Florence Minch Stauffacher Diary – 1946.                                                                               Index

Tues, Jan. 1

And now another yr. has begun. What does it hold for us. Mr. de Wilde came bringing Miss Chansler - H.A.M. She didn’t wait for my reply. I hustled & got her room partly ready - will finish tomorrow. All here to hi tea. Wrote Gail and now another yr. nearer reunion. Rays should be at Bafuka by now.

Wed. Jan. 2

I surely did things today. Set up Agnes’ bed & rearranged furniture etc. so I’m pretty well settled in my room now. A little mail came from Beni. Letter from Lo. They were expecting Cls after Xmas. Wonder if Rays are camping tonight at some school.

Thur. Jan. 3

Chickens are dying & found them full of mites. So caught all & peppered well with pyrethrum. Made curtains for window & dressing table - of red flowered chintz - Very pretty. Am expecting to go to Oicha tomorrow with Widmans. Hoping to see Agnes once more.

Fri. Jan. 4

I can’t remember it’s ‘46. Had a lovely time at Oicha at Bells. Agnes may go next Thur. I’m so glad I went. Did a bit of shopping. Dr finished with Widmans before dinner. He says I should take atabrin 5 days a wk. Usual dose is 6 a wk.

Sat. Jan. 5

Wonder if Agnes is going on Thur. Baked bread, ginger bread & pie (berry). Mr. Widman went with Harry to take the family for a ride. He says H. is doing very well. They are talking of going to the Watalinga on Mon. H. to see the schools & W. to get his elephants.

Sun. Jan. 6

40 yrs. ago today Mrs Rhoad & I landed at Mombasa. Communion - all went. Had mtg here this eve & when Harrys went home they sent down lovely mail. Home letters & Sara. She says our Ward order parcels are there. all but one. So Dr. will be bringing my part down next Fri. It’s hot these days.

Mon. Jan. 7

Hope we do again this yr. [arrow drawn to previous year, “got a bunch of calendars from W.C.T.U.”] Mr. Widman got off ab’t 9:30 with 5 porters. & Abieba as cook & gun bearer. A. has left Miss N’s employ & wants to be Harry’s chauffeur. Finished R’s letter & one to Mrs Westervelt. Made some strawberry jam.

Tues. Jan. 8

Cleaned the room at the other house & made up the beds. Wonder if Mother H. is celebrating in heaven. Wrote Agnes & Jim it goes with butter man - only just because I’ve thot of her so much today. Stormed this eve but little rain. Wrote Cl & Gl. Am taking atabrin 5 days of the week.

Wed. Jan. 9

Went to garden - came up by Dad’s path. it’s not so bad & is used a lot by the boys. Washed my hair & all bathed before dinner. Had tea at H’s & talked & we were asked to supper. A very nice time. Fire got into weeds below garage & when pr mtg finished twas pretty large. H. beat it out.

Thur. Jan. 10

Word came Mr. W. hit an elephant but it got away. Worked at living room curtains. but didn’t get them finished. Baby Sandra has very sore arm from vaccination & it has brot out fever. She has written to him ab’t it & he may think best to come back. We expect S. will be OK by morning. Mail is ready.

Fri. Jan. 11

Mr. Widman came in just before lunch. He met the man that was taking Mrs W’s letter so he hurried right in. Porters came later. He got one quite good elephant. Sandra is better but still runs a temp. & her arm still looks bad. Got ½ a big pig - lots of nice lard & meat for Oicha too. & its pd for.

Sat. Jan. 12

Had such a lot of stuff ready for Dr. and then he didn’t come. He is to bring my Ward order. Mr. W. may go over on Tues. Made pies & scrapple & salted quite a bit & made sausages. but didn’t can any. Had music & I almost finished Frieda’s sock.

Sun. Jan. 13

Nice quiet day. Meetings all as usual. Read & wrote letters. Nice mail. one from Cora & the one Gl. wrote - posted at Naples Sept. 22! How well I remember last yr. [family & others together at Blukwa] & how scattered we are now. Weisses, Cls & many others at home. Mother H. in heaven. Kens home. Rays in Zandeland. I here.

Mon. Jan. 14

Harrys all & Mr. W. expect to go to Beni & Oicha tomorrow… taking a picnic lunch. Hav e more mail ready to go. Put up curtains in our room at other house. & put up pictures too. Want to get berries picked early to send along to Oicha.

Tues. Jan. 15

Had break. early so they’d get to P.O. in time to post letters. They came ab’t 6 brot the parcel from Rethi and a big mail via Goma. Nothing yet from Gl. but many Xmas cards and a parcel from Ruth Cable of writing paper. The Ward things are nice too. Am getting U’s screen cupboards put into magazine & will keep canned things there.

Wed. Jan. 16

The kapita [chief/head man] where elephant was shot says men refuse to bring tusks so Harry is sending 6 today. Went to garden. There are lots of strawberries to pick. Shaffers and Blakeslee have permits so should be getting out soon. The bedroom slippers are too small. gave to Miss Chansler.

Thur. Jan. 17

Picked lots of berries. Canned 3 ½ qts and made 3 qts. of jam. Mr. W. not feeling well. Had to have our letters ready this eve as the mail comes earlier than formerly. I got several off & have another ready to go.

Fri. Jan. 18

Prayer Day. I went to Harrys. I have pain in the pit of my tummy - these days. I wonder if it’s atabrin or what. The tusks came in today - 23 & 25 kilos. Now he’s getting things together for the Mt on Mon. Then he may try for another elephant.

Sat. Jan. 19

Baked do nuts banana bread & usual pie & bread & buns. Miss N. gave me peaches & I’ve canned 1 ½ qts & made some jelly. Mr Widman is buying a pig for meat for his porters. It’s a bit large so I’ll take some. Music tonight. I ran it. Mr W. feverish so went to bed.

Sun. Jan. 20

Quiet & restful until just before evening service when the mail came. Such a lot. 2 from Cl & Gl. and many others and so many wanted me to come home. I’m real homesick & wish much I could be there now. Kenya Conf. closes today.

Mon. Jan. 21

Mr Widman got away in good time & is no doubt at the first camp. They killed & dressed the pig so took it all. The parcel from Wards was the records & the sugar cure salt packed on top of them. all the small ones are broken & 2 of the 4 of Beethovens 5^th Sym. are broken. I’m so sorry but the packing was very badly done.

Tues. Jan. 22

Made curtains for wardrobe in my guest room in big house. We were at H’s for supper. Cement floors are being put into Miss N’s house. She has used all of Claudons.

Wed. Jan. 23

Made ab’t 4 ½ qts of strawberry jam. and ate all we could. and there are still more in our garden & haven’t picked any in Miss N’s. Had nice walk thro garden. One of the Kijabe bananas are setting fruit. Washed hair.

Thur. Jan. 24

Canned 2 qts peaches and made jam & jelly. Wonder if Mr. Widman is at last hut. hope so. Got quite a few letters off. To M. Wards ab’t broken things etc.

Fri. Jan. 25

Harry went to get Mr. W. after dinner & he was waiting for him. He came down to first hut yesterday after spending some time on the glacier. He got nice pictures - he thinks. He is very glad he went.

Sat. Jan. 26

Not much baking but was busy til bath time. Almost finished altering Mother H’s pretty lavendar dress. have lace to put in collar. It will be very pretty. No Betongwe ladies yet. Music. Alice came so had mostly classics.

Sun. Jan. 27

Everything as usual. Harrys ate supper with us - cafateria style. No mail man yet. Talked long after service. Before supper walked up to Dad’s hut then down to the river. Harry has fixed up the path nicely.

Mon. Jan. 28

All but Sandra & I went to the big rock valley above Jacquemans place. Got back for dinner. Miss N. wanted Miss Chansler for dinner & I forgot to tell her. I’m ever so sorry. I asked if she could go tomorrow but got no reply so don’t know.

Tues. Jan. 29

Looked all thro the chest of drawers for the dicky I got from Wards. can’t find it. Am fixing Mother H’s lavendar. Made jam of strawberries and peaches & canned some. Breakfast is ready for Harry. Mr W. and Miss Chansler who goes to the bus - just beyond Beni.

Wed. Jan. 30

They got away before 6 & expected to eat break. on the pontoon. and tho they left Miss Chansler waiting for bus - they heard she got it. They had dinner at the hotel & got back here just after tea. The Betongwe ladies have come.

Thur. Jan. 31

Misses Stock & Hogan are quite lively & they & Widmans have good times. The ladies are both still at big house (together) as we are waiting to see if Miss Settles may not come with Harrys on Sat. Killed a pig. Men go for bush buck in morning.

Fri. Feb. 1

Plenty busy all day. Alice sent strip of cocoanut fibre rug for small guest room. It all looks nice. Baked & did other things. Men came back at 8. brot water buck. Shot an elephant but it got away. Have everything ready for Oicha.

Sat. Feb. 2

Kept Gordon & Shirley as Al went with Harry & Mr. W. to take Yosia & family to Oicha enroute to Blukwa. All ate here when they returned ab’t 7:30. Had peach dumplings for supper. Salted some of the water buck. also fried some & will pressure on Mon. Pressured a piece with the pork ribs but twas too tough to eat. They brot organ.

Sun. Feb. 3

Organ didn’t go very well as there was a hole in the bellows. but I put tape over it & now it goes better & we had a lovely sing. Miss Hogan plays guitar. Miss N. came to supper but then got late to our meeting.

Mon. Feb. 4

Just last night as I read the chapter I again thot of reading loud for Dad. [arrow drawn to previous year, “Seems queer not to read loud so Dad can hear.”] Will never do that again thank God. Men got off for a short safari to Sibindiris. Hope to get elephant. Found the 2 jars of meat ready to pressure - all spoiled. The buck is so tuf I’m afraid ‘twould be hard to use.

Tues. Feb. 5

Knitted sleeves for Mary A’s green sweater. Intended going to the river for lunch but it looked so rainy so ate in our back yard. Al & children came too. Note from Harry said they are at Sibindiris but hadn’t yet gone for elephant. Big fires across the Semiliki.

Wed. Feb. 6

And they [arrow drawn to previous year, “A Whitlock family were aboard the Clipper that crashed recently - we wonder if they are our T.T. workers.”] were. Two boys left at home are all that are living - 3 boys killed & parents. Seemed strange when workers are so needed. God never makes a mistake. Word came today that Widmans don’t need to go til 2 wks. from today. Getting a few letters off & made some jam.

Thur. Feb. 7

Trimmed up some of the roses at the big house. Word from the hunters they haven’t seen an elephant yet. Getting letters off this P.M. Sewed up hem on Mother H’s blue & white dress. Twill be comfy these hot days. Planning to go out to the men just for a picnic tomorrow.

Fri. Feb. 8

Ab’t 10 we all left for Sibindiris where we found the men eating a hurried dinner as elephants were reported near. We all ate together & they hustled away. We rested a while then came home & were expecting them tomorrow but they came ab’t 7:30 but had gotten no elephant. Every one to bed early.

Sat. Feb. 9

Not a lot of baking but kept busy. Unpacked camp things. Had music & popcorn tonight. I’m trying to get friendship quilt blocks finished still have 2 or 3.

Sun. Feb. 10

After supper we went for a walk to Dads hut & Andrea came up saying Jim had come so we hustled down. He is staying here in the small west room. We had a nice sing. He showed me the cable from Agnes “Test positive. breast removed. Fine.” So glad it is over with.

Mon. Feb. 11

Jim & Mr W. left after break. Jim for customs & W. to shoot an elephant if possible. He got a small one. Were back for a late dinner. Jim had a good rest. He has been entertaining the others with old time doings. He is so jolly usually.

Tues. Feb. 12

Wrote Agnes after Jim left. The folks went up the lookout point. Got back just at noon. Had a hot tho interesting scramble. Saw the Mt on way up. Sandra was lovely - never whimpered. Butter man came but no butter but mail from Rays with Gl’s letter & their pictures - so nice. The boys “O” over Billys picture.

Wed. Feb. 13

Writing letters most all day. W’s are getting packed. Canned 3 qts tomatoes. Pembed little east room. We find we have enuf brick to do the bath room floor so we will go at it on Mon.

Thur. Feb. 14

At breakfast time a boy brot valentines from Gordon & Shirley. Widmans are pretty well packed. They have been so generous. I think I can get the kitchen floor done too - if there are enuf bricks. Have letters ready. An air to Gl. & one to Ag.

Fri. Feb. 15

They left right after breakfast and the house does seem empty. Got ½ pig & made sausage & canned 3 qts. Pembed the little hall - tomorrow the ladies will move down. Guess Penningtons aren’t coming. Harry stays at Butembo tonight.

Sat. Feb. 16

Harry returned in good time - brot some things from Beni but no mail. He brot fresh fish from Pauls. They were very good. Usual baking. Music this eve. Almost finished outlining Friendship blocks that Miss F. didn’t get done.

Sun. Feb. 17

Six mo. today Elmer left. As Mrs Propst says. 6 mos. nearer reunion! Nice quiet day. Gave Al. dried fruit and tin of lemon snaps. Took long walk after supper. Mail came this P.M.

Mon. Feb. 18

When we had all out of bath room ready to tear up the floor - we found the mason had left - taking the wife of one of our men. We went at it any way & now 1/3 of the bricks are laid - & lots of sand sifted ready to mix with cement.

Tues. Feb. 19

The men finished laying the bricks in bath room but some need fixing better. Every one here to supper - and enjoyed it. Girls made salad also helped with cake. Harry takes a patient to Oicha tomorrow.

