Florence Minch Stauffacher Diary 1909                                                                                             Index

FMS letters from 1909:  letter Feb. 4, 1909;   letter Feb. 18, 1909

[Diary has some damage. Missing or indecipherable text indicated by “[...]”]

Tues. eve. Oct. 4. '09

I've finished my old […] hard to begin the new.

So many things have taken p […] days have been passing so rapi […] scarcely believe so much has […]

We took in Freeport Campmeeting - […] Mama Raymond & John finished his trip then came to Hooppole until the last day or two & bro't Mulungit we had sent for him. All went home together. John al […] Raymond & I went to Joslin then to Rockriver Camp. Had a nice time. Mon. Warren, Cora, Mulungit & Ma […] came. Tues. Chas. & Bess. Wed Grandpa & Aunt Annie & Oneida. We enjoyed every day very much. Broke up camp on Sat. Chass & we & others went to Starved Rock. Thur. papa took we four to Geneseo. Chas & Bess left Thur eve we early next morning for St. Pa […] with mama. Staid at St Paul […] wo weeks. Closed with the W.M.S. […] n. Came back in time to […] Grandpa Offerle's 80^th birthday.

Sun. Oct. 9 John & Mulungit left for […] ginia. They are making quite a number of stops on the way.

I am doing up slow & grapes butter for Africa. John was intending to buy an organ on this trip. Hope he does.

Mulungit is eager to go to school. I am reading Graustark. It is played at the Grand this week in St Paul. Very busy every day. Cora is at N.W.C. Is having a good time.

We have elegant Fall weather. Ideal.

Oct. 13 Wed. A.M.

Last Sat. our ideal Autumn days disappeared and it was cloudy. all day Sat. Sun. & Mon. Mon. eve it turned very cold & win […] Things froze & yesterday morn & A.M. […] quite hard. So we have our first winter weather. If papa hadn't gone away today he would have started the furnace fire. Raymond doesn't like to stay in the house. he keeps begging to go out.

Yesterday morning I put him into my bed for he was so cold. He slept fine then. This morning he slept very warm & comfy in his own bed.

Warren went to work this morning. about four miles from here. putting in tile. Papa & Mr Miller went to put in a bridge West of here.

Had a letter & postal from John. He got a fine organ $80 but he got it for $55.

The Board of Missions sat down proper […] n him and the African work. Were […] r unreasonable.

[…] ival meetings started Sun. night but the weather has been so bad that few come out. Today is bright & will no doubt get warmer.

Mon. eve Nov. 1

It is so rainy and disagreeable tonight. Very windy too I'm real lonely for John. Had such a dandy letter from him last Wed. Want to write one tonight.

Raymond was quite sick with a cold on his lungs about a week ago but is alright again. Mama has been having a spell of the grip but is some better again.

Warren is laying tile about 6 miles from here. Last Wed. A.M. Mrs. Elizabeth Holzinger was buried. Mama & […] attended services. P.M. called at Mrs Fehlmans where we also met Lou Miller. On way home called on Mrs. Geo. Mathis. On Thurs. took dinner with Jessie & called at Nellie's. On Fri. took dinner at Lynns and called on Marie Ringel.

Sat. P.M. Cora Beth called. Hubert came from Naperville will return tomorrow. Takes some things for Cora.

Very pleasant yesterday morn. A good crowd at church. Last eve. very rainy – only a few there. had Y.P.A. all the time. Prof. Chanlender played coronet. That's the only instrument we had.

John took Mulungit to Boydton. He likes it so much. Was made to feel so much at home. And altho' it seems all the students are quite poor yet when he left they gave him $26. He was entirely overcome.

He is going from one place to another and two weeks from tonight I'm to meet him at Union Depot. Wont that be fine!

Sarah Ott wants us to come to them for all night. Then Tues we do our shopping. Wed. to Dillers and on to Walnut. Thurs Red Oak Fri La Moille Sat. Monroe.

I'm to leave next Tues for Naperville. Will take Raymond along. Cora will no doubt be glad to see him.

Must write to John. I'm sleepy already.

Thur. eve Nov. 11

A week ago tonight mama took sick with pneumonia. Dr. Adams has been here every day since and yesterday Dr. Hoffman from Kewanee came along.

She is doing as well as can be expected. Is very weak for she has suffered intensely.

Alice came home Sat. eve. and takes care of her now. I had tho't perhaps I could go to N. on Sat. but I'll wait until Mon. Then stop off at N. between trains and leave Raymond with Cora.

It is awfully hard to take care of mama & do the work too.

Made a photo book for Lora's Xmas and sent it. All kodak pictures of Raymond.

Edna Mathis was buried last Mon. Such a young girl too. It seems sad.

Glenn Tonkinson is helping papa put in tile. Too wet to work over at Wilson's. Warren & Josie have been going hunting – or rather trapping.

It's such mild weather. Takes all the snap out of one.

Sun. P.M. Nov. 14

Tomorrow Raymond & I go to Naperville. Then I go on in the evening to Chicago to meet John. Then we go to Walnut for Wed. eve & to Red Oak Thurs. La Moille Friday. and to Monroe Sat. Alice will stay here with mama until Thanksgiving at least. Then we are urging her to go West. Aunt Anna's want her to stop with them and go on with her profession. There are so many nurses in Freeport.

Mrs. Lickert is being buried today. Died of cancer. Has suffered for a long time.

I can scarcely realize that by tomorrow this time I'll be thinking of going to meet John. He has been away just about 6 weeks. Altogether too long. Hope 'twont happen again.

Mama gains a little every day. Her right lung is still badly affected.

Quarterly meeting today.

Feb. 1 1910 Tues. A.M.

Well, well, whoever tho't I'd be so negligent. How little I tho't when last I wrote of all the future had for me. I tho't certainly all would be perfect when J. was back but differences will come – however – thanks to his lovely disposition and great amount of good sense we are just as happy as ever and happier for such experiences but draw us closer together, and help us to understand one another better.

Raymond is growing so fast. Tries to say every thing. We are at Monroe visiting and people make a great fuss over him.

I ought to begin where I left off but I haven't time now. I'll write about it later. We are to go to a quilting at the next door neighbors, Mrs. Baumgartner this P.M.

Tues. eve. Feb. 1

I went to meet John – but not at the time I expected to. He missed his morning train and telegraphed that he wouldn't get to the city before midnight. I went in about 10 o'clock and waited 'til almost one. When he came.

We took a cab out to Sarahs – staid all night & next day did shopping. Mostly at M. Ward & Co. Got to Naperville at 5:20. Raymond was crying but stopt when he saw J. He knew him very well yet. Went to Muenches all night. On Wed. Nov. 17 went to Walnut staid with Irve Luthers. Thurs. to Red Oak. J. talked at church. Staid with Feuchts. Fri, A.M. Rev. F- took us to Ohio St. and we went to La Moille to Dr. Newberry's mother. J. spoke again in church. Sat. we came to Monroe. Got here quite late. Waited in Mendota depot from 11 A.M. to 6 P.M.

News from Cherry Mine explosion came in all day. First men were gotten out that day. Quite a number alive.

Staid at Monroe for Thanksgiving. Boys & families were in. Cora & Albert came from N. W. school. Awful scandal out about Pres. K. kissing the girls etc etc.

Went to big football game between Highs of here & Sterling. Ours beat S. 61-0. Greatest success of the season. S's had championship of three states.

Fri. Cora & Alb. went to the Hollow. I went to the dentist. He finished all but pulling my wisdom tooth. Letter from home. We had to return on Sat. Mama worse & Al couldn't do all the work.

Cora went back with us. Surprised them all. She returned Monday.

From this time until New Years Mama staid much the same. Her fever didn't vary 2/10 of a degree. But she sat up a little every day by Christmas. We were all alone. Cora came home. We wanted Alb and Harry to come down but they couldn't.

We got a lot of nice presents chief among them $40 from Mrs. Owen and $5 each Lora & Emils. Two boxes of writing paper, goods for a waist from Mrs. Burgi, hat pin from Bec. paintings from Cora. J. got a box of cheese!!! Raymond a Teddy bear & book & plate. Mama had a 'kerchief shower in which she got 52. Such beauties too. She was entirely overcome.

The Wed. after Christmas or Dec. 29 John, Raymond & I went to Chicago. Coldest day of the winter. 5 froze to death in the city. We left Raymond with Sarah & we went to hear “The Messiah”. It was grand. Too fine to describe.

Next morning we again left R. with Sarah & we went down to Lyon & Healys where we had on Wed. chosen a phonograph and chose 20 records. Some very fine ones. Thur. P.M. took the electric to Elgin & spent the night at Fremon Offerle's. Enjoyed it ever so much. On Fri. went thro' Cooks Pub. House & called at Rippbergers, took dinner with Haigh's, at her sisters, & P.M. called at Al. Browns and then to Aurora & Naperville where Roy Simpson met us & took us out to their home.

