Florence Minch Stauffacher Diary – 1938.                                                                                Index

Sat. Jan. 1 Home again

And they are [arrow drawn to previous year’s entry “Hope the boys will be here next year…”]. We got home from our very interesting tho tiresome trip to the Serengeti tho we saw only one lion! We saw Arusha etc. Got to Nairobi 12:30 & found market open so got some fruit also ice cream, & then lunched outside of town. Got here by 5:30 or so & found things OK. but one hen dead. All bathed & to bed early.

Sun. Jan. 2 HOME.

So glad to be here. & not at Lasit. Dad & Claudon are about ill with colds. probably from dust as it was very dusty. Ray took some of us to Narok. Had good crowd at market & hospital too. & got mail. Mrs Barnett wants us to come & stay til Conf. Dad says alright. Read Spurgeon & talked.

Mon. Jan. 3

My how well I remember a year ago. [conflict over Sofi at Lasit] and, by now no doubt S’s [Shaffers] are there. Shall be so eager to see ‘em at Conf. Susana washed all but khakis. Morima Killed the sheep. Ida helped with sprouting potatoes. Big ironing waiting. I baked bread. Took down Xmas things. Dad working at Conf. talk. Sara sewed up my Mrs. Buxton dress.

Tues. Jan. 4

Washing khaki etc. & Morima ironed some. Baked cookies. Tried to get at knitting but didn’t til this eve. but we had a long eve of music so finished the ribbing & started on pattern. I seem so busy all day but can’t see I’ve done much. Ray developed films last eve & all seem very good.

Wed. Jan. 5

Ironed all A.M. I told them to eat so they could finish but they didn’t get all done til this eve. Morima finished. Sara cut out & has partly sewn 2 suits for Johnny of blue material I got in Nairobi. Dad’s & Claudon’s colds seem no better - caused or aggravated by dust, no doubt. This is Universal week of prayer. We had ours this eve. About all packed. Susana will clean up after we leave.

Thur. Jan. 6 Ravine [Eldama Ravine]

Got off in good time & let Dad & Cl. off at Xroads. We got mail & found wire from Clarke for camera & we left it at Syabei as he said we should. Will write him ab’t it. Found Mr & Mrs Woll & baby Richard here. as well as Eriks & Harriet Truesdell. We are a mob but all seem to have found place to sleep. C.B.Cans [Columbia Bible College alumni] seem to be enjoying themselves. The 4 babies get plenty of attention. Stanley is a dear & very good. Am trying to get the blue pullover done for R. but didn’t do much tonight. too tired. Mrs B is glad for all we brot. Stopt in Nakuru & got a few things & cold drinks.

Fri. Jan. 7

After breakfast packed lunch & went to a pretty spot for picnic. Bees troubled a lot especially Mrs. Woll. Mrs. B. was stung on ear. I knitted as much as possible, also this eve. The dog chased a wild pig & was gored on his side. Boys went after pig but brot back a porcupine only. Took some pictures but don’t know how they’ll come out. To bed late as I wanted to knit long. Johnny acts rather dumpy again.

Sat. Jan. 8 Kaimosi

More pictures & then Wolls left & we too came on & got here by 3 or so. Just as lovely as ever to be here. Johnny is very hot & feverish this eve. We had radio til 1 a.m. Early in eve Mrs H. gave us some of Wendells last pictures & then the service all typed of both services. I read it. Very impressive & beautiful & Mr B. prayed. I knitted while radio was on. finished about 1:30. Sara did rib for 1 sleeve. She will finish at Oicha.

Sun. Jan. 9

Lovely quiet day. boys & men all went to out schools. Johnny seems better but is pale & cranky. Sara & I called at Dr Bonds & she got more med. to give him. Had lovely turkey dinner. This P.M. after rest went to Ogada - met the new girls Staley & Rus & Innises too were there & Miss Boldt & Skodas. Had a lovely time & lovely tea. but too late for a service as Johnny was getting quite hot again. Went back & listened to Tuskeegee singers. Have things pretty well ready for leaving early. Took group pictures.

Mon. Jan. 10 Ravine

Early break. & Congo car got away just at dawn. much to R’s delight. We called at Bonds and then left by 8:30 & stopt at Kapsabet. had tea & nice visit & look ‘round. Coming on from there was awful. cold wind with occasional clouds of rain or sleet. We got so cold we didn’t stop to eat. Got here by 2 P.M. Erik not well. Thot they’d take Harriet to Nakuru for 8 oclock train as they go on to Rumuruti.

Tues. Jan. 11

Erik too ill to go so they took Harriet to Maji Mzuri & had difficulties which made her late but train waited 10 min. Guess I took cold too for am all upset inside. Tried to give up my dinner as I can still taste yesterday’s food. Can’t seem to get warm - for it stays so cloudy & cold. Erik in bed all day with temp. Am getting to bed early with hot water bottle. Jno has very swelled lip & sore teeth.

Wed. Jan. 12

Every one better today & there has been a bit of sunshine tho there were several heavy showers & cold wind. They are hoping to get off tomorrow as Erik is up today. I’m going slow on food but am feeling better. Pictures came from Peters but there’s one blank film - & fear it is the C.B.C. crowd. at picnic.

Thur. Jan. 13

Men got off by 9:30 for Nakuru and Rumuruti. I’ve done some writing today & finished knitting my sweater sleeve but spent most time helping Mrs. B. with ripping and fixing over clothes for furlo. Got a nice remittance again. Thank God. It has been so nice to have what we’ve needed while the boys were here.

Fri. Jan. 14

Finished sweater which I began 2 yrs ago! Ironed most all A.M. Major & Mrs. Whitridge called for tea on way to Nakuru. Helpt Mrs. B with sewing. Didn’t get at letters. will tomorrow. Finished looking thro “Best Man” by Mrs. Hill Lutz. Wonder if Sara’s teeth are taken care of by now. Hope they weren’t awful sore. One week ago we were at the picnic. I remember a yr. ago very well. [Newly arrived at Siyabei after leaving Lasit.]

Sat. Jan. 15

Busy all day but can’t see we accomplished very much. baked & stewed - & Whitridges came for tea also John who has just had his tonsils out. Then we were eating sup. when the 3 men came. They had tea at Clarke’s farm Subukia. We didn’t expect them until Mon. Started letter to Sara.

Sun. Jan. 16

I staid home & looked after dinner. Talked ab’t going to Whitridges for tea but started to rain ab’t 2:30 & has rained hard. Hard thunder too. Every one rested then. Gramaphone this eve & chatted around the fire. Wrote Mrs. Westervelt & sent baby’s picture.

Mon. Jan. 17

They decided to go to Litein: Mr B. & Eriks all. Had sort of lunch before they left. Got things straight & clean then Maxwells came about 4. They have 2 nice little boys. Dad gathered fruit and got meat so we had nice roast this eve. Mrs. B’s pressure cooker is so nice & get things done in a hurry. Am knitting Mrs B. a pull over of the red yarn I got for Cl. as she gave Cl. one so he doesn’t need any right away.

Tues. Jan. 18

Maxwells got away ab’t 10. I ironed most all A.M. There was so much to do. Nice mail. Big bunch of our family pictures from Mr. Clarke. Pressed a lot of ripped things for Mrs. B. & this eve knitted at pattern of pull over. Think ‘twill be very nice. Hope it’s large enuf. Rained last night & is at it again tonight but not so hard.

Wed. Jan. 19

The week is slipping by. Mrs B. is getting one dress after another altered and pressed. John is surely having a lazy time of it. Am writing Calif folks. How I wish we could be at Rethi for a bit. It is a joy to remember them much in prayer. I knit each eve at Mrs. B’s sweater but haven’t gotten onto the pattern well yet.

Thur. Jan. 20

Helped rip and sew. Several garments are finished each day. Mrs. B. has taken cold & had bad head all day. Girl lost key to store house & blames boy. lots of scraping. More rain this eve. I made guava jelly & we cut grapefruit for marmalade. Nice big home mail for us.

Fri. Jan. 21

Baked Emily’s birthday cake. Skodas came ab’t 4 then at suppertime ab’t 7 they came from Litein and we were about done eating when Mr. & Mrs Senff and Mr Kemptner & Dick came - on way down from Congo. We hustled & got them supper & found places for ‘em to sleep. Mrs B fixed up my hat very nice & when Mr Skoda saw it asked her to do Mrs. Skodas - so we worked at it after others went to bed. Senffs saw Ray etc at Oicha Tues. night so they did get thro in 2 days.

Sat. Jan. 22

The old truck got away ab’t 10. They hope to make Kijabe today. & may stay til at least part way thro Conf. I iced E’s cake and we worked at some of Mrs. B’s dresses. til fairly late but now most are done. Mrs. B. is feeling miserable tonight & has promised to stay in bed in the morning.

Sun. Jan. 23

Both Mr & Mrs B & Emily had break. in bed. Mrs. has much back & head ache. The later in the day it got, the sicker my stomach got. So I ate no supper. We will leave a lot of good eats. tho E’s cake is ab’t finished. Mrs B staid in bed all day. I wrote some at Aunt Lorene’s birthday letter.

Mon. Jan. 24

Finally got here ab’t 8. Erik’s car kept stopping & finally we towed them in to Naivasha. Then all went well - but soon got dark. Saw quite a number in Nakuru. and just as we were leaving Mr Hoyt brot Edna Kemptner who was to have gone with Fords but they had left hrs. before. So she rode in E’s car. Camped in Forest.

Tues. Jan. 25

Saw lots of folks. especially Shaffers. Had time to talk a bit with her after tea. Sofi hasn’t shown up. evidently ran away with some fellow. Miss Hartsock &Miss Mathys are here at Mrs. P’s too. We are in the middle room. My cold seems to be going to my head more. Took Bromo quinine last eve - but doesn’t seem much better today.

Wed. Jan. 26

Still coughing & blowing but attended the meetings & they were good. Mr. Pitway spoke so helpfully. Mrs. Burns spoke to the women but I didn’t get much of what she said. Then tonight Archdeacon Burns. He’s just as good as always. Business m’tgs are not progressing very well as the young folks seem to want to talk & joke a great deal.

Thur. Jan. 27

Cold seems worse than ever. Didn’t go out to meetings after noon. Miss Rhodes was in bed all day yesterday & is staying there today too. Hers seems more like fever. Teasdales were both down with this same thing last week. Archdeacon Burns spoke so well this morning - on “our ministry - faint not” II Cor. 4:1. Parents meeting but Jno didn’t go.

Fri. Jan. 28

Mr. Innis spoke this A.M. Neither Jno nor I went this P.M. I just sneeze so much & blow & Jno seems to be coming down with it too. Guildings got in last eve & brot a letter from Raymond. They’ve had a real shaking up at Rethi. We do pray we too may have a touch of the Holy Spirit. Prayerm’t’g this eve. & men are staying on.

Sat. Jan. 29

Jno got in at midnight. It was time for his message this A.M. but he felt the time should be given over to prayer so had prayermtg all A.M. period. At biz. Mr. Nixon was voted in for Field Dir. Tea at Girls home. & it was very nice. Farnsworths will go out with us but not til Tues. The musical this eve was very good. There was prayerm’tg again this eve but Jno is so miserable he didn’t stay.

Sun. Jan. 30

Went to 11 oclock meeting by Mr. Nixon. Stephensons & Andersen boys & some others from Nairobi were there. How well I remember a yr. ago. [at Conference, Kijabe, John gone] Mr. Downing spoke very well on the sufferings of Christ. Earl was going with us then Fords said he should go with them as Esther is going. So Council said he should go to Litein first & later to us to finish language work. Farnsworths go with us. John with Earl til Fri.

Mon. Jan. 31

Farnsworths were busy today & couldn’t leave so we hope to get off early tomorrow. Esther left with her people. Went to Davises for tea. Saw Mrs. Shaffer again but hadn’t much time to talk. Several went to Nairobi. Barnetts brot me yarn & cheese. I fixed up letter for Mrs. Probst with 2 five dollar bills in it. Miss Rhode will give it to her after we leave. Had nice visit with Mrs. Guilding.

And F’s were with him [John] and are going to be with us tomorrow but not at Lasit. It’s been so nice seeing Shaffers and talking things over a bit but haven’t had enuf time for all. Sofi has not been seen by them - no one seems to know where she is. & Noongota has been taken to the warriors kraal - !

Tues. Feb. 1

We didn’t get away from the duka’s til 12:30. Ate lunch under tree near Quarantine & got a thorn in the tire. ‘Twas after 3 when we left there got here ab’t 5:30. Susana ws here. First was to let the kittens out. Have the black tommy out in the box room. & mother & kitties behind organ. our tommy sleeps in kitchen. S. helpt with work this eve. John went with Earl. Suppeose they are at Litein by now.

Wed. Feb. 2

Baked bread - of “Florylin” yeast. Got pretty good. Mr. F. picked quite a lot of peaches. Canned a qt of Mrs D’s. Susana had canned 2 ½ qts & has a large pan picked. They are nice to eat raw. Saw most every body today. Sitoya just wont go to the Refresher Course nor to Bible School - don’t know why.

Thur. Feb. 3

Sitoya went for post. and told Kinyanjui to get sheep. Letter from Mrs Scudder - says baby is doing much better. Am so glad. Mr F fished a bit this eve - but got only enuf for cats. Pickled some peaches & jammed some. Felt very bum yesterday but better today. Still cough at times. Anna of M. is helping as Susana was busy. No praymtg as many went to Narok.

Fri. Feb. 4

Now Jno got home - but only from Litein. and tho they came past Narok they brot only the cement - not the parcel. And what’s more they left Earls type writer behind! Johns cold is still pretty bad. Earl has it too. We will go to Narok & picnic some place tomorrow. Canned more peaches.

Sat. Feb. 5

Drove to Narok to the office & paid taxes & got permits for F’s & Earl then got things at duka & drove up to where boys & we had picnic & shot guineas. Came home in good time & opened parcel. Such a lot of lovely things - ab’t 8 ready made dresses & mat. for more. Some underwear for both & stockings & a heavy white coat. Just the thing if we were going to So Af. Candies & enamel bowls & cups & 2 trays etc etc. Everything lovely & so useful.

Sun. Feb. 6

Jno in bed all day - just has no strength, & sweats so hard. Earl drove to Narok. Rained pretty hard when we got there. Mail got there as we did so got it first then went to school & hospital. Siongo, one of Whitehouse’s teachers is teaching here. Rained this eve a bit. Clarke called for tea. Mrs F. got it.

Mon. Feb. 7

F’s got off by 7:30 took elephant feet & lots of empty baskets & boxes. So thankful. Susana & Ana washed. Earl’s boy helped with peeling peaches. Canned 3 qts. & pickled several qts & made 3 glasses of jam. John tried to work but has no strength. Don’t see what is wrong - doesn’t cough - just sweats.

Tues. Feb. 8

Elija, Earl’s boy lelps well. He ironed all khakis & shirts. Ana & I did the rest. I met with the women in Prayer League this P.M. and shall try to meet once a week for Bible study. Mrs. F. said she’d send a plan she uses. but til that comes I’ll use one I have. Like hers very much.

Wed. Feb. 9

Jno feels better today. Worked in garden all A.M. Sitoya took letters. Canned more peaches. Jno thinks they don’t agree with him so isn’t eating any. Some very nice ones getting ripe now. Very hot these days. How well I remember a year ago! [Conflict with Mulungit & Whitehouse over Ndoyai’s marriage.]

Thur. Feb. 10

Nice rain before prayermtg time and acts like more. Sitoya went for mail. says a sheep will come tomorrow. We are out of meat so I hope it does. Only 4 to mtg. Milaun returned Tues. & started school yesterday. Earl keeps very busy. Has taken something like Jno had. Dr Davis sent medicine for Jno.

Fri. Feb. 11

Very cloudy all day with rain this P.M. Sheep came - small. Sh. 4. Earl seems rather miserable but sticks at his work. I used typewriter and wrote up what we did while the children were here. Had lamb liver for supper & onions. Good.

Sat. Feb. 12

Well, we neither went to the coast nor got a car but we have a little money toward going home and it was nice to have what we thot we needed while the boys were here. Today we went to lower plain & just finished our lunch when it rained hard. but as we came back found there was none at all here.

