep it out every few min. Stopt ab’t 3:30 but did not much expect to go & ate some supper & then at 5:30 Mr. W. came & we left tho it lookt like more would come. Not so muddy after all. Not as much rain at Lol. Lovely dinner of chick, peas, beans, etc. Gramaphone as radio was not clear.

Sat. Apr. 10

Break ab’t 7:30 went down to school to inspect all houses. Stopt at old office. New is going up. Went thro all dorms. & presented shield to house 3. Tho all were very good. Saw work shops, sewing room, teachers houses. hospital. ‘Twas ab’t 12 when we got back. Just after lunch rained hard again. Plenty books etc. Knitted some. Plenty discussions. He holds modern views ab’t “something good in all heathen beliefs - develop it!”

Sun. Apr. 11

Did have such a nice time. Such a nice change. Were just starting for Forest house when mail came so read letters instead. and then as it threatened rain we decided to come down before lunch. We wanted to walk but he brot us. Church out & boys on way back to school. Rained some but not so hard. Gave us a whole box of books to read. & talked ab’t Coronation Day when we are to go again. Disappointed in the way the girls kept things. Evidently they decided to do as they pleased.

Mon. Apr. 12

Air mail from Stams at Capetown. Want to come by here but we can’t tell now if they can as they must get permission. because of heavy rain & roads impassable. Washed. & Kuyoni called children for school but they said they didn’t want school!!! Wash almost dried but rained again late P.M. Dad set out tomatoes. All writing letters.

Tues. Apr. 13

Wrote the boys & some others. Quite a number called for med. Kuyoni has such a cold & doesn’t seem to be over his Nairaq Ngare sickness yet. Since he also slept at Simba he may have malaria from there. he looks bad. More rain. was at it when we awoke. and again this eve. Jno types the words of O.T. he finds during day. for into Mr. W’s vocab.

Wed. Apr. 14 Miss Grindley

Ndilai sent up a water melon but we thot it wasn’t ripe. but when we cut it this P.M. found it lovely just prime. Sprinkled much of the A.M. and ab’t 4 P.M. came down hard. Planted corn, beets carrots & lettuce in the garden. Have a nice lot of letters ready for post tomorrow.

Thur. Apr. 15

Kuyoni & the 3 girls went. They want potatoes so let ‘em all go. I wrote Mr. Downing asking if we could back out of our Mombasa trip. Too hard to go by R.R. with the many changes. & too expensive. Hope others wont be too disappointed. Finished water melon & made sauce of rinds. Started to rain ab’t 11. They got back at dark. brot leg of meat.

Fri. Apr. 16

Indians came in today to get my order for things & said post had come from Simba so we hope we’ll get it tomorrow. This is Day of Prayer but no letter has come. The men: Kuyoni, Taroni, etc want me to teach them in P.M. so we’ll try it.

Sat. Apr. 17

Usual work. And post came just before supper. Mr. Stephenson writes don’t sell for less than 300 S. Miss Zaffke says Brysons can’t go to Coast in July & she doesn’t know yet what she’ll do. Mrs Probst sent lovely card & hanky. & says she just thinks she can’t go at all. So may be we’ll have to go. Lovely letter from Cl. but he has not got Biasiko yet.

Sun. Apr. 18

First surprise was to have Noongotas father call for we knew nothing ab’t N. however, she turned up & came to mt’g. Has a letter from chief she is to stay here & go to school. Then just ab’t 2 P.M. the Indian drove in & wanted to see the car. They put in their battery & away they went. Put our battery into their lorry & it went too!!! We asked S. 300- but S. 100 we’d take in goods purchased. They return tomorrow.

Mon. Apr. 19

Kuyoni starts school at 1 & then I go at 2 for English. All seem very interested. I went to see the man with a bad foot - it’s ab’t a mile away. and it is very bad. Took picture of 3 warriors looking at a Scripture Gift book. Hope it comes out alright. Noongota seems so happy to be here.

Tues. Apr. 20

I am 56 today according to the calendar but I don’t really feel it. Went again to see the sick man & his foot is bad. Girls ironed & did their wash & let the fire go out just when it was time to get dinner. Grocery order came - but some things aren’t right - & Ramtulla hasn’t come ab’t the car. tho he past going to Moshi in it.

Wed. Apr. 21

Feel a bit sad tonight for the man with the bad foot - we went to see him twice - said he was afraid he was going to die. but I did not hear it & so spoke no word to him concerning his fears & how he can be at peace tho I’ve spoken ab’t God & His love etc. If I can see him again tomorrow I shall be more definite. I shall also write Mr W. to come & get him.

Thur. Apr. 22

Mr. W. came here to tea. Jno went up where he wants to make the road & showed him where it was then they came & had tea & somewhat measured out the plot then he went & got the old man. Kuyoni went early this morn & talked with him about God & heaven. I hope he believes.

Fri. Apr. 23

This morn early a man came from the kraal of the sick man & said would I come. Mr. W. did not take him as they had killed a goat & wanted to make some soup for him!!! I just can’t dress it right. but after scolding them I went but told them to send for Mr W. as it was very bad.

Sat. Apr. 24

Busy with baking & cleaning all AM & did not go to the kraal for Mr W. was coming. & he did this eve - not here - but got the sick man. We’ve been having lovely mushrooms. Mr. W. says they are toad stools - but we have been eating them.

Sun. Apr. 25

Fair crowd out. Emily came & Shaide but not Ngatia. I got real cross at Sofi for cooking in my kettles & always her rank fat & onions & curry stuff. then puts fat on til it burns black etc ruining the kettles. Rained very hard this P.M. came in on all sides.

Mon. Apr. 26

Jno went up & began cutting where the road is to be. The old Indian hasn’t come yet with the car money. And he took tools from a box that he had no right to take. Twas cloudy today but no rain. Post this eve. Letter from Slater saying she’d stay home too in July as no one seemed to want to go.

Tues. Apr. 27

Indian came in with Sh 150. Very glad as we’ll need to pay up. besides there’s a parcel at Simba etc. I need cash for. Sofi pressed a white silky dress today. They got the material in spite of what I said & made it up on the sly. She says Ndoyai gave Lois the money. guess she ordered it by the Indian. Sofi just can’t stand it to see some one have something nicer than she has.

Wed. Apr. 28

Kuyoni went to Lolopen and as Mr. Whitehouse had been to Simba yesterday he brot my parcel from Lora. 2 prs. shoes - lovely & comfy. Stockings. house-dress. writing paper. gum. clippings - all so nice also another letter from her. Finished reading aloud “Joseph & his brethern”. Eng. story - nice but such a lot of vulgar language.

Thur. Apr. 29

John works on the road at the crossing every day. I painted the sign post white & Ramtulla passed in our car & I got pincers & screw driver from him of ours. Later lorry came & brot potatoes and I went over bill with them. They brot S. 150 & we still have 5.35. credit. but I shall not order from them any more. They cheat so. Manuel wants kodi because of Sofi staying here. seems S. always paid it. So if S. doesn’t get wage he wants her to go to his house. Sofi is very angry at me.

Fri. Apr. 30

Mother of Noongota came too & said N. must have wages, or she can’t stay!!! It’s pretty thick - to all come at once. I told Sofi she was to do as she liked - stay here or go to Manuel & she said she’d go to Manuel. but would like to sleep here as there is not much room at M’s. I said she was to do as she liked. Ku. M. & the girls had a long talk over in school this eve.

And now 1/3 of 1937 is past. and only ab’t 6 ½ mos. til the boys start for down here! Didn’t have much school this mo. & yet I did not accomplish much. it seems. These girl shauris can be so upsetting that it is hard to settle to any thing. We shall be eager to hear what Council says ab’t returning to Syabei in Oct. & going So. Af. next year!

Sat. May 1

A man brot Mr W’s letter just as we sat down to eat break. & I ans. in a hurry. I had asked Mr W. to come to tea & he did. It rained a bit so he didn’t stay long but we went over Coronation Day plans & decided what should be baked. and he will bring us & girls home after fire works. Girls are out somewhere & its late.

Sun. May 2

Girls did not get in til 10 last night. Ku was talking to them til 9. & then they ate food at M’s. Communion today but neither Lois nor Sofi came. Sofi does upset the girls very much. Says I sent her away. & I only said she should do as she likes. Guess she thot I’d beg her to stay. Talked with Ndoyai & paid hem for the material of the dress the girls made. now I shall try to make Sofi see it is best to put it away for her wedding dress.

Mon. May 3

Sofi wanted to sleep here but I see it can’t be so asked her to go to M’s kabisa [totally] - and here tonight just at dark she & N. go down to a Masai kraal to beg for milk & did not return til 8. If I’d have had a switch I’d have used it on N. tho I don’t think she’ll repeat it. I’ve told her if she wants to go to the Masai she should but she can’t stay here then.

Tues. May 4

Had the girls in after school - S & N. & Ku & talked hard to them telling them they can either obey or get out. and told S. to stay at M’s unless she had something to come here for & N. is to stay here unless she has per. to go away. Spose S. thinks I’m awful but they both said Mrs S. did not let them run around either.

Wed. May 5 Baby Godfrey Scudder ‘36

Mr. Oulton & Mr. W. called last eve just as we finished supper. Mr. O will be around for awhile. so will come again. Started letter to Mrs. S. Girls have been very good today. Sofi started sewing her plaid dress I brot from Nairobi. Enuf left for Mahoo a dress. Lois not well but better this eve.

Thur. May 6 Mrs. Probst

And her [Mrs. Probst] birthday letter only went today. Ku had to go to a shauri so we had sewing most all school time. misty & very windy all day. Mr. O. came ab’t 3:30 & we had tea then they went toward Rombo to look for animals but found guineas only. He wants to come here after Coronation Day to stay a week. & then on to Rombo.

Fri. May 7

Had some school & then sewing. Ku had to go to a shauri again. so I looked after things. Wanted to let Mr. W. know to send the ghee but had no chance. some girls are going tomorrow guess they’ll take the letter. Have written Mrs. Shaffer. & must get the boys off too as want to take all on Wed. when we go.

Sat. May 8

31 yrs. of married life & neither one of us seem very ready to give up yet. I had asked Mr W. to send down the ghee - or bring it & come to tea. & he & Mr. O came to tea then got to discussing B.I. til dark & staid on for supper. tho we didn’t have it til 8. Guess that’s the way ‘twill be next week when he is with us.

Sun. May 9

Meetings as usual. Quiet P.M. but this eve John suddenly announced he had bad tooth ache. Has the hot water bottle on his face. Also put oil of Clove onto the tooth. Says he hurt it when eating rice - bit on a stone. Starting bread. as I must get some baking done tomorrow.

Mon. May 10

Baked ab’t 70 cinnamon rolls. and ab’t that many little cakes and two large cakes. so have a good start at things. Sorto’ tired but not too bad. Started bread for we are just out & expect Mr. Oulton after Wed. Got washing all done. girls’ too. and tho cloudy hasn’t rained much. Jno’s tooth bad again this eve. is gathering.

Tues. May 11 Aunt Annie

Baked two big ginger cakes. & more large fruit cakes. so have 6 in all. fruit cakes. Also made ab’t 70 jam tarts. Seems an awful lot but spose ‘twill all go. Mr. W’s boy is doing the same am’t. Rained pretty hard this P.M. just as Mr. O. who was here to lunch, left. Do hope twill be nice tomorrow. J’s tooth not so bad tonight.

Wed. May 12 Coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth.

What a day! The weather was ideal. Mr. O. came for us & the cakes about 10 A.M. Just after we got there Mr. & Mrs. Baldock, Forester, came. Several times it clouded a bit but mostly was clear. Radio reception was fine. We had lunch ab’t 1:30 & then listened the rest of the time. Got the coronation of the Queen & followed the ceremony as given in the paper. Had tea after games. ab’t 5:30 then sprinkled a bit just before fire works but all went off fine. See back of book. Mr O. brot us & 3 girls ab’t 11 & he staid the night.