Next day (Sat.) we left R. with Mrs. Simpson & we went to city to a lecture by Mr. Newman on B.E.A. at Orchestra Hall. 'Twas very good. At night went again to hear Mme. Olga Samaroff pianist & Thomas' Orchestra. That too was splendid only I was too tired to enjoy it fully. Back to Simpsons on the electric at midnight. Roy met us again.

Sun. we staid at home all day. Bertha cousins Nora & Arthur Abbot were out for the P.M. Had a nice visit. Tues. Jan. 4. we went back to Prophetstown. Had to drive fast to make the train & it was awful cold & snowing. At Mendota Alice & Warren were waiting for the Freeport train & we met Cora on her way back to school. They had gone to Prophetstown in the morning and we took the team home. Snowed & blowed awfully coming home. took the phonograph along, it was at the express office.

We staid with Mama two weeks. Alice & Warren came back Mon. Jan 17 and we left the next day for Geneseo and up here. We were to spend Sun. in Geneseo but they were determined J. must speak & he wouldn't do it. Since his Cleveland visit he has decided not to speak in any of our churches. The folks were awfully disappointed & it even caused hard feelings but we hope it's alright now. Rev. Hallwachs was not there but we explained to Winnie with whom we had a nice visit.

'Twas hard to say goodbye to Grandpa & ma. Grandpa gave Raymond a dollar. He could scarcely let him go, he thinks he'll never see him again but he may. Grandpa, Aunt Lorene & Oneida went to the train with us.

We expected to go to Burlington Crossing then to Mendota but J. told the agent Mendota & he gave us a ticket to Mendota by way of La Salle where we changed depots. We waited from 10 o'clock A.M. 'til 7 P.M. Our train was 4 hrs. late. At Mendota J. got out & got other tickets and the valise rechecked. There was no oil in the lamps so we sat in the dark to Freeport. Our Monroe train was gone so we went to a hotel for the night. The train next morning was late in leaving & we were stuck all the way along. Every once in a while they'd have to shovel. We got here at 11 instead of 8.

Found all well here.

Next day (Sat.) Georges & Emil came in for dinner. We made out to go to Dutch Hollow the next week.

Mon. was a nice day so we drove out in the cutter. Had a lovely drive J. showed me all the places he used to have fun gathering nuts & berries & hunting rabbits & squirrels.

We had a nice week of visiting. Sat. we went to Uncle Will Staffs. Sun. to Emils for dinner & then came back to town. 'Twas quite cold but nice to get back again.

We staid at Georges every night & they took us all around.

Had quite a lot of mail waiting for us. A picture of Mulungit with his class as well as a letter from him and one from Mr. Field.

Mulungit got his Xmas box and enjoyed every thing in it. He does like his work so much and seems to be making splendid progress.

Thur. eve.

Yesterday a letter came from Adams saying he received a cable that Mr. Hurlburt has started and H advises us “to return at once not pressing”. It puzzles us somewhat. Other times he has asked J. to wait – But we shall wait now.

J. had work done at his teeth again. 'Twill cost over $50 'til he's finished. Seems like quite a lot but it will be well done then.

Went to hear Mrs. Kunz-Baker – impersonator. Fifth lecture number. She was splendid.

A letter from Albert says Pres. K- is out of College. Bishop Bowman & L. M. Umbach are at the head of affairs. The Kletzing Church trial came off today. Such things are awful. Lamb was put out of the church a few weeks ago for criminal acts toward women. Awful! awful! Getting better? It certainly doesn't seem so.

Today mother & I went down town shopping. 'Twas a lovely day.

Got Mrs. Barnetts shoes. and mother got me a dress. blue percale. Very pretty. They got Raymond a pair of shoes too. The ground hog never saw his shadow yesterday. Too cloudy.

Postal from mama today.

John had three teeth pulled. One was very bad. His face is quite swelled and his mouth very sore. I wish my wisdom tooth was out.

Mama writes Florence Ott Blackert has a baby boy. Lora writes Rancks have a 6 lb. 3 oz girl. This sounds thrifty and prosperous.

Mail the curios for St. Paul.

Tues. eve. Feb. 8.

Again a widow. We were down town yesterday – had Raymonds cute pictures taken – but he was awfully stubborn and cried and squealed frightfully but we got some pretty good ones as the proof today show. But yesterday when we came home from town we found a telegram waiting for John from Zemmer wanting him to come at once as there were several wanted very much to see him. He decided to go and went this morning. We sent little boxes of goodies to Albert & Cora by him. He will go to see Mr. Roth at Capron, Ill. before he returns. No doubt he'll come back on Thurs.

We were at Jenny's last night and Theodore played on the piano for us. 'Twas fine. Tomorrow we go to Kruegers for dinner. J. Misses that & tonight too. Harry's play is given at Turner's hall. Harry is “Strongheart” the main character.

Rev. Neinstedt was here yesterday to see about a farewell meeting. After talking for two hours he stayed to dinner & J. refused for good.

Thur. eve. Feb. 10.

Am expecting John any minute. It's after train time tho' perhaps the train is late. Do hope he'll come. Have headache tonight. Sewed pretty steady today. Washed my hair and made some candy this A.M. Finished the long baby dress for mother to give to Della; and finished Raymonds blue chambray all but buttons & the holes, and started the white linen. Also cut out the two suits mother gave him – blue & the white with black dots. I should like to get him yet a white with red lines. He looks very well in red.

We were at Kruegers yesterday for dinner. Had a very nice time. Selma had a sore eye and staid out of school. Louise is to be married the end of the month – she showed us all her pretty things. She has a good lot. Nice letter from mama today. Started copying J's letters last night.

We went to the hall Tues night. Mrs. Jake Elmer kept Raymond. The play was fine. Harry simply held the audience. He did so fine. They all did splendid. 'Twas quite long and between acts was long. It was almost eleven when we got home. Mrs. Elmer said Raymond was very good & soon went to sleep.

The proofs of his pictures are splendid. Very much better than we tho't they'd be. I hear a train whistle wonder if it's Johns. Hope so. I'm short the next copy of Hearing & Doing so I can't work at it 'til I write home and have mama send it if she has it.

Must write Mrs. Tjader yet before J. comes. Quite cold tonight.

Feb. 18. Fri. P.M.

Raymond is 19 months old today. More mischievous than ever.

Anna Winger & her mother called this P.M. John is still going to the dentists. We were to go home on Tues. but fear we can't get off. The dentist is so slow.

A little girl came to Emils last Mon. Valentine Day. (Later Florence Valentine by name)

Naperville basketball boys play here tonight. J & I are going. Then we entertain two of the boys here. Tomorrow we all go out to Emils to see the new girl. Yesterday & today are very cold. 10 below zero this morning. We were at Uncle Peter S's for supper last night. Sams were there too.

Letter from home all well & looking for us.

Mon. eve. Feb. 21.

This is our last evening here for a while. John is at the dentists yet. We tho't for awhile today we couldn't go tomorrow but I guess he will finish. We washed & ironed today. Cousin Mary Kundert was here this P.M.

Pa & J. finally nailed up the organ & got it onto the veranda.

We are waiting with supper 'til J. comes. He seems to be long about it as it's after 6. We got around pretty well among relatives and friends here – but at home we haven't - - Now John is home, all finished up for $60. J & I are both feeling awful bummy tonight but no doubt a good nights rest will fix us up.

Father gave us $100 the last 60 went for J's teeth. There may be callers here tonight but I feel much more like going to bed. Tomorrow night at Chas. Smiths & next at home -

Sat. night. Mar. 5, 11 P.M. Phila. Pa.

Am expecting J. home any minute. He went to a concert. Hears some good singers. There is considerable confusion in town today. About 70,000 Union men went on a strike at midnight last night – street car men in the lead. A few cars are still running. It's well we don't have to depend on street cars to get to Adams on. We go by train. We are at 1725 Vine St. We've had a few experiences – but to begin at the beginning. We went home as we expected – stopt at Smiths & all. Found Alice at Gust Schmitts – but came home that eve. We went to Yorktown on the Dummy – Warren met us there.

We went right at packing. Thurs. the women of both churches were invited in & bro't old muslin. We served coffee cookies & olives. They gave me the quilt the L.B.C. made. Fri. we washed big washing. Sat. Al & Ada went at my dress. I ironed. J. pretty well finished the packing.

No word from Hurlburt all this time so on Sunday while taking a walk around the farm we decided to leave on Tues. Mar. 1. Word or no word; and stop at Scottdale.

Went to Chicago. Albert & Cora got on at N- Albert staid only to 4:30 then returned. Cora went to Schuttes with us for supper. Found Mildred – the youngest – very sick. (Later-Died a few days later.) The rest all well. Cora's train left about 20 minutes after ours so she staid with us 'til we pulled out. The last one of the family to part with. It was hard for them to see Raymond go but otherwise it wasn't nearly so hard as it was the first time. I've not had the least bit of homesick feeling. We traveled by night from Chicago to Pittsburg & then to Greensburg & Scottdale by noon on Wed. Mar. 8. Staid allnight & got here about 5:30 Thurs. Took us some time to find Adams. Then he wasn't there but with his mother who is very very low. We had gotten a telegram at Scottdale that C.E.H. hadn't turned up yet & no one seems to be able to find him. It seems strange but perhaps he didn't sail. (Later-Adams read cable wrong.)