Sun. Feb. 13

Services as usual. We went to Narok but not Nyakeiru as she is sick. Geo rode in her place so helpt Susana. at Market too. Mail was in & office closed. but while we were in hospital Earl got the key & got our mail. We brot vegs, potatoes & peaches. Read Keswick add. Earl’s cold is very bad.

Mon. Feb. 14

Susana came & washed. Did some more peaches. Earl’s boy Elija is a good help. Anna dreams too much & never seems to understand me. This P.M. had a hard wind storm then heavy rain & hail so no fishing this eve. Clothes mostly dry. & ready to iron.

Tues. Feb. 15

Clothes all ironed & mended - even Earls. Baked bread & date cookies & roasted rest of meat. so tomorrow can do peaches. A good many are ready. Some blew down yesterday. Women’s Bible Class this P.M. well attended & very interested. 13 were there. Hope they continue to come.

Wed. Feb. 16

Right after break Jno fixed up the chimney & cemented it so had no fire in the stove all day - so couldn’t can any peaches so I had a good day at knitting. Leopard got a goat & now trap is set but only a dog got in so far. Do hope we get the beast. We had our prayermtg this eve.

Thur. Feb. 17

Got a small leopard ab’t 9 P.M. and as they set the trap again they got a hyena. Nice letter from Aunt Lorene - no other home mail. Earl’s cold is clearing up. He plans to leave on Mon. We had been expecting Leonards from Fenwick, Sotik, to go thro here on way to Nairobi but they haven’t.

Fri. Feb. 18

Had a nice beef roast & gravy & corn bread for dinner but Earl’s appetite is not much & Dad’s too is not very large these days. Baked some little meat pies for picnic lunch tomorrow. Baked cake & had berry short cake for pudding tonight.

Sat. Feb. 19

Anna washed up dining room & I packed lunch & made pie filling for tomorrow. Then we got off just before 9 o’clock. Pretty rough driving thro the sage down to the N. River but had nice time there - caught lots of fish. & I knitted. We had gone to N. first to get some things needed & post letters. This eve played phono quite late. I finished back of sweater.

Sun. Feb. 20

Meetings as usual. A crowd came from Narok. Some went with us this P.M. but most walked. Sitoya preached this A.M. Tabisa takes the little folks in S.S. & we have 2 or 3 classes besides. Letter from Mrs Farnsworth also Lows. They’ll likely come this week some time. They go on leave the 28^th.

Mon. Feb. 21

Earl left ab’t 8. Susana washed. I did more peaches every jar is full now. 17 ½ qts canned. 8 ½ pickled & 10 things of jam. Also 10 of plum jelly & jam. I would like to make some grapefruit marmalade but every thing is full. so will wait til something gets empty.

Tues. Feb. 22

Women attend their meeting very well. and seem very interested. Alone for the first time since Nov. 20. Typed a letter this eve. I hope I can get a good number off these days. John has put in another window in den. & sun shade.

Wed. Feb. 23

Got quite a nice piece knitted. at sleeve. Got every thing over from guest house. John thinks he will be quite comfy up stairs now. We’ll see. These days are hot enuf to try it out. Went fishing awhile this eve.

Thur. Feb. 24

Baked bread & cleaned windows today. Rather expect Lows tomorrow tho they haven’t said they’d come then. Quite a nice home mail. Letter from Co. says she got the rug. & likes it fine. The next can be knitted straight.

Fri. Feb. 25

Anna didn’t come til late as she hurt her foot! & we expecting company. but ab’t 10 Morima came & he got lunch. but tho we waited til 1 - no folks came. I got supper but M- will come in morning so Anna can rest her foot. Scrubbed this floor hard & looks clean. Wish we could paint it.

Sat. Feb. 26

How well I remember the anxiety of a yr. ago. [over female circumcision] No one knows where she is now but if she has done things not right I won’t blame her. We again waited lunch til after 1. and no one came & no word so guess they didn’t get my letter. Morima helpt til after dinner. wasn’t much to do tho. I did supper. Have asked Anna to come tomorrow.

Sun. Feb. 27

Meetings here as usual. A group of Narok School boys sang a song in Eng. Carried a few parts quite well. Quiet P.M. word at Searcher. Anna’s foot seems alright again - or most so. Mail brot letter from Cl. telling ab’t the wedding & how he help them escape. Other letters were local. Reading form Edward’s works. Very good.

Mon. Feb. 28

Anna & I did washing. used sucker washer & because I soaked them last night they were quickly washed. Had most all done by 10. Dad is working at a path along the stream so I used type writer & wrote Co. as well as next Bible lesson. Started reading Oswald Smith’s book The Lord is Calling. it’s good - scriptural. & could be used very well translated for these people.

Yes I remember very well how Sofi stood against all any one said & now where is she & am I to blame? I’ve been thinking of her so much the last day or two. May God forgive me if I did wrong toward her. ‘twas so hard to know what to do, & I wanted only His will. and Noongota too. God sees their hearts. Lois is now at Kijabe hospital awaiting the arrival of her baby. Hope all goes well.

Tues. Mar. 1

Ironed a bit & picked peaches & berries. Baked a cake. Had Bible Class. Not so many there but had a good class. They seem to enjoy it. May God help that His Word may sink deep into their hearts. Got some letters off.

Wed. Mar. 2

Can say ab’t the same [arrow drawn to hot weather at Lasit previous year] this year only that was Lasit. We don’t get any word from Shaffers. do so wonder what’s taking place there. Have felt very knocked out all day. So glad there were no classes etc for today. Didn’t even get much knitting done. Man brot 3 partridges & Si. brot meat!! Always goes that way.

Thur. Mar. 3

Almost no mail. Word ab’t the ram must all be drawn on linen paper etc! Only 4 to prayer mtg. but that was one better than last week. The women seem to think once a wk enuf. for them. so many come from the Ngosor that it is quite a walk. but Susana wasn’t here today either. Wrote the boys this eve. So hot.

Fri. Mar. 4

How I remember these days last yr. [Tensions over circumcision.] Someone broke into Milauns house the other eve while he went to take children home. They think it was Oltinini. The ram stopt today - first time since Oct. 1 so we can’t complain. Finished boys’ letters & got several others done too. Almost finished Mrs. Barnett’s sweater. No rain - nor clouds even.

Sat. Mar. 5

Nyakeiru took the letters to Narok. Anna washed dining room. I did various & sundry things - don’t know what I do that takes my time but am busy. Finished Mrs B’s sweater. Will press & sew it & get it into the post on Wed. Hope she’ll like it. I think it’s very pretty. Meals aren’t very interesting these days. Neither of us eats well - tho we’re not ill.

Sun. Mar. 6

Communion. Several came from Narok. I went to Class this P.M. just to see what they were doing. He seems to be teaching them alright. Nyakeiru is quite sick. A man brot a small puff adder. gave him 10 cents. Are reading Oswald Smiths The work God blesses. It’s very good so far.

Mon. Mar. 7

Don’t know when we have had such wind. Most blew the wash from the line. Finished up the sweater pressing & all & wrote the letter. Sitoya went for mail. Letter from Shaffers & remittance. Shaffers aren’t sure of coming for May. Mrs S. writes they’ve been told Noongota & mother were on path & met by warrior who beat them up terribly & took N. away. Shame!

Tues. Mar. 8

Only 7 women out. Even those who can read didn’t come. several went to Narok. Wind kept up all night & today I feel ill. head is bad. Have moved my bed from window. Too much wind. Wrote Shaffers. Today there’s no wind but hot. I do feel I must give more time to prayer. God help me. I do want womens meeting to be a blessing.

Wed. Mar. 9

Black clouds are beginning to form in the north so we hope rains will soon come. Very hot. A very helpful chapter from the book we are reading. The author makes one feel such a hypocrite to say we love Jesus & then don’t speak about Him every day. May we be more earnest. These Masai must be revived. and more saved.

Thur. Mar. 10

Nice mail came. Letter & pictures from Ray. also remittance. Very thankful. I just expected several would be at prmtg but only 3. Nyakeiru is quite ill. but don’t think Susana is. Quite a heavy rain this eve after dark. We read no chapter. too many letters to read.

Fri. Mar. 11

How well I remember a yr. ago. [controversy over circumcision] And where is N- now? God knows. I do enjoy the quiet hr. over in the guest house. Just started a bit of baby jacket for Esther. Worked at drawn rug some. Wrote “Ardente” or rather filled in blank.

Sat. Mar. 12

Just the usual round of duties. but spent quite a while in quiet prayer. Had such a peculiar “mental” spell - as I used to get but haven’t been troubled for a long time. Worked at rug some. Finished reading “The Work God Blesses” by O.J. Smith. It’s very good & does drive one to more prayer.

Sun. Mar. 13

Meetings as usual. I wanted to go to villages this P.M. but had a bad head. Spent long time in quiet. Read from Edward’s Addresses. Letter from Earl. Prayer letter says Mrs. Probst wants to go home in May. Wonder if she’s entirely petered out. She had said she wanted to come here in May.

Mon. Mar. 14

Washing done early. Using the skweegee thing helps a lot. I worked at the little sweater. crocheting. I couldn’t get onto how it was going to work out but now I have it & it’s very easy. Started reading Self-Training in Prayer by A.H. McNeille. Think it will be helpful. Wrote Guithers.

Tues. Mar. 15

Ironed. but there isn’t very much these weeks. Anna has time to chop wood too. She is eager to learn the 5^th paper of verses and get a Testament. She got a song book last wk. so did Ida. Had womens mtg this P.M. 9 out. read lots from Genesis. beginning of Sin.

Wed. Mar. 16

Tied the kapok mattress that I keep up stairs. will make a cover for it tomorrow and may tie the one over in guest house. John felt so all in this A.M. we about decided he should go to Nairobi & see a Dr. but this eve he feels better so says better wait a bit. Got several letters off.

Thur. Mar. 17

Got the fish traps & set them & caught lots. plenty for breakfast & supper for us & cats & chickens. A few fair sized but mostly small. Letter from Mrs Davis says she’d like to go to coast for part of May & meet Linnells - but doesn’t want to go alone. So Shaffers may come here. Prmtg this P.M. Wrote boys tonight. Rain to east & south.

Fri. Mar. 18

Prayer Day. I spent much time going over letter & other requests & with the Bible. Then almost finished tieing mattress over there. It’s lightening and raining pretty hard. Caught more fish this eve. but wont put traps down again for awhile. Have Claudons parcel & their letters ready to send.

Sat. Mar. 19

Sent Cl’s parcel but tho I had written on contents & value - still he sent it back with parcel forms to fill out. so it didn’t go. Finished tieing mattress & worked at rug. Caught only 5 fish in traps. Got very dark but no rain yet. Got Tues. Bible lesson typed. Mrs F. sent copy of what she uses. Much like mine.

Sun. Mar. 20

Didn’t go to Kraals as planned for it began to rain while we were eating dinner & kept up til after 2. Sitoya says rained hard at Narok. Letter from Dr asking to come out on Thurs. We’ll send for veg. & butter then. Mrs P. isn’t sure she’ll get booking with Teasdales.

Mon. Mar. 21

Most gorgeous coloring of clouds in the east this eve. and in just a few minutes there was an awful down pour. heaviest we’ve had. Guess rains are coming on. Morima will go to Narok tomorrow. Wash got dry but there wasn’t much sun.

Tue. Mar. 22

Rained very hard in the night. Too muddy to spade so Jno got wood. Sent wire to Dr. to bring things & have written a letter too. 11 women out this P.M. They are interested and I feel the Lord is blessing. Morima got nice bones for soup.

Wed. Mar. 23

Cleaned up stairs. Sitoya went with letters. Rained very hard this P.M. and a man fell on the road & couldn’t come in. because of rain & cold. Sitoya took fire out & got him warm then several together helpt him in. We had our pr. mt. & I’ve written Miss Harland. Jno planted corn & potatoes. Clear & windy. Jno finished stone fence.

Thur. Mar. 24

We went over for pr mtg but it started to rain before any one came. so we returned. and how it poured. & blew & hailed & we wondered where Dr. might be. He came about 5. Had been at Narok during the storm. Brot veg. butter. fruit & letters. Just after the storm we saw a leopard come out of the bush down at stream & cross bridge. Bold fellow. Pond got very full but not over the dam.

Fri. Mar. 25

Dr. staid in bed til ab’t 10. We couldn’t plant as it was too wet. Mrs. Probst has booking on May 17 boat, so we are praying for her money to come. Also Bills & Mrs H. are booked on May 1 boat. Linnells have been sent for to come short route. I’ll send things to go into Ray’s box at Kijabe by Dr. when he returns next Wed. Wrote Mrs ES Cook.

Sat. Mar. 26

Baked bread etc. Got a chicken from Kamoni - & mutton from market and beef bones for soup and Dr. brot ham & bacon!!! Guess we’ll not need meat for awhile. Lobos and the Clerk & wife & child came. Dr. gave med. & they had tea here. then went fishing. rained again this eve. Planted a bit more this morn. but still pretty wet.

Sun. Mar. 27

Soibi spoke at meeting. Some of the women & I went to a kraal up above Soibis; had meeting & as we were coming back the rain came so I had to run to get in & others stopt at Milauns. Came down pretty hard for a bit. Sitoya brot mail late. Home letters. Read from Keswick & all prayed for Jews in U.S.A. as this was the day for it.

Mon. Mar. 28

Washed & got done in good time & tho its been cloudy most all day, yet it got quite dry. Rained a bit this P.M. Sitoya says it rained very hard at Narok yesterday & hailed much. Got Bible lessons ready this eve.

Tues. Mar. 29

Dad & Dr. took lunch & went up to the cave. Anna helped me plant in garden. sowed lots of flower seeds mostly. Didn’t rain til after dark. Men came back ab’t 1:30. Nice womens meeting. A tree fell across road near mill. Tried to burn it away but not dry enuf. Talked late.

Wed. Mar. 30

The lorry came ab’t 11. ‘Twas really the bus. and it didn’t seem to run very well. but we hope Dr got to Kjb alright. Sent the things for in Rays box and also books to Scudders. Baby Johnny’s picture is in the paper so sent paper to Ray - by post. Rained after dark.

Thur. Mar. 31

Finally got the splinter which was more like a chunk of wood out of Bessie’s finger. She is glad to have it out & I’m very pleased too. Seemed to be right in the joint. Hope it doesn’t get stiff. Pr’mt’g but only 3 out. Wish more might realize their privilege in this line. Decided to send Philura the baby jacket I’ve made & make Esther another. Wrote the boys tonight.

Now Lois [arrow drawn to previous year about making Lois’s wedding dress] is waiting at Kijabe hospital for her baby to come. Have had only womens meetings & gone over to school a few times. Rather lazy time of it & yet I don’t get much accomplished beside house work.

Fri. Apr. 1

Wrote Aunt Anna & Alice but didn’t finish Aunt A’s. Anna cleaned part of the walk besides cleaning my room. Wouldn’t be surprised if Mr. C. would be out tomorrow. Rained some this eve but not terribly hard. Now Apr. has begun. Wonder WHERE we’ll be next year. Dad told Dr if we are to go South we want to go Sept. 1.

Sat. Apr. 2

Rained very hard this eve. Mr. C. did come ab’t 7. I got supper for him. He brot 2 lovely tilapia. I fried em as they’d hardly keep til tomorrow. Then we each ate a piece. I sent the baby jacket letter post so hope it gets there OK. Did quite a bit at the second one this eve. Also worked at Sat. work (the rug) - but twill take 2 or 3 more before it’s done. Takes lots of rags.

Sun. Apr. 3

Communion. Then I wanted to go to a far Masai kraal & when I got to Susana’s she was gone & tho I went after her a ways no one knew where she went so I came home & wanted a quiet time in the woods for the day was grand then herd girls came & talked til I came in. Expected Mr C. for supper & waited til 7:15 & he didn’t come! So all the way round it’s been rather disappointing. Several women didn’t come to com. & I don’t know why.

Mon. Apr. 4

Washed but didn’t dry til PM as it kept showery all A.M. Mr. Clarke came to supper. & brot cold roast chicken. Wrote Mrs Riebe. Head has been bad. but better this eve. Sitoya brot mail. Air mail birthday card from Al costs .69 USA to send it! Posted Mar. 16. Got here in good time.