Thur. May 13

This is the day after. All rather dull & indifferent. but not sorry for the fine time yesterday. Mr. O. brot down some things & some boys. It rained ab’t all day - so thankful ‘twas so nice yesterday. Mr. O. is sleeping in guest room & his boys in the little guest house above the spring. Wrote Miss Slater. Mr. O. is getting letters off too. Post goes tomorrow.

[From back of book] May 13 - After Coronation Day.

Guess I’ll use this page to tell of the Day’s doings. All went off so fine. Mr Whitehouse is to be congratulated. Crowds of Masai had gathered when we got there & more were coming. One group of warrious had killed a lion the evening before & the 2 heros bore the trophies one the tail, the other a bit of mane, on their spears. Several groups were dancing & singing and old men & the women bringing gourds of milk were standing in groups. Kulale & the Rombo Chief were very evident, in big army coats etc.

We 6 stood under the veranda of the new office building while different groups past shaking hands. Between each group we’d try to get our hands cleaned up a bit. 3 groups of warriors and then children - all painted up for the occasion and the old men. and the women - over 800 in all. The women were most - 290. Then there was a short program. Mr. W. read a speech in Masai - very short. & well it was for his voice gave out. Then he prayed in Masai & then 4 old men led in Masai fashion praying. All sang God save the King - & had sung “All people that on Earth”. Then gave out medals. and then planted trees. Different olgelatas.

Lunch. and the radio. heard the ceremony for crowning the Queen. & later the procession returning to Buckingham Pal. and shouts “We want the King”. Ab’t 3 we went down for sports. ‘Twas lots of fun. all the warriors wanted to run at once. I regretted I didn’t take the camera but it was rather cloudy. Each winner got a sh. About 5 or after we went up for tea. Didn’t count how many came but in evening Mr W. said most every thing was eaten. Indians & teachers & chiefs etc. ab’t 40 I think.

Then radio again & when dark the fire works. Sprinkled just a bit but soon cleared & the works were pretty. Jno didn’t go down as he was afraid of the cold & damp for his tooth. Radio kept on - we had dinner about 8:30 & were just thro when the king gave his speech - slowly & distinctly. it was fine - sounded so good & sincere. Invoked God’s blessing on all. Thanked all for their good wishes. “I greet you all - all the world around”. Ending “God bless you all”. Thrilling!

What will it be when we hear our Lord & King!

Fri. May 14

Mr. W. sent word the last of the cakes was eaten last eve. but most all were finished at the first tea. Mr. O. went to Lolopen to get a gun off to Simba with the post men. One of his men went. He is not feeling very well. They went out for a drive & brot in some guineas. So thankful. His camp was all brot down by Indian lorry today. Hardly any rain today.

Sat. May 15

Mr. O. sent out to find the rhino. J. went onto the road. This P.M. we wanted to drive out on the new road but it began to rain & kept it up til most supper time. Heard a plane come in so suppose Major Buxton has come.

Sun. May 16

No rain today. Some of the School boys came but no teachers. Wonder if Ku got to Kijabe. Looks like Kajiado got rain but may be he has past there. Girls didn’t come for their class, til too late. They said they were waiting for me but I went over several times & they weren’t there. Talked & read this eve.

Mon. May 17

Mr. Oulton putting out corn for monkeys. As there seems no chance to get the rhino he may try for waterbuck for bait for hyenas etc. The rhino has joined up with 2 others & is far away. Washed but not all got dry. Very cloudy & then rained ab’t noon pretty hard.

Tues. May 18

Post came just as I was going to help Noongota. So Lois helpt her some. Quite a lot of letters. but no prayer letter nor Council report. so don’t know much yet ab’t what we are doing. A telegram from Downing says “measure 10 acres & set corner posts”. We’ve already pretty well done it. Wrote up Coronation Day 10 copies & also wrote Miss Grindley.

Wed. May 19

Very cloudy this morning but clear this eve. Set out a lot of tomatoes & cabbage & flowers. so now twill stop raining I suppose. Mr Oulton took Jno for a drive to airdrome & out the new road. Mt. is white quite far down. Bot avocadoes today from Marangu man. Men killed water buck so we have soup mingi [lots].

Thur. May 20

Sent post by Mr. O’s boy. Word came this morning that 2 elephants had torn up gardens last night so Mr. O. went after them & ab’t 2:30 there were several shots and in an hr. they all came back bringing 2 tails with ‘em. Thot we’d go down. Then decided to wait til tomorrow and make a picnic of it. The 3 Wakamba sang “Abide with me” in their language at close of pr. mtg.

Fri. May 21

Saw sun almost on horizon so set clocks & it was very nice all day. At 10 A.M. we went down & got two pictures. Hope they are good. Many Masai men there gathering fat. & Chaga women getting meat. and vultures waiting for the bones. Tusks ab’t 30-40 lbs. Mr. O. took 4 feet. Jno wanted teeth but decided to go later & get ‘em. Had very nice time. Shower of rain just at dark. but a perfect day.

Sat. May 22

Baked some & cleaned. Men went to see Mr. W. & mail came by lorry. Council approves our going to Syabei Oct. also to So. Af. next year. Miss Des F. tells us of a good place to stay. May try it. She sails for home Aug. 4. Last of Aug. Herberts, Zaffke & Dr B. all leave. No Congo mail. “Bush Aglow” came.

Sun. May 23

Meetings as usual. I was quite upset last eve to see Sofi leaving girls’ room at 9 P.M. & I had told them to go to bed at 8. for they can’t get up. Haven’t said any thing. Had nice mtg with ‘em this P.M. Major Buxton comes on Tues. by air & takes letters back. Sent W. the Miss. Furniture Books.

Mon. May 24

Mr. O. & Jno left ab’t 7 for Marangu. They haven’t returned so they must have got there. His men put out poison today. green corn slit & poison put in. Lois washed and as it was sunny all dried nicely.

Tues. May 25

Had given up seeing the men tonight but they came in ab’t 8:30 just as the girls went to get their blankets. A lorry was stuck in the road & in trying to pass they too got stuck. Then stopt at the Cath. Mission for vegs. Were at Moshi last night. Stopt at Laneys for lunch. Indian is to bring things tomorrow.

Wed. May 26

Jno went on the road. Mr O’s men came in having located the troublesome Rhino. He went out but some warriors frightened it so he didn’t get a shot. it got away. Sofi told me tonight that Ndulanga says he must have her final ans. at once. & she is inclined to feel she better be cir. & then be married. Told her to wait til we talk with elders of church.

Thur. May 27

Jno & Mr. O. went out for the day to see ab’t some troublesome lions. They killed 3 wildebeest for bait. Mr O. will go tomorrow & stay over night if necessary. Got back just supper time. I had a long talk with both Manuel & Sofi - & both say they don’t want cir. but what shall they do? Didn’t sleep much last night for thinking.

Fri. May 28

Lois was up early & said Ndoyai said she was to come & go to Syabei with Major Buxtons boys so she hustled off. Sofi & others went. only Noongota staid with me. She didn’t get there in time for the lorry. but as it was going to Simba it is just as well. She may go when the school boys go June 9 & Ndoyai too. then they can have a church wedding. Mr O. is out in camp.

Sat. May 29

Mr. O. returned but got no chance at lion. none came. Mr. W. came to tea & staid to supper too. Jno told him he was talking with the elders tomorrow about what we are to do ab’t cir. He thinks its foolish to do any thing about it. Rather seemed to favor N. & L. going to Kjb. for wedding.

Sun. May 30

Elders & Dad talked long. finally they said Dad should write Mr. Blaikie & Mr. Downing to see what they ask of the members of their churches. They said they fear they’ll have trouble with “Gov’t”. but they want to do what’s right. Sofi said to them when asked what she wanted - that she’d refuse cir if the church said twas wrong.

Mon. May 31

We went to Rombo this P.M. when we got back at dark Lois was all worked up about going to Syabei. A lorry was going to Simba & Ndilai was going & she wanted to. I tried to talk her out of it. but finally gave her permission to go to Lolopen & get Ndoyai’s permission. They left ab’t 8. Sofi & Mahoo went too - just to see her off & Taroni. The lorry was to go in the night. I wrote a letter to Whitehouse ab’t it. Tho he said she should not go but wait til after they are married. Noongota, the faithful staid with me & by 9 we had the work done. She sleeps in her study room tonight. She cried so when the girls all went. I didn’t know S & M. went with Lois.

Tues. June 1

I did pray that if God didn’t want her to go He’d hinder some way - & He did. At noon they came back - brot mail - & said the lorry had gone early last eve. So now she seems to feel satisfied to stay here for wedding. Mr. O. shot the troublesome rhino - so tomorrow we go for pictures.

Wed. June 2

Left ab’t 10, got Jno & went to Kulale’s where we left the car & walked ab’t ½ hr. Took 5 of him. The ugly fellow. And Mr. O. was only 18 paces from him when he dropt. & the bush is thick & thorny with “wait-a-bit”. Went back to the road & had lunch then we came home. Mr. W. went to Moshi yesterday taking a badly burned child. & when he returned he got mired & had to spend the night in the car.

Thur. June 3 Jno – 59!

Took the girls - all but Kasoni, on the last film so I could post it. Sent all the mail by Taroni. Mr. O’s porters have not come. he went to Usue to call ‘em - also to Cath. Miss. for vegs. I went on the road with lunch. & Noongota too - so had school there. Prayer mtg this eve.

Fri. June 4

Word came that an elephant had been in the gardens again so Mr. O. was out til 3 or so & again this eve til dark. Jno has finished the road & sent the men to Mr. W. It sure is a big improvement. Mr. O. went to Lolopeny over it. Writing home folks.

Sat. June 5

Had word the D.C. has come & Lois & Ndoyai will be married Mon. at 10 A.M. I spose I’ll have to get on without her. but I’m rather dreading it. Maybe Sofi will settle down when she sees she has to or get no wage. Mr O. out all day. & up to Lolopen for supper.

Sun June 6

Usual mtgs. Ndoyai came & asked if Lois & Sofi could come this P.M. & stay with Emily all night. So they went. Noongota, Mahoo and Kasoni will go in the morning. I think N. & I could gt on very well by ourselves but I guess we must make room for Sofi. Shaidi spoke in mtg. just a few words. to show he felt we must be sep. from the world. We are sure Mr. W. is doing something ab’t us. but God will undertake.

Mon. June 7

Noongota & Mahoo were up early & when they got fire made I let them go. & how I thot of Lois at 10 oclock. N. and Gladys are the only ones who came back. They said others would come tomorrow. Mr. O’s Chaga are here & carried down a lot of wood for us. Mr. W. didn’t send any word of any sort to us so evidently did not expect us to come. Nice mail. Lovely pictures of Johnny boy.

Tues. June 8

Mr. O. finally got away after lunch. his porters & loads left earlier. No girls have come yet - two warriors stopt & said they told them they were not coming today. Mr. W. goes to Nairobi tomorrow so got mail ready. Just can’t get over those lovely baby pictures. taken with heirloom dress. etc. I’ve asked for several more.

Wed. June 9

Taroni went with letters this morn. I thot a Chagga had gone yesterday. He says he saw the girls but doesn’t know if they are returning or not. School boys all left for Simba. and we hope Kuyoni will return with the lorry. I don’t know what to think of Sofi. Just before dark & after dark 27 lorries past toward Nairobi - marked “P.W.D. Moyale”. Some caravan.

Thurs. June 10

As an Indian lorry past this morn. Sofi & Kasoni got off but didn’t come here. sneaked down past Mondets. Met Sofi this P.M. when she was keeping N. just greeted her. She came to prayer mt’g. Mr. O. has sent 4 men & wants J. to come tomorrow & Sat. Gladys is sleeping at home so N. is in the house. Shall speak to Sofi tomorrow. and see what she has to say for herself.