We had supper at Adams then went down as directed to the Windsor Hotel. Our room was $2 a day and 'twas as bad as a dungeon. We decided at once to leave. Yesterday we found this room. It's 3^rd floor but a nice large airy room with two south windows.

We take our meals out. Had a letter from mama today. Forgot some things. J. has seen Mr. Adams twice. They have cabled to find out about Mr. C.E.H. If he has not yet started we will go at once. No answer yet. It's 11:15 & J. not home yet.

           FMS letter Apr. 3, 1910

Apr. 7, 1910. S.S. Prinzessin. Indian Ocean. 1 day past Aden.

How I have neglected to write. It is too bad but I shall try to recall all – at least the most important events since last I wrote.

On Sun. Mar. 6 we took our lunch & went out to Fairmont Park. 'Twas a beautiful day. The grass was quite green. We saw the animals and had a good time. Came back about 3. Very warm & tired. Rested, went out to supper & then had another walk in a small park near us.

Mon. 7 we got word that Mr. Hurlburt took sick after cabling & would not come for some time. We at once decided to leave by the first boat. which leaves N.Y. next Sat. Mar. 12. Telegraphed Zemmer, Miss Mc Kinstry & Wycoff. Couldn't reach Miss McK- so wrote to her to come at once. John is busy getting things arranged. Mr. Adams has no time for anything as his mother is very low and he stays with her all the time. I keep copying at J's Hearing & Doing letters. They are long and take much time but I enjoy it.

Tues. we went to see Dr. Thomas Tait on S. 15^th St. about my eyes. He gave me a prescription which was the stuff that enlarges the pupil. I put it in twice & went back on Wed. when he tested them & on Thurs. sent me to an occulist to have glasses fitted. Got them on Fri. Wed. we had a telegram that Mr. Wycoff was very sick - they couldn't go. Thurs. noon when we came back from down town we found Mr. Zemmer and Miss Thome at our room. We were so glad for we began to think we'd have to go alone. John had gotten tickets for a performance on Thurs PM at which Caruso sang. We questioned what to do with Raymond. Mrs. Adams had promised to take him then she couldn't as she had to stay with the sick mother. Then when Mr Zemmer & Miss T. came all tired out they were glad to stay with him & we had a fine time. It would have been a long day for me for I could see nothing near by. I wore dark glasses for a week. Fri. morn we had word Miss McK- was on her way & would get to Phila. at 6. We had intended leaving in the P.M. but waited for the 7 o'clock train. We did our shopping at Wanamakers. Got woolens & shoes etc. Mr. Adams came to the station for just a short time. 'Twas the first I had seen of him. He met Miss McK. & then left even before we.

We went to N.Y. got there quite late – staid with a fat old German lady over night. Took our boat the next morning Mar. 12 from Hoboken pier. “S.S. Berlin” of the North German Lloyd line. A very very nice boat. We went 2^nd Class. Had a very rough passage to Gibraltar – reached it Sun. Mar. 20. Several got off. Had a very interesting crowd of traveling companions. One especially prominent young man. There always is one. I was very sick. Even when it was quite smooth I still felt quite ill. Think I must have taken cold & had sort of grip. Before we left the boat the boys learned of S.S. Prinz Heinrich of this same line leaving Naples Mar. 25 for Alexandria and at once began to talk of visiting Egypt & taking our regular boat at Suez. The plans grew. Rome also was planned for. Our boat got to Naples Mar. 23. Quite early in the morning & we had done no packing the night before so instead of being out watching & seeing things we were packing. Jno got excited for once. But we were soon off for Hotel Metropole. They were full but took us to a place near by where we had lovely rooms and regulation meals at very low cost. After we were settled the boys & Miss Thom went to see about a train for Rome. There was such a jam at the ticket office that before they could get their tickets the train left. They took their dinner down town & found out about the boat for Alexandria. Then came back and we made plans to visit Pompeii the next day.

We hired a carriage for five dollars & got our moneys worth. Must have been 6 or 8 miles out there. Ate our dinner & returned to the Vesuvius R.R. Station – found out 'twould cost the bunch $15 to go up so we changed our minds. The boys were going to walk up but the R.R. company wouldn't let them. We drove down town got R. a cap & went to our rooms. Next morning boarded the Prinz Heinrich & started for Alexandria. Only one man & one lady in 3^rd class beside us. Miss McK. was sick all the time. Sore throat & cold. We girls had a cabin & the boys were just across the hall. It was quite rough all the way but I didn't get sick 'til the last hour before getting in I felt awfully awful but kept my dinner. We were so surprised to see what a fine place Alexandria is. Much nicer than Naples. The boys left us at the R.R. station while they shipped the freight to Suez and found a hotel.

A man directed them to the National Hotel and this same man turned out to be an agent for a Hotel at Cairo so after fixing us up at this hotel he made arrangements for us at Cairo.

We bo't lunch and ate it at our rooms. It seemed very nice to have nice beds to sleep in again. How good everything tasted too. We were so hungry. After supper Raymond stayed with Miss McK- & the rest of us went for a walk. There are very nice stores here. Next morning we walked for a couple of hours trying to find Pompey's pillar, which we found out later we had seen but tho't it a smoke stack. Got caught in a rain on the way home.

The night before we heard trumpets & when we looked out we saw a large number of uniformed boys marching down the street and later old men were stationed along the street with torches & soon mounted soldiers came & a couple of carriages bearing some Mohammedan dignitary, no doubt.

We left Alexandria at noon and got to Cairo about 3:30 P.M. The buss man and porters from Bristol Hotel met us and took us to the hotel. Took our meals there too. A very nice place to stay.

We saw the pyramids quite a while before we got to Cairo. We were so hungry we could hardly wait for supper. We & the girls had adjoining rooms Mr. Zemmer had one the next floor up. Even at Alexandria we heard that Pres. Roosevelt & family were at Shepheards hotel Cairo; so we were watching our chance to see them. We had planned to visit the pyramids the next day, Wed. but heard the R- family was to leave on the 9 o'clock train that morning so we walked up the street about time for them to leave & saw the whole bunch.

Then went to the pyramids. We hired our dragoman or guide for $1.50. We had an hours ride on the street car then we were very near but they insisted on our riding camels. 25 cents an hour & we did. It wasn't near as hard as we tho't it would be – we all enjoyed it but Raymond. He was rather frightened. We first went to the Sphinx then to the temple of the Sphinx. The guide showed us where the priests & high priests lived in rooms of alabaster stone & great blocks of granite 17x8x4. This had to be bro't from a quarry 500 miles distant. The people of olden time used to worship the sphinx – for the head was hollow & the priest used to send a man in there & when the people came & asked questions he'd answer from within. & the people believed it was God. The priest always answered for his own benefit so the people were often greatly taxed in order to pay all to the priest the Sphinx God asked them to.

Their mistake was later discovered and their worship stopt. At the temple we left the camels. They returned & the guide took us some distance across sand & thro' the arab cemetery to a cave in the side of a huge rock. here we ate our lunch. The people at the hotel fixed it for us. My! it tasted good. We were ravenously hungry.

After resting the boys & the guide took a walk to the fartherest pyramid & an arab boy carried Raymond for us & we girls went to the 2^nd and waited for them. They gathered fossils & all sorts of petrified things. We waited until about 3:30 then started our ascent of the great pyramid.

But we first had to sign a card that we would not hold the shiek responsible if any accident happened - -

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Mombasa. Cecil Hotel. Apr. 12, 1910.

Too good to be true!!! I can scarcely believe it. We got here this morning. That is, got to M. and to the hotel about noon. but I must go back where I was interrupted. - - then we started up. Raymond and we three girls each had one helper. The boys went alone. It was a pretty stiff climb but a beautiful view from the top, of the Nile River valley. When half way up Raymond got half way up then on a big flat place he wanted to play in the sand so John left him with the arab after he had threatened him well and promised him extra pay if he'd take good care of him. John hurried up to the top and rested only a minute then hurried down again but met the arab coming up with R- who was crying terribly. No doubt when he found the arab couldn't understand his baby talk he felt strange and wouldn't be consoled. John took him & played with him a little and R. soon felt better. Then they went on down where the boy who carried him to the 2^nd pyramid was waiting for him & in a little while R. had forgotten his troubles.

We wrote several cards from the top & then tried to take our time going down but we got quite tired any way. Had very peculiar sensations when we got down and tried to walk. Our knees would give way & we found it quite trying to get back to the street car track again. In spite of soreness we were glad to have had the privilege of seeing so much. We were quite chilled going home but were not so very stiff next day; but got worse & worse so that by Fri. it was misery to try to walk & torture to go up & down stairs.