Tues. Apr. 5

Anna ironed. Jno went with Mr C. all day. I wrote Aunt A. also made another copy of visit. At mtg time I went out found chicks making noise & found 3 dead. but not eaten. Went to mtg & as we came out they said chickens are noisy so we came quick & little animal ran thro garden. found 3 more ½ grown dead. Later the animal returned - & 2 others with it but came no further than garden gate when they saw us & ran back. Mr C. here to supper.

Wed. Apr. 6

Watched all PM thot the animals wd return for more chicks but none came. Anna & I worked at weeds in garden. No rain - only sprinkle. Got several letters & packets of literature off this morn. Started Bertha Goodmans letter. Mr C. left for Nairobi this morn.

Thur. Apr. 7

Again no animals guess they’ve left. hope so. Got very dark & threatened but not much rain here. Sitoya brot such big post. Letters from both boys all well. 8 home letters. Remit. Thank God. Finished Berthas letter. Lora writes Dr Adams had died. Miss Holman wants much we should come to the wedding. Maybe we can. We’ll see. Dr. replied to my letter written Tues night. Very soon.

Fri. Apr. 8

Painted guest bed yesterday. Anna worked in garden all A.M. I at rug. Have ab’t decided I’ll give it to Holman. Have a few towels etc too. They have good households so don’t know what to give ‘em. Jno worked at pasting typed copies into books. Wrote Kijabe & Helen Roberts via Lora.

Sat. Apr. 9

Morima did not come for work as he isn’t well. but will be here on Mon. So Anna & I had a full day. Cleaned the guest house but haven’t made up the beds. Got donuts baked. Also washed my hair. Moved bed from little guest house to log house. The painted bed is quite dry. Wrote Gabbotts. Started baby shawl.

Sun. Apr. 10

How well I remember a year ago. [disagreements with District Commissioner Whitehouse] And now he seems to be doing all he can to make it hard for Shaffers. So sorry. After dinner several women & I went to other stream & talked to a few old women. Mother Maringu among ‘em. Sprinkled a tiny bit after dark. Wish it would rain more. Letter from Emily - they’ll come Tues. as Srs. leave tomorrow P.M.

Mon Apr. 11

Morima came & helpt so wash is done and other house ready too. beds made and all but flowers to put in. Curtains clean and all looks nice. Am trying to finish drawn rug to give to Holman. Emily says we’ll all go over for the wedding. Perhaps Dad can go to Nairobi for his teeth then too.

Tues. Apr. 12

They got here 4:15 just after we got out of meeting. We were ready for them at 11 A.M. but didn’t wait dinner. too uncertain when they’d come. They brot lots of figs, peaches, vegs, & butter so we are living high. & a guinea. Stanley has grown so fat & rosy. a dear baby.

Wed. Apr. 13

Eriks getting settled. but Dad pulled Erik down river for a picnic. They & the teakettle. & they seem to have had a good time & brot fish for breakfast. Emily & I accomplished little for we had to talk some. I wrote the boys - this P.M. Prayermtg this eve. Lovely moonlight. but we’d like rain.

Thur. Apr. 14

Morima went to Narok to get another “shot” by the Dr. but didn’t get it. as Drs are exchanging places & too busy. Baked bread and ironed so were busy & got little done outside of house work. Only 2 men at prayermtg. Seems like we might as well stop these mtgs.

Fri. Apr. 15 Good Fri.

Weather had been so nice all week we thot we’d better go for picnic. Had a nice time at Narok river - at old Davis camp. & just as we started home it began to rain. Erik went for guinea & got very wet but got two. & some fish. Some mail came today as lorry got in last night. Went over prayer letter.

Sat. Apr. 16

Every one busy. Killed the sheep Kinyanjui bot. so had liver & onions for supper. Figs seem to be going bad so am candying a second 5 lbs. Hope they get nice. Didn’t have music tonight as Erik was very tired. Emily & I talked and crocheted.

Sun. Apr. 17 Easter.

Expected Mr Clarke out but hasn’t come. Girls repeated Easter lesson in church service. Erik drove us to Narok. We didn’t go to school as most boys are away. Had big crowd at Market tho - and fair crowd at hospital. Letter from Sara in mail. Read sermon this eve after a nice short sing.

Mon. Apr. 18

Washed big wash. I helpt a lot. Guess I’ll call Susana to help next week. Most too much for just these 2. I don’t like to get dinner. Ripped lining out of coat. Will cut new tomorrow. Got very black tonight & rained some but not much. Jno to bed early others didn’t come over so I wrote letters alone.

Tues. Apr. 19

Both ironed & got all done - but I scolded Anna because she didn’t do what she was to. I worked at rug - after cutting out lining & Emily sewed it up. Tomorrow we’ll fit it and sew in then that is done. Womens’ meeting this P.M. 13 out. Set out tomatoes last eve. Got some letters off tonight.

Wed. Apr. 20

Stanley is 6 mo. today & I’m 57 yrs. This P.M. we went up to the large plain & took supper along. Erik shot 4 guineas & a rabbit by light of car. We got back at 7 & then Emily came over for prayermtg. Very pleasant day. They gave me brush, wire soap-dish & egg slicer. Mrs. Probst her picture & my coat lining

Thur. Apr. 21

6 out to prayermeeting. Eriks got all the mail. Barnetts wrote from Mozambique. Finished my coat & worked a bit at rug. Very black & thunder but very light rain. Seems the same all over the country. Erik slept most all day. Morima went to hospital for needle. Dr. is treating the family for leprosy.

Fri. Apr. 22

Dad & Erik left ab’t 10 for up river & spent the day. Emily & I put in good licks at all sorts of work. but mostly rug & she crocheting baby coat. No one slept so every one ready for bed early. Wrote Miss Perrott.

Sat. Apr. 23

Just at dark as we were out for short walk Mr. Clarke drove in. So instead of music we talked. I finished rug this A.M. & almost finished baby coat this eve. Baked some but not much as we don’t want much on hand when we leave. Emily is working at her album which she wants to post to her mother.

Sun. Apr. 24

As we were going to Narok - ab’t half way over the gas was finished. So we all got out & walked & I got a man from Lobo & gas from Bachu & then went to Market mtg. & then to Hospital & Sitoya to School. Then ab’t 5:15 Erik came. filled tank with gas. Mr. C. here to supper.

Mon. Apr. 25

Susana washed. so I staid at sewing. Got Cora’s pretty brown about all fixed up. but not hemmed yet. & the jacket needs doing. The dress looks real nice. Mr. C. came to tea. Finished binding rug & crocheting baby coat. Emily finished hers too. I remember a year ago very well. [Sofi burning her kettles black with rank fat & onions] Do so wonder where Sofi is.

Tues. Apr. 26

Ironed - asked Clarke up to supper but he had gone to Narok. & when his boy came to see ab’t sup. we’d finished. Finished fixing Cora’s brown dress. looks real nice. Most all packed up. Emily & I packed both baby coats & will post to Esther. Womens meeting.

Wed. Apr. 27

Got away ab’t 10 A.M. & stopt for tea under the 2 trees. Erik shot a pig but we left it. ‘Twas too old. Got here to Kjb ab’t 2:30. Had rest & went to school program. Eriks are in Mrs. Andersens rooms. We at Mrs P’s. Miss Holman is staying here too tonight. Had a bit of a chat with Shaffers. Will call on Lois & babe tomorrow. She didn’t get to the hospital but had it beside the path.

Thur. Apr. 28

Every one was up early & got boquets made & bride dressed. I helpt a bit. & down to chapel by a bit after 9. Miss Rhodes dressed in pink & Marian in pale green. She played. all looked lovely. Kenneth best man. Teasdale & Downing performed ceremony. All went to R.V.A. where after best wishes & pictures - lots of cameras were there - we had the tea [to back]

[from back of diary] The wedding cont’d. They served chipped potatoes, minced cold meat & cabbage salad on lettuce - tiny pickle & stuffed olive - buns - pineapple chunks, coffee & white & wedding cake. She was cutting the cake when Mr. Lehrer came in & said something to Devitt who left & she followed. They hustled down to Teasdales where mules were waiting to take them to the hidden car. for Kendall & Shaffer were trying to hinder them from getting away.

All the cars had been tampered with so Erik had to work awhile before he got his to go. & then they got ready & went to Nairobi but just after leaving the cross roads they saw Devitt coming. so stopt him & told him the others were after him. He turned & drove on a side road again & staid hidden until they gave up waiting for him. Ab’t 5:30 we heard the gen’l ring & Mr. Downing read a telegram from them at Thompson Falls. “Happy on the way. Greetings” so they got that far all right. They are going to Scudders. I didn’t know it but just pretended I did & she thot I had been told.

Every one here is very tired. Mr Innis called & is still talking with Mrs. P. but I decided to go to bed. If we go to Nairobi in Aug. Jno will have teeth done then & not much done now, so hope they’ll be back early tomorrow.

Fri. Apr. 29

Men got in ab’t 12 & we lunched & got away by 2. stopt several times to shoot guineas etc & got here ab’t 6:30. Kenneths & Kathryn Hess are planning to be out on the 13^th. Guess it is ab’t decided that we keep house for Miss Slater while she goes to Mombasa for rest. It’s nice to get back tho I think we never made a quicker trip to & return.

Sat. Apr. 30

Morima went to Narok so I burned the bread this time. All had baths. It got cloudy but no rain. Mr Clarke came back from his hunt with an eland & sent us a good chunk & came up for supper. Didn’t stay as he was sleepy - so we had music. I started Esther’s baby shawl.

A Mukamba came this eve with a permit from Mr Guilding to preach here for this mo. of May. His wife is with him. George brot ‘em from Narok. Mr. G. didn’t say a word to us ab’t it & we don’t know just what he wants to do but have asked him to speak tomorrow & Robertson - from Narok School will interpret.

Sun. May 1

The Mukamba spoke & Erik says much of his talk was scolding folks here for having the Gospel so long and not having more Christians here. They sang in Kikamba & also Martha & Njoki sang in Kikuyu. Had a load both ways. & didn’t get the mail as the office was closed. Hereafter Hajee Aboo will take it to his duka.

Mon. May 2

Sitoya went for post on bicycle as Erik brot a new tire & tube & helpt him put it on. Letter from Scudders. They want to come for July so am writing Miss Slater if we keep her house twill have to be Aug. but wrote Dr. too we’d rather not stay in N. for a mo. as it will cost too much. Perhaps some one else wants to. Washed. & all dry tho cloudy all day.

Tues. May 3

How well I remember the affairs of last yr. [hassles with Sofi] & Mrs. S. says Sofi has not come nor written at all but they hear she is wearing long dresses & shoes & ear rings. so I spose she is happy. Every one writing letters this eve. Last eve Erik read a darky story. Dad’s cold is very annoying & he looks & is miserable. Womens mtg - 15 out.

Wed. May 4

Tonight Emily doesn’t feel well. My throat is sore & top of head. Typed verses this P.M. Morima is gone again to Rotian to get shs. to finish shauri ab’t wife. I hope it is finished too. He says he’ll not ask to leave again. Eriks were late in getting letters finished so drove to Narok & got sugar etc for us too. Got very dark & thundered but only a little sprinkle so far.

Thur. May 5

We got on alright with the work today. Anna does very well when she wants to. Morima didn’t return at all. tho he may have come back from Rotian. Only 3 out to prayermtg. Several went to Narok. Read negro story this eve & I finished border of shawl.

Fri. May 6

After finishing typing the men took lunch & went to Ngare Ngosor. Didn’t come back til after dark & had 95 fish. mostly little ones. but a good mess for our breakfast. & for cats too. & one black one for chickens. Erik made & set a box trap last night & our big cat got in it & ate the pigeon. Set it again & baited with fish.

Sat. May 7

Went for a picnic to lower plain - just for supper & to get guineas. Got 2 lesser bustards. never saw a guinea at all. Lots of Masai down there now. Quite a lot of animals too. Stopt at Narok just for gas so I got some flour too. As tomorrow is our anniversary I said we’d call this picnic in honor of it for it seemed so useless.

Sun. May 8

Married 32 yrs. & still going strong. Had communion today - a good crowd out. Parmale was here. We went to school but no boys were there. Thot first ‘twas because of Mr. Glanville but found later they didn’t expect Sitoya because of communion here. Post came while we were there. tho we have arranged with Hajee Aboo to get it if we aren’t there. Very hot today.

Mon. May 9

Got very black to the front & also back & we got a good rain & is at it yet somewhat. Comes down slow so every drop soaks in. Washed and all dry - but socks. I cut out my dress from Cora. Hope ‘twill be alright. Not very hard to make. Wrote letters.

Tues. May 10

Some more rain this eve tho not so hard as last eve. Read a negro story & knitted. I set out some cabbages & they wont wither much if these rains keep up. Ironed. Womens meeting. The Mukamba spoke - short message. How well I remember last year. [baking in preparation for coronation of George VI and Queen Elizabeth]

Wed. May 11

Raining pretty hard tonight. So thankful. Maringu came today & wanted gun. as a leopard had gotten another goat. the 3^rd. So Erik went & put the gun in. Leopards often come when it’s raining so we hope we’ll get it.

Thur. May 12

Kamoni went for post. Put large bed into guest house - in middle room. and fixed all up rugs, washstand articles & all. Think they will be more comfy there than here in our room. Letter from Mrs. Probst only. Do wish Claudon would write. Prayermtg this P.M.

Fri. May 13

No rain today nor any sign of any. Kenneths got in just at dark. so it was rather late til we got supper. They brot a girl to help. She had lots of luggage. They also brot all I had asked for from Kijabe. Emily helped a lot in getting things ready.

Sat. May 14

The 3 men went down to the high falls. where, ab’t 20 yrs. ago Kenneth fell in & we thot he’d not get out. They seemed to have a good time as they didn’t get back til dark & I began feeling anxious. Plenty to do in kitchen & cleaning. Got letters off to the boys this morning.

Sun. May 15

Meetings as usual. Kenneth took me to Narok. Had no mtg at School as teachers had it earlier for they thot Sitoya was not coming. So we were home early as post got there just before us. Good long sing here & Keswick address. Letter from Miss Slater saying a lady was there who would keep house if we wanted to back out. so we will.

Mon. May 16

All but Ivy & babe & Stanley & I went to Narok River. Mr. Clarke was at Narok & brot Earls wire saying “Herbert Earl” had arrived yesterday - 6 lbs. all well. We’re so glad. Mr. C. up to supper. Kathryn took a spill into the river while fishing. Lots of fun for every one. Susana & girls did washing. I wrote Miss S we’d be very glad to have her friend take over while she goes to Mombasa.

Tues. May 17

The crowd went to Hot Springs today. Got back rather late which made supper late. Then we had a Negro story afterwards. So ‘twas after 10 before we got to bed. Clarke returned to Nairobi. & will be out again Fri. to finish his case with a man who has been shooting too many animals. Women’s mtg. Have had bad pain in “tummy” all day.

Wed. May 18

Stomach is better but head hasn’t been comfy. The 3 men went to lower plain to see kudu if possible, but saw none. but found 2 deep gorges leading into Syabei valley. Back before dark. Prayermeeting tonight. and then another story. so it’s late again.

Thur. May 19

Men went to Ngosor for the day. Asked the Mukamba to take pr. mtg. There were 11 there. Sitoya got mail but not much. Letter asking each A.I.M.er to pay £3.-10- toward buying Mombasa house. Had supper at the pond. Baby Daphne had been crying so much. Kenneth read “Noblesse Oblige”. Not so good as some of the others.

Fri. May 20

Had tea at 10 then Eriks got away soon after. Baby Stanley had such a hard crying spell from 5:30. Think he was in pain. Seemed better when they left. He’s 7 mo. today. ab’t the age of Herbie when we got out here. & just as good. Dad got no rest & thot he’d want to go to bed early. but we played Rigoletto & then some. It’s 10:30 now.

Sat. May 21

Dad & Ken went down river fishing. Baked & stewed & cleaned. Knitted a very little. Emily slipt an envelope into my pocket as they left. A very nice letter & cheque for Sh. 50. Thot Clarke would be here but boy came ab’t 7 to say he had come but had stranger with him. Read stories til after 10.

Sun. May 22

Kenneth drove us to Narok. Very nice meetings at all 3 places. Letters from Scudders and Edith Devitt. Ss say they’ll spend Aug. with us in Nairobi if we aren’t here. but by now they know we will be here. After a good sing & a Keswick address we had some music, til 10 P.M.