Wed. Feb. 20

Miss N. moved into her house. had lunch here. Harry went & got back quite late so no pr. mtg. Men had to take up a lot of the brick again - they were not level. Had letter from Gl. Jan. 8. They were in Wheaton Cl taking treatments for bilhartsia. They hadn’t seen Miss F. but heard she had been dismissed from hospital incurable. So sad.

Thur. Feb. 21

They are all packed up and ready to go early tomorrow. Miss N. has asked me to eat with her. The cement is ¾ down in the bath room & it looks very nice. I’m going to paint the wardrobe white while it is outside. Had a time getting door off - Miss Stock helped & we managed.

Fri. Feb. 22

They got away in good time & were back by 4:30. Saw lots of animals & brot fish too. I ate both meals with Miss Noweck. It was very nice. I made 6 copies of Scripture Union card. Men finished bath room & step too. Looks very nice.

Sat. Feb. 23

Made a bit of strawberry jam for the girls. there are only a few these days. Did the usual work & had music. Miss N. came - also Hurlburts. Had butter scotch.

Sun. Feb. 24

Letter from Rays saying the brown sugar is at Oicha. Miss Moore can’t come for May - schools have just opened - polio epidemic. Miss Larsson comes a wk later. Meetings as usual.

Mon. Feb. 25

Trimmed the rest of the roses at the big house. put in lots of cuttings. Sorted dress pieces this P.M. Stormed in the valley but we got only the cold wind. Wrote Cls. air. Girls will add theirs.

Tues. Feb. 26

We started on our picnic with packed supper. but got only to Mr. Jacquemin’s for while talking with him - I bot a bag of cement - it got darker & we came home & before long the storm struck here. torrents of rain with wind. We ate by the fire place & popped corn & played Chin checkers.

Wed. Feb. 27

Plastering up patches in ceilings and around base board in bath room. Will pembe tomorrow. More rain this P.M. Gordon was quite upset because his Daddy closed pr. mtg before he (G.) prayed.

Thur. Feb. 28

A lovely morning so we 3 went to the 2^nd valley. It was lovely in there because the sun shown bright. Not hard to get there now - & easier still when Mr. Jacquemin gets his road made. Pembed bath room & ceiling spots. Miss N. killed a pig.

Fri. Mar. 1

Girls went to Jacquemins & got potatoes. Took ½ pig from Miss N. so were busy most all day with the meat - got some done for Mrs Becker & the girls too. We made marshmallows this P.M. Man came from Oicha & brot lots of home mail from Beni. Mrs Becker wrote Dr. may not be able to go north next wk as there’s a man there who was mauled by leopard.

Sat. Mar. 2

Folks all went to paradise & back for dinner. All had supper here of waffles. Had games a bit of music and marshmallows. Wrote Miss Frost.

Sun. Mar. 3

Nice quiet last day together. Had supper at Harrys & listened to Addis Ababa radio service. Very nice. Made a thermos of coffee to drink early. Keeping Jock in bath room these nights as a leopard is around.

Mon. Mar. 4

Have had 3 meals alone. It isn’t fun but I’m thankful for the nice time we had. They got away by 5:15. had coffee before they left. Feel lonely tonight so wrote Gl. & Cl. Was awake so early I’m sleepy already 8:30.

Tues. Mar. 5

Finished fixing up wool comforter for Betty. Went to Harrys for sauer kraut dinner. Good. My head is bad - throat sore & I’m sneezing so will go to bed. Harry has bad cold too. Did many various little things but rested long because my head was bad.

Wed. Mar. 6

Somewhat better today but a cold is getting hold of me. Went to garden. 2^nd banana tree is getting a bunch of fruit. Laid out quilt blocks of friendship quilt. Hard rain & wind ab’t 4 P.M. Soaked down pretty well.

Thur. Mar. 7

Today had a passed on letter from Pierson Dec. 19 saying Miss Frost was operated on and found so full of cancer there’s no help and not long to live. We do feel so sad. Rained much in the night and also today. Every body is planting. Sewed one side of blocks for friendship quilt.

Fri. Mar. 8

Made 2 ½ qts of strawberry jam and baked bread & coffeecake to take along. Was so surprised when they brot up so many strawberries. Have every thing ab’t ready for going tomorrow.

Sat. Mar. 9 Katwa.

Got away after break. Met Brand & Epp in Beni. H. had to see ab’t tire but we did no shopping. Ate lunch between Beni & Butembo. Met Paul etc going to Bu. Found Chas & Paul had left on Thur. for bus at Katwe. I am in the house car. It’s very nice. Seems strange. They are such a small family. Took walk to lake.

Sun. Mar. 10

Quiet day for us but Paul very busy as many teachers are in. We brot Miss Fraas to Katwa yesterday - met her in tepoi. Communion service today - such a crowd. Had good nap & read a lot. Had a nice sing this eve. Hugh plays cornet in church.

Mon. Mar. 11

Got at teeth this P.M. & found 3 cavities - didn’t finish all. neither all of Alice’s. Went fishing - caught a few. Played checks. Wonder if our lady is at Butembo. Crocheted some. Finished reading Master’s Violin. Very good.

Tues. Mar. 12

Finished teeth & got cuttings etc & got away by 10:30. Did shopping at Butembo where it rained hard. The car has no starter so must be pushed. Found Miss Larsson at Beni hotel. Couldn’t get much as we were loaded. Left Masikini to walk as we were packed full.

Wed. Mar. 13

All went well til coming up thro the hills on this side pontoon the car stopt. Men pushed & pushed but it would not start. Grass fires were along the road. We stopt near village & slept in car. this morn. got a man off quickly with note to Mr. Ingels to come get us. Then Men pushed again & lo - it started & we got here by 7:30. Have been getting straightened & things planted. all very tired.

Thur. Mar. 14

Planted all things brot from Katwa. It has been rainy all day. Clothes didn’t dry at all. Harry pembeing cook house so came here for tea & supper. Miss N. killed a lamb.

Fri. Mar. 15 Alice Wentworth.

Pr. day but we forgot about it. Mbafu Moya is working in Busairio’s place as his wrist troubles - guess he sprained it. Baked a husband’s cake for Al’s birthday & if Dr. comes he will take it. If not we will eat it.

Sat. Mar. 16

Dr. came. brot brown sugar ordered last Nov.! Was glad to get a chance to send some things to Mrs. Becker. He says Schuits seem willing to go to Rethi. Thank God. He fixed H’s car too. Gave me dope for my cold which is very nasty today. Hs here to supper & music.

Sun. Mar. 17

Quiet day. Took walk to Dad’s hut. I didn’t go to service as my nose needs too much attention. Miss Larsson went with Alice. Miss N. put argoyrole into my nose again. Gordon read the chap. My throat is better. No rain.

Mon. Mar. 18

Again no rain & very hazy & smokey big fires on the Kaparata hills. Took walk to garden & washed hair. I surely can’t report much on P.M. work. Today tho I typed some Kingwana verses for Miss N.

Tues. Mar. 19

Mail man came & brot nothing so sent again hoping it has been returned from Butembo. Strawberries seem on most as hard as ever. Showed Miss L. the falls and brot back a maidenhair fern root. Hope it grows. No rain today.

Wed. Mar. 20

Our hearts are all heavy tonight. About noon when I wanted to get milk money ready I found some one had almost emptied the bag of silver Frs. only 17 left. and there were ab’t 900 in it. It must have been done the night Jock barked so hard while we were away. Boys came up & put her [cont]

Thur. Mar. 21

into the kitchen thinking a leopard was around. Sending a man to de Wilde to see if he will help. Miss L & I had pr mtg. Thur. Harry talked long with elders & folks but no one will fess up. He says he will talk to them on Sun. & if no one confesses he will go to de W. on Mon. I think it’s pretty late to inform de W. but perhaps best to give the Lord & the church a chance.

Fri. Mar. 22

And this morning the white Kenya rooster was missing. They traced it to Bagene’s house & his wife owned up that they ate it. Shauri was on most all P.M. This A.M. he took all the men & brot my bath tub up from the forest. It is abt ready for paint. H. thinks they are on the track of the frcs too for some folks here have many Shgs.

Sat. Mar. 23

H. went to de Wilde ab’t Bagene & 2 soldiers came & led him away with a rope round his neck. Suspicions were centering on Andrea ab’t the money. He owned he took 10 nails. but no money. H. urged him to own up but he wouldn’t. We are all praying he will. We took walk along water ditch & had supper at Dad’s hut. Every one tired - body, soul & spirit so went to bed early. No music. Miss L. likes the organ but not gramaphone.

Sun. Mar. 24

Early this morn. Yakobo came saying Andrea, wife & baby left in the night. perhaps toward Watalinga. H. sent 2 fast men & a “green cap” after them. After S.S. H. talked to the folks & they had pr. mtg & we here prayed much. If he will only confess it would be so much easier for all.

Mon. Mar. 25

Andrea returned & came & confessed having taken the money - a bit at a time he says. & spent it all. Has Fr 90. & 8 sh. only in cash. Had lots of stuff too, bits of dress materials, Cl’s shirt, quite a lot of nails, etc. etc. They are sending Yakobo & another to A’s bro. up north and A says he will give the Frcs to pay back. I wonder! Lowest estimate is 830 Frs. A. is staying here til things are settled. Church will decide punishment.

Tues. Mar. 26

Rays letter sent by Jim came today with butter man. In it he says Schuits are taking over & Rays were packing or getting things together. The children wont come for May. but Miss Blanchard will. Harry has put bath tub in - but not usable yet.

Wed. Mar. 27

Altho we had berries picked yesterday & I made 12 glasses of various shapes & sizes of jam yet today when we went down we saw lots more. I have no bottles left. “What can do?” Alice came for pr. mtg. Rained a bit this P.M. Writing letters.

[from back of book] Mar. 27- ‘46 Great concern for Cl & Gl. their status in A.I.M. Our path may often be thorny and briary, but always there has been the Hand to brush it aside. C.A. Cary.

Thur. Mar. 28

This yr he is doing mine. [arrow drawn to previous year “Went to Harrys to see bath tub.”] and when it is painted ‘twill be fine. Got quite a few letters off. Am praying much these days for Cl & Gl. If Council think best they should resign, then God will guide their next move.

Fri. Mar. 29

Got yellow comfort together but not stitched. Miss Larsson is making me a dress. The material Miss Noweck’s folks sent me for Xmas. made with peplun - looks nice. We had dinner with her. Very nice. Wrote Ruth & Tom.

Sat. Mar. 30

Ruth Barnett’s birthday so wrote her. Had all here to waffle supper. Bake “husband’s cake” & had strawberry whip. Music til 8. Then talked & ate our oranges & go to bed.

Sun. Mar. 31

Very quiet restful day. Miss Larsson & I went to Harrys for cafateria supper & the Addis Ababa Vesper service. Twas quite clear. Talked late. Ray writes not sure Schuits will take over. but I hope so.

Mon. Apr. 1

Hot tho cloudy. Big grass fires on the plain but hope we get more rain soon. Quilted yellow wool quilt on sewing machine. Looks alright. Now will get yellow things in the small guest room.

Tues. Apr. 2

Clouds & rain most all day. No workmen. Did various & sundry odd jobs. Finished yellow quilt & marked John’s & Betty’s. Sorted pictures & films that came from Leo. Send some to Betongwe & some to Widmans. Pd. help. Went to Hs & played Chin. checkers for an hr.

Wed. Apr. 3

Men are taking out big stones & widening the walk in front of Miss N’s. Made jam again. Can hardly find any thing to put it in.

Thur. Apr. 4

All boys went to meet Med. Insp. at Mutwanga. Miss N & Miss Larsson went too - took lunch then Mr Jacquemin brot them back. I wrote letters & did some mending. Miss N came to tea at 3. I got supper. No cook or table boy. I had given permission for them to stay.

Fri. Apr. 5

Put new collar on black & white tobralco dress. Miss Larsson cut out & has it partly sewn - a dress for Miss Noweck like the pattern she made mine after - has a peplum.

Sat. Apr. 6

Didn’t sleep so well & got up with headache but it left after I got to work. I ate too much paipai I guess before going to bed. Miss L. has an orange & I paipai - but no ill effects usually. Made ketchup. Wrote Rhoads anniversary letter.

Sun. Apr. 7

Communion. Mail came after break. and brot Sara’s letter saying they plan to come for over Easter. They will drive all night Wed. It is most too good to be true & course many things can hinder but at any rate I’ve a wk. to enjoy the plan before another letter can come. Rachel C. is in Kenya waiting for permission to enter Urundi. To H’s for supper & Addis Ababa broadcast.

Mon. Apr. 8

H. put ward robe in the small guest room. It’s very nice. also enameled the bath tub. I made organdy ruffling for yellow curtains. Men widening path have ab’t finished. H says Frs. 500 in cash has been brot & a sheep & a goat with 2 little ones. I’m grateful for all and will try to use it to His glory.

Tues. Apr. 9

Fixed up boxes in kitchen for keeping lanterns in etc. Sewed at yellow curtains. Al brot Sh. 72.50 of my stolen money. Then there is a sheep - which we may have for Easter - & a goat with 2 little ones. So, it all comes to Fr. 1000 (with the 120 cash he had.)

Wed. Apr. 10

Cold & wet as it rained hard this PM so no one came to pr. mtg. Alice came to try on her dress & staid to tea. H. also came. Mr de Wilde sent Fr. 80. in payment for the rooster Bageni stole. B. is in prison. Made strawberry jam. but now sugar is finished.