Our helpers each got a frank or 20 cents & R's got 2 franks. We were ready for a good dinner and then a good night's rest. Thurs. A.M. Raymond & I staid in. I finished hemstitching Mrs. Riebe's & Mrs. Downings initialed pillow cases and R. had a good sleep. This great amount of visiting & traveling is not the best thing for him.

The rest went to see the big Mohamedan University & several mosques. After dinner John left again for the Egyptian Museum & also took in the noted Nile river bridge & the khedive's palace & grounds coming back about 5 very tired. Miss McK. staid in all P.M. Mr. Zemmer, Miss T., R & I went for a walk in the Esbekiah gardens. Had a very nice restful hour & ½.

Fri. we got the post cards off & settled affairs & left for Suez by 11. Had lunch from the hotel. Went to the Sinai Hotel at Suez. Had just rooms and bo't lunch.

A very very dusty dirty windy trip. We were fairly buried in sand. The soil changes very abruptly. After leaving the fertile Nile valley we suddenly came into the vast desert a considerable part of which we took with us in hair, ears and shoes. We had very pleasant clean rooms here – even tho the boys wouldn't let the old arab tag them. We found all our freight at the station in good condition & very little storage to pay too. No more straps gone. At Naples one of the big straps Mr. Ott had made for our trunks was gone. Took a walk along the sea front after supper. Next morning we had considerable trouble getting all our baggage to the boat. The dray man who took it to the pier wanted such a fabulous price. He got more in the end than the boys wanted to. We had first to go to the sanitary office & get passes then from there boarded the old boat “Prinzessin”. Just as natural as always. Same steward & stewardess in 3^rd class as before. We were only ladies, but we weren't lonely. Had nice cabins – and better fare than before. Not nearly so many passengers. 12 natives belonging to Roosevelt expedition were deck passengers. As John addressed one Kikuyu in his own language he most tumbled over with surprise. More deck passengers and two teams with dogs & cats got on at Aden.

All thro' the Red Sea it was delightfully cool & smooth. I ate & worked every day but after leaving Aden it began to get rougher. Ate less & worked less, until yesterday I staid in bed most of the day feeling frightfully sick.

It was awful this morning. Got quite rough & I was never so glad to get on the land again. I'm afraid I'll never want an ocean trip again – and now we're here – and while I've been writing John has come in with letters of welcome from Kijabe & Rumuruti. So nice and I can scarcely wait til we get there. We had had a good lunch & I ate & I ate & I know 'twill be that way to the end of the chapter. [Eating for two.]

Tomorrow at 11 we leave – Take our lunch for the whole way. Mr Baileys man came to the boat & bro't us & our luggage off. I'll be so happy to get to Kijabe.

Kijabe, Apr. 15.

Here we are – have been here a day. It's so very nice I can scarcely believe it is really true.

We had a nice trip up from the coast. Ate & talked & laughed & had a good time in general. After Nairobi it seemed awfully long 'til we came to Kijabe. We waved from the bridge & then could scarcely wait the few minutes 'til we got to Kijabe. Quite a number were down to meet us; even Mrs. Hurlburt. We talked all the way home & have been talking ever since. The girls are eating at Mrs. Propst's & sleeping at Mrs. Meyers. Zemmer eats at Riebes & sleeps here at Downings. & we eat & sleep here. They are in their nice two-story house. Just got in lately. It isn't entirely finished yet. We have our own bed & everything nice.

A lot of new buildings are going up. Riebe's house. Mrs. Meyers house, also Propsts, & the school building & a chapel. All these are being worked at every day. Indians are doing much of the work.

This has been the day of prayer. I didn't get to any of the meetings. A Mrs. Mc Donald is here sick. A baby boy was born last night. Mrs. Downing & I had a big washing today.

John opened some of our boxes & found some old clothes. Our steamer trunks didn't come up with us, so we are living in or from the suit case still.

Raymond & Kenneth quarrel a lot – but Kenneth 'most always gives up to R. Kenneth doesn't talk at all.

Hurlburts have all the school boys & girls (white) staying with them. Quite a house full.

Had three letters from Lora.

The straw berries & peanuts I bro't from home look quite dead. I fear the Egypt trip was too much for them.

Rhodes are going home about the middle of May. Hurlburts too are planning to go about the last of May. Mr., Alta, Carl & Agnes.

Miss Simpson is here & will return to Rumuruti a week from tomorrow and wants us to go along. Don't know yet whether we shall or not. Miss Messenger is acting the nurse.

Raymond enjoys himself. His father & mother do too.

Wed. May 4.

These are busy days. The Hurlburts are all going home. Sail May 28 and we are helping them sew and get ready. Alta and Carl have just this eve come back from a few days visit at Matara.

Last Mon. morning Mr. Hurlburt & Mr & Mrs Downing went to Machakos to a Conference. Downings left the children with us. Ida takes care of Kenneth and the two older stay with us during the day and Mrs. Hurlburt stays with them at night.

We are living in Hurlburts house. They've packed their kitchen and dining room things and we have ours out. Zemmer, Miss Thome & Miss Mc Kinstry & Fred Strause stay with us. The Hurlburts stay at Riebe's.

When school opens the children will stay here & Miss Thome will help with the house work and Miss Mc Kinstry will help with the school work. Miss Hope goes home when Hurlburts do too and the Council have given me her work to do. I think it's pretty much but it wouldn't be so bad if John could be here but before the school children come he leaves already to fill his office of Extension Director. Mr Gribble, Miss Gamertsfelder and Miss Simpson go with him to Nasa, G.E. Africa to Sywulka's. The rest all stay with Mrs. Sywulka while Mr. & John go to open or locate and officially procure 5 stations. Then they return to Sywulkas and John & Mr. Gribble go across to Uganda and up the Nile to Wadelai & on West among the Niam Niam tribe & will settle for a station there. Then return & we will go up.

It will no doubt be quite a long hard trip. They cannot do it in less than 6 mos. and in all probability more. I cannot realize now what it will mean but I'm trying to appreciate having him here while I can. To me it seems even worse than if he were going to America for it's all so new & untried and there are so many dangers – but we must remember that our Protector is just as able to take care of them whether they are in America or the most dangerous part of Africa; and I shall keep the text in John 10:4 “And when he putteth forth his own sheep he goeth before them”.

These days are just full of companionship. John has nothing much to do and I'm not very busy so we are together a good deal. I know I'll think of them very often after he's gone. I know I shall be very busy. That is the only redeeming feature about it.

Rhoads sail May 16. Mrs R. is quite poorly I am told. Mr. & Mrs. Raynor bro't Miss Collins who has been very sick, over here last Fri.

Very heavy rains these days & nights. Can't get the wash dry.

Sun. P.M. May 8. Our wedding day

About the saddest we've had, for me. I dread so to think of J's leaving; and yet it is as we want it so we should not complain.

Mr. Downing came back from Machakos last eve. Mr. Hurlburt is spending today at Kangundo baptising four converts. Eddie Harrison is to return with him on Tues. Mrs. D. stays for a week or two yet. Kinyaa returned but is sick so I worked in the kitchen all A.M. for Mugwe left an awful mess of dishes.

King Edward VII died Fri. night. No particulars yet. Letter from Cora last eve telling of Mildred Schutte's death. She was sick when we were there.

Every letter so far has bro't news of a death.

“Charles Hurlburt” came to Mr. &Mrs. Propst last eve. about 7. All is well.

No doubt Evans & Rhoads are thinking of us too today.

This morning we were speaking about where we have been on our different wedding days.

The first one we spent by ourselves at Rumuruti. Had an angels food cake and took our picture.

The second was spent there too. Had P.M. tea. The girls were over & Mr. Partington and Dr Leys & Mr. Bruce were there for it.

The third we were on the Atlantic on our way home 6 days before landing at New York.

And today we are at Kijabe wondering where we will be next year. Perhaps among the Niam Niam. God help us to be in His will.

May 19. Thur. eve.

Alone again! O I hope this may be the last time – yet I should not complain. I have Raymond and all the many dear friends around me and John is much more alone – God bless him -

We went to the station to see him off. Wheeled R. down in his cart. Several were there. Dr. Newberry came from Nairobi so they had her apartment.

When we got back we found the house fixed up for Mrs. Riebe's birthday tea party. We had planned for it for tomorrow. Mistake in the day. I rode Dr's mule back & R. rode with me. Mr Knapp helped me in bad places. The Field Com. met yesterday so the members are still here – Many of them. The Johnstons ate dinner with us. Hope John rests as well as I will tonight. God bless him.

           JWS letter May 21, 1910

Sat. eve. May 28.

One week of school passed and 10 days of separation. How I wonder just where he is & how he is situated. My how I've missed him & tho't of him & longed to see him – but it will all work out for the best.

Even in one week of school there have been some trying times – but thank God I have a clear conscience of duty performed as I knew best.