Mon. May 23

K’s left by 10:30 after tea when we had the gorgonzola cheese Mr. C. brot for us. Susana washed. Very windy so we took it down early. I mended all P.M. Lengthened the new sheets I just made. Wonder if I shall ever learn to make ‘em long enuf at first. Typed home letter but early to bed these nights.

Tues. May 24

Cloudy & windy again. Do so hope ‘twill rain soon. beans are coming on nicely & tomatoes but not for long if it doesn’t rain. Have heard nothing of Clarke & his case. Womens meeting. but not so many out as usual. Writing the boys’ letters but wont send ‘em tomorrow as theirs may come Thurs.

Wed. May 25

Just at supper time a note came asking John down to Clarkes for supper. If there hadn’t been a stranger there I’d have gone too. I wrote at letters etc. til J. came back. but he said he wasn’t told a thing about the case except that it isn’t yet finished. However they hoped to get to Nairobi tomorrow.

Thur. May 26

Nice big mail - but are a bit upset for Nixon writes the lady with Miss Slater wants to go to coast with Miss S. so they want us to go, & we can make our own arrangements. We had so hoped we’d not need to as Scudders want to come here. Will not write any thing til after Nixon comes. J. has asked for a date next Fri with Hops. but it can be changed.

Fri. May 27

I knitted pretty steady & finished it by 8:30. Have written the letter too. Will press the shawl in the morning & post it. It’s rather pretty but not so nice as the one I made for Johnny. John’s teeth are troubling him so much & he’s so stiff and achey he wants to go & get them out soon. so may try to go in with Nixon.

Sat. May 28

Kamoni took post & got meat. Had a pretty full program today but got all done nicely. Washed my hair & cut John’s. Baked date cookies. ginger bread. do nuts & regular bread. Morima helpt well. so did Anna & we got all done before noon. I fixed up Verse chart to put up in church. Names of all who have finished 2 or more papers.

Sun. May 29

Rather quiet uneventful day. but not so last night. Jno awakened me a 12:30 and said Milaun was asking for knife to skin the leopard. It has been troubling for some time. It isn’t very large but quite nicely marked. Nyakeiru came this P.M. & we had a nice talk. Told me of her trouble. she is being disciplined for 6 mo. Nice mail tonight. Letter from Sara.

Mon. May 30

Didn’t call Susana to help today as there wasn’t much wash. It’s so threatening tonight we hope for a good rain. Milaun started day & night school. Put last things into guest rooms. Will put flowers in in the morning. Wrote Miss des Forges tonight.

Tues. May 31

Mr. Nixon & Mr. & Mrs. Kendall only came. They brot letters from Shaffers to say they wont come til mid June. They are stopping at Ngong. So, as Jno’s teeth are troubling he will go in with Mr. N. & come back as soon as he can. I’ll stay here. The girls - Anna & Bessie - can sleep here.

Pretty busy month. but got some knitting done tho the pile of unanswered letters is awful. & I had so determined to keep ‘em down. But we’ve enjoyed the young folks very much. Emily writes they had such a good rest & change.

Wed. June 1

Took picnic lunch of fried ham (from Kenneths) and sour kraut (Kendalls) & roast potatoes & ndoma. buns & butter - & went to the beacon near Ollolonga. Then on & across to Salt Swamp road. Saw some animals but not so many as sometimes. Chased up 2 hyenas - saw topi. Had Anna along & ‘twas first time she saw some of the animals nor had she been beyond Narok.

Thur. June 2 Nairobi

They tormented me so ab’t coming along that I finally consented. Dad & I ate lunch at cross roads while Mr. N. took K’s to Kijabe. We stopt for 1 ½ hrs. trying to help a man start a car. He seemed to be guide for lady artist. Got in here ab’t 3:30. Mr N. went on to Machakos. Reynolds are here. Miss S wants to go to Ngenda over Sun. so she’s glad I came. We want to see if we can’t get Shaffers to go out next week & take us back. Miss S. is tired & had a bad head today.

Fri. June 3

And today he [John] is 60! and to celebrate he is having his teeth out. Took all upper back ones out & tomorrow the lower ones come out. These haven’t troubled him at all. Did some shopping and brot ice cream & Miss S. bot a cake & so had birthday tea. Kenneths came. Earl & Mother happened in but did not stop. Miss Capelin, who is with Miss S. wants to come out with us.

Sat. June 4

Miss S & Miss Capelin got away ab’t 9. Reynolds left this P.M. John had the rest of his double teeth out & some were very bad - so he is feeling pretty banged up tonight. We’ve not heard anything from Shaffers. Hope Jno will feel like going out in the morning. I wanted to ask Clarke to take us out but Jno wont let me. Mrs. Rhoad has gone home - to represent their work, I suppose. Am starting to knit my rug.

Sun. June 5

John did not sleep much as his jaw pained much. but after break. he took the Bus as far as possible toward Ngong & walked the rest of the way. They brot him in ab’t 6. & are staying here for the night. I read & wrote and the time past very fast. Mrs. Stephenson Patsy & Griffith called just as S’s came. Lovely & quiet all day.

Mon. June 6

John’s jaw is swelled & very sore. tho dentist says it’s alright. ‘Twill need time to heal. Did last shopping with Shaffers & they will take us to Kijabe tomorrow. Miss Slater & Miss Capelin were here when we came from town. Bodas had brot them & staid to dinner. S’s went back down for their lunch. I got supper as Misses S & C. went to a Fellowship mtg at which Pittway spoke.

Tues. June 7

Shaffers were in ab’t 9. ready to go so we hustled. but when he went into town there was a little to be done in the garage. Just 1 ½ hrs. were spent but we still got to Kijabe in time for tea. We are at Davises. Found Mrs Sywulka here also a Miss Greening nurse who is helping Mrs D. a bit. We are sleeping in the White ward.

Wed. June 8 Home

After break. I went down & helpt Mrs S. with fixing clothes. We were thro by 10:30 then it took some time to get necessaries at the station. We stopt at the corn crib for our lunch. Then came along & got here ab’t 5:20. The big black cat ate a little chick today - and the white pretty cat is missing. Every thing else seems OK. Shaffers are getting settled.

Thur. June 9

Dad’s face is very sore, so has used the water bottle most all day. Miss Capelin seems to be enjoying herself. Mr. S. put their radio on our window sill and now 9:15 P.M. we’re getting lovely music from Nairobi. Very cloudy & some sprinkles this eve. Would like more. Nice letter from Cl. yesterday. Also Richmond. he wants to come for Oct. Anna washed bedding.

Fri. June 10

Shaffers ate here today too & will cook for themselves tomorrow. Wrote letters & sat & chatted. Don’t get much done these days. but it’s nice having folks around. Started to alter Cora’s black & yellow dress. Listened to radio til most 10 P.M. Dad wrote R & S birthday letters.

Sat. June 11

Baked pie and got things ready for tomorrow. Were at S’s this eve looking at stereopticon & were listening to radio ab’t 9 when Leonards came. The lorry got stuck in the road by the mill. We’ve given them supper and beds are ready. but the lorry hasn’t come yet. John’s jaw is very painful.

Sun. June 12

All but Mrs. Leonard, Mrs. S. & Dad went to Narok & lots of natives. Took the loud speaker & got a crowd alright. Nanjiru was very much in evidence. Mail hadn’t come but we brot all things that came by the lorry. Had cafateria supper here. Then Mr. L. spoke to us after singing a few songs. He spoke very well & helpfully on the 65 Psalm.

Mon. June 13

Today Teasdales, Mrs Probst & Miss Rhodes are to land in N.Y. I hope all went well. Leonards crowd got away by 10. instead of 8:30 as planned. Taroni went for mail. We washed. Mrs. S. will wash tomorrow. Then I want to wash up the other sheets later on. Radio has pretty music tonight.

Tues. June 14

Shaffers want to leave on Thur. So are getting baking & washing done. Mrs S. spoke to the women this P.M. & we also went over the prayer letter. Miss Capelin enjoyed the meeting too. Radio again tonight. Miss C. sat in the sun this A.M. so long she burned her arms pretty badly.

Wed. June 15

Instead of all going for picnic lunch up along the road, we had lunch early here & Mr. S. took Miss Capelin & me to Narok. Miss C took lorry for Kijabe. Then tomorrow goes to Neys. S’s leave tomorrow for camp up Rotian way. Got a few letters off. We went over Pray. letter as twill be hard for them to do so on Fri.

Thur. June 16

8 out to prayer mtg. which is pretty good. S’s were here to break. Then it got tea time & they were still here - then lunch so they ate & then went. Wrote from Narok that Samolal had come. Letter from Scudders saying they want to be with us during Aug. Also Miss S. wrote she had another couple booked until the 16^th. & Brysons. Sent her wire & letter by Indians who were fishing.

Fri. June 17

Pretty quiet day. Sewed. fixed red & white dress & did quite a lot to black & yellow. but there’s still a lot to do as it needs taking up at most seams. Started letter home. Also wrote Mrs. Scudder. This is day of prayer but we went over the letter Wed. eve.

Sat. June 18

Cleaned but had baked yesterday. Moved big bed upstairs again so if Bells come they can use it. Told Morima today the plans for July 14 to Aug. 30 & said if he wants time off he should take it now. but he wants to wait til the end of the mo. Anna will stop today - & continue when he doesn’t come.

Sun. June 19

Meetings as usual. Sitoya did not bring post as the clerk did not open office. was away. He will go again tomorrow. We went to kraal on the plain - 6 women with me. Nice time tho only 4 women there. Fairly nice rain tonight. Hope so it will continue & soak way in.

Mon. June 20

Shaffers came in just before lunch. Are washing & baking. It’s raining good & hard. Hope it keeps on all night. Had phono tonite. I started silk pull over after Mrs. Barnetts pattern. Sitoya went for post & got in just before S’s did. He may go with them to Kilgoris. I hope he does.

Tues. June 21

They thot they were going early but it was after lunch before they left. She went over the Catechism & now will send it in to be printed because Song book must be done very soon. Womens mtg. Kumumoru is here again and all out of his head. Will see if he’ll go to Narok tomorrow.

Wed. June 22

Kumumoru wouldn’t go with Mulungit so asked D.C. if he’d send an eskari. He came & after some trouble they got him & left about 5 P.M. I worked at black & yellow dress & have it about fixed up. Want to make the lav. and also fix up white coat & clean it to wear in Nairobi. Prayermtg tonight.

Thur. June 23

Mulungit went for mail. Brot butter too. Several home letters. None from Congo. I wrote them . Got “Goforth of China” that I had sent for early in the year. Put the traps down & had fish for supper & enuf for breakfast too. Tried plastering stone rail with cement.

Fri. June 24

It’s cold here too [arrow pointing to previous year, very cold day at Lasit] had fire all day in grate. and it’s cloudy & gloomy. I sewed at the lavendar rayon. Was at the white coat but decided to wash it first & if it doesn’t shrink awful I’ll sew up sleeves as they are for they are like my tan. Morima plastered some but ‘twas so cold. However it looks nice what is done.

Sat. June 25

Sold a young rooster to Mulungit. I plastered a bit more & will leave it now for awhile. Looks nice so far. Almost finished dress. Wrote Kate Zinser. Washed hair yesterday. Sunnier today so had shower baths. Morima says he wants to go on Wed. so Anna will come then.

Sun. June 26

Meetings as usual. Mulungit went to N. Four women & I went up the river beyond the valley with the big spring & had a meeting at a kraal. 12 women & 4 men listened while we spoke & sang. Pretty long walk but pleasant. Letters from Ray. & others. Scudders will come to Nairobi Aug. 10. Sorry they can’t come sooner. Card from Ss. They were at the Mara Bridge on way to Kilgoris.

Mon. June 27

While sitting at the veranda window writing I looked up & saw a big black mamba coming toward the house. Shouted to Jno to get the gun quick & he did & shot it as it was under the pepper tree only a few ft. from the house. ‘Twas at least 6 ft. long. So glad we got it. Washed white coat & fixed sleeves & did all mending.

Tues. June 28

Got several letters ready for post. Mulungit goes. I gave them a young rooster & he pays for it by going to Narok. Women’s meeting. 13 out. Had the prayer letter. Morima wants to stop work now until July 13. so Anna will come again. If he is around when Bells come he’ll help.

Wed. June 29

Finished the lavendar dress & almost finished the slip of same material. Nothing very substantial but will last a while. Anna came early & has done very well. I like her help when we are alone. She cleaned out chicken yard today.

Thur. June 30

Milaun asked for gun for trap & now comes & says the leopard is shot but not killed. He finally got the gun out of the trap & is trying to shoot it with the light of lanterns.

A big mail with big news for Lloyd Keith was born May 22. to Philura & Floyd. Also a remittance with ab’t a doz slips to write to. Letter from Miss Slater telling who all want to come. We don’t mind but will try to accommodate all. By 2 wks. from tonight we’ll be there ready to take over next day. D.V. Scudders will be coming Aug. 10. shall be so glad but the time seems very short for them.

They’ve just brot a leopard. & the gun has gone off again.

Fri. July 1

But it was only a hyena. Now Milaun has put the skin down in Shaffers kitchen where it will dry. ‘tis not very nice as it was a female. Anna & I worked outside most A.M. tieing up vines & trimming geraniums on veranda. Next week I want to cut them back pretty well. Also the big rose bush as it is very mildewed.

Sat. July 2

Baked bread. & worked in kitchen most all A.M. Bathed & dusted before dinner. John worked on the road where Leonards got stuck. Finished sewing pillow cases this P.M. Wrote 5 of the Gen’l Fund 10 letters.

Sun. July 3

I think this is Agnes’s birthday. How we wonder where they are. Didn’t get the post because of communion. An S.D.A. man took communion. others were at services & came & bot Daniel. & I sold ‘em Psalms too - but they agreed to all I said. Don’t know where they are staying. They seemed proud to be S.D.As.

Mon. July 4

Shaffers came in just as we finished lunch. Also the post. Letters came saying Bells did not come with this party but will be along about the end of the month. I’m so disappointed for they’ll not get out here then. but we’ll likely see them in Nairobi. Radio on tonight. Mostly silly stuff.

Tues. July 5

Mr. S. talked long with Sitoya & Taroni & Samolal but they are quite determined they must have a big wage if they go to Kilgoris. When Sitoya had said food & clothes was sufficient. Something has changed him. I’ve been so burdened but we had a nice womens mtg. Mrs. S. told them a bit ab’t Kilgoris & urged them to give to help take the Gospel there.

Wed. July 6

Had lots of letters to post. as the last remit. had 10 donors to write to. Sitoya took it. & brot flour. Had nice chicken for dinner so S’s ate here today still. Cheese souffle for supper. Prayer mtg tonight. Radio on. but not very good so we’re going to bed.

Thur. July 7

Only a few letters. Wanted to write the boys tonight but listened to radio. At 9 there’s good music but one has to go thro a lot of trash til then. I knitted at red silk. Prayer mtg this P.M. Mr. Shaffer left for Nairaq Ngare this morn. A Chagga carrying his load & Taroni & Samolal with him. Went up to Sitoyas & took picture of family.

Fri. July 8

Was in school quite a while. This eve the women came for pictures. Finished sewing the dark blue kitchen aprons. Roy Browns may come out mid Aug. if S’s are here. They’ll likely all eat here. Don’t know. Wrote boys. Music again tonight.

Sat. July 9

Baked pie & made jello & roll jelly cake - such a failure. Good program on tonight so we’re listening late. Started letter to Lora - wont finish til Nairobi. Sent quite a number this morning. Putting many things together. Anna cleaned. Ngoso pretty sick. Mrs S & Esther eat here.

Sun. July 10

Meetings as usual. Mrs. S. spoke after sermon - very well. asking & urging them to do what they could to help Kilgoris to have their church. She & Esther ate here & we were listening to the service at Cathedral when Mr. S. came in. He didn’t leave N. Ngare til after 1 & it was ab’t 6:30 when he got here. Got him supper.

Mon. July 11

Mr. S. & quite a number of natives went to Narok. Mr. S. returned a bit after noon & said permission was granted for both plots - at Kilgoris & Nairaq Ngare. 2 acres at each place for church & evangelists house. I talked with Sitoya just a bit but he seems quite set on either big wage or he wont do any thing. We washed.