Thur. Apr. 11

Today I killed a pig - 38 kilos so we should all get plenty of fat as well as meat. Lifungula brot up at least 20 bunches of bananas because Bwana Raymond is coming. Next Thur. we’ll be together - a wk goes pretty fast. Sewing at curtains etc for yellow room. Not all finished yet.

Fri. Apr. 12

Worked all day. Jamming after dinner. Yuda took care of the meat, mostly. We fried down chops & sausages. and made a nice lot of lard. Got a bunch of letters off. Worked at curtains etc for yellow room. Have John’s room ready only to put chest of drawers in. Wrote Rhoads anniversary letter.

Sat. Apr. 13

I do remember a yr. ago so well. [Claudon sick] and now he’s had his treatments & seemed better when they last wrote. Hope I’ll hear this mail. I keep feeling so concerned abt their status in the Mission. Mbafumoya cleaned window in guest room & I put up curtains so all is ready.

Sun. Apr. 14

No mail man came so I don’t know how to plan. but the Lord will lead. Quiet restful day. Had supper at Harrys again & listened to Addis Ababa services. In morning service Kitambala spoke in Kinandi. Wonder how old Miss G. [Grindley] feels today.

Mon. Apr. 15

Cleaned cook house. Pembed all over & cooked on N’s stove. Mail man came & said there was none so it must have gone to Butembo again. and I waiting so anxiously to hear from Rays. I made coffee at 3 & all had it at N’s. Yellow room is all finished now.

Tues. Apr. 16

Hope the mail man gets in early tomorrow. Had such a nice steady rain this P.M. after clouds blowing in all A.M. Moved chest to small east room and have Betty’s bed up. So all is ready but the big bed & that will be tomorrow. but … are they coming?

Wed. Apr. 17

Miss L. sleeps at the big house & beds are ready here. Jock is tied up and as things are ready, they probably wont come. Man returned from Oicha with the letters sent for Dr. to take. Dr. left Wed! An old letter from Ray but nothing recent. Our mail was in Oicha bag. Alice came for pr. mtg.

Thur. Apr. 18

My, my, how we’ve watched the road today but no one has come and so I think plans have changed somehow. The Beni mail man hasn’t come either. It’s been a restless unsettled day for all. 40 years ago tonight we 3 brides had supper at McKenricks.

Fri. Apr. 19

I tried to “trust” that it was best they shouldn’t come when ab’t 10:30 they came breezing in. My, it was the best sight. just Rs. and they w’d have been in yesterday but they waited for Dr. to return. & he didn’t. Baked the birthday cake. & have sponge ready for buns. They are so tired & enjoy sleeping. It’s so nice having Ray at head of table.

Sat. Apr. 20

Not many mothers at 65 have such a happy time. All came ab’t 4 & got things ready for cafateria supper. Large fruit salad on lettuce leaf, cake & tea or lemonade. Marshmallows, fudge & then all the lovely gifts, on separate paper. Such a lovely time. Then gram. & radio music. Miss L finished knitting her bro’s sweater. Sara at mine. I sewing at Friendship quilt. ‘tween blocks.

[from separate piece of paper] Birthday gifts at 65: crocheted cross book mark - Mary A. Embroidered kerchief made by Betty. Material for house coat Miss Larsen. Yardleys Lavendar perfume Miss Noweck. 2 packages cocoa Mrs. Becker. Very pretty wood motto “He Cares” John. 1 kilo sugar cubes - Shirley & Gordon. Yellow Turkish towel - Alice H. Yellow bath towel & 4 clothes tied up like dolls in a packet, Xmas seals, little doilies paper Mrs. King & V.M. Package of 4 jellos & 1 candy Mrs. Propst. Silver cabinet - Kaimosi wood - Ray & Sara. Lovely - all of them.

Co. has sent hearing aid. Lo. writing paper & Xmas cards. Miss Frost pretty kerchief. Agnes - letter by air. Jessie Blanchard, Nabiscos. Perfume, Miss Moore.

Sun. Apr. 21 EASTER

Virginia May - 15. Princess Elizabeth 20. Miss N & 8 leaders sang special songs & took charge of service. Mail came. Letter from Cl & Gl while they were visiting Monroe & Hooppole. I’m so glad they met so many of the relatives & friends. G. does remember names so well. and is making a “hit” with our people. Sang long this eve.

Mon. Apr. 22

Ray, Sara & Harry went to Oicha & Beni - brot flour etc etc. and Miss Blanchard. Alice & children ate here - stew & dumplings. Miss L. cut out & made the house coat. She does very nice work. On my birthday, Alice, Miss N. & I all wore the new dresses she had made.

Tues. Apr. 23

Children spent most A.M. at the river in bathing suits. How they do enjoy it. Rays plan to stay til Fri. P.M. then take Miss Larsson to Beni & they stay at Oicha all night & go on early Sat. morn. That suits fine, Miss Larsson has cut out & mostly fitted Sara’s green dress.

Wed. Apr. 24

Trying to get some letters off. Picked Miss N’s berries. They are lovely. Made ab’t 4 qts. jam. Miss N. & Miss Larsson were at Women’s Conf. at Musabahoi ½ way school. Got back ab’t 4 and report a very nice time. Over 400 present - counting every body. Nice pr. mtg here early - so children staid up.

Thur. Apr. 25

Ray put in Miss N’s front door. Looks nice. The last day. The week has gone so fast. Finished Gl’s air mail. Sara wrote too. Every one here to supper on back lawn. Then popped corn & played Chinese checkers. & knitted & sewed. Hasn’t rained hard since Tues. P.M.

Fri. Apr. 26

A busy A.M. getting car packed. They left at 3 - so every one had a good rest. Miss Larsson went along - so Miss Blanchard & I are alone. It seems very empty around here. They want to leave Oicha very early in the morning.

Sat. Apr. 27

Hope they got to Rethi in good time. Headache each A.M. but goes away by P.M. Baked rhubarb pie - and nothing else. Every one here to waffle supper - but H sent his up as his ankle was burned with acid - bottle in car spilled. Not enuf waffles. or too many people.

Sun. Apr. 28

Alice staid with Harry. Children went to church with us. We went early to see S.S. Mail brot air from Cl & Gl of Apr 1. for birthday. Birthday card from Co & letter from Becca. also Mrs Propst. We went to H’s for evening service. Had supper here by fireplace as twas rainy & cold out side.

Mon. Apr. 29

Rained most all P.M. & evening. No workmen came. Harry is around again with a limp. Worked at spread for my bed. Took ruffle off washstand & put band on. Will use ruffle material on spr’d. as it is too narrow as is.

Tues. Apr. 30

Baked bread. Harrys ate dinner tea & supper here & will again tomorrow. Water broke over so had a big job on the ditch before plastering could be begun. Men clearing stones from rose bed. Want to set out roses soon. Cleaned out pond.

Wed. May 1

Hurlburts here all day. Lovely strawberries from N’s garden. Over 3 qts. of jam and lots to eat raw. Jessie & I took walk to Dad’s hut. Had pr. mtg early. Remembered especially Japan & countries controlled by her as the Emperor has said he is no god. May many find Christ, especially the Emporer.

Thur. May 2

Got the Ward order finished. Not all I wanted but I guess it’s enuf at least it comes to $35. Harrys here all day. A sprinkle of rain. Flies - the biting kind are so bad these days.

Fri. May 3

Working at Americani bedspread. trimmed with flowered chintz - to match curtains. We have tea at 3 and so I get very little steady time at sewing. Sent a man to Oicha for butter. Wrote Billy’s birthday letter.

Sat. May 4

Ab’t 3 PM Uhlingers & Basha arrived. They hadn’t seen Rays as they came straight here from Aba, Todro, Aru, Blukwa, Bogoro, Oicha. B. says Eriks came with them. They all flew from Cairo & Eriks flew on to Kisumu. Lots of talking. Basha went up to Dad’s hut in her ramble.

Sun. May 5

Communion. Mr. U. preached & conducted service. Quiet short P.M. but got letters stamped & finished up & the man has taken them. All ate cafateria supper here. Not much rain.

Mon. May 6

I’ve had no time to be lonely today. [Line drawn to previous year; “no time to be lonely” as company was coming.] My I wish I could get hold of Billy now. Hope Mrs. Propst has had a happy time. Had strawberries both times - shortcake for supper. Mrs. U. finished hers after a few games of checkers. Quite a hard rain over supper. They will stay for dinner tomorrow I hope. Lora’s parcel of diary & Xmas cards came.

Tues. May 7

They left ab’t 2:30. Lots of last things to see to all A.M. Sent a bit of jam & tomatoes to Mrs Becker. also the cheque for the rest of the Fr. 1000 that were stolen as I promised the Lord. Sibamuruda found a big pan of mulberries. Tired tonight so played checkers & going to bed not yet 8.

Wed. May 8

Wonder how Rhoads celebrated. I got remit - & here are $100 from Cl’s. Bless ‘em. They didn’t know how badly I needed it. How very well I remember the past yrs. Especially 2 yrs ago in this very room - the very happy occasion. [mock wedding, John & Florence’s 38^th anniversary] Basha said there’s some little technicality ab’t Gl’s acceptance that is holding things up. I pray constantly only His best for them. All had tea here. Hs eat at home now.

Thur. May 9

Wrote at letters mostly. Such a lovely remittance deserves prompt replies. Miss N. called & we talked long. but finished Lo’s letter and almost Saras & wrote 2 on machine.

Fri. May 10

Had lunch (chicken) with Miss Noweck and supper at H’s & checkers afterward. Got quite a lot of letters written & Jessie & I had checkers as usual before going to bed. A very lovely day.

Sat. May 11

Did usual baking. Oicha man came with letters from Beckers & dried fruit from a parcel to Agnes. Dried apples ground up was one sort & I boiled some at once. Very good.

Sun. May 12

Now a yr. & 6 mo. [arrow pointing to previous year “6 mo. of heaven for Dad”] No Sat. mail yet but sent ours by our man. Tho we will get it when we go Wed. Such a nice quiet day. All services as usual. I don’t like to think of being alone next Sun. Have had a time to write Agnes right. Spose Jim is most there by now.

Mon. May 13

Letter from Mrs Becker says Jim flew from Leo. so he is with Agnes by this time. Sewed a bed spr’d. It’s taking longer than I thot but twill be nice. Jacquemin says there was no mail for us. We’ll see Wed. Lovely heavy rain at supper time. Flies are terrible these days.

Tues. May 14

Finished the Am. spr’d for my bed. Have things ready for Oicha too. Jessie & I must have a last game of checkers. We had tea at H’s - invited ourselves. She hasn’t finished reading “The Robe” so will take it along.

Wed. May 15

Got off in good time & went to ivory & I to P.O. then to Oicha. Dr. says this foot trouble is local & I’m to bathe it each day in hot & then cold water. & rub good. Gave me med. also. Did shopping & came on fine til just before Mutsora turn off gas was gone. Just then Mr. Doucas & another came & he turned back took us to Mutwanga turn off & went to hotel & got petrol & took out. H. came & we got here 8:10.

Thur. May 16

Didn’t accomplish much. so showery that no one worked much. When I went to the kitchen last eve to see ab’t Jock’s food I found a lovely dish of mac. hot & ready to eat. I took some to Hs.

Fri. May 17

Alice & I went to the garden. I bathed my foot again. Wrote some letters and embroidered some at the pillow case. Took a tea bag & went for tea. We are all very low on tea. Harry put a knob on the front door so it can be closed from either side.

Sat. May 18

That dog Bob’s brot 3 yrs ago is still our dog. These days the biting flies are bad. she lies under my bed. but am putting her out now as its not so bad. Baked bread, buns, pies. canned 2 ½ qts mulberries. Made 4 qts dill pickles & 2 bottles sw. pickles. Washed my hair & had Miss N. to supper & H’s after supper for checkers & music. I played til 9.

Sun. May 19

Miss Simpson writes Mrs. Riebe is better again. so perhaps she is having a happy birthday. Let’s hope. Cut lovely roses, early. At breakfast time it began to rain & kept it up til after noon. A nice day to read & write & have a grate fire. Harry says bricks will be ready Wed.

Mon. May 20

Had the 2 workmen pounding & sifting cement all day. I took things out of cupboards. have one ready to paint & the others in the dining room. It isn’t too bad. Moved machine into east room & put the white table before window. Started at silk stocking rug. ravelled all & will do over. ants ate it.

Tues. May 21

Men cleared out the floor - down about 10 in. or more - all ready for brick in the morning. Ab’t 7 P.M. mail came & paint. Andrea went on bicycle yesterday morning. Now I can begin painting the cupboards. Had tea at H’s.

Wed. May 22

Wish I were at Placentia today. [sister Cora’s birthday] Couldn’t lay brick today as they are not yet cool enuf to handle. I painted the pretty cupboard. Had dinner at Harrys. They came early to pr mtg. have written Miss Chansler and it is only 8 P.M. so I’m going to run the gram. for awhile. Want to sort out records.

Thur. May 23

The men finally got a start at the kitchen floor. Then had heavy rain from 10 to 12. Miss Noweck at a women’s conf near Mutwangas. Baliatire’s school. She stopt here for tea - almost 5. I had dinner at H’s. Mrs. Becker writes Alice may come with Dr. Played the 2^nd drawer of records.

Fri. May 24

The brick aren’t all down yet so wont get the cement in tomorrow. They will come tho & finish brick work. Made mustard pickle - worked at rug. Do hope Dr. brings empty jars - such lots of cucums & tomatoes from garden now. Had dinner at Hs.