Hurlburts & Miss Hope left Wed. morning and no doubt are spending their first night on board. Had a letter from Mrs. Hurlburt today – just to say they got to the coast OK & were having a nice time.

Sent J. 2 packages, 1 large envelope of printed matter & a double weight letter today. I wrote at his letter every day. Shall start another. I'm in Mrs. Hurlburts room now & Miss Thome is in the guest room. The Arnoldi girls have not yet come. School went fairly well – better than breadbaking. The big oven wont heat right & the bread spoils by running over then falling. We'll ask Nyakeiro to try next time.

Miss Thome & I went to the gardens today – found things had grown awfully.

Miss Hope said school steady to Dec. 20. Mr. Hurlburt said no! 3 months then one vacation. That suits me better but I'll do as Mr. Downing says.

Three new children from S. Africa are expected. Three from Nakuru have applied but can't be accommodated. Ndethia is staying with me – helps with things in general. She went to the station today also Kinyaa & staid 'til after supper. I was cross & threatened they couldn't go again for a month. All goes on fairly well.

           JWS letter May 30, 1910

June 10. Fri. eve.    JWS letter June 10, 1910

Three weeks of school past. No more children have come nor we haven't heard of any of them. It hasn't been so awfully bad. Don't know just how we are coming out financially.

A week ago today was Johns 32^nd birthday. My! how I wanted to see him. Last year we weren't together either. Haven't heard from them yet. Do hope we'll get something in the morning.

Barnetts passed thro' today and sent up my mirror & a bunch of letters that came for us long ago. One was from Dr. Rainsford enclosing a cheque for 14 shillings+ and others.

The Riebe's & Miss Collins left yesterday for Rumuruti to stay while Barnetts are away.

Several of the children have been sick. Freddy is worst today. Has croup. Fear he'll have a pretty bad night.

We are planning to unite the classes in school & have just one room. I have only two classes now & Miss Mc Kinstry only one making only a little work yet full time for both of us.

Mrs. Mc Donard & Daphne left on Tues. up. Mrs. Downing suddenly made up her mind to go along – even after she got to the station.

I continue to write diary form to John. Have only sent the one. Guess 'twill soon be time for this.

We are planning on having a program and regular vacation as always. Mr. Downing says it's best so. I feel fine these days. Headache sometimes is all. What have the coming weeks for us.           

JWS letter June 27, 1910

JWS letter July 3, 1910

Wed. eve. July 6.

Almost a month since I last wrote. I tho't surely I'd write every week at least. Many things have taken place in these weeks. Have had 4 letters from John. They are now on their way to the Nile, over land from Mengo. Couldn't do much in G.E.A., without people to occupy and Mrs. Sywulka was sick so Mr. S. could not well leave; so, after the first trip & settling on a station J & Mr. Gribble went on. The latest news was from Mengo June 27- just before starting.

We had some excitement here last week. Wed. night Tip, the dog, barked awfully and the girls heard some one at their window & door but told me nothing about it but Beatrice wrote it home. Thurs. eve or Fri. morning some one got into their room and dug things up frightfully. They slept thro' it all. Sat. a letter came from Mr. Hall saying Beatrice was to come home the next Wed. It did me up completely, and I gave Mr. Downing the letter to answer. He came down and talked things over and decided he would go down to Halls on Mon. train & take Beatrice along. They did & settled things satisfactorily & Beatrice came back to stay to the end of the term. The windows are all fitted with locks & Mr. Zemmer sleeps in the office.

The Arnoldi girls came on Wed. and were by far the worst scared in the bunch. None knew we were going to have vacation but school closes in 6 weeks Aug. 19.

John may be back by Sept. 1. Too good to be true- Never will let him go again. Time will tell what the next months have for us. J. wants to work among the Masai 'til we can go to Niam Niam. He will get no mail for about 6 weeks but can send me word once in a while. Miss Mc Kinstry left about 2 weeks ago. Mrs. Propst takes P.M. classes. Grace came on Monday. Have 12 in school now. It keeps me very, very busy.

Dr. Newberry & Miss Messenger left today for their vacation. Miss Messenger had 15 minutes every day for German, now I use those extra 15 minutes and can't get thro' then.

The boys rolled a barrel of cement down hill & lost half of it so for punishment have to work in the garden a day. Worked half a day last Sat. The other half some other day.

The Station Masters children have measles. Kenneth has been sick for 3 days & they thot he'd have them but he isn't broken out any yet.

Raymond chatters all the time. Says every thing. We have finally delivered all of Tip's 7 puppies. Miss Messenger sent me one of her cat's kittens yesterday. It howls awfully. Homesick I guess.

Mr. Mc Kenrick shot an impala on Sat. and sent us a back quarter. Today a back quarter of bush buck & we had two back legs of mutton, so we've been feeding up on meat. I really don't care for so much but it helps out.

We are getting quite a lot of stuff from the gardens now. There are a lot of potatoes ready to dig too.

Wamunyu left last Sat. Don't know when he's coming back. Mazaria & Nanga are the help we have now. Dingori in the kitchen & Ndethia to help. I'm to have Njere while Dr. is away. China troubles are not so bad any more. The folks are at Kuling and Rancks went to Japan, May God protect them & us.          

JWS letter July 17, 1910

Mon. eve July 18.

This is Raymonds 2^nd birthday. Asked the mothers and children here for P.M. tea. Mrs. Mc Kenrick couldn't come. She was not feeling well. Grace came from school. Mrs. Downing and three children were here, also Mrs Riebe and her two: Lorna & Jackie Twigg. and Mrs. Myers and Mrs. Propst and baby Chas. Hurlburt. All seemed to enjoy themselves. We had egg & plain sandwiches, Mince pie (from Mrs. Downing). R's birthday cake which I made & Miss Thome fixed cream filling & iced it. Had a big candle in the centre & two colored ones. Then I made fudge – chocolate & white and had sweet chocolate from the shops. We had tea & the children milk. We drew the shades and shut the door & the candles looked very pretty.

Everything is going on very well. The children are getting on very well in school I think and while they need to be corrected some times, yet they get on fairly well here.

Had such a dandy letter from John on Sat. They will be home in 4 weeks. I want to send a letter tomorrow which will get to Hoima July 28 and I'll send it to Koba. It wont take long for it to go from Hoima to Koba. They expect to reach Koba by the 29^th. I hope my letter will be there by that time.

Mrs. Downing is planning for a party for next Friday night. It happens to be Hermans birthday so we'll help in the affair and make it a rousing one.

Raymond says & does so many cute things lately. I should like to keep them all but it is impossible. His father will soon be here to get the benefit too. God bless him.          

JWS letter Aug. 1, 1910

Sat. eve. Aug. 6.

A week ago last night I had a telegram from John at Koba. He said they were starting home. I hoped I'd get one today from Kisumu but haven't. Unless one comes tomorrow I'll not look for him on Mon. morning then he'll likely not come 'til Wed. morn. I'll not go down to meet him however unless he lets me know that's when he's coming.

Dr. Newberry and Miss Messenger got back from their vacation last eve. Dr. looks much better. Called on me today. An American couple were passing thro' Kijabe R.R. Station this morning when Mr Downing spoke to them and lo! they were from Phila. Had lived within a few doors of the Bible Institute. They had left their little girl at Nairobi so Mrs Betz came up & he went to get the little girl and intended coming on the P.M. train but he didn't have time to catch it; so she is here alone.

Mrs. Downing had asked me down to tea but Miss Thome forgot to tell me so I didn't go.

I moved Mrs. H's chest of drawers into my room and straightened things up a little – hoping John will be here on Monday.

We are getting the last day program ready. By two weeks from today most of the children will be home. The Arnoldi girls & Freddy stay. Mr & Mrs Arnoldi called here this week on their way up country.

Mrs Barnett & baby are in Mrs. Riebe's guest room. Miss Slater came from Nairobi this eve. She has been having her eyes treated.

People come and go – almost every week finds things different. Mr Riebe has spent this last week at Kaimosi with Mr. Hole or Mr. Chillson. Getting his books looked over.

Dingori, the kitchen boy took a spell this morning of not coming to do his work. If he returns tomorrow I think I shall tell him we don't want him any more, but I doubt whether I'll pay him his full wages – he's not been here two whole weeks.

School work goes on all right. I have been giving some examinations but most are still to be given.

Have a great deal of head ache lately. There may be a reason.

Njere staid here while Dr. was away.

I've been getting my letters pretty well answered. This morning sent 8 foreign. And the last mail about or over a dozen. I'm sure I'll not get many written after John gets here.

Last Wed. Aug. 3 was Alice's wedding day I suppose. There should have been foreign mail today and I tho't I might hear something more definite but I suppose I'll get a report in details in about a month.

My! how I hope I'll hear from John tomorrow. I keep saying I'll not be disappointed if he doesn't come on Mon. but I'm afraid I will be. I think he'd have to make pretty close connections.

Washed my hair on Thurs. It shows it too. Raymonds latest addition to his vocabulary is “automobile”. If I hear from John I'll add more tomorrow.