Tues. July 12

Fresias are opening. sorry to have to leave now. Anna ironed. Had the big old rooster. S’s here to dinner. Ngoso helped. Have things pretty well ready. wont take long to pack in the morning. Women’s mtg. So many have had colds. Good music at 9. so we’re waiting for it.

Wed. July 13 At Devitts

Mr. S. took us to Narok in good time & we had lunch there under the trees. Mr. Whitehouse came just before we left. He greeted & shook hands with Dad & me but wholly ignored Mr. S. who was with us. The bus was quite comfy & he drove carefully & we got to the station ab’t 5. Devitt was waiting for us & took us up where we’ve had a nice supper & lovely evening with them & are told Mr. Lichty will take us to town tomorrow.

Thur. July 14 Nairobi Rest Home

Here we are & Misses Slater and Capelin are happy on their way to the coast. Mr. & Mrs Lyon are here. She’s waiting to go to the hospital. Mr. Lichty brot us in & not knowing Morima was with us, filled up his car with others so Morima came on the bus. Jno met him at the market. Miss S. had expected her cook to stay til tomorrow but he showed M. all the cupboards etc & then left. So we are in pretty good running order already.

Fri. July 15

Dad went to see Hops yesterday & had the impression for teeth taken & is to go Mon. & have front uppers out. he thinks the lower ones don’t need to come out for some years. This A.M. we went to do a bit of shopping & then out to the Game Office. Saw Mr. Clarke & Mr. Oulton. Thot of going to Museum but it got too late. I got some deep cream silk tho. I want to make a little sweater for Sara. Tried to wind it on a ball & it’s awful twisty. Mrs. L. is making tatting for a little coat.

Sat. July 16

Tonight is the Pioneers dinner at the New Stanley Hotel. but we didn’t go even tho our names are among them. We went to Museum & it is fine. Then to market & home & baked a rhubarb pie for dinner. Worked at the little sweater some. but too small so shall use larger hook. M. & other boy cleaned while we were away.

Sun. July 17

This has been a lazy day. It’s been too rainy to go out much. Had fire this P.M. Norman Johnson called. Had wanted to go to Cathedral but ‘twas raining when we should have gone. Went to get Lyon’s girl but did not find her then found her here when we got back. Read a Keswick add. this eve. Wrote Lora this morn. Want to get one off to Warren too.

Mon. July 18

And now he [son, Raymond] is 30! And today Jno had his upper teeth out. & he does look funny but not so bad as I expected. He stept into an auction sale just in time to buy Beethovens Ninth Sym. all in a book and got it for S. 5. He was almost hilarious ab’t it. It’s so cold we’re having fires P.M. Friends of Lyons to tea.

Tues. July 19

Stephensons & Brysons were to come to tea but Mr. Stephenson & Brysons went to Machakos so just Mrs Stephenson & Patsy came. Kijabe folks too & left Bernice who must see the Dr every day & have diet. so Jno has moved to Miss S’s room & B. is with me. Spent all A.M. down town. Lyons bot 3 pieces of furniture at auction. Very cheap.

Wed. July 20

Lyons took Bernice to Dr. She got another injection and has been lying down most all day. Gets something every 2 hrs. Jno & boys took all limbs from pepper tree. It makes it so much nicer in the house. ‘Twas so dark before. It’s still very cold so we have a bit of fire every day. Don’t know where time goes. Can’t get anything done.

Thur. July 21

Mrs Stewart Watt called. Lyons again took Bernice down. Jno went too. I’m to go to dentist next Mon. at 10. This P.M. after tea we went to Masonic Temple & were shown around & then Mr. Cole played the Hammond electric organ. ‘Twas lovely - just like a pipe organ but no pipes. Had strawberries & cream for supper.

Fri. July 22

Dr. told Bernice to stay quiet so she has been down mostly. Started letter to the Aunts yesterday & didn’t even finish today. I seem to get little time for anything but house work. Mr. & Mrs Bryson called after tea. Will come to tea on Tues. Bernice’s birthday.

Sat. July 23

All went to see “Aeromatics” 9 planes did several formation stunts. and dropt a bomb which lit a pile of stuff afire. Then one little one went very high and came straight down then went up again and spiralled down - all sorts of stunts. ‘Twas very interesting. We got a big surprise just after breakfast when Miss Capelin came in. She was too nervous about lizards down at M. so came back as the house there is very open. Letters from both boys.

Sun. July 24

Mrs. Lyon had taken a bath & got all dressed for church when it was evident she must go at once to the hospital. This ab’t 10. at 1:10 baby Grace Evelyn appeared - all well. babe weighs 7 lb. 11 oz. Were so glad its all over so quickly. It’s wet & cold so no one went to church. Jno’s mouth is very sore: took hot water bottle to bed.

Mon. July 25

Really rained this A.M. while down town. One tooth needed filling & he cleaned them all up for Sh 5/- only. Instead of having a nice birthday party tomorrow Bernice has to stay in & bed & no food. And today we got the choc. sponge Mrs. Lyon ordered. I got flowers for Mrs. L. & Bernice. So pretty.

Tues. July 26

Today Bernice is 18. She was pleased with the slip. Mr & Mrs Bryson came for tea & brot her silk stockings. Mrs. Stephenson sent her a beautiful card & kerchief & she got quite a lot of letters. Miss S. writes the boat is in this P.M. so perhaps she’s seen them by this time. Dr. hasn’t called all day & B says she’s hungry.

Wed. July 27

No Dr. came today tho Mr Lyon called at the office & the nurse said he’d come. Bernice has lots of reading matter so she keeps busy. Miss Nicodemus came in about 9:30 this morning. came up on train & says Grimshaws & Bells are coming each in their own car. She went on to Lumbwa tonight. Earl meets her tomorrow noon.

Thur. July 28

Dr. came just at noon. Mr Lyon staid at hospital until he could see him. Then he ordered med. and Salts. & Mr Lyon went down & got it & it’s been taken and she had a cup of bovril & dry toast so we hope she’ll soon feel better. Wire came saying B’s & G’s will be here tomorrow. Mr S. has moved to the far room & so we’ll find room for all.

Fri. July 29

Went down town to get a few things but took longer than we thot. so worked til tea time getting other rooms ready. Met Flossie Jo & asked them to tea as she was in to see Agnes. We waited supper til ab’t 8 when here they came - 2 cars 8 people. We expected Mr. Landrith but didn’t know he had a Mrs. They went to Sal. Army. Now all are in bed. Mother H. looks frail & feels very shaken after such a long ride. Agnes & Jim look well. Grimshaws too. all are very tired for they came from Arusha today.

Sat. July 30

Much commotion - til tea time. All Grimshaws went shopping & Mr. L. while Mrs. went to bed here as it seems she has fever. Mother H was rested by P.M. & we had a nice visit. Kijabe folks were in & went. But will come again Tues. & take Bernice then. Ruth T. & Miss Swenson come tomorrows up train. Miss Capelin is really quite ill tonight. B. sleeps in big bed. Nice visit in sitting room. Jno reminiscing.

Sun. July 31

We had break. by 7:30 & they got off right away. for Kangundo. Jno trying to rest. Miss Capelin staid in all day. No fever but weak. B. & Mr. L. went to A.M. meeting. I went to see Mrs. L. & baby. She’s a pretty babe & does look like Elliot only dark hair. B & I were going to walk to European Hospital to see Kenneth Mundy after we 3 had tea at Stephensons - but got lost & came back. Mr L. had native mtg this P.M. & evening.

Hardly saw ourselves here - last yr. But it isn’t so hard as I thot. Course we’ve always been “our own” up to this time. But accts. aren’t terribly out of balance. Tomorrow we suppose Mr. & Mrs Olson will be here.

Mon. Aug. 1

Washed big wash & dried nicely. Got front room ready but no Olsons yet. and the girls from Mombasa went straight to Kijabe so B. is alone in the back room. Ironed some of the things right away. Mr. Lyon busy helping everybody. Miss C. is quite ill but doesn’t want a Dr. I’m sure it’s fever.

Tues. Aug. 2

Bells came for lunch then made me go down town with them. B. can go home so intended going tonight but found out later there’s no train. Flossie J’s came to tea. Had ice cream. Lyons 9^th wedding anniversary. Roast pork for dinner. After tea went to Cemetery with Johansens. It’s lovely. When we got back Olsons were here. Also Alta Knapp to see Mrs. Hurlburt. Mrs Lyon came home. B. sleeps on couch. All rooms full.

Wed. Aug. 3

Miss C. is brighter but still in bed. Bells left right after break. for Githumu & will come back tomorrow when B. will go with them to Kijabe. Jno went to Clarkes for tea & supper. Mrs. Stephenson called. brot flowers for Miss C. Just got a pr. of stockings mended today. Seems so little time for any thing but cooking. & cleaning.

Thur. Aug. 4

Bells came right after lunch & Mother rested while they went back down town. Nixons came & B. went with them. Bells had tea & finally got away by 5 or after. Miss C. seems better but is still staying in bed. This has been a hectic day. Boys did big washing. Mr. Lyon has not returned.

Fri. Aug. 5

Kijabe folks in. Ruth T. and Miss Swenson who stays the week end - so hustled & cleaned up the room. Miss C. ate lunch at table. Mr. Lyon returned but too late for tea. The Kjb crowd all here. Mr. Lehrer brot our wool. It’s very nice. Olsons did shopping for me. They are very accommodating.

Sat. Aug. 6

Yes, how well I remember a year ago. [hired girls out of control] Mr. Lyon brot chickens alive so we cleaned ‘em. had one fried for dinner & will have others tomorrow. Busy all day. Took walk this eve & talked about the future. Lovely moonlight nights. Olsons are out. perhaps at movies. Miss C. was up for lunch & tea.

Sun. Aug. 7

Lyons went to Stuart Watts for tea. Most of us went to 11 oclock mtg & then also to Park for Band at 5 to 6 & then to Cathedral. & home for supper. Mr. Pitway spoke so well. Miss Capelin went to all mtgs and greatly enjoyed all - even the Park. & Band.

Mon. Aug. 8

Went down town to have a look around for some of Sara’s things. Got cake etc as I told Olsons to bring Mrs. Patzig & Miss Samuelson of their mission who are staying at Pittways. Then Mrs. Guilding, Miss Johnson & Miss Hill were in town & came in to tea too. All walked up & watched the Polo game for a bit. Flossie called on way back from Kijabe.

Tues. Aug. 9

Lyons had just left when Kenneths came. and as his meeting lasted too late they are staying the night. Miss Swenson will go back with them. Daphne has grown. was 4 mo. yesterday. A wire came from Bell to say he didn’t get the gun permit so Jno went to Safariland & asked them to wire Bell at Kampala. that it was sent.

Wed. Aug. 10

Ken’s came from town at 10 & had tea & then left for Kijabe. Scudders got here by 2. Misses Grindley & Webster staid to tea & then went to Miss Plummers. Miss G’s blanket bag was lost off the car. So sorry. Baby Godfrey is very tired but seems much brighter than when we saw him.

Thur. Aug. 11

Dr. & Mr. Lehrer brot 2 sick boys in to hospital & came to lunch & tea. After lunch Olsons took us to the Zoo. Very interesting. 4 lion cubs were born yesterday & we saw them too. Miss Samuelson came to tea too. Mrs. S. had her eyes treated. Godfrey looks much brighter today. Have girls’ room ready for them. If Bells go as fast as R’s they are at Oicha now.

Fri. Aug. 12

Olsons & Jno met the girls at the train. They have settled in end room. Mr. Oulton came asking us to tea & Miss Capelin offered to see to it here. We went. Clarke got us. While we were away Miss Bennett came. She’s with Hesses at Kjb. A friend of Misses S & R. so we set up a cot in sitting room. Then Miss Baxter came saying she was going to Mombasa.

Sat. Aug. 13

A lovely day & we thot of going out for tea but later the men wanted to go to a ball game so all staid here. Olsons were out tea & supper. Godfrey had a treatment & Mr. Wood the osteopath is much encouraged about him. He is eating very well. if only he could sit up. Each has his difficulties. see above.

Sun. Aug. 14

Mrs. S. went to meeting with the others & Mr. & I tried to feed Godfrey - but no, he wanted Mother. We tried again & it went better but she gave him his pudding. Quiet day. & hot. Olsons & Capelin & we 2 went to Park for band. but it rained pretty hard & there wasn’t a concert. Saw the camped Wakamba. Some went to Cath. this eve.

Mon. Aug. 15

Miss Bennett left ab’t 10 for Kijabe. Several went to town. I did too & while waiting for the bus Mrs. O. came along & picked me up. She had a bad tooth out. I got 2 pr stockings for B. and choc. cake. Miss G. brot another white cake. so we had quite a party. Every one busy at auctions. S’s as well as Miss Rees got tables & desks. All very fine.

Tues. Aug. 16

Mrs. O’s face is still pretty sore. Miss Grindley here to lunch as she lookt after Godfrey while they went down town. He gets a treatment every P.M. Dad looking for wheel barrow but hasn’t found any. Nor have we found a tricycle yet. but there are some good ones at Whiteaways. Playing Monopoly.

Wed. Aug. 17

Boys cut oranges for marmalade. Went down town with S’s & did a bit of shopping after having cream at Jack Frost. Miss Capelin got tea & we had some when we got here. Dad getting old stump cleared away as it’s rotten. Just talked this eve. I got quite a bit done at sweater.

Thur. Aug. 18

Kijabe folks: Davises, Pecover & Lichty here to tea but not to lunch. Mrs. Davis says Mr. Downing wants to come early Sept. Mrs. Olsons face is better so they leave in the morning. Miss G. here to lunch again. Boiled up marmalade. looks nice. Dr. says get wheel barrow. so he will tomorrow.

Fri. Aug. 19

Nice mail - letter from Ray. Olsons got away about 8. tho I gave them break. before 7. We were only 7 for din. but Hesses came ab’t 1 & wanted to stay - but we couldn’t find room. Miss Bennett is with Miss Rees in front room. Staley stays in small room. Cleaned all rooms & washed up bedding. Hesses went to Sal. A. but asked them to lunch tomorrow.

Sat. Aug. 20

Marmalade is O.K. & today made some strawberry - & bot more for Jessie. Baked pie and puddings etc. didn’t get any rest at all as Hesses didn’t get away til most 4. & Devitts came & went. Washed hair before going to bed. Got Boys’ letters off. & Chas’. Harrisons will be here the 25^th or 26^th.

Sun. Aug. 21

Dad, Chas & I didn’t go to A.M. meeting. Neither Miss Staley. I finally got a letter written to Mrs. Dalziel. with many interruptions. Ab’t 3 Devitts, Miss Hill & Mr. Griffith drove in & I made tea for them. Dad had his too & went to the Park. Expected Brysons to tea but they didn’t come. Mr. G. drove Scudders car to Kjb. where they’ll put a top over the back. Miss C., Mr S. & I went to Cath. to service.

Mon. Aug. 22

Went down town & Kendalls brot me home but wouldn’t stop for lunch. Just as we finished (Lyons were here) the Farnsworths & Mr Guilding came. They ate their lunch at the table then went on to Kijabe. Lyons staid to tea too. Tried some new records this eve. Made a bit of berry jam.

Tues. Aug. 23

Chas Richmond called. Edith Harris is here for the night. Miss Rus was out to lunch. Lyons came for tea & Browns afterward. Sent for a small order to M. Wards. with Lyons. Godfrey seemed quite unwell today. Dad got the bill for his teeth Sh. 300. Thank God we can pay it. He has abundantly supplied.

Wed. Aug. 24

Miss Harris went to Kjb by train tho Mr. Reynolds said he was going early in the morning. She feared she’d miss or be late to go with Mr Innis. Wepplers & Miss Horton came for lunch. Mr. W. will likely come back for us next Wed. Wire from Miss Tilley to say she’s coming the 26 to 28. on her way home. Richmond here to tea.

Thur. Aug. 25

Mr. Reynolds got here at 6 & Chas. was ready to go - even had had tea. Ab’t 9 folks began to come. Kendalls, Nixons & Miss Hill, Hoyts, and just ab’t noon Shaffers. They staid to lunch as I was ready for them. they are camping at Browns, our yard is too small. Jno got a good bit done at the road in spite of callers. Jessie & I canned strawberries.