Fri. June 11 C.E.H. 1860

Jno left at 8:30. Hope he’ll have a nice time. Sofi came & after a talk with her we decided ab’t the work. I’ll give each girl Sh 5. a mo. & they must find their food. I’ll give N’s mother 4 and N. 1 for food. S. pretended she had done nothing wrong because Ndoyai asked her to stay, tho she knew what Mr. W. had said & what I had forbidden her: stay nights.

Sat. June 12

Jno came back ab’t 2 P.M. very tired for he had gone miles in the morning looking at the kills to see if lions had been there. Later Mr. O. said he killed a female - old one. and tracked her mate but didn’t get it. Very little house work today so the girls cut wood. Nice local post. Mrs A. wants to know ab’t Sept. Letter form Shaffers by air to Mrs Teasdale. Sitoya is in Bible School.

Sun. June 13

5 mo. from today Ray’s leave their station and that is 21 wks. from yesterday. These mos. can’t go too fast. Lois & Ndoyai came to church & tho it was dark I took time & hope it will be alright for she put on her nice dress & had flowers. She seems happy. We’re reading “Prophecy” by Mrs. Mary Morris.

Mon. June 14

Mr. O. came in today to see ab’t oranges & vegs. Has had no more luck with getting lions. A call has come from further down. where cattle are being taken. Left some boys & many things at camp. Brot post. Our old Chaga brot us oranges too.

Tues. June 15

A Chaga went to the Cath. Mission for vegs. took 2 guineas along. Sofi ironed. Teach Noongota every P.M. Writing Ku. we can’t tell when the Indian goes to Simba but will ask. Getting some letters off. Mr. O is too. Rhino pictures came and two are very good.

Wed. June 16

Chaga came with vegs. but is sending again for fruit & avocados! Mr. O. is sitting up a tree tonight watching for elephants, down by the gardens. Made a thermos of coffee for him. Went down ab’t 7. several boys too. I sent 2 hens & a rooster to Lois - part of their wedding present.

Thur. June 17

An elephant came & they got a shot at him but he didn’t regulate the light very well - so didn’t kill him & followed him today but lost him & killed another so they should soon learn to stay away from here. Praymtg and he went to bed when we got home. other nights he sits up til 11. always.

Fri. June 18

Just as Mr O. was leaving the Indian came bringing the things from Emalies but nothing I ordered from him & that means no butter. He was taking a sick Indian to Moshi but said he was returning soon & would bring things. I hope so for we are just about out of butter.

Sat. June 19

Cleaning but not much baking today. but can’t settle to much of anything somehow. Mr. O. sent more fish. Sofi is so sneaky these days. Can’t make her out. She wont get up mornings tho I call enuf to raise the roof. and she’s influencing Noongota - which is very bad.

Sun. June 20

Mondet had asked last Sun. to speak to the people today. Lois & Ndoyai came very late - only 20 out in all. Mr. O’s men came & returned at once. Mr. O. says he heard there is war in Europe. Germany & Italy against Britain. We wonder.

Mon. June 21

Got most of the wash dry. but it is so dark & cloudy these days. gloomy & depressing. Sofi just wont get up mornings. Noongota has begun reading “Nangase”. Mr. O. sent 6 lovely fish. Had 3 for sup. & will have others for break. Kuyoni & Wambui came in ab’t 4:30. came from Simba on bicycle.

Tues. June 22 Elmer’s birthday

When I went to cut meat of guinea fowl from bones, I found 3 whole legs missing & thigh of another. At first Sofi stared at me & then said Maiyolo [“I don’t know”]. But I’m very sure she’s the culprit. I asked if they had no food & she wouldn’t reply. Guess I’ll buy their food & deduct from their wage. Letters from both boys. Cl’s had fever. but was better. Rs were fine. Note from Mr. O. no lions caught yet.

Wed. June 23

One of the most gloomy & depressing days yet. The girls too are trying. S. seems to have the idea nothing is wrong but cir. I’ve tried to explain. I wonder if Devitt etc may be here next week this time. It’s nice to have Ku. here to talk things over. Have a nice lot of letters ready to post tomorrow. Hope they go.

Thur. June 24

Ku went with letters & says Mr. W. is back and that Mulungit has also come. A letter came from Mrs. Hoyt. They have troubles too. but in a way worse than ours. for their modernist fellow workers are carrying on & wont let them do anything. Mr. H. is counted a worker but not she! Prayermtg in the house. it’s so cold. Sun shone a bit this A.M. & so got a nice shower bath but very cold tonite.

Fri. June 25

The instructions came for getting permit for ram. it is a business. Wish they’d have waited til Shaffers got back. Thot sure M. would come today but hasn’t, so far as I know. Wrote Mrs Elmer this eve. Had quite a long talk with Ku. & he talked to the girls tonight.

Sat. June 26

Sofi sick - at least did no work all day. Baked lemon pie & bananas. Maho has been so silly ab’t the girls cooking there. always locking up & going away. So now I’ve found a lock with 2 keys. No Mulungit yet. The folks all came for music. and seemed to enjoy it much.

Sun. June 27

Such a day! When we came from church Mulungit was here. Came again ab’t 3 P.M. and we had a visit. He is staying the night. Has given up thot of moving here. So cold now. The girls ran away to some kraals with potatoes to trade for milk. I told them to come for service but they didn’t. Boys followed them. Ku. & Taroni & then had a shauri tonight. But John does not want to whip them but send them away. Talked late & finally he said they could go this time but if they troubled again they’d be sent away.

Mon. June 28

Washed & started school this P.M. but boys & all were very troubled that Jno wouldn’t let them whip the girls & settle our troubles now. Now the girls laugh. Course Sofi is the leader. I just can’t understand her. She was as stubborn last eve. & determined. The others snickered a lot but she was angry. Today she’s had headache so she didn’t go to school. Sat. she didn’t do any thing cause she had headache. If this continues there’ll be a big cut in wage. Then her head may get better.

Tues. June 29

Letter today from Mrs Probst says Capen & Devitt are driving thro & Mrs C. & children go on the train. We thot they might be in this eve but no one has come yet. Jno went to bed early feeling rather feverish. Girls not here yet 8:30 maybe Ku. is talking to them again. but school went better & the atmosphere seems clearer. Have both end rooms ready so hope Mr. O. doesn’t return too soon.

Wed. June 30

We looked down the road long & hard but now it is 8:30 & no one has come so if they come later they’ll have to roust us out. Mr. O’s man came at noon with 3 huge fish. We had some for supper. They were good. enuf left for 2 more meals if guests don’t come. Mt. was quite clear most all day today.

Thur. July 1

I was just going to ring the 1 oclock bell when the two cars came in. Devitt & 2 native boys in his & Mr. Capen & Mr Sprout in Mr. S’s car. Capen driving. They had spent the night at Voi. They had eaten just a few miles back so we had tea ab’t 3:30 & then went for a ride to the air drome. Mr. Capen looks very well. and so does Devitt. We had never met Mr. S. and are very glad to know him.

Miss Hartsock fell while on the boat & cracked her hip bone so had to stay in the hospital at Durban. What a disappointment & Mrs. Kendall will be sorry too. She is so badly needed. Talked fast for there are many things we wanted to know ab’t. Sent Stams letter by Mr S. also gram. needles to Ray.

Fri. July 2

Jno had an awful time last night with his aching tooth. The ride in the cold wind was too much for it. Slept a lot today so is better & rested. I was up 15 to 4 & they got off 5:15 but left the fruit & eggs I had fixed up for em. & cake. Sunny today but cold wind. Prayermtg here in the house.

Sat. July 3

The girls are so trying these days. Tho I called 3 times as loud as I could from the kitchen they “did not hear”. They said. and all day I’ve had to tell & tell them what to do. Kasoni was at Lolopeny today & says Lois sends greetings but can’t come tomorrow as she is sick in her stomach. Wrote Miss Hartsock in Durban hospital.

Sun. July 4

Girls went to eat break. & didn’t come back til the last bell rang for S.S. But this P.M. they went to villages with Ku. and others. I do hope they have decided to behave themselves. Sofi wants to go to Lolopeni tomorrow but can’t let her as I’ve put sheets to soak already. Lots of Kikuyu to mt’g this A.M. Lois nor Mulungit came. Took long walk this eve.

Mon. July 5

Sofi & Noongota washed clothes. Sofi is very unhappy these days. She just wont do what I say. but constantly wants her own way. She wants to go to Lol. tomorrow but Ku. is going Wed. & will bring what she wants. Wrote the boys. Had school.

Tues. July 6

Sofi ironed. I baked bread & date cookies etc. Noongota cleaned as they want to go for wood tomorrow. No mail yet. thot sure it would come in by this eve. Girls come in but it is usually pretty late.

Wed. July 7

Ku. went to Lol. but didn’t stop & explain. did not bring mail but sent word it comes tomorrow. Had sewing class all P.M. but girls came very late. They went for wood Wambui went with them. Manuel is back again. guess I better talk with him a bit about Sofi. My head has been annoying all day. Sore on top.

Thur. July 8

Still sore headed but am taking Atebrin. so twill soon be settled. Had sewing again as Ku was talking with Manuel when school called. He has returned to Rombo & sent me a note he’d see me when he comes back. Sofi is sewing a dress for an Indian girl. What next!

Fri. July 9

Head better some. Mr. Oulton came just as we finished lunch. An Indian drove in so ordered a few things from him. Not Ramtulla. Told the girls I’d put a 5¢ piece on the table & if they got up before I called, it was theirs. If I called it would be mine. Sofi wants to go to Lolopen but can’t.

Sat. July 10

Busy all A.M. Girls didn’t even come when I called. Had most break. done when they came. I do pray I may be patient & trust them when they are trustworthy but Sofi does out-wit me so. Mr. W. came to tea. So we had supper late. Wrote Mrs Guilding.

Sun. July 11

Meetings as usual. No Kikuyu came. So the men went in that direction for visiting villages. Wambui & the girls all came here & we read from the Test. and then drew & colored pictures. Kept them busy til supper time. Mr. Oulton still here so we didn’t read aloud.

Mon. July 12

Girls got up without my calling them. Washing & all went pretty well today. School as usual. Want to send post tomorrow so am trying to get some letters off. Chagga man brot debe of honey & I’m to see what I get.

Tues. July 13

Post came just at noon. Nice letter from Raymond. Also Cora & Mrs. Probst. Wrote some & sent to Lolopeny for Mr. O. & John drove up. Mr. W. still at Rombo & wont go to Kajiado til Thur. Mother of Noongota was here & said the shauri is to be tomorrow.

Wed. July 14

Finished draining the honey. It’s not so very nice - for I had to heat it. Got ab’t 10 qts. don’t know just what I’ll pay. Mr Oulton moved everything to Rombo. So we are very alone tonight. The girls insist on eating at Kasonis, where I can’t call them & never know when they come home to bed. I had to pull them out this morn.

Thur. July 15

Called girls again. John announced that it’s only ab’t 6 wks til A’s come. And I’m beginning to look forward to it as a time of real relief - when I haven’t the girls to look after any longer. but I do hope we will know what is best to do ab’t them.

Fri. July 16

Kuyoni ws gone all day yesterday so we had sewing again. It went better. Kasoni wasn’t there & so I’ll finish Gladys’ dress. Father Krieger & a young man called ab’t 10 & then returned for tea. Wonder what they want here. Ram- got more of Ku’s beans.

Sat. July 17

Girls said they went for a walk but they went so far they did not get back til after 5. Wambui came & I helpt her start sleeves of sweater. Two years ago tonight Rays sailed out of N.Y. We were at Mombasa.