[Aug. 15 letter from Cora telling about Alice's wedding (both sisters of Florence) and note to Raymond inserted in the diary at Oct. 22 entry.]

Wed. eve. Aug. 17.

And now finally today a letter came from him saying he'd be down Sat. A.M. and the children leave then so I shall go down. I can scarcely realize that he will really be here in a few days. I was beginning to get somewhat uneasy but all things come to those who wait. He wrote only a short letter but 'twas awfully good altho' written a ½ month ago. Had a little game party for the children tonight. Miss Slater helped & popped corn. Busy getting the program ready & getting out exams.

Freight – all but organ – came about a week ago. Have opened nothing but am waiting for him. God is god to us. We have all been so well.

It is after 11 o'clock so I'll stop & add more some later day.

Fri. night Aug. 19

Program, is over, Examination, is over and school is over and I a few more short hours I think my state of widowhood will be over. I have had no further word from John but I am going to the station in the morning with the children and take Raymond too. The house is ever so topsy turvy but there's time afterward to straighten up.

The program went off fine. There's a copy of it in my autograph album. The childrens (Mary & Cicelys) box is packed. Only the bedding to be put together in the morning. – Mrs. Downing, Mrs Mc Kenrick & I got the whole lunch ready for this eve. I made 82 meat sandwiches & two cakes. Downings go to Mr. Twiggs down on the plain tomorrow for a month. J. & I are to sleep at their house & take care of the milk. Wonder if John is on the train tonight – I'll know in 12 hrs. from now.

Sept. 2. Fri. eve.

This is Loras 34^th birthday. Yesterday was Warrens 20^th. Yes J. came on Sat. morning when the children left. Two weeks tomorrow. He had a great time. Lost part of his money in some way and barely got thro'. He had been very very sick at Kampala with, what he & Mr. Gribble believe was blackwater fever. He has felt quite well since here until yesterday when he had a chill & fever but is OK today. He believes he was helped Providentially or he could never have gotten down here, he had been so very very sick. But had kept so well all during the trip – and were helped along so splendidly in the most unexpected ways. They chose the sight on the west shore of Lake Albert for a station which – J. says – is to be our home. There are many experiences all along the way that would be very interesting here but must refer to letters for Hearing & Doing – Continue later.

Tues. night Sept. 6 & Wed. morning Sept. 7.

The clocks have just struck one A.M. John had all symptoms of a chill at 7 last eve and we didn't expect it 'til 4 this morning. hence I've been up all night working to keep temp. down. It hasn't gone above 102.2 and yesterday it was 105.2, Sat. 106.2. Always have a good day between, which helps to keep up his strength. Yesterday or Mon. he suffered awfully – was sick to his stomach so much of the time. Raymond persists on being in the room so Miss Slater who is camping near the RR station said she'd keep him tonight & tomorrow. Wonder how he is, poor little fellow – it's so quiet & lonely without him and yet I scarcely know what I'd do with him here tonight. J's temp. is rather stubborn. Wont go down much. Is just the same for three hours now. He's sleeping. It's 1:40 perhaps I can get in a few minutes but that's apt to be worse than none at all.

Wed. eve. Sept. 7.

We didn't get settled last night until 2:30 A.M. but he had a fairly good day today. Worked at his music books and rested. Of course was very much exhausted tis morning. His temp. has not risen yet. Tho' we expect an attack quite early tomorrow morning. He is sleeping now and I'll wait until 9 then give him nourishment and take his temp. and go to bed too. Miss Slater still has Raymond – says he enjoys it – I'm glad he does, I don't. My! it's been quiet and lonely here today without him. Miss Slater is coming up tomorrow and will bring him back then. The children were at an afternoon tea party at Downings this P.M. and tomorrow there's to be a picnic at the saw mill. All for Nannie Wilson who is visiting them. I want to write at Alices letter so I'll stop with this. At 9 temp. not quite 98.

           FMS letter Sept. 25, 1910

Mon. P.M. Oct. 17, 1910

In Camp on Guaso Narok, At 1^st Falls down from Rumuruti.

I have been putting off writing in here from one day to the next and have succeeded in skipping over a month so I imagine I'll have some little thinking to do to catch up again. I'll begin where I left off and write up everything as much as possible.

Right here, first thing, I'll record that John has had no fever since the night of Sept. 6 for which we do thank God very heartily.

Raymond came back the next day. Very glad to get back and as soon as J. was a little stronger they had some great romps. By Sun., Sept. 11, J. was quite strong and we went early in the morning, back to the R.R. station into the valley where the hot springs are. Had breakfast & dinner with us. Got caught in quite a heavy rain so our clothes looked awful. As we went back we stopt at the girls (Misses Stumpf & Slater) tent a little then got back just in time for J. to get ready for 4 o'clock meeting.

The next four days or until Thurs. P.M. were full of hurry & worry. But we finally got things pretty well put away and others ready for taking along to Rumuruti. John has always (Since he knew he was returning before Xmas.) said that we would go to Rumuruti for a few months and that I must find some one to do my school work. Ethel is the only one of the children returning, the Arnoldi girls & Freddy Strauss staid for vacation, so there wont be so much work to be done and Mrs. Propst takes all the teaching so Miss Stumpf is staying in our room helping Miss Thome with the children. Near the end of the term my condition became very evident so I could not have staid at that work even if J. had not decided otherwise before. So we left on Thur. Sept. 15., Miss Slater with us, for Gilgil. We were at Downings for dinner and met Mr. & Mrs. Lane, Provincial Officer; they also went to Naivasha on our train.

Tagi with 20 porters, horse, mule & donkey were at Gilgil waiting for us. Raymond was wild with the train ride. He was so excited he just trembled for a long time and gave one funny exclamation after another. We were planning to take our time to getting over to Rumuruti and it's well we did. We seemed to do all we could every day and yet we didn't get in until Wed. noon. Barnetts were looking for us. Also saw Collyars as we past. I rode quite a little – it went better than I imagined it would. We found it quite wet in many places, wetter than I had ever seen it tho' Tagi said it wasn't as bad as when they went. The swamp was very bad. John pronounced it the best trip he ever took. We all enjoyed it. Were glad Miss Slater could be with us.

Found Barnetts as well as usual. The place is not much changed. They had built on a cook house & put a papyrus wall connection from it to the house also a piece of the veranda is walled in & makes a nice study for Mr. Barnett but Miss Slater insisted we had to take her room so she takes it. I say the place isn't changed much and yet it is quite different. Being in another room and having the dining room used as such and not as kitchen, as we did, makes it seem quite strange and different furniture and all arranged differently helps too.

The boys houses are all up above the irrigation ditch and the garden was quite run down. Of course it has been hard for them to know what to do as they have been expecting the Masai to move any time. But John seemed to have a really homesick spell shortly after we arrived and kept saying he wished very much we could stay here. After all there was no place like this for of course the place one plans and builds up oneself as first home is always a little dearer than any other place.

We found Mr. Barnett planning for a two weeks trip among the people and after that for a month or more to be spent at and around Baringo.

After we were at R. about a week J. was miserable a few days & feared fever but had been taking 5 gr. quinine a day all the time and so did not have any. He stopt taking it & felt better soon. While it wards off the fever it seems to make him feel ill otherwise. He feels fine here.

We had hoped to come down here at once but of course would not do so when Mr. B. was away. We had full permission from the Council – they even urged us to go. and I didn't want to wait so long either. So while Mr. B. was out on his first trip we decided to come out here upon his return. Mrs. B. is not at all well and every one tho't it unwise for Mr. B. to go so far away now. Dr. Newberry is to come Nov. 25 and John is to meet her and then Mrs. B's confinement and then 'twould be impossible for us to come before mine and afterward I wouldn't at all. So we had all plans made & Mr. B. came Mon. and we left early Wed. morning. Got down here about 2 P.M.

We have a very nice place. Have B's tent – they have two. We are pitched below a very spready thorn tree far enough from the river to be safe for Raymond, and there is fairly good fishing. We have sent most to the folks. Send a man every other day and he brings things we want & need.

Since we are here Mrs. B. has been quite sick so no doubt Mr. B. was glad he was there. We are very much afraid our month will be up & we wont have accomplished nearly all we wanted to. We are spending about two hours every A.M. reading Daniel and Tregelles' explanation in connection – also Schofield notes. John plays every evening & I read or write. P.M.s J. & R. go for a wade in the river after we have our naps and then somehow the PM is about over & then they usually try for fish for the next day. Enoch is doing our work – besides him we have Wambogo and an Olmero. These take turns going to Rumuruti. We sent Wambogo this morning with a nice lot. Some for Collyars too – that were caught before breakfast.

This P.M. J. & the boys have gone to the 2^nd falls to see what chance they have for catching some there. J. wants to dry some. We had some baked, yesterday with bread & sage dressing. J tho't they were fine.

Raymond is so mischievous these days. He is trying to learn to tell when he wants the “little box”. He says “Want to sit on chair”.