Sat. May 25

A. Yr. ago! [Claudon & Gladys left for U.S.A.] Was up early & got bread mixed but it didn’t raise very well. Dr. came but not Alice W. Guess she doesn’t care to. Basha is stationed at Oicha to work with Dr. for 6 mo. Miss Green goes north. Dr wants me to come over so he can use the electric needle on a small red lump near my eye. H’s here for checkers.

Sun. May 26

Mr. Jacquemin sent word there was no mail put off for us. got a few letters ready for the post. Meetings as usual. H. went to Mutwangas for mtgs at out school. Says car goes fine. he found the choke was caught so it was open all the time. Had rabbit dinner at H’s. I did it here in pressure.

Mon. May 27

Finally got a man off to Oicha. Have cement 2/3 done. I painted cupboards. Went to Hs for finishing rabbit. had stew & dumplings. I sowed quite a lot of flower seed that Mrs Becker sent. Wrote Della. Music & am crocheting edge on hanky for Mrs Becker.

Tues. May 28

Awakened early & ‘twas raining & kept at it til 10 or so & then several showers. Good for the seeds I planted yesterday. Men finished putting in cement. There’s part ¾ of bag left. Painted bath tub. Spots where paint was off. Played 3^rd drawer of records last night. will do 2^nd now. Wrote 2 letters.

Wed. May 29

H. not feeling well so didn’t come to pr. mtg but at dark the mail came so I’ve been over at Miss N’s reading Gl’s lovely long letter written Mar. 14. Also a nice one from Ella Spees. Worked outside all A.M. tho it was showery.

Thurs. May 30

Went to garden & then read letters & talked stamps. A dog from the village ate one of Miss N’s turkeys. It also dragged Widman’s elephant foot around & ate quite a bit of the sole - so we threw it over the precipice. Harry wants to go to Oicha Sat. or Tues.

Fri. May 31

And this finishes May. How fast the mos. pass. Painted bath room window casing & frame. Looks very nice. There was such a brilliant rainbow just over the baboon head [mountain peak above Ruwenzori station] - like in Rev. the throne has rainbow round it. Then the most glorious sunset too. Had dinner with Miss N. Finished embroidering Sara’s slips.

Sat. June 1

Baked - but felt badly most all A.M. and so much running out to the kitchen. Made marshmallows for Mrs Beckers birthday. Miss N. helpt and then we had coffee at 5. Jacquemin’s black wife brot her baby - it has pneumonia & she is staying a few days. Rain this eve so no checkers.

Sun. June 2

A lovely quiet day. Awakened early & had a long time for prayer and He seemed very near all day. Some teachers were in as it was communion Sun.

Mon. June 3

And today the letter came in which Gl. says the Mission will not accept her. They are hoping she can serve in an associate capacity but haven’t heard and haven’t very great hope either. At first I felt like crying out - then the burden was lifted and I prayed my trust would not fail. They do not know just what the Lord would have but are trusting Him.

Tues. June 4

Left ab’t 7 & met Paul who said Dr. Barnhouse and Mr. Jaeger S.S. Times - were there. All had dinner then they left for North & down the Nile & to Addis Ababa and Palestine & Keswick. after they left Dr. took care of my cheek. Changed tires 2 times. Did a bit of shopping & got mail.

Wed. June 5

Got home ab’t 8. Miss N made me some tea and as my head was aching I took aspirin & went to bed. Got nice letters from home. Cl & Gl are enjoying Calif very much. Today painted kitchen window & tomorrow we’ll put things back. I’m so glad it’s done. Alice has very bad cold so only H & children came early for pr. mtg.

Thur. June 6

Worked all day at getting cupboards in place and arranged & was stitching the red plaid curtains - ab’t 4:15 when Downeys came in all unbeknown to me til Miss N. came & said they were here. Boys came & we soon had them settled. Dr. Woodhams was away so they couldn’t have teeth work done now.

Fri. June 7

Dining room mat went out & some pembe work was done & windows cleaned. We baked bread. Strawberries were picked & I made a lot of jam. & ate all we could. They haven’t walked out at all. Seem to enjoy just resting & reading.

Sat. June 8

Before break. word came the leopard had killed a pig & the men had it cornered. as H has only Cl’s large gun he asked Mr. D. if he’d go. less than ½ hr. later they brot it. Quite a large one almost 7 ft. Hs came down for checkers and music. brot nut fudge. Miss N. came for music. Wrote Agnes air.

Sun June 9

Cloudy & cool so had fire most all day. Services as usual. Al. didn’t come out all day. her “grip” is troubling. Just before supper we walked along the ditch to the parting of the paths & I showed them where they could go. Dad’s hut to river & along water ditch.

Mon. June 10

Made “bread & butter pickle”. Don’t know how good it is. Mail came & a letter from Ray saying he wont go to Kenya, Mr. Cook will. That means Sara wont come here. I’m disappointed. I’m thinking a lot today ab’t going home. Am praying much ab’t it.

Tues. June 11

Just ordinary duties. It was foggy all day - til 4 P.M. I finished crocheting the silk stocking rug & sorted other rags & will make one for each John & Betty. Started letter to Gl.

Wed. June 12

Man returned from Beni but brot almost no mail. Mrs. D. & I went to the garden. Alice still feels miserable but we had tea there on our way to Miss F’s house to see it & get things from my boxes.

Thur. June 13

Killed a little pig Fr. 115 only. The big one they promised me they took up to the Watalinga. Sowed more flower seeds. Just a sprinkle of rain. Word from Ingels says cars come from Katwe when some one wants to come. So the BCMS ladies can get here that way.

Fri. June 14

Cut up the pig. Will use all right away as there’s not much. Made a bit of sausage. Picked st. berries. Made 3 large glasses of jam from them. Wrote some letters.

Sat. June 15

Green caps came for Lifungula because he dug an elephant pit and got one. Yuda went to see what the fine is & found 1 wk. prison & Frs. 19. Everybody else digs pits too!!! Had game of checkers. no music.

Sun. June 16

Very quiet day. Found Bible verses & almost finished the “Almanac”. Ezekiel still to do. Harry went to villages. Alice & Shirley staid in. She & Gordon came to eve service. I’m living over again 2 yrs. ago. [John at Oicha, acutely ill] and so happy to know Dad has done with it all.

Mon. June 17

Transplanted phlox & snap dr. Very dark & cloudy all A.M. but clothes dried in PM. Harry & Mr. D. go out to see if hunting might be good or if grass is hi. Have thermos of coffee & sandwiches ready.

Tues. June 18

They got away by 5. Shot a water buck. Saw the Mt. nice & were back in time for lunch. Then after supper they wanted to drive to Mu. to see the top. We did & coming back got stuck coming up. Very little mail came.

Wed. June 19

Dear Dad [2 yrs ago, sick at Oicha] & how fussed he was ab’t many things & I couldn’t seem to help any. My thots are much over there these days. and with Cl & Gl. Have read “With Signs Multiplying” Mrs Woods. & it does give one a real urge to greater prayer for revival.

Thur. June 20

Rained pretty hard in the night but nice all day. Baked ginger snaps. Sorting & discarding old things. D’s washed & Simonized their car. Looks lovely. 1 kilo butter short - Mrs B. says Dr is bringing Kings. I’m very glad.

Fri. June 21

No rain today. baked bread white & brown. Had pr. mtg after break. Made applesauce cake. Sewed at Betty’s pink & blue rug. 5 Brit. soldiers kidnapped in Telaviv by Jews & will be shot if Jews are not given right to Palestine. Later 1 escaped.

Sat. June 22

Elmer’s first [birthday] in glory. Dr. came bringing Kings & Lois U. Course Lois returned with him. She wanted to see what things she needed. A truck will come for ‘em. Dr scraped my ankle & took blood tests. My left ankle is sort of getting sore too. Just over the ankle it is sensitive & sore.

Sun. June 23

Cloudy but a good crowd out. V.M. [Virginia May King] played in both services. Cold this eve as tho there might be snow on the hills. Miss N. didn’t come to eve service. D’s lunched at Harrys. Addis Ababa service gave very poor reception.

Mon. June 24

There was snow on the hi hill to the back. Miss N. had a go of fever. tho she’s doing her work today. Wrote to de W. for permission to go to the Lake but man has not returned. Kasole went to Oicha on bicycle & will bring mail.

Tues. June 25

All the guests went to the river this A.M. V.M. went swimming - Boo - its cold. Car is packed & ready. Want to be off by 5. I did water lilies on 1 curtain & will finish other later. They are very pretty. Wanted Busaireo to come & help but he says his hand still troubles.

Wed. June 26

Got off as planned. Had lovely sunshine and saw quite a lot of animals. The car is so low & the road very overgrown so had to go slowly. Buffalo at a distance - elephants at camp & hippos all along but mostly near fishery. 58 in one puddle. Got fish & back by 6:30. Supper & baths. A lovely day. Saw a bit of snow.

Thur. June 27

All sort o tired - but Mr D & Harry took Mr. Jacquemin & a sick Greek in to Beni & went to Oicha for butter. They brot mail too & groceries. Miss N. sent her man for a fat pig at J’s & it got away from him & hasn’t been found. Lots of letters.

Fri. June 28

Miss N. sent 5 men to seek for pig - ab’t 4:30 they said they had it but couldn’t catch it so Mr D. went down with his gun - but when he got there it had gone again & they couldn’t find it. She is so provoked & so am I. Do hope we’ll get it tomorrow. Kings at H’s for supper.

Sat. June 29

They brot the pig ab’t 10 A.M. Had speared it as they couldn’t catch it. Mrs. D. got her “Farina” tin almost full of lovely lard & there is a layer 2 to 3 in. thick under the skin. When the boys weighed it they said 72 kilos - but J. said 80. Baked as usual. Had music this eve. V.M. made Billy’s birthday cake. will ice it Mon. We know now Mrs. D’s birthday is Tues.

Sun. June 30

Did the fat before going to church. Chops for dinner. Restful day - only I keep feeling depressed. Get great comfort from Daily Light these days. Had nice walk before supper, all 5. Took D’s picture on the last film. Doesn’t seem possible ‘46 is half gone. The future is so uncertain. These days we can only trust.

Mon. July 1

Iced the cake and Alice made salad and yum peanut brittle. Ate on the lawn (the back lawn) fairly sunny all day. Mbafu moya can’t find any one to help him so Salumu helpt with wash but there is no school this wk because of candidates for baptism to examine.

Tues. July 2

We found out it is Mrs D’s birthday so V.M. made Gl’s “Husbands Cake” & all ate here, just sandwiches & cocoa. dill pickles & asparagus salad, tinned apricots. All ate here in living room. The ribs & boney parts of the meat were not good yesterday so Miss N’s children got it.

Wed. July 3

Agnes’ birthday. I wrote her a letter but we didn’t celebrate. I’ve been feeling so tired - perhaps it’s malaria - many seem to have it. Had good pr. mtg. Still a few candidates to examine. 39 have passed. Wrapped Ray & Saras birthday parcel - pretty big.

Thur. July 4

Today is “Uncle Sam’s” birthday and we were going to paradise but it began to rain right after break. so we’ll try tomorrow. Wrote letters and jammed strawberries & pickled cucumbers.

Fri. July 5

Went to paradise right after break. and got back by 11 & cleaned up & rested by 12 when we went to Miss N’s for dinner. Just after we got back it started to rain but had let up by the time we finished dinner. Wrote Mrs Propst.

Sat. July 6

Baked as usual. V.M. made fudge. Jacq. brot mail. Such a lot for Rays. Gl’s package to Sara finally. The P.M. at Irumu keeps sending their mail here. Harry’s eye looks very bad. Miss N. is sick with a bad cold. H’s came down for games. Then later we played checkers.

Sun. July 7

49 baptised. Pool got filthy dirty after a few were done. I was disappointed. He made too much of a joke of it all. Quiet P.M. short walk with Kings.

Mon. July 8

Gave Miss N. most of bacon as it’s not good. Harry took Kings over Dad’s old path past the caves up stream. His eye seems better. Miss N has flu & very sore lungs. coughs & is generally miserable. Baked Gordon’s cake but it’s pretty flat. Made marshmallows. V.M. has go of fever - or something.

Tues. July 9

Celebrated Gordon’s birthday this eve. Al had lovely plate supper on veranda til it began to rain - then inside. Ab’t 4 PM Mrs. de Wilde & children called to say goodby as she leaves in 2 days for home. He stays on for awhile still. Folks want to leave early.

Wed. July 10

ALONE. again. but it’s not so hard this time tho the place seems very empty. Pd. off all help. Mbafu Moya was not happy with his so I had a talk with him & gave him a bit more. He was faithful. Worked a bit at Betty’s rug.

Thur. July 11

Got mail off. Lots of letters [from Gladys & Claudon] have been written and received since last year. Yuda made kraut. He has a new baby & asked for a “kitambala” [cloth] to “kamata” [take] it. so I gave him an old turkish towel. Miss N. killed a small pig.

Fri. July 12

Began Gl’s birthday letter but it wont go til next week. This is my new pen. Cl. took the “injured” one & they said they couldn’t repair so sent a lovely new one. Set out ab’t 25 roses today. good exercise. Went with H’s to Dad’s hut for supper. Yuda not here today but will come tomorrow.