Sun. July 18

Wonder if Ray feels his 29 yrs. Ku. was too tired to go to kraals so girls came here again for Bible & singing. Read quite a bit in Prophecy book this eve. Not many to service. Suppose we will have more next Sun. if school boys come back the 23.

Mon. July 19

I overslept this morn. Was awake a lot in night & then slept til 6:30 & Jno laughed at me. Course the girls were up. They did not come to school til I went & got them. They were still preparing potatoes. So I made them leave them. Then we had a talk after school. Ku. helpt me. They promise to do better. Post brot a letter from Cl. Am watching my diary of 2 yrs. ago.

Tues. July 20

Girls up in good time. Sofi ironed Lois came just at noon. Brot green peas. I gave her potatoes for she says they have none. Indian brot 2 tins butter & gave me some bananas. Jno brings in huge logs of lasit trees - limbs that have broken off and are dry. We saw & then he splits ‘em but it’s hard work.

Wed. July 21

Mr. Oulton came just as we finished lunch. I started fire this morning. Girls are in kitchen writing to Mrs. S. I’ve asked Dr. Blakeslee if we get per. to take Sofi will she have room for her. Letter from Downing says C.M.S. want to build Church & school at Kajiado. “What do we say?” How well we remember 2 yrs. ago these days - looking for a house.

Thur. July 22

Mr. O. went to Lolopeny. took letters & brot some. One from Stephenson to say he & Mr. Rhoad would be here Sat. eve. on way to Mombasa. They’ve evidently decided to work together. Porters are here. More than they ordered but Mr. O. has not yet heard from Clarke. Another lorry comes back tonight & brings mail.

Fri. July 23

Got quite a nice mail. Lovely parcel from Cora. Mr. O. went to Lolopeny again. Now they hope to get off on Mon. sure. I just don’t seem to get at any thing steady. A.M.s seem all taken up with work in the house & kitchen. Pretty big program for tomorrow. Wrote Flossie J.

Sat. July 24

They drove in just ab’t 6 P.M. Very glad to see them again. They will stay tomorrow. Mr. S. brot potatoes, dry peas & bacon. all so acceptable. Got every thing done I hoped to do - tho am very tired tonight. Mr. O. shot some parts. & guinea. had some for supper.

Sun. July 25

A few teachers & Ndoyai & Lois came for service. Very cold this morn. Girls are so trying - eating things from cupboard - noisy in church - etc. etc. Really I’m counting the weeks til I can be rid of them. And instead of going with Ku. to villages they went with Lois on the path! So provoking. I thot Mr. R. was going to talk to us this eve but didn’t get at it. I’m going to bed.

Mon. July 26 Bernice Dalziel 1920

Mr. S & Mr R. got off ab’t 8:30. and Jno & Mr. O. around 10:30. Got a note from them this P.M. They left the car at the Chagga chief’s village. & have gone on toward the gorge. Several things were forgotten so hope they send men tomorrow to get ‘em. Girls wouldn’t work well at all so got done late & instead of school there was a shauri: Mondet, Manuel & Tarone & Ku. & girls.

Tues. July 27 Sara’s 27^th birthday.

I was so tired last eve we went to bed as soon as girls came. Rested well & feel better today. Work went better. Post came. letter from Raymond. Nothing else much. Had a long talk with the girls as they had said they didn’t want to stay here longer. N. knows now if she doesn‘t stay here she must go to her Mother not with Sofi.

Wed. July 28

Everything went better today. Tho Manuel is on his hi horse about things. for if Sofi does not stay here he has to stay & look after her. He’s been away so much lately. 9 men came so sent fruit & bread etc up to the men. Sewing this P.M. Ku. is cleaning tank tomorrow.

Thur. July 29

Ku. went to Usere so we had sewing again. Wambui is quite sick. all over, it seems. and I don’t want to give her quinine. Joshua of Roimin is sick too. Prayermtg here tonight. Ku. is rather thinking we better stop school. & I don’t care if they do. I’ll teach N. by herself. The girls are so trying & don’t want to come.

Fri. July 30

Had school because Paul & his pal came down. Manuel said Sofi wants to stop work. & I wash she would but I said she can’t stay here unless he does too. So he said we’d wait til Bwana returns. She swipes things from the cupboard every day, most.

Sat. July 31

Ab’t 10 A.M. quite a lot of Masai came & we found out Mr. W. called them together for vaccination. We gave a group of women some Gospel while they were waiting. I gave lots of med. too. Mr. W. finally came for tea at 7:15. Sofi again helpt herself to things in cupboard. so Manuel & they came. He talked long & finally went out & got his stick & gave them each 6 strokes on their hands. They are very angry & no sign of repentance.

Well, this mo. has passed & I suppose the next two will also but I am going to be very glad when I can be rid of these girls. Sofi mostly. She wants to stop work but if she does she can’t stay here at Lasit unless Manuel is here too. We are waiting til Jno gets back.

Sun. Aug. 1

Mr. W. came at 8:30 & was still at it when S.S. called. 4 boys only came from School. Many are sick & Mr. W. said he wasn’t letting any one go any place. A crowd of Kikuyu were here. Wambui came out to the meeting this P.M. but doesn’t look very well. 2 of the 3 small chickens were dead when I fed ‘em this P.M. Don’t know what was wrong.

Mon. Aug. 2

The men came in at 3:30. Had a lovely time but didn’t enjoy the cold. Mr. O. must get on to Nairobi. Will leave here Wed. P.M. Ku. came from school ab’t 2:15 and asked if we better not stop. I said I thot so. He said the girls had been very impudent to Eunice & to him. So we’ll stop.

Tues. Aug. 3

N’s mother came to see ab’t N. for she heard the father is trying to get her. Manuel talked with Jno ab’t going to Rombo & J. said he must & he must take the girls. Sofi has been helping herself so much. We can’t put up with it. This morning I called many times then had to go pull ‘em out. Now Gladys is here. Kasoni gone to Lolopeny. also Mahoo. Don’t know when they’ll be back. Mr. O. leaves tomorrow. his stuff on Thur.

Wed. Aug. 4

Mail came ab’t 1:30. Had tea at 2:30 & Mr. O. was off by 3:30 or so. Just after he left a Mr. Bentick, or something like that & his wife came in on their way to Marangu. They wouldn’t come in but just wanted to look around a bit. Sofi hasn’t helpt today. Kasoni & Mahoo are back. Manuel doesn’t seem very happy ab’t going.

Thur. Aug. 5

M & the girls have been packing as they want to leave tomorrow. I got suspicious that Noongota is going too but she assured me she wasn’t. Ndulanga’s sister has been here for 2 days. Is evidently going with them. I called for sewing but Sofi & N. had gone to the stream near Kulale’s. Sofi & I had a talk & I said if she was sorry she’s done wrong & wants to do right we’d like her to return for Sept. She said she wants to.

Fri. Aug. 6

And one might think it was the 13^th! What a day! This place is like the top of a volcano you never know when ‘twill blow up. M’s were frightfully long in getting off. & N. helpt me all the time & seemed very unconcerned ab’t their leaving & ab’t 11:30 I told her to set the table. She put cloth on & then went out around the garden - & I’ve not seen her since. Ku. went on the path and tho M & the girls were seen, Ndulanga’s sister & N. were not seen! N’s father came & talked to her to persuade her to go with him but she said she didn’t want to.

Sat. Aug. 7

Did up the work. cleaned cupboard in kitchen, swept & all. Dad chopped up some wood & both got baths before 11:30 when Taroni came & announced Noongota was at Kasoni’s house & was afraid to come because I accused her of stealing those books. I got her tho & hope she is settled for awhile. Ku. went to Usere tho & says the D.C. is there but didn’t know when the shauri would be. Her father has been here twice or 3 times today.

Sun. Aug. 8

Just before the first bell rung, an Indian lorry drove in & dumped off ab’t 20 boys from the school. and 5 teachers. Had communion. So nice to see Ngatua etc again. Lois didn’t come. sick also Emily. & they said also Mr. W. Had our little mtg this P.M. It is a relief to have Sofi away. I really wish she’d be circum. so she could be married. I fear she’ll only make trouble til she is married.

Mon. Aug. 9

Noongota did most the washing. I hung up. Kasoni & Gladys come around some but not much. Had them eat dinner here yesterday. & will do so every Sun. when we can. N. certainly does well. Her father came again. Says the shauri is finished & she is to stay with her mother. but he asked if she didn’t want to go with him. Course she said no. We have school every P.M.

Tues. Aug. 10

Mail yesterday & again today. Herbert & Mildred haven’t money yet & boat leaves Aug. 30. Do hope the Lord will send it in soon. Letter from Lo. yesterday. says Miss Gocker has died. Gordon J. wrote they are not coming past here to Mombasa. but are going by train. Getting mail off tomorrow. N. did most ironing today.

Wed. Aug. 11

N. does work so well these days - & is getting so she can read well enuf to understand what she is reading. Am going to rush her thro “Nangase” for I’m sure she’ll not have much more chance. Her Mother was here today & says the shauri is not yet over.

Thur. Aug. 12

Finished a good sized crocheted rug for Mrs. S. and am doing the machine stitched one on ticking. Then I’m going to try the hooked one. Prayermtg here tonight. not many on the place any more but all came.

Fri. Aug. 13

Last Fri. N. ran away & I thot she had gone again today as I whistled loud & long & 3 dif. times & then went to Kasonis to see where they were. all was closed up. Went again at dark & still closed. Eunice came & we cleared out the sewing basket. While writing at ab’t 7:30 the girls came. Said they had been in K’s lower garden.

Sat. Aug. 14

N. has done so well today. Sewed some underwear for herself. Her father called again this eve & said he was to lead her to her mother! I said nothing doing. Ab’t 7:30 Mr W. drove in. came for an askari as some warriors had raided a herd of cattle ab’t 1 ½ mi from Lolopen & killed the herder & hit the little boy over the head. They want to track ‘em.

Sun. Aug. 15 Bradford’s birthday

And today she hasn’t. Kasoni & Gl- came again & ate here & asked to go say “sere” to Emily at Ku’s house & they went on the path with her almost to Lolopen. & I rang the bell twice & whistled - & waited & inwardly raged. Ku. spoke to her this eve. & now she says she wants to go to her Mother & I’ve said alright. When her Mother comes to lead her she can go. Ab’t 15 here from School. Man. is here too. Also a man of Oultons who says he & others are coming the end of the mo.

Mon. Aug. 16

N. seems to have settled down for she worked very well today. I helpt her cut & start sewing a black & white checked dress for herself. So she doesn’t run to Kasoni’s at noon. & so can’t go far away. So showery I wondered if the wash would dry & it has.

Tues. Aug. 17

Ab’t 4:30. 3 ladies, workers of Lutheran Miss from near Arusha came. They left Kijabe yesterday morning & said that Mr. Teasdale is very ill with pneumonia. Such a time as that family has had with sickness. May God spare him. They went on to Marangu. Ku. says elders are saying the Mission is taking too much land. I think it is because K & Taroni are making more garden down in the bush.

Wed. Aug. 18

They (K & J) went to Lol. for shauri but there was none. Brot mail. Letter from R. N’s mother came & N. wanted to go to Lol to buy a head cloth. when mother said no. she cried & got her clothes & was going home with her. Then I said Ku would go tomorrow perhaps, with letters & she could go. So she got happy again.

Thur. Aug. 19

N & Ka. went with Ku. to Lol. but were back in good time. I finished the rug that is stitched on the machine - and marked out the burlap for the next one. N. had some lessons. but said her stomach hurt. she ate no supper. We hear now it is only Jack Oulton & two men who are coming. natives say so.

Fri. Aug. 20

This is prayer day but we’ve rec’d no letter. Do so wonder how Mr. T. is. We wont hear til Tues. I suppose. I marked out & started the hooked rug. Noongota has been sick all day. better this eve. Stomach, head - ribs - etc so gave her quinine & asperin.