Since we are at Rumuruti John has broken a crowned tooth and if money come before he goes for Dr. N. he will go on to Nairobi & have it put in. He may stop at Kijabe over trains too.

At Rumuruti we are all living together and dividing expenses. We three womenfolks take turn about getting meals. Each takes a week. Miss Slater is cashier.

I have never yet recorded anything about how we found things in the boxes. The Phono was in splendid shape. So was everything but the fruit. That was most all spoiled. The organ was pretty badly jarred but J & Mr. Zemmer put it all together again so it's alright. The other boxes were alright.

We have what was good of the fruit here with us. Used a little at Kijabe. We have all our goods stored in Carls room at Hurlburts. I hope we'll soon hear from Mr. C.E.H. what we are to do and where we may be at home. It's just about 2 years now since we left our home here at R. and we haven't been settled for more than 3 months since then. We are willing to do whatever seems best but I hope we may be settled soon somewhere. I'll try to be more faithful in keeping this record.

Sat. eve Oct. 22.

Are enjoying our stay down here very much. Some days the flies are pretty bad but other times aren't so noticeable. Are still getting plenty of fish. Two days the boys went down near our other camp & got some. The river is going down fast. J. shot a rabbit today & when Wambogo came from home he had about ¼ of a sheep sent by Barnetts. So we're flushed with meat. Last Tues. we had a nice big mail. Short letter from Hurlburt & one from Adams also Mrs. Rhoad, Aunt A. , Mama & Alice. Alice's first since the wedding. Cora sent us such a good description I shall just paste it in here [Aug. 15 letter from Cora telling about Alice's wedding (both sisters of Florence) and note to Raymond inserted in the diary here.]; also any other little particulars. [On previous page is inserted a “yellow daisy” decoration, made from ribbons and corner of napkin.] Alice's letter told mostly of their trip to Niagra & Buffalo & Chicago, St. Paul & Aberdeen S. Dak. She however was at Mobridge when she wrote.

Have finished reading Daniel and “Tregelles on Daniel” - are now at Revelations and use Scofield & “Seiss Lectures on Apocalypse”. Always read about 2 hours A.M. J. reads I sew. P.M's I read aloud. Have almost finished “Dombey & Son” will next take up “The Jungle” by Sinclair. The days fly very fast. Fear we'll not get all done we want to. Home Council met yesterday at Phila for reorganization. Are anxious to hear the outcome.

Nov. 3. Thurs. P.M.

The man came back from the station with a few necessaries. We send but once more – tomorrow – and then 8 men come on Mon. to take us home on Tues. Our stay is cut short somewhat by Mrs. Barnetts ill health for John goes to meet Dr. Newberry at Gilgil and they have sent for her to come a week earlier than planned.

John is out hunting just now. I've heard 2 shots; hope he got some guinea-fowl. Bro't in 3 rabbits last night. We must send something up in the morning. Haven't had fish for a long time. May try for some again tomorrow. Two lions around last night. A few nights ago some other animal which we took for a leopard and set a gun trap but it didn't come.

We are finishing reading “The Jungle” by Upton Sinclair – An awful story. Tomorrow AM we start the last volume of Seiss lectures on the Apocalypse. It has been very helpful. We want to finish this last book before we go back. If we go on Tues. then John leaves on Wed. for Gilgil. He is also going to Kijabe to get a few things for us. Had a nice home mail this week. The middle of the top pole of the tent gave way this P.M. and I just caught it and the Olvero bro't a notched pole & braced it up.

John got but one guinea-fowl. They will try fishing in the morning. We will send back a good load. I am trying to get all John's Hearing & Doing letters copied before we go back but fear I'll not get all accomplished I had hoped to. I've written several letters but not as many as I had hoped either. Until Raymond goes to bed little is accomplished. He's such a chatterbox; and must be entertained somehow. I seem to be more tired on days when there's little accomplished than on busy days. No rain today. 2 days rain & 2 without.

Nov. 9. Wed. eve.

I'm lonely tonight so I'm going to write in here. It's very dark and rainy out doors with a little wind. We got back yesterday noon; and it seems very nice to be here again. The men who carried Raymond came along so well that we got here almost sooner than we expected. John left this A.M. for Gilgil & Kijabe and that's why I'm lonely. But I'll go back to where I left off.

Fri. the man came and bro't a good load returned on Sat. with bread and buns. In her note Mrs. B. suggested that we come part way on Mon. so as not to make such a long trip. We tho't it wise and decided to if the men got there in time on Mon. Sun. we put in a fairly full A.M. reading and were at it in the P.M. when it started to rain pretty hard. Before we knew it there were a couple inches of water all over the floor. At first it was just under the carpet & we didn't notice it. R & I got onto my bed and J. took the carpet out. He put on his heavy shoes & my mackintosh and went out to ditch it off. Then we first noticed how much in a hollow place we were for the water from the hill all came there. He soon got it stopt and then wrung the carpet dry as possible and put it down again but R & I staid mostly on the bed. Next morning it was very cloudy and only a few minutes sunshine. Seeing the men weren't coming in time to move before the rain – we moved the tent to a higher place and dug a good ditch. Scarcely got things moved before it was raining again. Enoch washed some clothes but didn't all get dry. Men came about 2:30 P.M. but it was and had been raining hard but we got none into the tent this time – but nothing seemed perfectly dry. J. went shooting and got a guinea. Enoch caught a few little fish. I packed up most everything before supper. We wanted to get an early start in the morning. I had a great deal of backache on Mon. and it was midnight Mon. night before either J or I slept. Didn't know why – just restless. Tues. morning we were up at 4. Finished putting things together into loads – and started by 5:40. Just as we started a heavy fog came and we were like wading a swamp until 9. Then we had breakfast and the sun came out once in a while and there was a little breeze helping us and we got along fairly well. I was very lame and sore & stiff so walked right along as fast as I could. sometimes gritting my teeth to keep from suggesting that we stop. We got here for dinner.

Had a rest then a bath in hot water and a good sleep last night. Today I feel fine. and John left about 10 A.M. I didn't like to see him go. It was so rainy all morning and has been all day. We had letters from Cora, Cora Beth, Mrs. Riebe & Staub. All good. When J. wanted to leave this A.M. they found some one had stolen the fly of the tent last night. I hope he doesn't take cold. Miss Slaters house is almost ready to move in. We will when J. returns.

Nov. 21. Mon. eve.

Have just been reading much of what I've written in this book. How strangely we've been led. Step by step. A year ago now we were at Monroe. Mama was sick. Little did I then think that in another year we'd be anxiously waiting for the first part of Jan. but such is the case.

John and Dr. Newberry got here about 3 P.M. Fri. having made the trip in 3 days. We weren't expecting them until the next A.M. It was “day of prayer” Fri. and as Miss Slater & I were moving we were very very busy all the time and would have gotten things in fairly good shape if they hadn't come in before Sat. A.M. However I wasn't so sorry as I might have been. John was quite stiff and tired. Dr. also but both have gotten over it. We are nicely settled in Miss Slaters house, which is made from the timbers of the tree house which they tore down. It is nice & cosy here & we are enjoying it immensely – especially since this is Miss Slater's week for cooking and I'm that much freer to do a I please. Mrs. B. is feeling very badly most of the time.

Dr. shares Miss S's room. We have Miss S's couch bed also her table, clothes closet, wash stand & stove in here. While at Kijabe John found out Mr. Hurlburt is not very pleased with their trip up to Lake Albert. So we very much doubt if we'll get up there at all. At any rate not for some time and until then we may stay here. This uncertainty is very trying sometimes; but no doubt there will be no settling of affairs before C.E.H. gets back. If we do not find out any thing before the end Jan. we may keep house by ourselves then. Are planning to make a little garden any way.

On last Wed. we had a last chance to send Christmas letters home. I sent 15 & 12 post cards. Have a lot of sewing and fixing up to do within the next six weeks. We are glad to have the Dr. here. Mr. Barnett went out itinerating for a few days. Will be back on Thurs. for Thanksgiving dinner. J. spends most his evenings playing. The peculiar actions of Mr. Hurlburt do not seem to annoy him much. Am very glad. He thinks he's done his best to get the way open & so do I. God will in some way work out glory for Himself.

Nov. 25. Fri. night.

A year ago today I spent in dentists chair.

I had hoped to accomplish so much this week but somehow I make little progress. In the morning my week of cooking begins then I don't expect to accomplish much in the sewing line. Had Thanksgiving day with a vengeance yesterday. On Wed J. went over to the Pasi River to see if he could get any guinea-fowl. He got 7 and 2 rabbits & a partridge. He & Mr. B. had made out to meet over there but somehow they missed one another. It rained most all day too and J. didn't get back before 5:30. Mr.B. came in yesterday morning – bro't a guinea fowl also. We had 4 yesterday & dressing, new potatoes, corn & carrots and squash pie to finish off with. Last eve had the boys here at our house. J. told them about Thanksgiving & had a little meeting – ran the phono; and looked pictures besides what Raymond did to entertain. When they left here they still had their feast of 2 rabbits & partridge to eat. Today it's been raining very hard – during one shower two Masai boys stopt under our veranda & one turned out to be Naguldu. J's old boy – one of the 3 who came to Kijabe first. He asked many questions about Kijabe and Hurlburts.