Sat. July 13

Work as usual. All had waffle supper here & while sitting on veranda after supper, the mail & butter men came. Letters from Lo telling of Uncle Aaron’s last days. He died just 9 mo. after Elmer. May 17. Nothing from either son.

Sun. July 14

How happy we all were together last yr. Mrs Becker says I must come over with Dr. next Sat. just so I wont be alone here but I don’t think I sh’d. Had dinner at H’s. very pleasant. Had eve service as usual & talked.

Mon. July 15

The Leo conf is on full swing, no doubt. May God richly bless whatever is done. and guide very definitely in all transactions. Cleaned out the pond. Finished Betty’s pink & blue rug. Hope to get at John’s tomorrow. Yuda baked cookies for Miss N. Finished reading “A lantern in her hand”.

Tues. July 16

Worked at John’s rug a bit. Rained nice steady rain all A.M. Set out some dahlia roots this eve. Have decided to make the new kind of lemon pie for Ray’s birthday instead of cake. Harry may go to Oicha tomorrow P.M. with a sick man.

Wed. July 17

Harry left ab’t 1. Don’t I wish we’d see this soon. [arrow drawn to 2 yrs ago, Claudon & Gladys & Billy’s car pulling in] Have had no later word ab’t affairs but are praying & trusting God to undertake for them. I went up to pr. mtg as Alice has a cold. She has asked me up to dinner tomorrow.

Thur. July 18

Had nice mail. H got back ab’t 5. “Aid” [hearing aid] came but haven’t opened it yet. Surface letters from Gl & Lo. Lovely Mother’s Day card & a large folder with 2 poses of Billy. Just so dear. I cried. O why can’t they be returning soon. Rays letter says they’ll give $500 toward my home trip if I’ll go. They want me to say yes.

Fri. July 19

Wonder how Ivy is celebrating. Pr mtg this A.M. I’ve spent a good deal of time with the Aid mixing different combinations of gadgets. If I hold up the amplifier I can hear the clock strike. I’m sure it will be a great help. I heard Alice talk when I was in my room. Miss N. has asked me to dinner tomorrow.

Sat. July 20 Oicha

Dr. came & after looking at my lumps & the Aid he suggested I come over with him as he’d like to see ab’t these bites or lumps & help adjust the aid. So, here I am in Beckers lovely guest room. Daudi Lai was with Dr. so we were a squeeze in the seat. but got here OK. Played checkers. The aid does help - but my own voice troubles.

Sun. July 21

Read “Lure of leopard skin” again. Went to service. When singing I had to turn off the aid but for the sermon and prayers it helpt a lot and for Dr’s talk at our eve service I got most all. Took walk this eve to Bells & came back past Evelyns. All looks nice at Bells & just like they sh’d be there but no one was home but memories. Got daisy seed.

Mon. July 22

Spent ab’t 1 hr. at dispensary. Took all sorts of tests. Baked cottage pudding for dinner & cookies. Wrote to Agnes. had dinner after 2. After supper filled quinine capsules. Started air mail to Cora. Aid seems to go a bit better - but still other noises drown out the voice. Rain storm from 1 to 6 AM.

Tues. July 23

Dorothy & 2 mulatto girls came. The girls to have tonsils out. One is done & the other will be done tomorrow. Dr. has been so busy. A man had a small op. & was supposed to go but didn’t & that all gives Mrs B. more work. She is on the go all day. Wrote Grace Troy - finished filling capsules. Made berry whip for dessert.

Wed. July 24

Spent an hr at dispensary then made choc sauce for pudding & baked ginger bread with honey. not very nice tho. Cut out some coats or gowns for infirmiers - a boy sews them. The second mulatto girl had tonsils out today. Finished Cora’s letter. Am reading Big Family by Bellamy Partridge.

Thur. July 25

Dr. injected a lot of med. into the numb place - I felt nothing but 2 tiny pricks. Dorothy & I went to Bells & cemetery. I didn’t feel very happy inside. perhaps results of injection. Went to bed at 8.

Fri. July 26 but it’s being written on Sun.

Had a pretty miserable night & thot it was because of the needle for it seemed I was getting needle all night - horrid nightmare - so I slept much of the time today. Miss Cribbs is my nurse and Mrs. B. is so good to me. & this room is so lovely. Paul got Dorothy & mulattos but I didn’t see him.

Sat. July 27

Nice red rash on body. Had a much better night & expected to get up & bake pie but still have some temp. so Dr. says stay where you are. Betongwe ladies came this A.M. to see about Mrs. Pennington who is so ill - liver trouble & malaria. They were here only a bit & went right back to Mambasa again. They will bring her next wk. Am thinking ab’t Sara. Wonder if my parcel is there.

Sun July 28

Am sitting up a bit - tho there’s still some temp. so Dr. wont let me get up. I‘ve written in here - caught up. Read some & want to write letters. Feel better but its nice to stay in. Mrs B. is so thotful. I hope I can get dressed tomorrow.

Mon. July 29

Only on the reclining chair today. No temp. but wont finish atabrin til tomorrow night. I didn’t realize I was so weak. I stay so nauseated altho my food goes down better. I try to spit up whatever is troubling but no success. Haven’t slept much so hope to tonight.

Tues. July 30

Didn’t have a good night so am not so peppy. Had lovely bath & dressed. tho am very happy to stay put. Read & destroyed lots of the boys letters of 1930. Rained so hard again. Hope I’ve taken the last atabrin. am so nauseated all the time.

Wed. July 31

No atabrin at all today. Read some & wrote at letters. Ru man hasn’t come yet. Had a better night. Took walk this eve - just a bit.

Thur. Aug. 1

Ru. man came at noon and brot some mail - a card from Mrs. Propst says Betty Sywulka died June 30. at Maritzburg. Cora says Fay was coming next day. Happy Co. & all. He’s been in trance so long.

Fri. Aug. 2

Had a horrible night. ached so I couldn’t sleep. Dr. says if it troubles tonight I must take a sleeping pill. A yr. ago [Lasse’s passport arrived] - how well I remember. Got Ru. man off. Mr. Brand says he will take me home next Thur. after butter comes.

Sat. Aug. 3

Baked buns & pies. Slept fine last eve. Ab’t 2 P.M. Dr. & Mrs Kellersberger and Mrs Buyse came. Mrs B got sick in Stan & had to stay for a wk. Now she’s on her way home. Didn’t ache last night so perhaps the worst is over with.

Sun. Aug. 4

Communion and a long service. and I sat in the cold wind so have a thick throat. Mrs. K. is having trouble too. like dysentery. He spoke this eve & I got a lot of what he said - tho not all. Every one here to dinner & cafateria supper. Mrs. B. worked all day.

Mon. Aug. 5

My I wish I could see Miss F. today. They finally got away taking Joneses with them to see if they can find their safari things & their boy. They’ve not come back. Had another * needle & my ankle is sore tonight. Mrs Buyse & I sit beside the fire & talk.

Tues. Aug. 6

Rainy all A.M. I baked upsidedown cake. & then we sat beside the fire. I knitted some & Mrs. Buyse intended working at notes but she didn’t. An official from Beni & little boy came in & had pudding with us. Am not feeling at all peppy. Brand wants to wait til Fri to go.

Wed. Aug. 7

Visited babies & leper camp. Sunny & lovely til ab’t 5 P.M. when it rained so hard. Mr. Johnson of Nyangkundi & another man came late last night & slept at Bells. the other man has sore eyes. They left ab’t 10. Mrs. Maio called & we 3 had coffee. Mrs. Buyse & I played checkers but didn’t get finished.

Thur. Aug. 8

’Twas lovely til eve when it rained very hard. Mr. Searles came bringing some sick folks - natives. I’ve felt better today - got some pep. Every one to bed early.

Fri. Aug. 9 HOME

I’m so very afraid I left my pen at Kirkofs [Greek store in Beni] - & if I did I doubt if I’ll ever see it again. ‘Twas rainy at Oicha & has rained much here. Gl’s letter containing correspondence came - & it does look very hopeless. but I’ll send it to Dr. The Kenya ladies (cont)

Sat. Aug. 10

are not coming so I’ll go to Rethi with Harrys. My I had a night of it. No sleep til 4 A.M. & then I had ½ hr. of reading & pr. & went to bed & slept. Gl’s treatment from the Council seems so unjust. They just don’t understand. Have things packed for leaving Mon. morning.

Sun. Aug. 11

Slept good last night but woke with a bad head & have felt pretty miserable all day but better since supper. It rained hard ab’t 3:30. All ate here. We just read our chap. didn’t sing - no one felt like it. Brand complains too. Finished letters begun at Oicha.

Mon. Aug. 12 Nyangkundi.

Got away by 7. I rode with Brand nearly to Oicha. When we got to Beni we went right to Kirkof where I had left my pen & asked if he had seen it & he got it right away. God answered so definitely, I’m asking Him for just as definite an answer to Cl & Gl affair. I sleep in Patsy’s bed. Bill takes the girls to Bunia to go with Williams. Began letter to Gl.

Tues. Aug. 13 Rethi

I’m so glad to have my pen. Got away in good time. saw no one in Bunia & so far no Williams have come yet. I’m with Sara & M.A. in guest house. Had supper with Stams & break. with Nina. It’s so nice to have Sara to talk to. Ray is at Blukwa Council so we will get correspondence off in the morn.

Wed. Aug. 14

Got man off early with letters for Ray & Dr. Becker. Hope they get there in time. Mrs. Woodhams & Mrs. Uhlinger called & Mrs W staid til supper. Said her Florence is soon coming out & is to marry Geo. Barker. Too too bad. Sara went to pr. mtg. I finished Lo’s & Gl’s letters.

Thur. Aug. 15

Ray got back ab’t 6:30. We talked late. They are calling for Gl & Cl - and Macs immediately. They discussed the letters (corres) & Ray is writing again. Just can’t pep up. It’s lovely being at Nina’s. Quite a crowd as she is the only one outside the Dorm. Stams (cont)

Fri. Aug. 16 Blukwa

aren’t really started yet. I lay down all the time til we were ready to leave ab’t 12. Saw John & Betty. They have not been well. Malaria perhaps. Here we were rec’d with open arms. Mrs. Williams is with us. I went right to bed.

Sat. Aug. 17 HOME

Got away in good time. Ray took Mrs W. home while we shopped. Then on to Oicha before 5. Saw Earl & Norman Camp. Got here after 8 - as we couldn’t get up this last hill. so wet. Miss N. gave us supper. Nice to be back. even (cont)

Sun. Aug. 18

tho for only a few days. They will help me pack & I’ll go with them til I leave for home. No mtgs today as there is plague around. 9 died at Sibindiris & others at Mutwangas. We had meeting this eve.

Mon. Aug. 19

Hard at it. Got both magazines cleared out & lots of sorting done. Ray wrote air to Davis, Bateman and Cl. I do hope Cl has done nothing rash & that they will reconsider ab’t Gl. TIRED.

Tues. Aug. 20

It has been so rainy Ray is thinking he can’t get down the hill tomorrow. At first I was disappointed but it does seem risky. Got quite a lot packed away today - can see “daylight”. Mostly bureau & writing desk etc all cleared out. Chicken stew & dumplings.

Wed. Aug. 21

We are hoping to get away by 12 tomorrow. Miss N. is getting dinner. It rained all night & all day some. Have everything prety well packed. WHEN will it be unpacked & by whom? God knows. Is this my last night at Ru? God knows & I’m happy.

Thur. Aug. 22 Oicha

Finished last packing. had dinner with Miss N. & got away before 12. Wanted to go to Mutsora but the crossing was too bad so turned & went to Beni. got my business done & Ray too but mail came so late I didn’t get mine. No butter came. We are in Bells house. Want to get away early. Break. on the road.

Fri. Aug. 23 Blukwa.

Got away by 6 after saying goodby to every one. Miss Love & girls were waiting for us. Stopt in forest & ate. Stopt at Irumu. Stopt at Bunia & had coffee & ice cream so didn’t feel hungry for lunch. Got here by 3. had tea. I wrote de Wilde. Harrys aren’t here yet so left a letter. This is such a lovely guest house.

Sat. Aug. 24 Aru.

Had a bit of breakfast. got to Rethi ab’t 10 & packed & saw the children & got away ab’t 11:30. Ate in a pine forest after stopping at Van Theilens. Came a short cut but twas so rough we didn’t make good time. Found Belgian callers here. We are very tired so are having sponge baths & going to bed by 8:15.

Sun. Aug. 25

A busy day for Coles. Baptisms, weddings, communion & something this eve for him. All ate dinner at Coles. Then supper at Laura Barr’s. Ray led at our service. We rested. I staid with M.A. and Ray staid for one service. Expect to get away early. by 4.

Mon. Aug. 26 Dungu

All went as per schedule, but roads were rough so we got here by 8:30. TIRED. Had breakfast at Todro & a little visit. Dinner at Aba & MA & I rested. Saw Clapper, just arrived. She said Shaffers were on the boat. I’m so glad. Ate a bit along the road so went right to bed.

Tues. Aug. 27

Spending the day here. Miss Congleton went to Asa for a few days. She wants to get away soon for home so maybe we can go together. By former Barber Line $275 to N.Y. & 17 days! I’d have enuf money of Rays if I went that way. Miss Wilson’s birthday. Ice cream!

Wed. Aug. 28

Got away ab’t 5:30 and got here 8:30. Such a welcome! shouts & calls & shrieks all mixed up with plenty of hand shaking. Folks came all day to greet us. We unpacked & got pretty well settled. It does make me think of ‘38 when we were all so happy.