Sat. Aug. 21

N. seems alright today. Worked well & we had reading lesson this P.M. Quite windy today but clear so the shower bath was very nice. Had rug out & washed windows. And tonight it’s raining. Has been at it ab’t half an hr. sounds fairly heavy. Fire feels good. Wrote Scudders.

Sun. Aug. 22

Terribly windy. Shaidi says he is leaving for good. Don’t know why. Not very many down from school but some. Sunshine but wind. The Mt. was white way down toward school. so our rain was turned to snow there.

Mon. Aug. 23

The two thieves have been caught. We are glad. Ab’t 8 P.M. two men on way to Mom. drove in. said they were expecting to reach Himo. Staying the night. & as they want to get on I’ll get up real early so they’ll get thro. Terribly windy again. Some sun. Clothes all dry. One man is bro to Geo. MacIntosh whom we know.

Tues. Aug. 24

Mt was clear this morning tho thick cloud lay on the ground early. Had break at 5 but they stood around til almost 7! Shauri yake (“his/her business”) but I’d have slept later if I’d known. Post came but no word from Kendalls nor any one else coming here. Mr. T. was still very ill. Scudders are returning early Oct. Bread is awful.

Wed. Aug. 25

Ab’t 10 A.M. a man drove in & wanted to know how to get to those hills below us. We had tea & Jno went with him. they got back after 2 for lunch. He is a surveyor & is looking ab’t the water around Kilimanjaro. He left right after lunch. His wife & 2 children whom he hasn’t seen for 11 mo. are coming Sat to Mombasa & he goes to meet ‘em.

Thur. Aug. 26

Were just ab’t ready to lunch when our Surveyor friend drove in again & ate with us. Then hustled away as he wanted to go to Moshi. He had been at the School looking for place to put a beacon. No Kendalls yet. Mondet took all iron from his house & sold to Indian. He is going to live at Lolopen as he has work for Mr. W.

Fri. Aug. 27

No Kendalls yet. & so I don’t think they are coming at all. Such a crowd of women & children for med both yesterday & today. & then they hang around. Had the big rug out & sewed it today. Little by little getting things done that must be before we leave. Getting books together too.

Sat. Aug. 28

Didn’t bake anything. Cleaned some. Noongota & Gladys went to N’s sister’s kraal this P.M. according to the wish of N’s mother. Lanys drove in ab’t 4 coming from Nairobi but wouldn’t stay only for tea. Ludwig & Mother got Ruth in Nairobi. They say Kendalls are coming on Mon.

Sun. Aug. 29

The crowd of women & children who have been coming for med. came to the meeting today. Some school boys. Ngatia preached. Ndoyai came but not Lois; she is better but can’t walk so far. I gave girls orders not to go far away & they did any way so came 1 hr. late to Pr. mtg.

Mon. Aug. 30

Kendalls came ab’t 1. I was washing dishes. They had lunch & only wanted tea. Then rested until 3:30 & we had tea again & they went on to Lanys. N. fed chicks & then said she’d start the ram but instead she went to Lolopen to see a plane & it did not come. She’s at Kasoni’s & hasn’t come up yet. Mr W. came & brot letters for K’s to post in Mom. Baked bread which got very nice.

Tues. Aug. 31

I started washing then called Ku. to go & see where N. was & why she didn’t come to work. He finally brot her. She said she was afraid to come! She finished washing tho I helpt. We had lessons this P.M. as usual. She has almost finished sewing her checked dress. No sign yet of Earls. tho I didn’t expect them much today. N’s father came this eve & asked her to come to his kraal. ab’t the 100^th time.

I notice in my other diary I say Aug. goes out with a bang. Wasn’t just such a bang this year - but it was certainly “different”. Since Sofi left we have been pretty regular & happy. She is still at Rombo - far as we know. I told her to come for Sept. if she could do right. She hasn’t come.

Wed. Sept. 1 Warren is 47!

And no Earls yet! Dad thinks something must have gone wrong sure. Perhaps having to spend money on fixing the car! I had such a head until this PM it cleared. Getting letters ready. Congo mail this time. Wonder if Buxtons have come.

Thur. Sept. 2 Lora ‘76

Prayer mtg over & bed time here & still no Earls. Dad is quite upset. Two cars passed just after supper & we thot course ‘twas they coming. Swept all round so we’re all clean & looking pretty. Mr W. wrote he expected Major Buxtons this eve. Wonder if they came. I have lots of trouble these days - like in ‘33 when here, with bites of tiny ticks. Itch awful.

Fri. Sept. 3

Bed time & still no folks have come. We’ve seen dust several times but either it was cattle or other cars. Wrote the Aunts this evening & Noongota wrote Mrs. Shaffer. I’ll correct it & she will rewrite it. She is having trouble with her back. Was lying down most all day.

Sat. Sept. 4

They came last night just after 9. Today Jno & Earl went fishing. caught 21 nice ones. Whitehouse & Buxtons came abt 5:30. Earl brot lots of vegs. and fruit & even jelly. & butter & cheese etc etc. If Esther had had a license to drive Mrs A. & the girls would have come too. Fish for supper.

Sun. Sept. 5

Fish for break & still more for dinner. Were to have communion but so few of the school folks came, so we postponed it til next Sun. Had girls mtg this P.M. N’s back is better. but she still complains. Gladys comes & sleeps with her. & last night some one tried to get in. Jno heard them too.

Mon. Sept. 6

Didn’t get thro with the washing. N’s back troubles some & Earls had a lot. Expected W. & Buxtons as they said they were coming today but saw nothing of them til this eve when we saw lights coming between the hills down to the east. I’ve started the rug for Cora. or shawl or blanket. Earl worked on the Model T all day.

Tues. Sept. 7

The men wanted to try out the Model T so went down fishing in it. Ab’t 2:30 Mr Clarke & Mr. Manly drove in. are staying the night. on their way to the Coast. Ngaponi is along & told us lots of Syabei news. Mr. C. brot over some cold ham which was lovely. We had a jolly supper & evening. They sleep in their tent.

Wed. Sept. 8

Kasoni went to Lolopeny & was to bring the post but hasn’t returned. We went for a picnic to the big trees. N. is making a big fuss ab’t her back. Don’t see what it is. The men had punctures to mend so didn’t get away til ab’t 9. & came in & had coffee first. Everyone tired & disappointed because the mail hasn’t come.

Thur. Sept. 9

Ku. came up first thing & said he shot at the eland last night. Later came & said they found a dead one - so we went right to Lolopen and told Mr. W. He took down K’s statements and will send them in & we don’t know yet what the outcome will be. Likely a fine. Nice letter from Ray. But vibraphone folks say I kept it too long for refund. But I’m sure I didn’t. We feel awful about the eland. Twas really my fault as J. didn’t want me to give K. a gun even for the hawk. & that was the reason he had it.

Fri. Sept. 10

Jno & Earl went down Rombo road & then toward the stream but got no fish. We washed as much had accumulated. N. keeps making a long face & holding her back but has no trouble when the wash and work is done. can play & run with no trouble!

Sat. Sept. 11

The 3 went fishing all day & N. helpt well with ironing & I baked all sorts of eats & boiled soup and made pudding so ought not to have to work hard for a day or two. They brot 11 - not very large but enuf for 3 meals I guess. I am tired as I didn’t rest til 3. & then only a little bit.

Sun. Sept. 12

Have postponed communion service two more weeks. the last Sun we are here. for no teachers had come but we found afterward they came just as mtg was out. Eunice didn’t come to P.M. mtg. I had lesson on “light” uses flash light.

Mon. Sept. 13

Noongota too ill to wash so we’ll wait til tomorrow. Complaining of back ache & cried when her mother came & made a big fuss. I’m getting tired of doing the work. & wish she’d go with her Mother but she (mother) doesn’t want her - maybe she’ll get better if she knows we don’t want her. Eunice brot mail & says Lois & Ndoyai go to Simba tomorrow.

Tues. Sept. 14

Kasoni came & helpt wash. N’s Mother came & made a big fuss over N. & had her go & drink soup. etc & then left. Jno & Earl went to Chagga chief & 6 men promised to come & take Earl up the Mt. had 2 blow outs & came in on rim.

Wed. Sept. 15

Ab’t 2:30 the porters came & we had tea & Earl got away in a hurry. But we don’t know if he took matches. Noongota left early to go drink soup. Guess her mother arranged it. Eunice came & ironed. I baked & worked all A.M. N. acts a bit spryer tonight so hope she can do her work tomorrow.

Thur. Sept. 16

Wonder if Earl is at the cave tonight. Hope so. It’s windy & cold here - and now clouds are around the Mt & we can’t see his fire!!! Mail came. A nice letter from Claudon. Some money in the Bank too. Thank the Lord for that. We went to a pretty picnic place for lunch. Quite a scramble in & out but nice there.

Fri. Sept. 17

Got a lot of letters posted letting folks all along the line know we are leaving here the 28^th. Clouds over the Mt. all day just toward eve they blew away. We wonder if he got up. Expect him back tomorrow in good time. We went to a clump of trees & lovely water ab’t 3 mi s.e. of here for lunch. this eve as I wanted to get up from table I leaned too hard on the split off part & it came clear off - & broke cup & saucer. So sorry.

Sat. Sept. 18

Baked some. N. not much help. Earl came in ab’t 3. He got to the snow & that’s all. The wind was so freezing he couldn’t go on up to the top. A man was in Kibo hut. very ill he sent for his porters to take him down. A rhino chased ‘em on way down. He left camp at 1:30 A.M. went to snow & way down here - with a bit of rest ab’t 6. He is disappointed.

Sun. Sept. 19 John Ethelbert 1 year today

Earl is pretty tame today. His face is very burned. Is fighting fever too. N. evidently told her mother she wanted to go with her today. She made a big fuss ab’t her back & stomach - but when the girls were around she ran & laughed as always. Guess she’s tired of working. I’m glad she’s gone - for she was very trying sometimes.

Mon. Sept. 20

Kasoni came to help. Her father brot yds. of cloth to have me help them to make. The 3 went fishing in the Model T brot home a doz. mostly very large ones. Fried some for sup. so it got pretty late. Washed a big wash & am tired. It’s dry & ready to iron tho it misted much.

Tues. Sept. 21

Ironed only part. baked apple pie. cut out more under skirts for Kasoni & Gladys. Couldn’t eat all the fish. Gave them to Kuyoni. Lovely mail. letters from Shaffers & Cora etc. Co’s are in their house. S’s have booked for Nov. 1 tho not all money is in yet. Every one rather tired. My head has been bad all day.

Wed. Sept. 22

10 yrs. ago today we sailed from New York. Baked & ironed. Wrote letters this P.M. Kuyoni will take them tomorrow. Have asked Mr. W. to supper Sat. eve. May go picnicking tomorrow tho there’s plenty I should do here. Kasoni works very well.

Thur. Sept. 23

Men went fishing at a very far place brot 4 very large ones. said they threw a lot back. Had wanted to go to the swamp for picnic but it’s too far & the road very rough. I cleaned out the store room put out everything I wanted to take. My, It piles up. Sewed at Kasoni’s things. Prmtg tonight.

Fri. Sept. 24 Miss Noweck

Packed a lot up today have the big trunk already on the lorry. It’s going to be loaded but guess we can take every thing. Have decided to go up to Forrest House tomorrow for picnic lunch. Earl says there are lots of strawberries ripe & a notice up eat all you want but don’t carry any away.

Sat. Sept. 25

We were just ready to leave ab’t 11 when Mr. Clarke & Mr. Manly drove in. Had tea and then they went. We wanted to call on Mr. W. & see if he’d come to supper but he hasn’t come. Found the Forester & wife there so got no strawberries. tho she was out picking them she didn’t offer us any. Flowers are lovely.