Fri. Aug. 26

Farnsworths came bringing Miss Pecover to the hospital. They came for tea & Miss Horton. Miss Tilley came & shares Miss Capelin’s room. I went down town shopping & boys didn’t do at all what I told them to. S’s ate lunch in the back yd. Then had tea here. waiting for wire from Hess ab’t car. They left for Kajiado ab’t 5. Clarke here to tea. We got a nice tricycle for Johnny.

Sat. Aug. 27

Miss Tilley seems so nice. Has been buying things from Kisii at the door. I got a nice vase. & a low dish for flowers. Baked pie etc for tomorrow. Had baked apples for dinner. Mr Devitt brot Mr. S. home but had tire trouble on the way so got in after dark. Miss Adams came to tea & Jessie & I, wheeling Godfrey went with her to the European hospital. Some walk. Marian Stephenson is sick at Kjb.

Sun. Aug. 28

Ladies went to Cathedral. Miss C. down with fever. Devitts here to lunch. Then took Miss Tilley to station after early tea. Then took Scudders to Watts to tea. Godfrey looks so cute in his knitted pants. Wrote Mrs. Lyon & that’s all I’ve had time for. Seems I’m busy in kitchen even when I think I have every thing ready Dad & I to Cath. this eve.

Mon. Aug. 29

Miss Ross came. Miss C. is better & is following Miss Tilley’s instructions for taking quinine. Washed & cleaned some. I went down town this P.M. & blew in ab’t 200 sh. A letter from Cl. saying his gun is lovely. & Bells got there all O.K. Hackings of B.C.M.S. Marsabit called. Rather expect Miss S. in tomorrow.

Tues. Aug. 30

Miss S. came. Dad went to meet her & then on down town & bot a net but I’m afraid it needs a lot of mending. I’ll go down tomorrow for last things. Every body off to Keswick this P.M. Mr. Brand brot S’s car & S took some & Mr Guilding had tea here & took others. Miss S & I talked til 9:30.

Wed. Aug. 31 Kijabe

I met Mr. Weppler down town also Carol May & took C. to dinner. Weppler got car parts & went out to Limuru where his car had broken & came back & packed up. Dad & S. made last effort for records. As we left Jessie said “another spasm overwith”. [what John would say when company was leaving] Hartsock & Mathys came after lunch. Martha H. came to tea. Mr. played golf. We are at Kenneths tonight. Must be at station by 8.

Never dreamed last year we’d be in Nairobi this year. Where next year? Have enjoyed the 6 wks. much tho had dreaded getting at it. Wouldn’t mind being where we could help out often. Expect to have a very pleasant mo. with W’s & L’s out with us.

Thur. Sept. 1

We got down in good time & loaded loads & Morima onto lorry & Dad with Mr. Griffith & L & W cars. Mrs. W. drove. Got 2 tommies [Thompson’s gazelle] by lunch time & sent them back with G. & then we women came on in a hurry but tho the men got 3 more tommies they came in only a few min. behind us. All settled for the night. & the meat cut up.

Fri. Sept. 2

Morima had to go to Narok for his shauri. We’ve cleaned up some. The men got off for their camp by 8:30 or so. We went for picnic for supper. & M. came home & started bread tho Mrs L. brot 7 loaves. I didn’t know she had so many. Music tonight.

Sat. Sept. 3

Baked apple pie & cake & bread. & did more cleaning. Morima didn’t come this eve. So glad for Anna who is helping very well. Gave her a head cloth today for good work while we were away. She seems pleased. How well I remember a yr. ago. [waiting for Earl Andersens to arrive, long overdue] & now we saw baby Herbert. & he is a dear. Very like his daddy.

Sun. Sept. 4

All meetings as usual. Good att. at all. Sitoya goes early as they meet at 10 A.M. in a gen’l meeting on the site Mr. S. has chosen for the church, then have mtg at hospital after that. Brot mail. Mr. C. came for tea & staid to supper so we had no sing. as we had planned. I got good rest this P.M.

Mon. Sept. 5

Morima has to go again so I said he should stay & settle about it. The L.N.C. of course want to pull it out long as possible. Susana came & washed. Wanted to go for picnic supper but it got cloudy & cold & even sprinkled a little so we lit the rubbish pile just at dark & then came in. Getting letter off to Davis & Slater. Wanted to sing but every one too tired. Sent Scuds a wire to urge them to come.

Tues. Sept. 6

Morima has been doing his work today. Said he got nothing for his sheep but didn’t tell me any details. Have east room ready for Devitts tomorrow. Big ironing mostly done. Mrs. L. & I had nice visit this eve. She’s a lovely guest. Womens mtg this P.M. 15 there. They report every wk the money collected for Narok church. Elisa of Tameno led the mtg.

Wed. Sept. 7

Ab’t 4 P.M. while we were sitting on veranda the two cars came. Mr Brand driving his. Scudders came too. So Glad! Mrs L. went with them & they wouldn’t even stop for tea tho I got some ready just as they left. They wanted to get to hot sprgs. tonight. S’s are in our room & we’re upstairs in both rooms. Very comfy so. Godfrey is in Johnny’s bed - the couch from Shaffers.

Thur. Sept. 8

The folks brot our mail yesterday so Sitoya didn’t need to go. 7 out to meeting. Had the gramaphone this eve. Mr. W. returned while all were down fishing. Godfrey remembers me & so doesn’t object to staying with me. He’s taken a cold or else it’s dust.

Fri. Sept. 9

The 3 men left after break. to look for eland but came home ab’t 3 P.M. with a zebra skin & a wildebeest. Drying a bit of it but giving most to natives. They want to leave again quite early & try for eland. Wanted picnic but it’s threatening to rain & is cold.

Sat. Sept. 10

They went again & tho they saw some & got a shot at one, the bush was so dense they couldn’t see them much. They were gone til dark & stooping thro bush most all day. They were tired. Carol May had gone with them. I baked pie & cake & Dads delights. Made jelly - so all is ready for tomorrow.

Sun. Sept. 11

Communion service. Sitoya went to Narok for 10 A.M. mtg as usual. & brot post. Nice restful P.M., & a good sing this eve & a Keswick address. We have such nice times together. it’s so nice having Chas & Jessie & Godfrey here too.

Mon. Sept. 12

Dad, Chas & Mr W. again went after eland & didn’t get a shot at one even. They kept in the bush so it was hard to see them. Ab’t 5 Earl A. & Mr Kirkpatrick drove in. so I’m with Dad in big bed & gave them my room. Had big wash. Susana helpt. With all the hunters around we had only a lesser bustard for supper. Then Mr. K. added a guinea.

Tues. Sept. 13

Jno was up at 4:30 & called the 3 men & they got off to the plains to look for eland. After our break. Chas & Jno took break. for them & then we expected them back for lunch or tea but they didn’t come til 7. Mr. K. asked Mrs W. to can guinea & bustard & grantii but she didn’t get it all done. So many in kitchen made it hard to do ironing etc.

Wed. Sept. 14

This is Mr. W’s last day for animals. Chas etc left ab’t 7:30 after break. for Kjb. We do miss them. After lunch W’s went to see what they could get. got a little tommy & a zebra. After they left Earl & Mr K. finally got away - after canning 7 qts of meat. We have moved down into our beds & it’s nice. still have Johnny’s bed which Godfrey used, left in our room.

Thur. Sept. 15

Asked Sitoya to exchange work with us today. We went for post because vegs. etc came. & he took care of mtg. We had picnic supper near cedar trees. Got a few nice letters etc. and had music this eve. Mrs W. is sewing Carol Mays uniforms. I knitted at rug - (steamer). Anna washed - but went with us this P.M.

Fri. Sept. 16

Thot I’d get lots of time for letters today but was busy all A.M. Did write boys. Slaters & Scudders this PM on machine. Dad worked in garden. Prayer Day mtg this eve. & then there were letters. Mrs W & I wanted music but Dad promised us some tomorrow night.

Sat. Sept. 17

We hustled & baked. Mrs. W. muffins, & I pie & then took our lunch down river. After we got back, bathed & rested & talked a bit, Mr. C. came up & staid to supper. Had expected to have it early with music after - but ‘twas later & as Mr C. left right after we had music - but W’s were tired & went to bed.

Sun. Sept. 18

At 9 A.M. Wepplers, Sitoya & I went to Narok for mtgs. ab’t 75 present for out door meeting. While they had Catechism classes we went to sports grounds & ate lunch. Then post came & we had hospital mtg. Home by 2:30. Lovely Congo letters from all even Johnny. Cl. wants to come all way down to get us. Grand idea.

Mon. Sept. 19

Devitts & Lehrers came in ab’t 11. Staid to lunch. Both men let their beards grow. Edith is very tanned but Mrs. L. had only a red nose. They saw lions a plenty & too near by to be comfortable. Saw Ngorongoro Crater too. Mr L. looks just like a Jewish rabbi. Rather expect Shaffer in tomorrow if he’s going to Kilgoris. I’m all excited ab’t Claudon coming down for us.

Tues. Sept. 20

Canned another qt. of loquats. Lots of fires these days. burning for gardens also the old grass in the bush. Mended at net and also baked cookies etc. Grmaphone & wrote Sophy. Expected to get lots done but – talked.

Wed. Sept. 21

No Shaffer yet. Made a bit of loquat jelly today. Started smocking black & white crepe n. gown. It’s pretty. Mrs. W. showed me how to do it. Sitoya went for meat & took letters. brot goat. but no one will know it. It’s fat & nice. Will get more tomorrow. Our prayer service tonight. Very dark all round & lots of thunder but no rain.

Thur. Sept. 22

Sitoya got post & meat but was about sick. Acts like flu. Only 2 out to prayermtg. Very cloudy & cold all day. No mail at all for us. And no Shaffer yet. We expected word from him. W’s had word that Miss Johnson doesn’t want to go to Mboni. They are disappointed.

Fri. Sept. 23

Made a bit of ketchup. Wrote boys & started Mrs Westervelts. Anna washed. Had supper at the pond. Caught fish in traps for breakfast. Mrs. W. dyed a coat for Carol May. I put in a blue jacket afterward. got nice. Wrote Lynn a birthday letter.

Sat. Sept. 24

Baked & cleaned as usual. Mrs W made peanut brittle for Carol May to take to school. I wrote several letters getting them ready for posting Mon. Expected Earl & Kirkpatrick in here today but no one came. Took pictures of W. family & skins. Maybe 10 wks from tonight we’ll be at R’s.

Sun. Sept. 25

Mr. Weppler, the children & I went to Narok. A Kink spoke in church here. Read from Revival Lectures Finney, this eve. Letter from Mrs. Shaffer but never a word ab’t Mr. S. coming out here. only that he got Senffs old truck from Mombasa & Anderson boys drove it to Nairobi. & that the deal for the chassis is off.

Mon. Sept. 26

Weppler got away a bit after 8. Would have been off earlier but breakfast wasn’t ready. Now things are washed up so if S’s come tomorrow it’s ab’t ready. Wrote 3 letters this eve. Dad trying out some records. A sprinkle of rain. Mr. Whitehouse has left for Eng. & Low is to take his place but not til Oct.

Tues. Sept. 27

Anna cleaned S house. I washed old net and darned holes. its pretty good. Darned the holes in the one Dad bot at auction - so both are ready. Lots of wind & black clouds but no rain. No Shaffers yet either. Natives heard a car come into Clarkes last eve but haven’t seen any one. Wrote Drs. Urban.

Wed. Sept. 28

While eating dinner Mr. Clarke’s man came & said Bwana wants lunch at 1- he had come & found Kanungi had gone with his key so went to Narok for him & came here as he returned. He said he was going at once to lower Mara bridge. Duke has gone to Nairobi. Great fear of war over Czechoslovakia. Just after lunch a huge cloud of locusts came. Didn’t do much damage.

Thur. Sept. 29

The dogs came home last night and they took ‘em along instead of leaving them with us. tho he sent up the whole topi so we could feed them. We’re glad he took them for we couldn’t watch ‘em all day. Letter from Mrs. Lehrer saying Shaffers were still in Nairobi as Mrs was in hospital with eczema. but soon getting out. but they were expecting them to stay at Kjb & work at car for 6 wks.

Fri. Sept. 30

How well I remember a year ago [arrived back “home” at Siyabei after being at Lasit] and are we facing another year + down there? Perhaps. for Mr. Shaffer came ab’t 2 P.M. and so there’s been lots of talk. He brot word that the Czech question has been settled peaceably for the present. Later, other question will be settled. Mr. C. came in ab’t tea time so came up & to supper.

Mrs. Shaffer was in hospital 2 days & is still staying in bed much as possible. Something like eczema has broken out but her gen’l system is not up to par. He brot things from Mrs. Weppler so I can soon get at Carol May’s socks. He wants Dad to go with him to see Earl ab’t Kilgoris. Sept. has been a very busy but also very pleasant mo. Wepplers are lovely guests.

Sat. Oct. 1

Mr. S. & Dad cut at the reeds in the pond. & fired some. hope to dry ‘em up & get rid of them. Anna came & helpt til after noon work. Mr Clarke came to lunch & then to waffle supper. My head has been awful. on the top. so took 2 atebrins 1 at noon & 1 at night.

Sun. Oct. 2

My head was very bad in the night. also stomach. Some better today but have to go carefully. Mr S. went to Narok for mtgs & hoped to get a lorry to Kjb. but didn’t. may get one to Kilgoris tomorrow. Sitoya brot lovely mail. Couldn’t read a sermon, too many letters. Roxanna has a boy Aug. 20. Ray’s are fine but tell of Mrs Hodgkinson going off mentally.

Mon. Oct. 3

Mr. S. went to Narok & found a lorry going to Kjb. so went. Mr Lichty wanted the Song book to print & Mr S. was taking it to Mrs S. to do & put thro. They may all be out Fri. as sports are Sat. Sun. Mon. Mr Clarke went to Nairobi too. It’s very nice to be alone. M. washed. not very much. cut out blue dress from Mrs Nixon’s pattern.

Tues. Oct. 4

Susana was at meeting tho not well at all. coughs awful. Basted up & fitted my dress. fits fine first thing so have pattern ready to return tomorrow. Think ‘twill be very neat & practical. Writing letters these nights. Have several ready for morning.

Wed. Oct. 5

I try to have 1 hr. for quiet prayer & Bible. We do so need heart searching & cleansing. I want all pride & selfishness which causes so much criticism, taken out of my heart. I feel we must have God’s power in our lives or this work will come to nothing.

Thur. Oct. 6

No letter from Shaffers so we don’t know what to expect tomorrow. Guess we’ll just wait & see. 5 out to prayer mtg. Night school has begun. Guess they must have settled something about the lamp oil. Kamoni wont send his youngsters any more so wont supply oil.

Fri. Oct. 7

And tho no wire came - they did. all Shaffers 5 & Mrs Lichty & Mary. in L’s car. Mrs. S. has awful sore places on her legs. like burns. All very tired & ready for bed early. Mr S & R.D. upstairs in big bed. Mrs and Grace & Esther in other house.

Sat. Oct. 8

Kitchen help left after finishing work. We got diner then ab’t 1 we went. All was interesting and enjoyable until ab’t 4:15 when cold wind started. We had tea in the building then left just as dust storm turned to cold ran & hail. Got home alright. and this eve had gramaphone. Sports will finish tomorrow & foot ball in P.M. & warriors on Mon.

Sun. Oct. 9

Mr. S & R.D. went to Narok. Brot mail. said George of M. carried off most all of the medals. Very few out at our service. Quiet restful P.M. Quite necessary - Mary & Esther fuss all the time. Read “Spiritual Awakening” after a good sing.

Mon. Oct. 10

Another “spasm” as Mrs Lyon calls it, left this morning. They were going to see the Dr. about Mrs S. & then go to Kijabe. not waiting for more sports as Mrs. S. was quite miserable again. Clarke came to lunch. Have wash soaking. We are going to C’s for supper. When was the last time?

Tues. Oct. 11

Had a pleasant evening last eve but went again tonight & it was fine. Radio works very well now. Got news & such good music. Last night he was rather fussed but tonight things went fine. Womens mtg. Washed big wash of sheets etc. All dry ready to iron tomorrow. Knitted at Carol Mays sock.

Wed. Oct. 12

Both ironed all A.M. I went to school some. Asked Mr C. up but he declined - said he was busy Jno should come down for music. So after prayer mtg he went but Mr C. had just left for Nairobi. Have no idea what his rush was. A red lily is open - 6 huge flowers. on one stem. Got some letters off.