Thur. Aug. 29

Have been writing letters all day. Got airs off to Gl. Davis & Georges. Then several locals. Ray & Sara busy all day. Are writing Barber Line for information ab’t boats. also Pan Am. Airways.

Fri. Aug. 30

Mended & made a brassiere so I can fasten my Aid on to it. Sara canned 10 qts beans (green). We eat a snack lunch as Ray doesn’t stop work til 2 or so. Then vegs. for supper. I have such an appetite I’m sure I’m gaining back what I lost.

Sat. Aug. 31

Baked up-side-down cake. and that’s all. We were going to have an evening of music & found the amplifier wouldnt go. some part is finished & the new one is in a box at Rethi. So Ray played the organ & that was nice too.

Sun. Sept. 1

Wonder how Warren celebrated. [birthday] We had a full A.M. with S.S. & then church & the communion service - but nothing this P.M. & a sing & read this eve. I wrote. Took walk to tile kiln.

Mon. Sept. 2

Lora is 70!!! Wonder where I’ll be when I’m that age. God knows - and all I want is to be in His will. Packing chop box for Rays trip to outschools. Started teaching a boy to sew on machine. He makes tumbo-tumbos first of odd pieces. Then shirts of Americano. and shorts of khaki.

Tues. Sept. 3

Ray had said he’d leave after dinner but he left right after break. Sewed some at my brown thin dress. Sara cans a few qts of something most every day - green beans, tomatoes & peppers today. Both wrote letters this eve til 9! It rained quite hard ab’t 8.

Wed. Sept. 4

I keep the fellow at the machine busy. We are getting a few things done - mostly pretty straight sewing. I sewed up my brown dress today. Sara cut & fitted it. It’s lonely without Ray. Sara is coming down with a cold.

Thur. Sept. 5

Sara’s cold is real distressing. She set a teacher at copying something while she had Bible Class & he & the one sewing had a great time - ate several times & visited much. Never again. Each will work in his house hereafter. More rain.

Fri. Sept. 6

Hope Sara’s cold has reached the climax. The mail went but none came - tho the bag did. so hope to get some one off to Niangara tomorrow. Finished brown dress & it looks very nice. Will do the blue from Miss Frost next. Wrote Ella S.

Sat. Sept. 7

Battery done so use kerocene lights. Bicycle wouldn’t work, another is trying on Mon. to go there & back. sending a few more letters. If mails are no more regular than this, my boat can come & go & I not know it. Baked sponge cakes. We surely live the simple life & I enjoy it. Have lunch at noon & dinner in eve.

Sun. Sept. 8

Quiet day. SS & services before 12. Rest all P.M. Sang a little this eve & then we each read our book & some old letters. I’m reading Romans. verse by verse. Newell. It is good. Rain after dark. Had nice long walk on north long road.

Mon. Sept. 9

Man left early but is not back yet. I had a letter from Miss Congleton sent by bicyclers returning to Asa. Some one brot it in from the main road. Ray sent in 2 chickens. Rained very hard at dark. We got seed (flower) sown before. Knitted this eve. Lights too poor to type by.

Tues. Sept. 10

This is the day Hermans [Propst] are to leave USA by plane. She is expecting her baby next mo. Cut out Lily R’s gray material. It’s very hard to work with. Got a lovely big mail redirected from Irumu. None yet from Ru. [Ruwenzori]

Wed. Sept. 11

Basted up my dress but doesn’t look very good. it is so stretchy and slippy. I’ll try it on tomorrow. The sewing boy comes every day from 7 to 12 and I keep busy keeping him busy.

Thur. Sept. 12

Wonder how Becca is celebrating. [birthday] I suddenly realized mail leaves in morning so got busy & got 4 off. one air to Gl. Hers that came yesterday told of their hopes for Feb. She is miserable - like with Billy. [expecting daughter Faith]

Fri. Sept. 13

This is Fri. the 13^th and it was raining this morning but Ray got back just before lunch, so we are all happy again. He is pleased wth what the tailor got done. We are making Am. shirt. They want khaki trousers!!

Sat. Sept. 14

Worked at the gray & pink. Sara is busy so I’m trying to do it by myself. I should never have undertaken it. It’s such pretty material & I’m afraid it wont look nice. Ray gave me a surprise when he announced I should pack up ready to leave & go with all to Dungu & see if Miss C. wont go now.

Sun. Sept. 15

I’m still somewhat stunned at Rays suggestion - but I guess I’ll do it tho it knocks my plans west. it may be best. I’d rather wait til we hear from the Barber Line. I don’t like to wait at Matadi so long. Quiet day. tho I’m disturbed in my soul. ab’t going so fast.

Mon. Sept. 16

Boy worked button holes all A.M. & I sewed at the dress. After many undoings it looks pretty good. Am doing ruffles of pink. Sarah made a white blouse with embroidery dickey front to wear with skirt & jacket. She has finished my pretty sweater.

Tues. Sept. 17

Wrote Brand congrats. Had no rain for 2 days. and just after dinner it rained hard. & again at supper time so I washed my hair and Ray is developing pictures. Gray dress almost finished. Will do dark skirt tomorrow. Sara wants to do the lavendar but there’s not enuf time. Gray looks pretty nice.

Wed. Sept. 18

Ray went to a center on his bicycle for a pr. mtg. It got so dark but he got in just before the rain came. Fixed shirt of the jacket suit Agnes gave me. Sara made a white blouse so thats fixed up. Had chicken stew & dumplings. The tailor is sewing shorts. Sara cuts ‘em out.

Thur. Sept. 19

Pretty well packed. Trays & baskets of Miss Love’s are tied in 3 parcels & we’ll try to mail ‘em tomorrow. We wont leave til after noon. Gray dress is done kabisa [totally] & looks pretty good for an amature. Taking lavendar along to make at home.

Fri. Sept. 20 Dungu

We didn’t leave till most 3. Then spent an hr. at the pontoon - river is so high the pontoon had to go between banks & ‘twas too long. so had to dig away sides. also waited for outschool teacher to come along with us. All well here but Miss C. has had no further word ab’t boats. Had pr. mtg this eve as this is pr. day. Cl & Gl’s name still on the list in new Inland Af.

Sat. Sept. 21

Slept like a top. Just before we came away yesterday the mail came & a parcel of shoes from Lo. both too small & hi heeled for me. but Miss Green can wear the used ones fine. We have decided to go on Mon. Ray says he will take us to wherever we can go on by ourselves. Miss C. is eager to be off as she feels she is only marking time here. Went to post & posted trays etc. Finished Mary A’s socks.

Sun. Sept. 22

Quiet day for me. Had communion service - then after tea Ray heard a church sharui til late. We had to wait supper for him. I wrote Sara. We want to get away by 5 if possible.

Mon. Sept. 23 NIANGARA.

Got away 5:30 but the battery was dead & no lights so waited til light. Found Buckleys & Messrs. Brown and [space] here & they say take the C.V.C. here direct for Stan. Ray gave me 2 blank checks & 12,000 in cash. That sh’d do me. Thot we might have seen Roberts but not going that way. These folks have been here only 2 mo. & haven’t their freight but they seem glad to have us stay - til Sun.

Tues. Sept. 24

Folks here went to open air meeting. Ray was glad to be getting home & I was glad too & Sara will have had a surprise as he sh’d have been there for lunch (yesterday). Went down town & bot a pr. of stockings. & Miss C. wanted to go to the Bank but it was closed. Wrote letters and started again at the bed jacket for Gl. that I started before Billy came.

Wed. Sept. 25

This was my day kabisa as it was my turn around the table - and I spoke at evening service. Mr. Davis interpreted. also led evening prayers. So now I’ve done my stunt. Miss C. got small pox vaccination but must get yellow fever at Stan. My certificates are OK. Miss C. is to take womens mtg tomorrow

Thur. Sept. 26

Went down town after break. Miss C. got her money at the Bank & while we were in the duka a snake crawled out from under the car. Must have been on the springs or somewhere. Almost finished front of bed jacket. Miss C. spoke at women’s mtg. All seemed to enjoy it. Mr. Davis not feeling well.

Fri. Sept. 27

Finished front & started the left. Got a big mail. Lots went to Ru - the day we left but too late to collect at Beni. 21 letters 2 p. cards. Shaffers picture & some books & lots of magazines. Sent many letters to Rays & most magazines.

Sat. Sept. 28

Got a few letters ready to put in post. Baked most A.M. 2 big pies. rhubarb & mulberry. Knitted. Helen H wrote they had heard frm Barber Line. Sept. boats were full but not Oct. Here’s hoping. Perhaps Dorothy can connect up with us still. Where will we be next Sat night.

Sun. Sept. 29 Paulis

Car was most 2 hrs. late leaving - pretty dilapidated Plymouth. My door would not open at all & the doors on the other side had to be tied shut!!! A Cath. sister & Padre were passengers. A dance was on at Paulis hotel but we got lunch at 2. Couldn’t get our suit cases from truck as door was locked & man gone. So we got on without - used slips for gowns. Have a Luxe ap’t. not by choice. For both 125 Fr.

Mon. Sept. 30 Niania.

Again the car was most 2 hrs. late but we got here ab’t 3 P.M. but didn’t care for lunch. We just were not hungry. At Wamba took on an officer of some sort. Crossed the Nepoko river on pontoon. Made me think of 1941. Also how Dad & I waited on the road for Cl to come with car parts - brot out by Mr. Williams of HAM.

Tues. Oct. 1 Stan- [Stanleyville, now Kisangani]

Went to Otraco & found we can go by boat Sat. At B.M.S. and meals at Stanley hotel. Met Paul H on the road but our chauffeur wouldn’t stop quick enuf, so didn’t see him but found when we got here Dorothy left by plane yesterday! Suit cases not here yet. Thankful for the ones we had with us. Getting letters written. Miss C washed clothes. just cold water but plenty of it. Lovely place, boys are helpful.

Wed. Oct. 2

And today he (Chas.) is 73. Several U.F.M. folks came to break at hotel. also Mr. Van Thielen. Called on Mrs. Jeromski-Webb, who told us where to go to get yellow fever inoc. on Fri 4 PM. Saw ab’t suit cases. They came but both hers & my straps have been taken from suit cases. No lights tonight. even few at hotel.

Thur. Oct. 3

Chas Scudder has been in glory 5 yrs. Went to Janssens for break - as Mrs Jeromski said it was much cheaper. but it is not, & no paipai. I washed up all my soiled clothes & got all dry. We didn’t go out at all til supper time. Lights were on at first then out & just as we finished our supper they came on & are on now. Wrote some & knitted some.

Fri. Oct. 4

Couldn’t get tickets as boat was not in, now it is so we go early to see when we can get on. Our Texaco friend is sick! Miss C. got inoc. after much anxiety ab’t a taxi. There had been an accident involving 2 or 3 taxis but we found one. Fr. 80 to go 3 km. which we could easily have walked. I had my cert. renewed. No lights til 9:40.

Sat. Oct. 5

Hot - got ice cream at 5. No boat in yet but the Otraco man says it will be in by noon tomorrow & we should come at 7 Mon. morning. The Texaco friend says he will come & take us. he brot us from break. as it was raining. Met Andri Gill down town. I got more pink wool but silky - may use it on shawl - what’s left from bed jacket.

Sun. Oct. 6

There’s an organ here & Miss C is playing just like Dad. Our Texaco friend who is Mr. Hoke met us at breakfast & told us not to go to hotel for supper as there was always so much drinking & dancing. So we went for lunch. Then got tea & ice cream at Janssens. Our boat is not yet in so we don’t know when we leave. Went to mtg in the church. A native played very nice. I wrote letters.

Mon. Oct. 7

And the boat came at noon & we go on board tomorrow P.M. We went to lunch & breakfast but not again. Have plenty of nice oranges. The boys say they will take our loads down. tho our Texaco friend may want to. Knitted quite a lot at the bed jacket.

Tues. Oct. 8

On board the “Berwinne”. Had supper, and are settled in our tiny cabin. but clean. While eating break. our Texaco friend came to say goodby. but while eating lunch he joined us & pd. for all & took us to his room & showed us ivory & ebony - gave me a snake skin purse. Now I think we have seen the last of him.

Wed. Oct. 9 Tied up at Masoko?

Were off after day light and how we waited for break - after 9 by our time. Then we found the boat keeps Leo time - an hr. slow. so it gets dark at 5 & light at 5. Knitted quite a bit. Miss C. doing baby afghan. The food is good. Table boy understands Pazande. One finds ‘em all over. Too much coffee - not feeling very well.

Thur. Oct. 10

Tied up at Bumba only for wood & storm, where Ray thot of bringing us. Just got in when a storm came - but boy got us some oranges. Did quite a lot of knitting. Many islands all along & have to watch always carefully for channel. Started letters to Rays & Beckers. Quite a town along the river.

Fri. Oct. 11

Capt. gave us chart of river & we see where we go. Met a whole convoy of 6 boats or barges pulled by Reine Eliza. Saw a couple of cars - wonder if one is Texaco’s. Stopping at Mobindo for wood & night. Capt. got off with a club & chased dickerers - food & beer etc. a boy had a car 1 ft. long - all hand work. Yesterday one had airplanes 1 yd. long. cleverly done.

Sat. Oct. 12

Almost lost out on supper as I was having a bath. Stopt a couple of times for wood. Met “Astrida” with lots of passengers. Wonder if there were any we knew. Capt. was told to take wood as there’s none down further. Thot I’d finish bed jacket but not quite. We watch the map a lot.