Sun. Sept. 26

Quite a good number of school boys came. Had communion. Mr. Whitehouse called & we had tea - asked him to stay to supper but he said he had an invite to Rongai. He brot Ndoyai back but Lois staid on at Syabei. Read Keswick add. by Livemer.

Mon. Sept. 27

Packed up everything but sheets. I’ll make coffee & put in old no good thermos. & tea in good one. Washed out a few things. put away most every thing. Mulungit called for a bit gave him a few of Shaffers old clothes. Men kept saying they couldn’t possibly pack another thing but they got every thing in but the elephant feet. We’ll ask S’s to bring ‘em to Conf.

Tues. Sept. 28

Got away 4:45 & made fairly good time. ate break. at stream & dinner near dukas. Got here to Miss Slaters ab’t 5:30. Mr. Teasdale here in bed. under Drs care. Farnsworths here for the night. Esther, Mrs F. & I in one room. Every thing is full & a camp bed for Earl. Cats & chickens seem OK. Miss S. is very kind to us. She has so many to do for.

Wed. Sept. 29 Jessie Scudder

Shopped til 12:30 then to lunch at Miss Ss & then back for the tings & on to Kijabe. Where we arrived just at dark. We are at Mrs Probsts but Ken took us to Mrs. T’s. She is going in tomorrow. J. went to Devitts to hear phono. We stopt at Station & took some off & ordered more for Hajee Aboo to take out & Earl will drive truck out as it is. All say it’s alright.

Thur. Sept. 30 Home!

And glad to be here tho Parmale didn’t get my letter so the house wasn’t cleaned but we’ve got all here - for Earl went right to Narok & got the other things. Morima has come & will work for us at Sh 15. Mr. Richmond is with us & has 2 boys who will help too. Have made his bed in the other house.

A very pleasant mo. We did enjoy Earls very much. John seemed to be in the mood for tramps & picnics so Earl was happy. His only disappointment was not getting up Kilimanjaro - and no strawberries! Oct. will go very fast no doubt.

Fri. Oct. 1

Got a good start for this mo. Ana of M. came & washed up floors & Morima & I washed cupboards so we have many things put away - but still plenty left for tomorrow. Earl fished this A.M. & took ‘em along. We have some for break. but all very small.

Sat. Oct. 2 Chas.

Men worked on road & then went fishing below the Falls. I baked bread, pie, cake, rabbit pie - pudding - and boiled potatoes for tomorrow. Morima showed us his letters of recommendation. We’ll give him Sh. 15 this mo. & see how he gets on. Mr. R’s two boys help some. Ana came & washed some. Didn’t rest until 3. and still have much to put away.

Sun. Oct. 3

A nice crowd out to mtg. but not many at S.S. Sitoya went to Narok on his bicycle. Didn’t bring the mail as it came when he wasn’t there. & the office was locked. Kinyanjui sent a piece of meat for us. Went to see Mondet’s Mother. She wants him to come. or send some shillings.

Mon. Oct. 4

M. washed most all but some are left for tomorrow. Ana got some wood. Mr R’s boy Sindako went for post. Letter from R. & more pictures of babe. One from Miss Grindley. She lands the 23^rd. I hope she’ll come out here to wait for Scudders. Jno started teaching Mr. R. He’s very keen. uses all he knows all the time. They started cleaning up garden too.

Tues. Oct. 5

Jno did more burning in garden which seems to be driving snakes out for Mr R. Saw a mamba go under his house & a big blue one went under our dining room. Hope we can get ‘em. Got some letters ready to mail. Sitoya will go in the morning. Sindako did Mr Rs washing. M. ironed part. I’m trimming up veranda.

Wed. Oct. 6

About finished on the veranda & it does look better. Jno too is trimming up & taking out a lot of the cacti along walks. Cut back the blue bush. Hope it grows out before boys come. Sun is hot. Set out snap dragons.

Thur. Oct. 7

Kamoni brot post & things from Kijabe. groceries. Prayermtg. Milaun led as Dad wanted to stay at garden work. 12 were out. Have seen nothing more of the snakes. But there were lots of noises around last night. Letter from Ray.

Fri. Oct. 8

Fixed up & cleaned little organ at school. Taught the women. Susana comes too & wants help & she will help with others especially when I can’t help. Will try to put the beginners into Milauns classes. Am still sorting rags and packing them away. Getting big room upstairs in order.

Sat. Oct. 9 Paul Hurlburt

The men with Lekurin to carry things left after breakfast for the Spring up the ridge. I baked & cleaned. It’s so nice having competent help. Dad is pretty tired but they had a nice time they said.

Sun. Oct. 10

A good number to church. Mr R. played in S.S. & church & talked to the children in S.S. Had an object lesson of 2 doors - small & wide. They were very interested. Nanjoko is very ill so was glad to have help during S.S. hour.

Mon. Oct. 11

Did big washing but done by noon. Jno began cutting down the sisal between here & school. all are in seed. I taught the women. Wrote the boys this eve. The last letter for this year. Will send R’s air mail. Mended all P.M.

Tues. Oct. 12 Miss Slater? (tomorrow) No, Miss Harris

This A.M. a leopard got a goat just beyond the guest house. So they made a trap & Mr. R. put in the gun. It went off just as we finished eating but we didn’t go look right away – but when they did there was a smallish one dead. Got no other tho they set the trap again. A.D.C. & rosemary & Miss Napier caught some fish to put in the dam at Narok.

Wed. Oct. 13 Mary Slater

Mr R’s boy Sindako went with letters. No leopard came during the night tho Milaun slept at the house to be handy. Made a slip of material I bot in Nairobi. John has trouble with his tummy these days. It’s very cold mornings. He is taking out all sisal ‘tween here & school & piling it up for Xmas fire. It has all gone to seed.

Thur. Oct. 14

Prmtg as usual. Several women were not there. some one said Parmale ws moving & these women were helping. Sitoya went for mail & vegs. They were in a bag & came thro fine. Letter from Shaffers. written Sept. 14. They hadn’t all their money yet. Esther Andersen is better also Mr. Teasdale. Nice letter from Coz Chas. in P.C.A. wants us to come there when we go to So. Af.

Fri. Oct. 15

Prayer Day. Womens League met this P.M. Morima baked bread almost alone. Seems pretty good. Have several letters ready for post. Jno clearing up the sisal tween here & school. Rained a bit. Sowed radishes & lettuce seed. Went over Prayer letter this eve.

Sat. Oct. 16

Men finished clearing up the sisal, split the bottom pieces so they’d dry & piled all together for the Xmas fire. Then had tea & went down to Mrs. Probsts fishing place for lunch. Caught some fish but nothing very large. Raining a bit this eve. fixed seed box on veranda. Morima cleaned up fine after we left. I knitted at cushion cover for Al.

Sun. Oct. 17

Mtgs as usual. Very restful quiet P.M. It is nice to have them but I do miss going to Narok & wish much I could go again. Sitoya brot mail just at supper time. No home letters Mr R got a lot that were sent down from Rumuruti. Read from Latimer sermons.

Mon. Oct. 18

Very windy. Washed. Jno took out cactus to the front - along the drive. It looks very bare. Mr. R. did part of his exam today. Sitoya brot some meat so Mr R. went fishing til dark. Got enuf for break. Planted a few beans under the trees. so they get watered.

Tues. Oct. 19

While at school a note came from Major Buxton to say they’d like to come for tea & bring Count Dernhoff from Kilgoris too. They did, tho it rained pretty hard & they had to put on chains. Rosemary tried to put the elephant puzzle together but didn’t manage. Mr.R. finished his exam this A.M. so we called this a celebration. He got 96.

Wed. Oct. 20

The men wanted a real picnic so left right after break. & went to the falls in the Ngosor. It got cloudy but didn’t rain. They got very tired & if that’s a sign they had a good time then I guess they had it. Morima’s wife had a baby last night that died & so he had most of the day off. Sindako helpt well.

Thur. Oct. 21

Men both worked most all A.M. Mr R. did typing of letters. and fishing this P.M. while we went to prayer mtg. John working in his den up stairs clearing out rubbish. We had fried fish & potato chips for supper. Hope there’ll be no ill results.

Fri. Oct. 22

Feel very punk this morn. tho slept fair. Men went for picnic again. boys cleaned out back water tank. and ab’t 11 it rained pretty hard so men came home by 2:30 wet all over. They evidently got it harder there than we did here. Mr. Clarkes man brot tomatoes & mulberries. I made a berry pie for supper.

Sat. Oct. 23

Wonder if Miss Grindley has landed. The lorry came at 10 for Mr. Richmond etc. He seemed to be sorry to leave. Guess he had a good time these last days. but he worked hard at his Masai so he deserved it. It is rather nice to be alone again. Guess we are getting old.

Sun. Oct. 24

Rain. Sitoya brot mail but not the window glasses for it rained very hard there and he was afraid of slipping with them. Letters from Sara & pict of Johnny. Mrs Scudder. and Mrs Probst. who told of Chris Johansen’s sudden death Fri night. “Blood poison” of some sort. His folks took him to Nairobi on Wed. where he died Fri. So sorry for Flossie. Just wrote her last night.

Mon. Oct. 25

Sunny mostly. Have been thinking of Flossie all day. Wrote her tonight. am sending her “God who Comforteth” that Lo sent me. it is so good. Eriks have a boy born the 20^th Stanley Arthur. Babe’s pictures that Sara sent are of him on his birthday. They are cute. Nothing from Claudon. Morima did big wash.

Tues. Oct. 26

Jno trimmed rose & blue bush way back. He cleaned out all the book shelves and rearranged books. I’ll clean up the rest tomorrow. Am making new curtains for our bed room window. Washed old ones but they are rotten and faded. Washed those from log house too but not much good in them either. Ordered new stove pipe. Sent picture toll to Mulungit. Visited Nyakeiru in her new place which is Parmale’s old house.

Wed. Oct. 27

Finished cleaning out library and washed windows. Will make curtains tomorrow. Morima went home sick before dinner. Got supper but wasn’t very peppy. Nyakeiru came to look at garden work. Will let her do as she wants. We pay her Sh 2. Sitoya took letters & brot windows but didn’t go to any kraals. Wish he’d go oftener. Finished the brown & orange rug - knitted - will give to Gl.

Thur. Oct. 28

Lovely mail. Letter from Cl. Al’s picture also butter, cheese & letters from Kijabe. Put in window panes - 5 of ‘em in bedroom. Broke one. So nice with all glass again & no tin. Prayermtg. Only Primary women come to school so I don’t spend much time over there. Nyakeiru & another woman are hoeing the garden.

Fri. Oct. 29

Getting several letters off. Washed windows up stairs and put curtains in library. Went to school. Basting black & white dress. Do hope it wont be too small. The one Al has on in her picture is quite tight fitting but I don’t like ‘em too snug.

Sat. Oct. 30

Baked a berry pie & cake and got meat & had a nice dinner ready for this eve thinking Mr Clarke would be out & we waited til after 7 but he didn’t come. I fitted my black & white dress & sewed some at it. The little fluffy pussy is missing. I fear a leopard got it. I didn’t shut the door last night til 8:30.

Sun. Oct. 31

Communion because Jno thot it was the 1^st of Nov. Letter from Ray says they’ll try to get here on Sat. the 20. Hurra. That means 3 wks from today they’ll be here. Mrs. Buxton wrote she had a cable her mother died so she is flying home to her father. leaves Tues. or Wed.

While sitting here reading aloud & the cats playing about in the room, one jumped onto the west window sill & was sitting there when suddenly there was an awful crash & the window was smashed & as I looked up a leopard head disappeared. I thot sure he got the cat but we found it out behind the house. We shall set the trap tomorrow.