Thur. Oct. 13

Intended to write letters all eve but such a nice mail came that it took til 8 to read it. Nothing from Congo but from all the sisters & Floyds. S’s got back OK but Mrs. is still in bed. Wants Ana - but I know she can’t go. Ken’s want to come out next Thur for week end. Alright.

Fri. Oct. 14

Again thot I’d get letters off but Mr Clarke is back & asked us down. We staid til almost 11. There was some grand music violin & piano but the reception was poor. Got better later that’s why we staid late. Finished knitting one sock. Wrote necessary letters this P.M. so all can be posted tomorrow. Miss Utting has lamp stand at Eldoret she wants us to take to her.

Sat. Oct. 15

Milaun took letters this morn. Not much kitchen work. but Ana did not come as she has a new baby sister. Mr. Clarke came to supper & then we went down & heard punk music til news time & came home & looked at program & find good music on now!

Sun. Oct. 16

Got up with very bad head & hasn’t let up entirely yet. Letter from Cl. saying he’ll leave up there Nov. 14 so he should be here by 18 or 19. A week earlier than I dared ask for. He also said R & S were at Aba. so we’ll no doubt have news one of these days. Took George’s picture with medals. Putuputu & Ana & Bessie were on too.

Mon. Oct. 17

Found the water tank empty so didn’t wash. Jno cleaned it out & cemented it - & water will be turned in in the morning. I knitted at rug quite a bit. Have about decided to send it to Alice with the elephant feet. Mr Clarke sent up a jelly cooler. Looks like it might be pretty fine.

Tues. Oct. 18

Washed tho we could get no water from the tank spring as it has to fill a couple of ft. Used from the rain water tank. Wasn’t much wash. Heard today that Clarke has gone to be away 2 wks. don’t know where. Women’s mtg. Cut out & almost sewed white slip. Got letters off. Terribly windy these days.

Wed. Oct. 19

And now the B’s [arrow drawn to previous year’s visit from Major & Mrs. Buxton and Count Dernhoff] have been separated for months. It does seem too bad. We had such a pleasant P.M. that day. So very windy again. tho cloudy some. A regular dust storm this P.M. Jno thinks Dr. & Mr. Shaffer may be out with K’s but I don’t think so. We’ll see.

Thur. Oct. 20

Have the other house all ready for Kenneths. It rained a bit about prayer meeting time & no one came but Milaun. I wrote the boys. and finished Carol Mays socks - 1 pr. Morima says there’s lots of quarreling up here because I suggested we send col. to Narok for church. & get School fees to pay Milaun. Shauri on Sat. We are waiting for Ken’s but haven’t come & it’s 8:30.

Fri. Oct. 21

And they finally came 20 to 10. We waited up for them. Men walked about & we talked. tho I baked pie, cake & bread. They brot some of their records along so we had our prayermtg this P.M. and music this eve. I knitted at rug. Sitoya brot the sheep we bot from Kinyanjui.

Sat. Oct. 22

The men drove to the lower falls - for the day - brot back lots of fish: shenzis & black ones. Ivy & I had a nice quiet talky time. More music this eve. ‘til after 10. No one had rested & yet all seemed loathe to stop the music. Almost finished the orange stripes in rug.

Sun. Oct. 23

Kenneth preached. don’t know what he said but he held their attention. There’s been lots of dissatisfaction & quarreling up here. Kamoni is Dictator it seems so wont send his children to school as he is opposed to giving Church money to Narok Church. Ken’s left ab’t 3 P.M. They want to come here if it seems best.

Mon. Oct. 24

Ana helped. Got all washed. It rained pretty hard last night & was cloudy today but all got dry. Mending done. & knitted some. Wrote Mrs Riebe. 3 wks. from today Claudon will be on his way down. D.V.

Tues. Oct. 25

Am thinking so much of Sara these days and wondering. [expecting baby Elizabeth] But it is such comfort to entrust them to the Father’s keeping. Morima is putting roof on his house & wanted the evening off. & Ana didn’t come either by mistake. but she is stopping now again til next mo. A week from today is next mo!

Wed. Oct. 26

Again I got supper then we were going up to see Morimas house & it began to sprinkle so we hurried back. Ngoiboni came & said Clarke’s car was broken at the Mara & he himself had gone to Nakuru to get parts & had sent ‘em to Clarke. Got a few letters off. Guess the big gray cat is gone for he’s been missing 2 days & 2 nights.

Thur. Oct. 27

Thot sure we’d have word from C. but nothing. Do hope to hear on Sun. Word from Ivy. They got back by 8 Sun. eve. No one came to prayermtg. none came last wk either. Guess we’ll call it off. The old gray cat came in last night. Thot he was gone for good. Clarke came in this eve & up here to supper. Visited Nyakeiru & new baby.

Fri. Oct. 28

Rained last night & quite a bit this morning. Wanted M. to clean the stove at supper time but he didn’t come so I went at it & when ab’t done a note came saying he was hunting 4 lost sheep. I did the work. Wrote boys. last to Cl. he should be here 3 wks. from tonight. Dad made the box for the elephant feet.

Sat. Oct. 29

Baked do nuts. bread etc. M. cleaned. Music this eve so I made a good start at the pram cover. of white 8 ply. My needles are larger than Ivy’s & I added 10 sts so mine will be several in. larger but its very pretty.

Sun. Oct. 30

We really should have gone to kraals this P.M. but some are sick & I was - - well, perhaps lazy but I had a good long time for Bible & prayer. Mail this eve brot word Florence Elizabeth had arrived on Oct. 20. They & we are so pleased. Now we can’t get there soon enuf.

Mon. Oct. 31

Yes, I remember a year ago very well. [leopard after cat, crashed window] & we still have the cat that was on the window sill. but only because I shut them in every night. Have the snap trap set at the chicken house. One took the bait last night. Morima has stopt work. Wants to work at his house - & Ana can do it while we are alone.

3 wks. from today Claudon leaves for down here. Rays will hardly get home & turned around before we’ll be there. Am writing them & it will go whenever it can. Accomplished quite a bit this mo. for I go to school most every day for a bit. Hope next mo. will end at Bafuka. [Raymond & Sara’s station in northern Congo]

Tues. Nov. 1

I got up first this morning & found a civet cat was caught in the trap & was dragging the trap around. Called Dad who killed it with a stick. Am setting trap again tonight. Had womens meeting. It rained some just at dark but not much. Mr Clarke not back yet. Ida came to school today. Quite a few letters ready to post.

Wed. Nov. 2

Just after we had finished our supper rather early a note came from Clarke asking if he could eat with us. so I said yes. for I knew ‘twould be rather late. and Ana got a few veg. ready & cold meat. etc. He is just back from his farm at Subukia. Says it’s raining up there lots. We may get some here some day. No prayermtg this eve.

Thur. Nov. 3

Nice home mail. I ate something last eve that upset me terribly. I went to school but didn’t eat any dinner & drank soda water. Jno said no bell rang for mtg so we didn’t go. as we went for 2 wks & no one came - but today 2 came. but Jno had gone to Clarkes. Rays letter written Oct. 7 came today finally. Sara is pleased with crocheted set. Head better tonite.

Fri. Nov. 4

11 yrs. ago today we landed in Mombasa. 2 lily stems opened this year. [arrow drawn to 6 open previous year] Got several letters ready. Have still 6 or 8 home ones to get off. but there’s another week before Shaffers come so ought to get done before that. We hear there’s drinking going on here & other sins so we are not having communion on Sun.

Sat. Nov. 5

Sent a nice bunch of letters to post with Mulungit. Ana cleaned & I trimmed & tied up geraniums. Jno went down to see Mr. C. staid to tea & Mr C. came here to supper. Tho’t we might hear radio music but he doesn’t seem to feel well. Lovely moonlight night. I took Ana home.

Sun. Nov. 6

Didn’t have communion for we’ve been hearing of drinking & sacrificing that’s been done by some & still they come to Communion so thot we’d better call it off. Went to a near by kraal & had 10 women out. While reading our Keswick address a note came from Mr C. asking us down to supper 7:30! We didn’t go.

Mon. Nov. 7

Washed & went to school. Ida only came. Milaun isn’t a howling success as a teacher. Clarke asked us down to supper. We got nice music from London but after announcements he turned off to something else & then twas no good. Supper was very good.

Tues. Nov. 8

Every thing as usual. Wambui only at School. Womens meeting with 13 there. Seems to be an annual affair. [arrow drawn to previous year, Mr. Clarke putting out lots of poisoned meat for leopards] Just now hyenas are awful & he is going to poison them. He has guests tonight. Jno heard them come. I have a good bunch of letters ready for the post.

Wed. Nov. 9

Wrote Flo Gunn. Have 3 or so home letters still to write then I’ll get those ready I want to send back from Congo. Fixed black silk scarf. Helpt Ana of Soibi get started with pattern of sweater. Sitoya’s children came & I took picture of them & elephant feet. Now will get them packed up ready to take. We’ll be getting pretty excited by a wk from now.

Thur. Nov. 10

Well, we wonder will Cl. be here by a wk from now? Only 2 at prayermtg. Mr. Clarke came up to supper. Is leaving on safari tomorrow. Wanted us to have his radio but Jno thot better not as we too will be leaving soon. Nice home mail. Al & Co. wrote. No rain yet & so hot.

Fri. Nov. 11

Packed Cora’s box of “feet”. Milaun seems more asleep than awake some days. I wonder if malaria is working in his body again. Got some letters written so have quite a few to send tomorrow. Mr C. finally got away this P.M. Seems to feel badly at not being with us for Xmas. He’ll be lonely unless he finds some one to be with.

Sat. Nov. 12

Etta’s mother turned up here yesterday. I was so surprised. She’s having trouble. Tagi’s bro. wants her to go away but he wants to keep the children & she wont have that. She wanted several dates from me. I fixed up Bible readings for women while I’m away. Also wrote Cora on machine & made copies of contents of box. Very tired tonight.

Sun. Nov. 13

Will Cl. be here next Sun. night? [arrow drawn to previous year, wondering if Claudon & Raymond would be there in a wk.] They were last yr. let’s hope he will. Mail etc was kind a upsetting. Sitoya is trying to arrange to go to Rumuruti again. Foolish fellow. Says he’s sold his house & garden! Ray says Van Dusens want to come down so we better go to Oicha first. We’ll see what Cl. says. Went to near by kraal.

Mon. Nov. 14

Wonder is Cl. on the way tonight? Ana washed. I went to school. Milaun is awful these days. I’m going to see if Mulungit can’t get him to go to Narok for medicine. This year Linnells & Losiers are on the way. Drs. go to Mombasa next wk til their boat is in Dec. 5. No Shaffers yet. Tried to rain but didn’t succeed.

Tues. Nov. 15

Ironing done. & womens meeting - both not to do again til Jan. I’d like womens meeting to keep on. We do have such nice times. 15 there today. Am asking Sitoya to translate the lessons so we can keep note books next year. I fear one of our cats ate one of the little chicks. Cats have hung around the coop all day. Wish we could see just where Cl. is. Milaun seems to be getting bad again.

Wed. Nov. 16

8:30 P.M. & no Shaffers yet. Claudon will get here before they do yet. Hope he’ll be here by tomorrow night. I wonder! Wish we could see Cl. [arrow drawn to previous year wishing to see where Raymond & Sara were] Milaun went to see Dr. at Narok & says he must go again tomorrow. Dr is giving him quinine injections. & I do hope ‘twill help him. Sitoya has a pass to go to Rumuruti so he will likely go & see if he can get any work.

Thur. Nov. 17

Bed time & neither Shaffers nor Claudon have come. but the post came & no word from any one so we’ll have to wait another day. 3 were out to prmtg. Why more don’t come, I don’t know. I asked Mulungit to come I wanted to ask him ab’t school but I guess he’s mad at me for he hasn’t come.

Fri. Nov. 18

And Shaffers did come in last night at 10:30 and this P.M. when we were having prayer meeting Cl. came. Dad saw him come around the bend while I was praying! Well, we’re all so glad he’s here. He broke a part of his car at the border and lost 2 days or he would have been in here on Wed.! Then he would have surprised us.

Sat. Nov. 19

Busy but don’t see much accomplished. baked 2 pies. Have packed most things. Washed Cl’s clothes. & ironed. Mr. S. brot radio here & it’s very clear & nice tonight. Sent wire to Davises we’ll be there early Mon & want to get to Nairobi early. Dad & I will likely go to Mr. D’s & Cl. stay at Devitts. Bessie of Kashisha helpt a bit.

Sun. Nov. 20

Meetings as usual. Many children in S.S. Getting near Xmas! Shaffers went to Narok also Milaun. Paid him off when he came back. & said there’d be no more school. So he said he’d ask Mr. S. for work. Sitoya & Mulungit came to talk ab’t school next year. We have said that we’d pay the teacher if folks would send their children. & Sitoya says he’ll teach, if we can give him wage.

Mon. Nov. 21

Got away by 6:15 & had tea at Davises & then they came with us to Nairobi. Got a few things done but plenty left for tomorrow. Farnsworths & Miss Horton are here too. Shipped the elephant feet to Mom. cost only S. 6 + for freight. Cl’s car spins right along & roads are good so got along fine. F’s & H go to Ravine too on Wed. Miss S. is fine & jolly. We 3 in one room.

Tues. Nov. 22

Got shopping done by lunch time. So got away by 2:30 & got here just in time for tea at Ken’s. We are at Mr Downings for the night & Cl. at Devitts but had supper at Girls’ Home. Poor Ruth has been in bed & must stay there for some time longer. Had a lovely evening. looked at stars thro telescope.

Wed. Nov. 23 Ravine

Got here ab’t 3. before they were quite ready for us. They knew F’s were coming so were ready for all of us. Had lovely chicken dinner & pumpkin pie. Emily said “pre-Thansgiving” celebrations. Fs came in abt 5 P.M. They have the guest house & we are up stairs. Stanley is a live wire. Chas hasn’t been well - swelled spots come.

Thur. Nov. 24 Kaimosi Thanksgiving Day

Got away by 9 & stopped in Eldoret. did a bit of shopping. F’s overtook us here & we all went a couple of miles toward Kapsabet & lunched. Then on again & got the table for Miss Utting & on here. Mrs. H. had invited all station for early supper out side. Others came too Lady Somebody - very nice time. Mr. Bell & wife called. They are at Kapsabet & very well liked.

Fri. Nov. 25 Toward Gulu

Camped beside the road as the Rest H. at Lira was occupied. We came 320 mi. today - 20 miles mistake. Roads straight & good. Did between Soroti & Lira 76. in 2 hr. 20 min. Hardly seems possible we’re really on the way and if all goes well only 2 more nights on the way. Had lunch beside the road - nice? shady place. but 10 mi. on wrong road. made real time this PM. Ice soda water at Soroti.

Sat. Nov. 26 Aru.

Went 30 mi. wrong today - way up to Nimule instead of Laropi where Nile Ferry is. Got to Arua at sundown but refunding Cl’s customs on guns took long so got to Aru almost 8. Then unloaded boxes etc & left at customs & we went on to the Mission. Miss Groat & Pontiers only are here. Two ladies out camping. Cl. couldn’t get his Primus to work this morn. so we had no tea all day & Miss Groat’s supper was so good and tea. We’re so grateful to be this far.

Sun. Nov. 27 Aba

The native in customs would do nothing for us this morn so we returned to Pontiers & he went with Cl. & got every thing thro but the ammunition. & then we got off. Twas so lovely of Mr. P. to do that. Ate lunch under hi bridge where we had eaten with Devitt. Got here ab’t 3:30 & drove up to Van Dusens. Had lovely orange juice drinks & to Brills for supper. More orange juice. & still more before bed. while listening to radio.

Mon. Nov. 28 BAFUKA

And now we’re really here! How good God is to us! Ab’t 12 the tire went down which took ½ hr. to fix. We ate an orange & drank tea & came on. Went up to Dungu with table etc for Utting. Had tea & came on. Found the way alright. got here ab’t 6. Which was in very good time. Found them really expecting us. Dixes had left early this morn. Babe is a darling - dark hair & dark eyes & skin compared to Johnny. Their house is lovely. see back of book

[from back of diary] So thankful to be here at Raymonds. It’s very pretty. The house is wonderful for this country. burned brick. with wire screen windows & celotex glass shutters. Lovely roomy rooms, yet cozy too and so well arranged. making it handy for Sara to get about. The whole country from Dungu here has been far more interesting than between Aba & Dungu.