Sun. Oct. 13

Wrote several letters. Met more boats. Wood getting low. Stopping at Coquilhatville [Mbandaka] for the night. I wanted to get some ivory here but saw none. 4 more fathers are on & 3 other men. Keeps so cloudy & rainy. Early Cath. meeting in dining room so no tea for us. Was sick in night. Gave up my supper. Perhaps it’s malaria?

Mon. Oct. 14

Couldn’t leave early as there was heavy fog. Got very low on wood but took on a big load at a place where there’s a saw mill. Rosters keep crowing & babies crying. The sick padre seems pretty ill today. 3 more came on - one is a mental patient. 4 young men too.

Tues. Oct. 15

Bolobo and ivory - but we didn’t get off. The fathers got quite a bit. The one who came with us got me 3 carving knife supports. Most all was picked over so he said there was nothing left. Made good time today. The mental patient stays quiet but talks queer. and the young father looking after him fears there will be trouble tomorrow. This young man is 38 today. Ray’s age - has been out 14 yrs. Too bad he doesn’t know the Lord.

Wed. Oct. 16 Tied up at Mai Pili

Tomorrow we get there. Got a good start at the babyt blanket. Wrote at Gl’s letter. Met several boats. Got some ivory from a vendor on the boat- some pretty pieces. Tried to send wire but too late. we had passed Kwamouth the wireless station.

Thur. Oct. 17 U.M. House

Got here in time for lunch. They put up beds in the office for us for tonight. Telegram here from Ray to say we should get in touch with Matadi at once. Got my passport & they in the office telephoned Matadi who said we sh’d cable to Lagos for reservations. They will on Sat. as tomorrow is holiday. There is a boat near end of Oct & one early in Nov.

Fri. Oct. 18

Now we have a very comfy room. Several left this morning and others leave tomorrow. We took a walk & posted letters then some one in a car picked us up & brot us home here. He is a B.M.S. worker. A Dr. Johnson (lady) leaves on the boat we came on. Goes to Karawa so are sending their letter by her.

Sat. Oct. 19

Spent most A.M. seeing Dr. Johnson off & then had to leave her before the boat sailed. Had a letter from Rays - written Oct. 4. We were at Stan. The Lundblats didn’t get off today - something wrong with the plane. hope to leave Mon. It was pouring this morning but one family got away.

Sun. Oct. 20

Miss C. went to Bangala service right after break. and all went to Eng. service at 11. Dr. & Mrs. Anderson asked us 2 & Mr & Mrs [space] out to tea & we had such a lovely time. She had a lovely choc. iced cake & I told her it is Betty’s birthday so she said I should tell her we celebrated it. & I did, for I wrote her. Today also Miss Bolat, 85.

Mon. Oct. 21

Miss C & I walked to Am. Con. and lost the way so walked much farther than necessary but got back & rested before dinner. We are booked but do not know when the boat leaves - but we hope to leave here on Fri. Bowyers are booked too. Got some books at the shop. One for Betty & one for M. A. Had long nap as I felt feverish but OK now.

Tues. Oct. 22

Went to air port with Wengatzes & whom should we see but Miss Manuel & Mrs. Pearson. just arrived. They are here. All rooms so full so they put up a bed for Mrs P. between ours. Miss C. got an air mail from her sister in reply to one she wrote at Stan. What ages we have been on the way. Played Bagatelle at Mr Tyrrell’s. We & Wengatzes. Hope to get vaccination tomorrow.

Wed. Oct. 23

Walked to hosp. 2 mi. at least & got vaccination and our med. certs. so now we are all set. and Boyers had a letter from Matadi they are booked for S.S. Ferngulf. gets in 27^th. and there was still room for 5. so we are hoping we will be on it too. Wrote Cl. ab’t Mrs. Congletons invitation for me to come there & they can help me get the train.

Thur. Oct. 24

Another family came in just for the night. Mr. Pearson didn’t come so they stay til next wk. when they get a plane for Bangui. We have been here a wk. Hope we can get away Sat. Mr Boyer will inquire tomorrow. Mrs. P. wants me to take her lovely coat. It’s a bit short.

Fri. Oct. 25

Another has gone and another come. Halversons & we 2 went to the rapids. Couldn’t get very near but they looked lovely from where we were. We also went down to the museum this A.M. My head aches tonight. malaria? or too much sun?

Sat. Oct. 26

The Madagascar folks went to the air port but their plane was gone. So they returned and don’t know when they get away. Samwere Lutete’s birthday. He was called in & we sang for him. Then at supper he set a white cake before Mrs Roberts who cut it. Knitted lots. How I remember 2 yrs. ago. [Dr. trying to diagnose John] Never dreamed even last yr. I’d be here.

Sun. Oct. 27

While at 11 oclock service word came that a plane would leave for Jo’burg at 5:15 A.M. So our Madagascar folks hope to get away. I hope we hear something tomorrow ab’t our boat. Quiet restful day. I have a bad head so am taking more atabrin. Wrote some at letters.

Mon. Oct. 28

Had word our boat got in on Sat. so will likely go down Wed. or Thur. Madagascar folks left this morn. but 3 families & a single worker came. Tables are crowded. Went to Mr. Tyrrells & played bagatelle til after 10. Boyers & we.

Tues. Oct. 29

Pd up all & got tickets for Matadi. Will have break. early. Finished reading Heart of Phylura Flo. Morse Kingsley. We waited for Boyers. til 10 then they said they were not going so we walked to Bank & post office. Miss C. got a watch & I dark glasses. ‘Twas noon when we got here, & HOT. We were 27 for dinner & supper. Mr. Pudney U.F.M. called but I didn’t see him.

Wed. Oct. 30 [Matadi]

Left Leo at 7 in pouring rain. Streets like rivers. Lutete himself drove one car. Had a whole carriage to ourselves. Took nap and read Mrs Robeson’s Africa Journey. Got here ab’t 6:30. are at Hotel Metropole. our room is 100 each. & food 125! I pray we may soon go on board the boat. Ours is regular suite but on the no wind side.

Thur. Oct. 31

Called at Swedish Mission. Went to shipping office. Boat leaves Sat. noon. but he would not take our $ checks but sent us to the Bank. They would do nothing at all. So back she & I went & the agent said he’d cable their office to collect there & we sh’d cable our office to pay. We do hope all is OK now. Miss C. has 1200 so it is enuf for both & also lets them know we are coming. No one knows when we get there.

Fri. Nov. 1

Holiday but not for waiters tonight. A large boat came in from Belgium - lots of men, women & children. Took walk this eve. Then sat in B’s room to see the lights of wharf & boat. Wrote quite a lot of letters. Rained tis P.M. Wonder if I will feel like writing tomorrow nite.

Sat. Nov. 2 On Board. making for Nigerian coast.

Pd Fr. 132 for 4 kilos ivory. and then got on board. The rooms are lovely. Miss C & I have single rooms. Everything is beautifully clean & white. Lounge small but well ventilated. First 5 hrs were on river & enjoyable. Supper - such a variety of cold meat & fish & cheese. & then chops etc. We played contact afterward but I soon came to bed as it is rolling a lot.

Sun. Nov. 3

Strange Sunday. Thot & prayed much for dear ones east & west. They tell us we dock at Phila. Don’t know why. Hope office informs Cl. Course I’ll go to Congletons if Cl is not there. On deck. slice of bread for break. Dinner at table we 4 Capt. and 2 officers all at one table. I read article & we all prayed for our Sun. service.

Mon. Nov. 4

Seems my unlucky day - wanted to play quoits with others & knocked mine overboard. Then this eve wanted to light the head light & pushed the wrong button calling the steward. Got quite a lot of knitting done. Capt. says we can post letters at Ta [space] when we stop tomorrow. Washed hair.

Tues. Nov. 5

Got in to Takoradi ab’t 5. Pilots came on board for supper. Several large ships are here before us & the steward says we may have to stay 2 wks. The Lord Knows what is best. 2 yrs. ago today Karl Barnett was a yr. old & had a tea party & Dad attended it. Took pictures of Billy & Karl. The next Sun. Dad was in glory. Wonder if Pauls are remembering. I imagine Gl. is. Hot tonight.

Wed. Nov. 6

Now it is said we will be off in a wk. by tomorrow it may be cut down more. Read, knit, read some more, bathe & do washing - & games after supper in lounge & on deck during day. Lovely fresh apples tonight. The food is so good & such variety.

Thur. Nov. 7

Finished shawl. wish I’d had more yarn. Made a tiny start on pink sweater. Is very roll-y tonight even tho we are anchored. Lots of painting being done. Grace did lots of ironing. my 2 dresses too. electric iron. Finished “Beyond sound of guns” Emilie Loring.

Fri. Nov. 8

Capt & Mr Boyer went ashore & mailed letters - to Ray & Office. We will get loaded on Mon. likely. Here’s hoping. They said that 2 babies were coming on board. We better have a good time while we can. So glad to get letters off. Pretty hot all day. Ladies washed their hair.

Sat. Nov. 9

Now we’ve been on board a wk. These are strange Saturdays. but I suppose we will have 3 more before we reach Phila. I wish I’d feel as well on each one as I do today. Got most of right front done of sweater. It’s been very hot but have fan on now.

Sun. Nov. 10

The short sermon I read in our meeting tonight was very appropriate for my own heart. God leads even in suffering & testing & bereavement. My thots have been so much on 2 yrs. ago. [at Kijabe, John terminally ill] and on Claudon’s whereab’ts. Wrote at some letters to be posted when I get home.

Mon. Nov. 11

Still anchored. All day & especially this eve I’ve been thinking & reviewing 2 yrs ago. Read again my record of it. How faithful God has been. He has led & will in future. He has promised to “send an angel before thee to keep thee in the way & to bring thee into the place which I have prepared”. O blessed promise. He will do it.

Tues. Nov. 12

Capt’s cousin who is Capt. on another boat that pulled in here from N.Y. had dinner here. He says we dock at Norfolk. What next? Guess we’ll have to write more letters. Don’t know when we are getting away. but we’ll not be home for Thanksgiving any way.

Wed. Nov. 13

Thot we were going in this eve but now they say at 6:30 in the morning. Wrote another air mail to Davis to say we dock at Norfolk. I hope this is final, tho it’s more inconvenient than either N.Y. or Phila. Knitted quite a bit. Finished reading Sister Carrie & It wasn’t nice.

Thur. Nov. 14

Leave on Sat. Moved into port this morning & have been loading all day. Mostly iron ore. Boyers & I went to P.O. & then Native industries place. all sorts of native made things - some lovely tables. [sketch of carved elephant with tabletop on back] coffee tables very pretty. I bot little runner of grass Sh 1.9. Washed hair. Grace ironed.

Fri. Nov. 15

Mr & Mrs. Griffith - a man of the S.S. Co., got on & had P.M. tea & left. Boyers got their stool - it’s very nice. Sent Ray & Mrs Propst each air mail. Loaded more ore but not yet thro. The heavier it’s loaded the less ‘twill roll. Took snap of Capt. Mate & Steward.

Sat. Nov. 16

Left Takoradi at 6 & now it’s after 8 so we are really on the way. If we hadn’t had to stay there so long we’d be almost home now. S.I.M. family got on - 2 small children. Another man & wife. Grace, Mrs B. & I walked out to the end of the pier. It is pretty rolly but not too bad.

Sun. Nov. 17

By lying down a good bit I was able to keep my food down. but it isn’t easy. At any rate we are one day nearer U.S. altho a gull was with us which shows Africa is not far away. Saw a ship yesterday. S.I.M. children are sweet. 13 mo & 6 wks.

Mon. Nov. 18

2 days finished! Much steadier today tho I still don’t enjoy my food it stays down. Deck games have been going all day. Grace leads in putting rings on pegs. S.I.M. are Percy. another man, Sloane, I think - & a Mr & Mrs Griffith. of the N.Y. office of this Line. Dining room is pretty full.

Tues. Nov. 19

Not so bad today. raining before break. & a cold wind. but we are still too near Africa for cold weather. I feel worst just before a meal. Then after I eat its not so bad. Almost finished sleeves to sweater. Miss C plays games most of the time.

Wed. Nov. 20

4^th day finished. Very rough tonight - few out to supper. Grace keeps up fine. I ate cracker & am going to bed tho I went to table at noon. most 1/3 the way home.

Thur. Nov. 21

Very rough all day. Grace brot all meals to me on deck. but P.M. coffee & after coming down for it I had a good spit up & am going to bed at 6. End of 5^th day!!

Fri. Nov. 22

Only I’m writing it on Sat. I surely had a day of it. Ate a little & spit it up as soon as twas well down. also head ache. I spent most all day in bed. All these last 4 yrs. How interesting to review. God is good.

Sat. Nov. 23

Break. on deck but feel muc better & had other meals at table. Every one feels better. Mrs Boyer is out too. Grace hasn’t seemed to feel it at all. Plays deck games a lot & is very good to me. This eve the steward got all chairs on one deck & 2 of the crew played accordion & banjo. Later there was some dancing. Served us grapefruit juice & others beer.

Sun. Nov. 24

It’s terribly rough tonight but I went to the table & have been to our little service. Now I’m going to bed. Have almost finished reading “New Worlds to Conquer” by Halliburton. The noise & dancing last night kept up til 1 A.M. & Grace got no sleep. Quiet restful day.

Mon. Nov. 25

Rough all day. Missed break. but went to other meals. Feel sick but not enuf to vomit, tho I tried twice. The wind today is cooler but the weather has been very mild - 9 days finished.