Mon. Nov. 1

Fixed a trap over at Shaffers old smoke house & Parmale gave us his puppy for in it but so far nothing has come. Jno helpt Milaun do it. Nyakeiru & another woman are cleaning up the garden. The cats are very nervous tonight. We didn’t sleep awfully well last night.

Tues. Nov. 2

Got nothing in the trap last night so are setting it again. The pup surely yelps enuf. We keep the cats in pretty close at night. They don’t seem to care to go outside even in day time. Laundered curtains & I took best part & made some for library windows. & some with yellow ruffles for up stairs. Morima ironed.

Wed. Nov. 3

Murescoed the dining room & it does look nice & fresh. haven’t put curtains up yet. Want to see if paint comes tomorrow. Painted bath tub too. Got nice bunch of letters off. Sewed some at my black dress. Guess twill fit alright.

Thur. Nov. 4

Prayermtg. Morima got wood. Still no leopard came. Set it again tonight. Nice mail. Letter from Lo with $5 enclosed to buy gas to help us have a nice time. Didn’t see Sitoya so don’t know if any thing came by lorry. Hung curtains today as it was just too barn-like without ‘em. Lovely red lily open - 6 on one stem.

Fri. Nov. 5

Pressed Cora’s rug & ready to post. Worked hard & finished the cushion top for Al & put it in too. So glad it’s done. brown ran short but found a pretty good match. It’s late. but it’s done & all wrapped too. One week from today R’s leave their station.

Sat. Nov. 6

Nyakeiru took my parcel & Loises and letters & posted & brot leg of mutton. While sitting here writing Mr. Clarke’s dog came slowly into the room & then Mr. C himself. I got a bit of supper for him & we chatted. He will be back for supper tomorrow night. Two weeks from tonight we hope we’ll be a united family.

Sun. Nov. 7

Mr. Clarke came as per plans. Had a pleasant eve. only I feel so sorry for Kuyoni. A letter from him says the Masai say they don’t want him there - nor the mission & have turned their cattle into his gardens. Hope he doesn’t leave til Shaffers come. Mr C. sent up a whole tommy.

Mon. Nov. 8

Mr. C sent up 3 books of records. so we are trying some tonight. Finished painting window sashes & they do look nice. Mr. C. put out lots of poisoned meat hope we get several leopards. The cats are still so nervous. They run into the organ at any disturbance.

Tues. Nov. 9

Sewed at black dress. It’s fairly snug but guess ‘twill reach alright. Catching rats in the garden again. Don’t seem to get any less. Morima ironed. Women went to Narok. Wrote some letters. Telling Kuyoni he must not leave before S’s come. That would be a bad shauri.

Wed. Nov. 10

Can it be possible? only 10 more days! Sitoya took post. Some dead hyenas have been found. Did more sewing - a good lot of ripping too. Am trying to finish the blue silk skirt as well as fix up the black crepe under skirt. Worked in garden some. Sprinkled a little & threatened a lot. Folks say rain is coming.

Thur. Nov. 11 Armistice Day.

Didn’t get a single letter but Jno got the books Scudder ordered for him and Lora sent 2 that are going to be nice to read aloud. Morima washed all doors & cupboards. Very few to prayermtg as there were sports at Narok.

Fri. Nov. 12

Wonder if Raymonds are at Dungu tonight. & if they’ve taken their exam. hope so & hope they passed. Morima cleaned rooms as he wants to go to Narok tomorrow. Susana went & got stove pipe then she & a man had a fuss because he herded his cows in her garden. She got cut fingers & bruised up.

Sat. Nov. 13

Will they be here next Sat. night? Went thro Madam Butterfly. Mr. Clarke loaned us for while the boys are here. I wrote Dr. B. and Zellers. Am very tired tonight tho didn’t do much. Washed hair. & finished my black dress & slip.

Sun. Nov. 14

Meetings as usual. Just ab’t late tea time Mr & Mrs. Bell drove in. & had tea with us. Glad to see them. She seems very nice. They are leaving in Jan. Go to Kabete. Sorry. The mail brot an Inland Africa that says Shaffers, Nixons, Mathys & Betty Sywulka are on the way. Awfully glad. Thank God.

Mon. Nov. 15

Nyakeiru came & we took stove down & they plastered. Am sorry the pipe isn’t quite long enuf - & the way we had to put it in it can’t stand close to the wall. but it doesn’t smoke much, any more. Shall bake on Wed. & see how it does. All worked very hard & it does look nice. floor too.

Tues. Nov. 16

Washed today. Plaster is drying nicely. Wish we could see Raymonds for just a min. so we’d know where they are but likely at Oicha. I have about all the home Xmas letters written that I intend to. and a good many others selected and assigned. Lo sent me so many cards I’ll not be able to use all.

Wed. Nov. 17

Ironed & I baked plain cookies & fruit cake. The stove draws so well that every thing burned black. threw out part of a pan of black cookies. I made up Claudons bed and room. & washed the little room. Sent Rosemary some fudge as they leave tomorrow.

Thur. Nov. 18

Morima washed up stairs & I made up the beds. brot the skin couch from S’s house for baby’s bed in little room. Mail came. $5. from some church. big roll of papers from Cora. Keswick adds. from Scudders Sr. Letter from CAP saying she’d be in Nairobi & wouldn’t see the boys but Mrs Davis will look after ‘em.

Fri. Nov. 19

Are we really at the very last night before they arrive? Tomorrow will tell. ‘Tisn’t “thrilling” any more it’s numbing just in fear they might not come. Baked lovely bread with local flour. tho Gang. hasn’t sent any, not replied at all. Cleaned out the front rain water tank. Got very dark but no rain here.

Sat. Nov. 20

Raining hard this eve. They got here just a bit after 12. We had just finished. They drove into the garage & were coming into the house before we knew they were here. Johnny is a darling. Very independent like Ray was. No one could rest this P.M. not even babe. We had music this eve & I started knitting a red sweater for babe. They are all tired and don’t look very well. Boys are both so yellow. Cl. is taking quinine lots now.

Sun. Nov. 21

Wanted to drive to Narok for mtgs but too much rain. Rained most all night & started again ab’t 2:30. We had a nice walk this eve. I called Susana and asked her to come & wash tomorrow. She agreed. Had a good sing. and read a Keswick address. It’s so lovely all being together. All had a good rest today. Boys brot a huge puff adder & Cl skinned it.

Mon. Nov. 22

Folks want to go camping this week just to see if we can all manage in one car. Helpt S. some with wash - it was so huge. Then this P.M. went up on plain & had supper. Cl. shot 3 guineas. Raining again tonight. Dad ran the gram. R. at stamps. Have ab’t decided to go to Nairobi next week. Hard to know what to do about a car. Letter from Mrs Scudder. She’s still in Nairobi so we may see her next week.

Tues. Nov. 23

Susana ironed. Morima helpt - a bit. Lookt over patterns & what would be good for the nice material from Mrs. Buxton. Decided to make them like the black & white. Cl & Dad went for a long walk & shot baboons and a big mamba. This A.M. the 3 got the huge rock out that has always stuck out into the road beside the pond. C’s back hurts.

Wed. Nov. 24

Cut out both our dresses. Men worked at the next rock & have it out but not rolled down. Dad wrote his brothers Xmas letters. We baked bread this eve as they want to go camping tomorrow. It’s been raining all eve. Had prayermtg & then R. worked at his stamps & Cl. read aloud from Camel bells of Baghdad. It’s very good. Mondet’s Mother died this morn.

Thur. Nov. 25 Thanksgiving Day

We got away before 10 and got to our camp on the Ngiro before 12. We’re very near the spot Davises & we camped in July ‘28. Have a tent on each side of car. Men all sleep in one & Sara, babe & I in the car. lots of sage leaves makes it comfy. A huge fire is going. Cl. read again. S & I knit. rained some - not much.

Fri. Nov. 26

Lions were around much of last night. First Sara has heard. Went to the river to fish & wash baby’s things & see the lion tracks. Cl. shot 4 guineas, a duck, a goose & another sort of bird. The rest went for walk this P.M. & it rained pretty fast for a bit. Huge fire tonight. More reading & knitting. Food is getting pretty well finished so we are glad to pull out tomorrow.

Sat. Nov. 27

Home again & glad too for it rained very hard this P.M. We put chains on before we left camp & ‘twas well. Found everything OK here. Morima got lunch in a hurry & we all bathed and tonight had music & knitted. Had letter from Mrs. O. to say she was going to hospital for operation for rectal fistula. We’ll go to see her if we go in next week.

Sun. Nov. 28

We had just finished lunch when Mr. & Mrs. Low drove in. Got them some. Then R & I went to Narok for mtgs. Met them as we returned. They asked us to their place for lunch tomorrow. It’s R & S’s wedding day so we’ll make it a celebration. ‘Twas very nice to get to Narok again. School closes next week so we wont have another chance.

Mon. Nov. 29

Susana & Ana washed & Morima helpt. for we left ab’t 11 for Rotian. Had a very nice time tho it rained on the way there. & was terribly slippy coming back. They have a lovely house & location. We had a most enjoyable time. Took the wedding cake along & so had tea there. Got home just at dark. tired & muddy.

Tues. Nov. 30

Susana ironed & with Sara’s help got thro with all. Getting all lined up to go early tomorrow. rained up Rotian way again but not here nor down the way we go tomorrow so hope to get thro alright. Lots of plans agoing these days. We do want to get to Serengeti if possible. Rays want to get a new car. We’ll see.

When the mo. began it seemed the 20^th would never come & yet it did & 10 more wonderful days. We are enjoying every minute - even the arguments, & there are a plenty. It’s lovely to think we have a whole mo. of fun before us. & then some. Tomorrow we’re off to Nairobi and then after that we’ll know what we can do.

Wed. Dec. 1

Got away just after 7. but got stuck before we got up the hill. so had to put chains on. Then R. went to Narok & got gas. We waited for him. All went well. At the stream we stopt for lunch. & R. washed the car a bit. Got to Nairobi by 2:30 & did some shopping. Dr. Woodham is here at Miss Slaters. also two Mennonite ladies. They all hope to leave tomorrow. Miss S. is very tired as she has had quite a run of guests. I sleep in her room on camp cot. R. is looking about a car. will likely get a new one.

Thur. Dec. 2

Very busy all day. R. has bargained for a Chev. ½ ton truck all steel. Will get it tomorrow. Dad had some dental work done. more to do tomorrow morning. We shopped & watched Johnny in the car. He is so good & he gets so tired. Went to see Mrs Probst also Mrs Scudder & babe. and tead at Oultons & Clarke. Expected Rhoads to call this eve but they didn’t. Stephensons did this PM but we didn’t see ‘em. All very tired.

Fri. Dec. 3

When we awoke we found Johny had quite a temp. so Sara staid home with him while we finished shopping. Ray got his car - it’s a beauty. very useful & practical. We ate our sandwiches at Miss Slaters then as babe was still quite feverish we drove up to Kijabe and are at Davises. Ray & Sara went to Girls Home for tea. Cl. is with Devitt. Dr. thinks it’s malaria - tho it may be his teeth. 2 double ones coming.

Sat. Dec. 4

Left Kijabe in the rain. & drove thro pools of water all the way across the Kidong. Babe is still feverish by spells. As we were coming out of the Syabei valley we got stuck & worked most an hour getting out. in the rain part of the time. Got home driving thro running water for several miles. Morima had bath water ready & we had food & rest & this eve tried some of the new records.

Sun. Dec. 5

Meetings as usual with communion service. Babe seems better this eve but not very peppy yet. Kept him in his night clothes all day. Didn’t go to Narok. tho it didn’t rain. Want to go tomorrow & take flour to be returned to Gangaram. Had our sermon & sing tonight & few records.