There are stretches of road thro dense forest and then villages near the road - & wherever there was a person who saw or heard the car there was a shout. Sara knew the car was coming by the shout of the people before she could hear the car.

We are in the guest room with lovely big windows & plenty of breeze. The beds are mahogany frame strung with auto tire strips & rope making them very comfy & plenty springy. And how we enjoy sleeping. Baby Betty is a dear. really very good. and surely very well & chubby. Takes her orange juice each morning like a major. We’re all guzzling orange juice these days. tho it’s not so hot as we expected.

Dad is very delighted with the place - and R. has said we ought to stay here when we retire. not in the States. Saw the spring & the nice huge orange tree that has lovely big luscious oranges on it. Sara goes over for P.M. School. I visited too - it’s very interesting.

Tomorrow, Fri. we go to Niangara. Next week Mr Van Dusen comes & the men go with him to Zemio in French Equatorial. Then Sara & I will get sewing done. Sprinkles a wee bit. & that cools it off some. We’re rather thinking Eriks may come up & get us after Conf. Twill make our stay very long tho. so I don’t know if we can.

Tues. Nov. 29

I piled a tray with 10 lbs cheese, a long bolony and apples & candy & stuck 4 candles among it for their wedding anniversary. We’re all so sleepy & tired yet, we got nothing done but things put away & our rooms & veranda tidied up. music tonight of the records we brot. I knitted. Sara may send the pram cover to her bro Rob. for their new baby.

Wed. Nov. 30

Ray is still working at doors and other things in this nice new house. And he says it didn’t cost over $200. The nice mahogony grows here in the valley. & the palm rafters a short distance from here. Screen windows & celotex came from Wards. Claudon has been mending tires & also found something wrong with the back spring. Makes us all the more thankful that we got here alright.

And here we are again enjoying an unbroken family circle. We didn’t think it could be, last year; but it seems to please God to let us be together again. We are so grateful to Him. And, like last year, we have another whole mo. of enjoyment ahead of us. May we do only those things pleasing to Him.

Thur. Dec. 1

Just at daylight natives came in carrying a huge wild pig they said a lion had killed. so Ray & Cl. set a gun trap and we’ll see what we get. Tried to get some letters ready to post. but am not feeling very well tonight. Stomach has been upset. I took an atabrin at breakfast. My bowels have been very loose. perhaps too much fruit all at once. Am feverish tonight too.

Fri. Dec. 2

I’m sure I never had a more painful night than I had last night. I ached so in my knees & hips I couldn’t find a position which was comfortable enough for me to sleep. so I tossed & groaned & turned & too my bowels are awful. Don’t understand what it is. vomitted too. The others think it is the atabrin I took yesterday morning. Had fever too. but aches seemed better so got up & went to Niangara but slept most all day there. They have a lovely home. large & well made but not so cozy as this is.

Sat. Dec. 3

Slept much better last night so have helped some with the work today. We got the living room curtains hung and Dad got some pictures fixed & hung so it looks real nice. Dining room is still to do. Went over to market this eve. Very interesting. Ate veg. stew for supper & it tasted good. First food I’ve enjoyed since Thur. Breakfast. Twin’s birthday today. Dad wrote Eriks to come for us after Conf.

Sun. Dec. 4

Went to A.M. service. Ray preached. 150 or more out. Went for long walk thro pretty woods. Had quite a thunderstorm last night. Ray rushed around to get canvas over windows. some haven’t shutters made yet. Got our own supper- had our service & some music. I’ve felt better today but had awful cramps last night. some again tonight but not so hard. Diarrhea continues. I wrote Sloops with Sara. Wonderful sunset.

Mon. Dec. 5

Have felt almost normal today & really enjoyed my food. Sewed curtains all day. Had such an awful storm last night that Ray & Cl are very busy making shutters for the east rooms as the rain blew in badly. So couldn’t put curtains up til shutters are up. Dad still working at pictures. Every one has some thing to do to help make the house nice. Enjoyed the music so much tonight. Almost finished the pram blanket. No sign of rain so far.

Tues. Dec. 6

Didn’t accomplish much today. washed hair, pressed & put ribbon in pram cover. gave to Sara. She may send it to her bro. Johnny has such a bad cold. Working at guest room curtains. Wonder if Mr. Van Dusen is at Dungu tonight, we’re expecting him tomorrow. Started knitting Johnny’s socks. Have had such headache at back of neck for two mornings. leaves after breakfast.

Wed. Dec. 7

Today has been a scorcher. and even now at 9 there doesn’t seem a breath of air. Lots of smoke tween us & sun. Mr. Van D. hasn’t come. Hope he comes tomorrow. He’ll bring latest news. Ray hanging outside doors today. All curtains up but ours & they aren’t ready. so many bias ruffles takes long to do them. & I baked pies this A.M. too. Word came this morn. that this branch road is being repaired today. The bridge out for repair. so perhaps God withheld Mr. V.D. from coming today.

Thur. Dec. 8

Not quite so hot today & very smokey. Sun looked very red & tonight moon looks like an orange. fires on all sides. I’m so thankful I feel better than last Thur. Tho I do have much headache. Finally finished the last curtain & it’s hung. Some pictures yet to hang. Dad is making & painting frames. Men are leaving early for a hunt.

Fri. Dec. 9

Men got off early & didn’t get back til 7:30. S & I almost decided something had happened to them but they had shot some water buck & the porters were so slow in bringing it in that they came away & left 3 - & brot 3. some part grown. So we have a leg for a nice roast. Ray is all ‘fed up’ because of seeing so much meat. Rained quite hard this morn so its been cool.

Sat. Dec. 10

First thing the men went out & brot in the other 3 waterbuck. Every one should be happy with so much meat. They are to dry some for Xmas. We had a leg roast. It was good and lots of cold left for other days. Plans are brewing ab’t next week. Sara I wish the men would go on & leave us in peace.

Sun. Dec. 11

Services as usual: Xians meeting at 9. Gen’l one at 10 or so and Ray has sort of Sun. Sc. at 4 P.M. I staid home & baked bread & took care of dinner & let the boy go to services. It’s decided we are all leaving for Dixes in the morning & will leave a note for Mr. Van D. so if he comes he’ll know where we are. What Gypsies. See a yr. ago. [this date previous yr. family together camped at Guri guri in Kenya]

Mon. Dec. 12 -Dixes-

We got away ab’t 8:30. Had a very pleasant trip tho pretty hot. Betty is very cross because she’s so tired. About 6, Mr. Van D came in. Had stopt at Bafuka & had something to eat & left there at 3. Guess he drove pretty fast. So glad he got here. This is a lovely station on top of a hill over looking miles & miles of Zande land. We are in Miss Brown’s house.

Tues. Dec. 13

Sort of Kacengu thunder storm this morning. They intended leaving ab’t 8 but it was after 11 when Mr. Dix was finally ready. but they were all jolly and are going to have a good time I’m sure. Sara & I got some letters written and I got some knitting done. would have done more but played “Fiddlestix” with the others this eve. Johnny played quite nicely with the children today.

Wed. Dec. 14

Woke up with very bad neck & was awake a lot in the night. Took aspirin at noon so feel alright tonight. Knitted some & wrote some letters. Miss Brown had P.M. tea with cakes baked in her new brick oven. All were very nice. She & I had tea others had ovaltine. Prayermtg tonight. told something of womens work in Kenya. Wonder if men are at Zemio. Lovely sunset. did they see it?

Thur. Dec. 15

Felt good this morning but after break. my head got nasty & I was so sleepy. slept over an hour this P.M. & ready for bed by 8. Wrote a good many letters & knitted some too. This eve Miss Brown had women come for meeting in her house. Sara spoke to them. Been cloudy & cool all day. Washed some. Sara is sewing suits for Johnny. The time goes so quickly.

Fri. Dec. 16

We seem to be fated to be separated from Claudon on this day. [his 28^th birthday] for they didn’t get in so no doubt they’ll come tomorrow which means we don’t get home til Mon. Mrs. Dix doesn’t seem to mind. Had prayer mtg this P.M. & eve as this is prayer day. Didn’t know Congo folks kept it too. Was feeling very miserable all A.M. better P.M. & eve. Shall take quinine again tomorrow & if I’m upset I’ll stop taking for a while.

Sat. Dec. 17

They came in about 8 P.M. all tired as they had come from Zemio. They seem to have had a good time. I got some letters off. and knitted & finished reading “Fine Gold”. This has surely been a lazy week & I guess if Sara & I had staid at Bafuka it would have been pretty long. miss Brown baked a lovely spice cake & iced it. Says tomorrow is her Mothers birthday but we’d use it for Cl’s too. Cl. only remembered his when he filled out some papers & saw the date yesterday.

Sun. Dec. 18

Went to A.M. service. It’s been very hot today. Had a lovely dinner tho a bit late. roast duck, sw. pots. carrot salad. gravy - and then Mrs. Dix brot in the cake with ab’t a doz candles on. We sang for him & then I cut it. ‘Twas lovely. Had a quiet P.M. We S’s went for a long walk & after supper Dad led a mtg. & we sang too. Mrs Dix is very tired.

Mon. Dec. 19 Bafuka - Carol is 3

I ached a lot last night so didn’t sleep well. We got away a bit before 9. Came along without any trouble. Stopt at Dourma ate lunch on this side. Dad & Cl. coming with Mr Van D. as Ray had a load of chairs. They thot they’d be in tonight but it’s bed time & they’ve not come yet. Everything looked nice when we got here & I’ve got boquets cut & Ray has the chairs placed: 6 arm wicker for living room & 6 dining room. All so very nice.

Tues. Dec. 20

The men did get in last eve - while we were still sitting talking. Got their supper in a hurry & as beds were all up they were soon in ‘em & we in ours. Mr. Van D. left this morning for Dungu & Aba. He will surprise his wife by coming in early. Mail man left this morning too. I made fondant & put away for candy. Baked bread.

Wed. Dec. 21

R. & C. left this morn. on bicycles for a chief’s place 15 mi. from here to shoot waterbuck. for Xmas. Took chop box. May not get back til Fri. Sara sewing at Johnny’s suits I’m working button holes. When on way to Zemio Dix, Cl. & R. went buffalo hunting & killed 4. Glad we didn’t know about it or we might have worried. I sewed Cl’s pyjama jacket so he has 2 new suits.

Thur. Dec. 22

Just as we came in from a short walk the boys came back. Say they killed 2 but could find only one which will give our people here a Xmas treat if not a very big feed. Glad they are here. Played Glory Road tonight, slowly & got all the words written down. Dad has trellis for bougainvillia all made & vine partly put up but will leave the trimming til Sat. when they want to decorate church. All program and eats etc will be Sat.

Fri. Dec. 23

Made sea foam, peanut & cocoanut brittle, & this eve worked out the fondant into 6 dif. kinds. Sara made cocoanut cake. I baked ginger cookies & we iced a few. Boys put up tree & decorated living room. Used a fine leaved, yellow flowered shrub for tree. but it looks very pretty. I brot most of the decorations along. Wonder where Mr. Clarke is. Sorry he can’t be with us. Very nice mail came. We got several letters. so did Cl. Dixes & our Niangara order got mixed we got theirs & no doubt they got ours. Mr. English is very busy.

Sat. Dec. 24

Before daylight we heard singing at distance & ab’t 6 they came here. out schools & boys from here. Dad was up early & out trimming up bougainvillea so they could have what he cut off. They took all flowers & then they decorated the Church. looked like a palm grove. with strings of flowers hanging down. They take all sorts & string ‘em on long grass & tie to fronds of palm. very pretty. Ab’t 11 A.M. we had the meeting & dif. outschools sang songs. The big chief of district was here in his car & with his followers. see back.

Sun. Dec. 25

Meetings: 2 this A.M. communion service at first one. Good crowd at second & over 200 I think. Evening meeting on now. Sara & Ray went. Had a nice walk to the garden & then to some of the houses. Our dinner was roast chicken & stuffing - etc & mince pie. Mrs Van D. gave Sara the mince meat. Johnny was delighted with his car & the trapese & dancing monkey. Rained hard this eve.

[from back of diary] Sun. night. We gave the chief tea while we ate lunch. Then Ray talked with him while we rested and about 3 the sports began. All planned and carried out by the natives. Early, before break., big drums were put on fires & the meat was cooked. The waterbuck Cl shot. Then during sports women cooked the “olgali” & a huge chunk was put out on leaves. Twas interesting to watch ‘em stir & pound it singing all the time & keeping time with the poles they were stirring or pounding it with.

The pillow fight was funniest. also the sack race. Took Dad’s picture with the chief. At 5 all sat in groups of 10 or so . & then each group got a dish of meat & a lump of mush. cooked stiff. Twas all the work of the natives. The leaders however were short of meat for themselves we were told. At dark the chief left & we had supper. and then the bon fire. It was huge. & how they all sang song after song. & then Ray ran the gram. for an hour or so especially for out school children. & how they looked & laughed.

At 9 Sara & I came in & put things by the tree. Mostly just for Johnny & Betty. How delighted Johnny is with his car. he likes the trapese too & the dancing monkey but the car is best. Sara gave me some gray silk stockings. They’ll be lovely with my black shoes. I took a picture of the family this eve. Do hope it turns out well. And now Xmas is past. and we’ve enjoyed it so much. Probably the last we’ll have together til 1940. on way home. God knows what is best and we thank Him for this lovely time together.

Mon. Dec. 26

Boy washed. I cut out & worked at smocking on carol’s dress. made of what was left of my blue crepe. Ray working at shutters for living room. shavings strewn around. Took organ into our room. Took tree down & all decorations. Cl. working at book shelves for along west wall. Pretty warm today.

Tues. Dec. 27

Ironing boy sick so I ironed our dresses. Worked at Carols dress. are writing letters these evenings. Lots of colds & coughing among natives & Dad seems to have it some. He took a long walk today. most out to one of the out schools. Got 2 chickens today and are to have a new dish tomorrow of gourd seeds done with the chicken - natives do it.

Wed. Dec. 28

Dad took a still longer walk today in a different direction. Got back late for the delicious dinner of chicken & seeds etc. My, it was good. R. finished the shutters & Cl the book shelves. and all look so nice. and the room is all cleaned up. and we’re having music. Ray is ab’t sick with cold. Sara finished Johnny’s khaki overalls.

Thur. Dec. 29

Hottest day we’ve had since we’re here. Ray has been lying down much but seems better this eve. Baked bread & buns. Finished Carol’s dress. Intended having picnic today with sauerkraut & weiners but put it off til tomorrow. Hope it isn’t so hot. Dad finished putting up pictures. Put books in new case. looks very nice & room for still more. Music tonight.

Fri. Dec. 30

How well we remember a yr. ago & speak often of it. [visit to Ngorongoro Crater] Had our picnic today down by the stream. Very nice. Ray is better but he had night sweats. Seems to be sort of flu. Haven’t accomplished much today. That’s sure. Cooler tho. cloudy & threatening rain some. An insect bit or stung me on wrist & just below knee.

Sat. Dec. 31

R & I up at 3:30 to develop pictures - he is determined I must have his camera. says my pictures are too expensive. He wants a new one any way. So he went over the book of words with me & Mon. I’ll load it & try taking some. Those Dad took of John & Maria are no good so I’ll try that again. Also a close up of Betty. Did 4 rolls of mine & 1 of Rays. Only 2 no good of my 24. Finished J’s socks. Were going to cotton shed but no cotton is being bot today.

[from back of diary] Dec. 31. 1938. By looking over the pages of this book for the yr. ‘38 one can certainly see God’s wonderful love & guidance thro it all. Last year we hardly hoped for such a lovely time together this year. and now we are planning a trip to So Afc. for ‘40 & then home from Capetown. Guess we’ll all just stay on the job until Oct. or so 1940. Then these all come down to Kenya & after a bit of visit go on down South.

Betty is getting so big - noticing her fists now. and laughing & cooing. & John is saying some whole sentences - tho he usually repeats the last few words of what is said to him. Many the world over are keeping watch night tonight. God bless them all & ans. prayer this yr. as never before. How wonderful to know He goes ahead.

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