Tues. Nov. 26

Wow this is awful. Couldn’t eat a bite of supper & couldn’t give up what was in the way. Finished knitting booties. Writing this on Wed.

Wed. Nov. 27

Felt pretty ill this morning so after a bit of breakfast had a snooze & this P.M. & eve it’s better. Took out & did over the neck of my sweater - twas stretched too large. better now. End of 11^th day.

Thur. Nov. 28

Felt pretty bum this morning but better this eve. Played croquet & happened to do some good shots. The Chief Steward was playing & said “Look a the 80 yr. old lady”. I don’t play games much a I feel better if I’m quiet. Capt. gave us Customs blanks to fill out.

Fri. Nov. 29

It was not so rolly this morning but sort of twisty. I felt real sick but after lunch it was better. I did left front for Grace’s baby sweater as the pattern has to go backward. We get there tomorrow night & unload on Sun. Hope we can get a train.

Sat. Nov. 30

We’ve stopt for the night outside Newport News instead of Norfolk. The immigration officer comes on board early tomorrow. where will we be tomorrow night? Mr Boyer is letting us have some money for customs etc. & we will have some to pay as we go in as nonresidents. all packed up. am giving Steward Frs. 1000 as tips for boys.

Sun. Dec. 1 Raleigh Hotel.

Praise the Lord. He does the “exceeding above”. I had been feeling Cl. wouldn’t come so far to meet me. too expensive. & while waiting for immigration officer to come after pulling to pier, here was Cl. walking up & down the pier. Soon Miss C’s father & sister came. How excited we were - all went to dinner together. & they took train for Linwood & we came on our way to Columbia & Batesburg & perhaps Sloops. God is so good.

Mon. Dec. 2 Westervelt Home.

We had a lovely trip. Left at 5:15 got to Sloops ab’t 10 & had dinner & got here ab’t 5:30. Saw Frieda, Miriam, Jimmy, Hunt children, Oliver Downey. Sterretts. & Mrs. W. & I talked til now 9:30. It’s so nice to see them. They look older but so do I. Romeyn is so tall & the children are dear.

Tues. Dec. 3 Atlanta.

Got to 136 - 8^th St. about 2:30. The drive from Batesburg was very pretty - but I felt very punk. We went before break. to see the houses where Ray & Sara lived. Then left right after breakfast. Ate lunch on road. I took aspirins & by bed time felt better & how we talked. Jim & Cl. went to a mtg. Jim showed pictures. Agnes & Jim both look well. Mrs. Goldsmith is lovely.

Wed. Dec. 4 Brinkley- 75 mi. east of Little Rock.

We came ab’t 475 mi. today but roads were good & weather fine & lots of beautiful woods. Came thro Memphis after dark & how beautiful the streets are with brilliant lights. We wont need to start very early to get to Gl. for dinner. Am ready for bed alright. Had lovely break. before we left Atlanta.

Thur. Dec. 5 Russellville & Gladys & Billy!

Got going by 6. Stopt at Little Rock to see Scotty & his people - then stopt in town & met Mother Taylor & finally got here. Gl. & Billy came out & Billy gave me a sideways look & then made straight for his Daddy. He is a fine boy. so full of pep.

Fri. Dec. 6

They’ve given me such a nice room. Mother T shares it with me but I didn’t hear her come in nor leave. She is at the shop most of the day. Gl. & I have lots to talk ab’t. We washed this A.M. & got some letters finished up this P.M. It seems like I’ve always known these folks. They make one so welcome.

Sat. Dec. 7

Ruth M. [Gladys’s sister, Ruth Marie LeMay] & babies called. Gl & I went down town and bot groceries etc and a coat (35.) & dress (16.) & blouse (2.50) - all very nice. Now I’m pretty well fitted but may get a hat later. Coat & dress are black - dress has majenta red strip down side front. Mother T. had a busy day with funeral, & wedding. Not home yet. It’s so nice that Bill helps her so much. and is so interested.

Sun. Dec. 8

Went to church. Gl. has a nasty cold & I have thick throat & headache. didn’t go to evening service, neither did Gl nor Cl. Ruth M & husband & children called. I had a good sleep. so am not ready for bed but will read. Letter from Al. H. Got several letters & cards ready for post.

Mon. Dec. 9

Pauls came ab’t 2 P.M. It is so nice to see them. The children have grown so much. Paul looks well but thin. He had been very ill with ulcers on lungs. They go East now. Mother T busy as usual. Rather dark & rainy but got some clothes dry.

Tues. Dec. 10

Some went to town. I washed more clothes but they don’t dry well. tho we hang them in the basement. Mother & Bill too busy to come home for lunch. Cl. showed movies this eve & Paul showed his slides. all very interesting. Dad & a funny pygmy are on one - so natural of Dad laughing.

Wed. Dec. 11

Dark & rainy all day. Boys went for a walk this P.M. & got caught in a hard down pour. All kinds of lakes just below the R.R. track. Ruth Marie & family called & then staid to supper. The youngsters have rough house most of the time. Paul finds it hard to sing, since his illness.

Thur. Dec. 12

Pauls got away before 11. Gl. fixed up quite a chop box for them. It’s been somewhat clearer today & windy so it is colder. I got up with bad head & stomach. No breakfast but lay down quite a while. am moved back into my nice bed again. Feel much better this eve. Letters from Co & Mary S.

Fri. Dec. 13

We pretty well cleaned the whole house. feeling much better but almost sneeze my head off. Got a box of Kleenex & I sure use them. Took walk to the store & bot so much we could hardly carry it home.

Sat. Dec. 14

Decided today to knit the 3 boys sweaters alike - so I finished the sock I was at & when Gl gets wool I’ll go at mittens. Trying to get some Xmas letters off. My head stays so achey.

Sun. Dec. 15

Gl. & I didn’t go to church. My head was bad. Cl. went this eve with Bill to the Xmas program. Mother went to church. Wonder how M.A. has spent the day. Almost finished reading “Shining after rain” by Louisa McCraw. Am sending it to Grace C.

Mon. Dec. 16

Clear & windy. Baked pumpkin pie & Gl put whipped cream & marchino cherries on. This P.M. washed. & most got dry. This eve getting Xmas letters off. booklets of verses to some & cards to others. A good chance to say hello to all.

Tues. Dec. 17

Cl. & Mrs Taylor went to Little Rock. Cl. brot batteries for my aid & I think it’s going to work alright. Cora’s Maico receiver - mine is broken. Gl & I shopt. Got pretty frame for Lo’s pretty head of Christ card & will give it to Mrs Taylor.

Wed. Dec. 18

Cold seems better but its biting cold outside. Cl fixed tree and put little electric lights on it. Gl & I are getting a good many letters & cards off. I’m writing to most every one - not sending only a card.

Thur. Dec. 19

Mother busy again. altho we had spare ribs & Kraut for dinner. I got 4 red tulip bulbs to send Mother Sloop. No narcissus to be had now. Wrote quite a bunch.

Fri. Dec. 20

Mother & Bill have not come home all day. Very pleasant. While Cl & Gl went down town I washed my hair. Then after dinner she did hers. Got some nice letters. Am still writing some. Also knitted - finished one mitten. Gl. too. Skooky here for supper. R.M. brot lots of parcels for under the tree.

Sat. Dec. 21

Gl & I cleaned the rooms & were most done when her Aunt Annie came & had lunch with us. & P.M. all went down town ab’t 4. Mother & Bill working all day - not home yet - 10 P.M. 2 funerals & wedding & dance all needing flowers. Wonder if Co’s have the one we ordered for her - a plant. Finished another mitten.

Sun. Dec. 22

Al is 64. Mother didn’t come home at all til this evening. Had to deliver flowers to Ozark by noon. Cl. went with Vane, Billy didn’t go to S.S. nor we to church. Mother is very tired & cant sleep now. It is so warm we hardly need gas fires. Listened to lots of Xmas things on the radio. I wrote Miss Noweck & that’s all I did all day. Got some Xmas letters.

Mon. Dec. 23

Mother slept some & is at it all day. not home yet 9:30. Cl & Gl went down town. Gl saw the Dr. All is OK but she is gaining too much weight. Some days ago Gl. wrote Bateman correcting some statements - he replies nothing but a written statement that she drops all connections & repudiates all the Pentecostal beliefs will cause them to reconsider & accept her. God help us all. How we need love.

Tues. Dec. 24

Baked mince & cherry pie. A friend brot a lovely cocoanut nut cake with pecans on it. Started sponge for buns but it’s light enuf to make ‘em up now. Turkey ready to stuff with corn bread stuffing. All parcels at tree. Mittens done. Put some things into Billys stocking he insisted hanging up because he knows “Twas night before Xmas” almost entirely. Cl reads it to him. music on radio every night.

Wed. Dec. 25

What a merry time. Letters from several by morning post. Scotty & wife came ab’t 11. Turkey done fine. Mother worked til after 12. Opened parcels after lunch. Billy & Skookie so excited they couldn’t carry ‘em to folks. Lots of lovely gifts. Rain coat from Gl & Cl, slips from Al & Ruth M. Mildred chose my name & gave me a pr. of bedroom slippers. Mother box of writing paper. Mrs Devitt a box of tiny paper. a parcel is at office still.

Thur. Dec. 26

Took down tree & cleaned up. Got some letters off. The parcel from Co. hasn’t come. Mother & Bill left at 5 this morning - 3 funerals & a wedding today. another funeral tomorrow and lots of work installing a large new refrigerator. Didn’t sleep well. Talked with both Cl & Gl. She is ready to sign up but Cl. says he does not consider Pente. as “modern false cult.”

Fri. Dec. 27

Mother & Bill off early - a funeral and the new huge frigid-air is to be installed so they are still working - 9:15. We went down town to see a 2^nd cousin of Gl’s - from Calif. They were down town too so they said they’d come out this P.M. we planned tea but they didn’t come til 5 so just talked. Co’s parcel came “Desert Sweets”. date, coconut, nut & cereal all mixed & good.

Sat. Dec. 28

Cleaned some - bathed & washed out some clothes. It was so sunny & nice & warm but this P.M. & eve it’s raining - lightening - thundering. Card from Hoyts to say they will come perhaps 2^nd wk in Jan. My cold is awful. I do want to go to church tomorrow. Lora sent me a pretty knitting bag - one she has made & used. Wrote to all 3 of them.

Sun. Dec. 29

It’s very cold tonight. Went to A.M. service. Ruth Witt, Gl. very dear friend, from Chicago & Mrs. Carmichael spent PM here. Ruth Marie and family also came. I’m using the aid so got in on much of the conversation. Cl went to Miss. Bapt Church this eve & they asked him to preach next Sun. & show pictures some week day.

Mon. Dec. 30

Ruth W. & Mrs. C. came to lunch & spent P.M. I mended some & wrote Ray & sent calendar. The water pipes were frozen this morning - and huge icicles under the tank. Cold all day. Installing huge Frigidaire at shop today. Cost $1400. A house just out of town burned & 5 children burned. Mother made fire & put children to bed & went to neighbors to see ab’t something & when she saw the fire the walls were falling in! Children were 4 yr. twins 3, one 2 & one 1. so sad.

Tues. Dec. 31

Started snowing while we were at breakfast and kept it up all day. Billy had fun playing in it but Cl. didn’t greatly enjoy it. The radio announced asking motorists to exercise great care as roads are very slippy. Bill out to watch night service. Now the yr and this diary are ended. (to back)

[from back of book] Dec. 31, 1946 – And instead of Cl & Gl being back in Congo with me, [arrow drawn to previous yr. “Do hope Cls will be back a yr from now …”] I am here (Russellville) with them. and we do have such nice times together. but I keep feeling sad & I know they feel it too that affairs with the Mission have not yet cleared up. Sometimes I think I must write the Office - then again I feel the Lord would just have me let hands off. O that we may have the patience He wants us to have and not run ahead of His plans for us.

It is within 2 hrs. of midnight which will close this diary. It contains the doings of our family, and no other 5 years has had more joy and deeper sorrow than these 5. The first years of my Africa life had joys such as few missionaries experience these days. Wedding, first baby, first furlo, first home etc. etc. The Lord’s goodness all the way. This book tells of Cl’s wedding - one of the happiest times since our own - except Rays arrival on the field. Then our 2 yrs. of happy life at Rw. and Billys coming. Then the saddest time where the Lord took Dad & left me. But His grace was sufficient and will ever be. Ray’s return to the Field - was such a happy occasion. Meeting Gl & Billy & we learning to know our little Mary Ann.

Then Cl’s furlo with all its misunderstanding and heart aches, that have drawn us nearer to one another & to Him who doeth all things well. He has been so faithful all thro the years. 40 spent in Africa - & now bringing me home & letting me have this happy time with Cls here at Mother Taylors. and I’m trusting Him to work it all out for us. I’m sure He would have these 2 efficient workers in His work where they are so well fitted for service. We want to “wait on the Lord” & trust only in Him. We need His patience and His love. He knows - He sees, He cares & He loves.

Daily Light for tonight! I Cor. 2: 9, 10. and the many, many encouraging promises from His word. My daily almost hourly prayer is - May we not fail Him. for as we look into 1947 we know He will not fail us!

[noted in back of book]

Altitude at:

garage 4600 J.W. Fords meter

Rest house at Lake 3100

First large village below de Wildes 3250

On pontoon – 2850 ft. [Semliki river]

Bells – 3475 ft.

In Beni 3800

Ruwenzori – Mt. Marguerite – 16,794 ft. (5,115 M.)

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