Mon. Dec. 6

A grand day - sunny & warm. Did a big washing. Susana did most Ana did babe’s things. He seemed pretty well this A.M. but this P.M. & eve he is very hot again. His mouth & tongue are so sore. I always fear convulsions. Went to Narok. but no vegs were there. Took flour to return. & got nice beef & Cl. shot guineas - dragged a dead sheep up in front to watch for hyenas.

Tues. Dec. 7

Susana & Morima ironed. & I baked date cookies & bread. A leopard got Parmales dog so they’ve set a trap for it. 5 hyenas were at Cl’s sheep just before day light. He shot but got none. too dark to see sites. Mended & wrote letters this eve while music went. Baby had no fever today. so we hope he is over it. Rained again this eve. Men want to go camping Thur. but not if it rains.

Wed. Dec. 8

Nothing got into the trap. Baby seems quite free from fever all day. I took some snaps of him & Grandpa. Now the men have persuaded us to go to Hot Springs with them tomorrow P.M. and come back Mon. It was such a lovely day today that we think ‘twill be nice in camp. Sitoya brot the veg. basket finally.

Thur. Dec. 9 Hot Springs. 32 mi.

Worked hard all A.M. baking etc & got dinner of partridge pie. & then left. Got to Hot Springs without any trouble & have camp all set up. The drive was grand. The country is so beautiful. We have a lovely spot under a huge acacia with a big fire agoing. Cl. set his trap. and while reading aloud would stop & flash the light around. Once we saw bright eyes & Cl. shot it. then found it was a spring hare. Had never seen any close by before. Dad & I have beds. R & S in car babe on seat & Cl. in sleeping bag in little tent.

Fri. Dec. 10 Sara’s Mother’s birthday.

‘Twas awful windy last night & cold. I have a nasty head today. We moved camp a bit & have brush up for a wind break & it’s very nice. lovely to wash in the hot stream. Some Indian women took most of the AM for their washing but we got ours done too. Cl. went hunting. Again a big fire & read. I started R’s blue sweater in cable stitch.

Sat. Dec. 11 Guri guri 40 mi from Hot Sprgs. & from Syabei

All went for walk up stony hill. I kept baby & when they returned the men wanted to move to Guriguri. Sara & I did not pull for it, but gave in & so now are in camp here. back of lovely big bushes & no wind. Cl shot a bustard which he’s using for bait. It’s late & all are tired so didn’t read. Dad & I had been here 3 yrs ago when camped here at Guriguri & had chosen this spot as a nice camp “sometime after boys come out”.

Sun. Dec. 12

Quiet day in camp. Read & wrote some letters. Don’t know just what we should do about going home for Erik & Earl may be here tomorrow. Guess we’ll stay til they come if the food holds out. I read from Ev. Chris. [Evangelical Christian] for our Sun. reading at the camp fire. Lots of hyenas around. Cl. keeps popping at ‘em with his .22 but can’t kill ‘em. We are very cosy & comfy in this camp. Heavy fog this morn. We 4 S’s took long walk over the beacon hill.

Mon. Dec. 13

No Erik & Earl yet. but will likely come tomorrow. The men went to dukas & got sugar and bot a sheep so every thing looks bright again. Johnny is enjoying these days. Some Masai keep coming round but not many. A dressed man came first night & offered milk & brings nice milk in fruit jar. at first for .10 now 15. and will bring 2 tomorrow. Knitted at sweater. cable st. is not difficult.

Tues. Dec. 14

Boys came just as we finished dinner. Got them some & then they went to shooting. Got a kongoni & Tommy & killed a zebra for lion bait. All sitting around camp fire talking. lovely moon too. Cl. killed a hyena last night. Have lots of bait out & hope to get more tonight. Lots of C.B.C. [Columbia Bible College?] interests as well as others in common.

Wed. Dec. 15

Erik, Dad & Cl. left right after break. in Eriks car to get at shooting. Later Ray & Earl went in R’s car for Earl’s has a broken spring. Sara babe & I alone all day. Got quite a lot of knitting done as well as visiting. I do love & admire Sara both as a daughter & as Mother of her boy. She’s one in a hundred. They brot in a kongoni, 2 topi, impala, grant. I took pictures & so did R. of all. hope they are nice. Put out more lion bait for hyenas finished the other. hyenas were around here too last night.

Thur. Dec. 16 Claudon 27! Home!

Nothing at the lion bait. Cl. went with Earl for the wk end as they have their Xmas doings this wk. Earl will come this way to go for his mother & return him Mon. Ate lunch at Ngiro & waited for mail at Narok. Butter & Xmas parcel came. & lots of letters. All O.K. here. Every one well. Seems sort o’ funny without Cl. Wanted to write letters but took us all eve to read what came.

Fri. Dec. 17

Anna did big wash for babe. We’ll wait til Mon. for ours. Wrote at letters all day as had quite a few to get off. Tabisa is going to Ngong tomorrow so Sitoya will take letters as he goes to see her off. Got every thing put away. Dad working in garden as weeds are thick. Getting pretty dry so we are watering. Ram has never stopt since started Oct. 1. Went over Prayer letter tonight. Picked many peaches. birds getting them.

Sat. Dec. 18

Got good bunch of letters off. Sewing at Mrs. Davises gown. Wont make Mrs. Probst’s - just give her the material. Writing at letters now to send with Earl as he comes thro here - to go to Kijabe. Sun is hot these days and much wind today. Dad wanted to fish but a crowd of Indians came. Baby feverish again.

Sun. Dec. 19 Carol Dix.

All mtgs as usual. Didn’t go to Narok. Sitoya will go for mail in the morning. Baby was better this morning but pretty hot again this eve. teeth aren’t thro yet. the lower double ones. 2 wks ago it was the upper double ones. They are all thro nice. I kept him while R & S went for a walk. Three more weeks of good times together.

Mon. Dec. 20

Earl & Cl came about 7. It had rained hard on the air drome. They did some shooting so it got late. They brot guineas & rabbit. We’re getting things together to send by him. such a good chance as the program is tomorrow night & every one will be there. Washed today but more to do tomorrow. Johnny better.

Tues. Dec. 21

They worked at Earls spring all A.M. We had early dinner & he got off. We had hoped he’d bring Esther this far & return here but will return via Kericho. Ironed some & baked & made fondant for a little Xmas candy. Knitted at sweater & had gramaphone. Sara has knitted red one for Johnny but needs to be longer & ribbed to stay down.

Wed. Dec. 22 Alice 55

Wonder if Al feels like [arrow drawn to 55]. Sara is working at her dress like mine. hemming organdy ruffles. Had our prayer mtg. Claudon trimmed the large black wattle back of house. So glad that’s done. Dad busy now cutting all up for fire place. They want to go for picnic tomorrow - out on plains & bring vegs.

Thur. Dec. 23

Went for the picnic & came back to N- & waited such a long time for post & vegs. Then came without ‘em as it hadn’t come. After sup. while on veranda a car came in to C’s & it was he. a day early. Gave him supper. He brot our box of groceries & wool - he says. I’m very glad. Says mail lorry broken down. another car got the post. Made almond covering for cake.

Fri. Dec. 24

Morima baked buns for themselves - got nice too. Sara made our candy. Popped corn & tried to make balls but took several tries before they’d stick. Got 44 parcels of ball & peanuts tied up. Went to plain for picnic lunch with Mr. Clarke. ‘Twas very nice. Cl. decorated our dining room & natives did the school room. Program went very well & then we had the bon fire. Clarke came for it. All groceries came but not our Kijabe vegs.

Sat. Dec. 25

Baked buns & cherry pie. R’s gave me this pen. Went to top of falls for picnic lunch & not to eat too much. Mr. C. brot sliced ham & onions & bread & butter. We took tea things. Then he came up in time to take nice pictures but it was cloudy so may be too dark. The turkey was lovely. done just right. Morima did it. Cherry pie was good too & the ripe olives were grand & gorgonzola to finish on, to Dad’s delight. Sat around & talked til bedtime. R. was first with “Merry Xmas”. Had tree & all fixings for Johnny. Cl gave S & me each a lovely ivory vase which he had made himself.

Sun. Dec. 26

Ray took me & 5 natives for meetings at Narok - market & hospital & got mail & our vegs. finally. While in A.M. mtg note came from Mr C. asking us to join him in trip to Ollohonga - but we replied we had our Sun. services to attend to. He later said he forgot ‘twas Sun!!! R. read a sermon of Spurgeons. & we had a good sing. also grama. til bed time.

Mon. Dec. 27

Mr. C. returned & sent us a Tommy & we asked him to come for chops at supper. He did. Our men are planning a trip to Serengeti - pretty short time but we’re pretty well ready to leave in the morning. Morima goes too. Washing is done & ironing must wait. Expect to get back Sat. for must have a few days to get ready in, for we are hoping to go with the children to Kaimosi & then return to B’s & Eriks come here til Conf.

Tues. Dec. 28 Camp beyond Narosero

Clarke came with us to foot of Doinyo Rasha where we had lunch. Saw Major Buxton on air drome. Said we’d meet Whitehouse & party - we did at Narosero. Such a party - 3 cars of people & 2 lorry loads of stuff! We came on after a few words with them & are camped where they camped. on top of hills. have followed old ox road of long ago - tho now newly made auto road. Reminds us much of Tagi & that trip ab’t ‘21 or ‘22.

Wed. Dec. 29 On Serengeti.

Came on & when well on top found much mud and saw Bolding who expects more rain & advised we return by Arusha. Lunched late at Ololiondo & came on where there was a huge dead tree beside the road where we are camped & have lovely fire. Have seen quite a lot of animals. Rather plan now to go to Ngorongoro Crater & Arusha & Nairobi & home. Hope we’ll see the lions but they are mostly at Banagi & we don’t go there.

Thur. Dec. 30 On way from Ngorongoro to Arusha.

Twas terribly windy & roads rough across the plains but saw 1 lion running - chased up a cheetah. We were thrilled with the sight of the crater. Got some pictures and fooled around quite a while. We had lunched on the way up. Morima had been there before & even in & across. & met elephants but we had no time for that. We saw the pretty rest house, but didn’t drive in as it would likely cost something. Lots of settlers in these parts. Mostly Germans by name. Camped beside the road. no wind & restful here. high bunchy grass but not so cold.

Fri. Dec. 31 Namanga.

We spoke of going to Lasit for over Sun. but we just can’t stop that long. So came to Arusha. bot petrol & few things - lunched in banana grove & came on here for camp. When Johnny saw some bananas at duka he most jumped out the car & held out both hands begging for them. Cl’s throat still pretty sore. & he & Dad get pretty tired because it’s so windy. Hope to get home tomorrow tho we’ll have ab’t 220 mi to do. Hunting party at hotel here. Watch night - but we’ll sleep.

1937 is past! Rather precarious beginning but a wonderful ending. If there were heartaches and hard things to begin with, the year closed with one of if not the happiest time we’ve ever had as a family. We hope Shaffers have arrived at Lasit & will have Grace & wisdom to know just what is best to do there. and that the people wont make it hard for them. We know God is able to change even those old Masai elders so the girls can come to school. and that the boys who have taken a stand will be able to stand true to God. Are eager to hear what reception they get from Mr. Whitehouse. Tho we expect he will be alright. (Later - he was nasty & very ungentlemanly.)

For our future we will just trust the Lord to show us the way. Cl. says we should come up there & he’d take us to R’s & then all go down the Nile, across France & so home. by very little water travel which sounds good to me - but I don’t know how it will all work out. We only want His guidance.

A glance thro the pages of my record of this year - up to Sept. 30 at least will tell something of the struggles & difficulties but there were blessings too & bright spots between the dark days. Kuyoni was a good scout & helped very well in every way. but I’m sure he wont want to take care of Lasit again by himself. & I don’t blame him. God must undertake for us all & How we do pray for a refreshing & reviving among the Masai who do know Him. What will the coming year hold! God’s will only be done.

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