Wed. eve. Dec. 7.

I am slow in recording the great news. Last Sat. Dec. 3, (Dr. Newberry's birthday) Eric Stanley 6 ¼ lbs. and Arthur Malcolm 7 ¼ lbs. came to Mr. & Mrs Barnett. Mrs. B. felt as well as usual all A.M. and suddenly at 11 A.M. pains began and about 1 P.M. Eric was born and half hour later, Arthur. Mrs. was very nervous and had considerable pain afterward but is getting better now. We put up the tent between here and the house and have been eating in there. First, we ate here & the other 3 in the kitchen – but that didn't go very well, we like the tent arrangement better. Doctor and Mr. Barnett change off staying up nights. The babies cry a great deal during the night. but sleep like Trojans during the day. Eric is quite small & delicate looking. They all think he favors Mr. Barnett a great deal.

Mrs. B. has an awful appetite since Sun. and feels much better. Yesterday was her 29^th birthday. Miss Collyar sent her some flowers. We had made candy & a cake for Doctor's birthday but didn't any one get much of them on her birthday. Have helpt her enjoy them since.

We kept Karl here all night Sat. night but couldn't make him sleep much. Everything was too strange to him. He wont look at either his mother or the babies. When they show him the babies he cries. Ngosogwan keeps him outside most of the time. Miss Slater keeps him nights.

Doctor came and talked with me this P.M. We looked over clothes and talked over prospects and I shall try to be ready at least by Dec. 31. Had nice mail yesterday; but a good deal that made us wonder more than ever.

Boys are here for prayermeeting.

Wed. eve. Dec. 14.

John has gone to the other house to prayermeeting with the boys.

Mrs. B. sat up yesterday and today and seems much better and really stronger than she's been in a long time.

The babies are getting on alright too. Miss Collyar called to see them on Sun. Last Thur. Doctor, John, & Mr. Barnett had lunch at Collyars according to an invitation from Mr. Collyar a few days before.

Just today have we finished reading “Vanity Fair”. and now will start “Our Mutual Friend” by Dickens. Doctor is reading Nicholas Nickolby.

Sun. eve when we went for a walk Raymond wanted to stay here & play so we left him as we had done once before for we can walk faster & get more exercise out of our walk when he isn't along. We went out east on the Iam path and walked along quite brisk. Went farther than usual & tho't we'd get back just before dark. When we had come only a little way back we tho't we heard a cry and listened and recognized Raymond's voice. He seemed a little ahead and to the right of the path. We hurried along and not hearing anything, I called and he answered from the bushes some distance to our right. He was way off from any path and we can't understand how he got there for we had walked fast and were on the path and he had no path to follow but bushes & stones to get thro' & over. It certainly was Providential that we happened along just as we did. It made me think a little for during much of our walk we had been complaining about a number of things.

John seemed especially blue that day and I most always follow suit instead of trying to make things look brighter. This time of not knowing what we're going to do is killing – makes J. irritable and nervous for there's nothing to do but wait – and we've been doing that most of the time the past two years. It's hard to realize that after all of J's trips & travels he may not be able to go on with his plans for up country for Mr. Hurlburt objects to what has been done. But it certainly must work out some how and if we can only be patient and constant in wanting His will first of all then we'll get on all right. We feel badly because we are in Miss Slaters house for we think she'd like to be in it herself. but we have no place else to go. Barnetts offer us the spare room in that house – or the room in which Miss Slater is now but with their 3 and a little later our 2 I think there'd be little peace or comfort for any one. Especially not J. who enjoys his music so much & of course would never feel free to play at all. But Miss Slater says we shall stay in here until we know something about what's going to happen.

Raymond says so many funny things lately. Wish I could record them all. He's picked up an expression of Miss Slater's and whenever any one talks rather discouraged he pipes up “Chee lup (cheer up), daddy” or who ever needs it. He says his “Now I lay me” prayer so cunning.

Miss Slater had several large packages come yesterday – Christmas things which she sent for. We hope to properly celebrate.

Wed. eve. Dec. 21.

When making my last entry I little dreamed what I would record this week Wed. It has been a week full of changes and new things. All had been going on as usual – most plans were being made for Christmas and I was putting in my spare minutes at sewing and knitting at baby things. Had Miss Slaters hand machine here & Thurs. eve hemmed about 2 doz. b's napkins besides doing a little other necessary sewing and when J. got tired of playing & we got ready for bed he read & I knit until about 10 – just as usual. Toward morning I became quite uncomfortable with pain but not severe, however, quite regular. As it was my week for the cooking I hustled down to the kitchen to get some biscuits made for breakfast and when I got there I found Miss Slater had some rising ready for the oven.

I looked around a little and as it was the day of prayer I gave Thoebe instructions for the dinner. The pain was still quite regular. So J mentioned it to Dr. and as they continued after breakfast we began to think seriously of getting things together. Dr. came and helped make pads of the old muslin I had and J. put up the tent & put Raymond's bed into it & then bro't Miss Simpsons bed from the big house and I kept busy fixing the baby box and telling others where things were and getting every thing sterilized. I wanted them to go on & have the prayer meeting & I'd keep working at things to get them ready. I tho't perhaps 'twas a false alarm. but by 11 the pains were quite severe & rather quick succession. Had my hot bath between 12 & 12:30. J. went to dinner and when he returned Dr. went but came back very soon. I went to bed at 12:30 and at 1:30 baby came. A 7 ¾ lb boy – black hair and quite “Minchy”. Born Dec. 16, 1910. We have decided to call him Claudon Henry. Everything went on quite natural and very quick but with the help of a little chloroform it wasn't so bad. One stitch had to be taken. Have felt much stronger all the time than I did during the other confinement.

Baby is a fine big boy and very good. Seldom cries and gives little trouble. Most all day Saturday he lay with his eyes open staring around but slept fairly well at night. Doctor, when she saw everything was going alright, decided to leave on Mon. for Gilgil & Kijabe and asked that Tagi go along then Mr. Barnett didn't need to but as she went by way of the Falls he went with her that far. Which distance they made in a day & he returned yesterday.

When Raymond was shown his baby brother he pulled at the blanket as tho looking for something and when asked what he wanted he said “Well where's the other one?”

So here I am tonight with two pillows under my head and another day to wait before I may sit up straight & then two more before getting into a chair & 4 more according to Dr. N. before I may walk about. I'll be glad when I can get out of bed for it gets tiresome when one feels strong and able to be around but I'll try to be careful, it pays in the end.

I worked at my knitting some today. Don't know just what we'll do about Christmas but will record that later.

Rained a little today. Mrs. B. is quite miserable again today. Poor thing. They all went out for a walk last night. Mr. carrying Karl & a twin & Miss Slater the other. Wait 'til we go too. J. wrote postals to all interested. Got Bailey's bill yesterday for our freight (finally). Very tired tonight. More later.

Christmas night – Sunday.

This hasn't seemed much like Sunday but more like Xmas. But to begin where I left off. Most of my time in bed I've spent reading and knitting. The little shirts I got for baby have no sleeves so I'm knitting some and the yarn is so fine it takes long but I like it. Yesterday I fixed up the Christmas things for the tree - . In the P.M. Mrs. Barnett took out the stitch and at 12:30 today I dresst and J. carried me down to the other house for dinner and our English service which they held this P.M. The tree is very very pretty and as everyone put out what they had for others it is pretty well loaded.

Miss Slater has been keeping Raymond down there nights this week so this morning first thing he & she went out to see it and he was quite wild about it. He could scarcely wait 'til he was dressed to come & tell us “Miss Slater had Christmas down there”. and Daddy had to go right down and see it too.

Mr. Collyars, altho not at home, sent us by their boy a lot of vegetables, a huge boquet and enough strawberries for our dessert. For meat we had cold beef tongue. 'Twas very nice – and I tasted my first artichokes. I'm not specially fond of them but don't dislike them. Miss Slater had made two kinds of candy & had one kind from England also raisins & nuts and dates. So we had quite a genuine Christmas after all. The boys will have their supper tomorrow night after us & then we'll unload the tree and they'll bring our things here & we'll run the phono for awhile.

We'll get a sheep for the Kikuyu so they can have their feast while the boys have theirs at the house.

Today when we started for the other house – J. carrying me – Raymond just screamed & cried “Daddy don't carry mama”. He was half frightened to death. Just why we don't know only that just before going down there was a Masai boy there to have a tooth pulled & screamed awfully & didn't want it done – made such a fuss that Mr. B. didn't pull it. We think that got R. rather worked up and he likely tho't I didn't want to go & so daddy carried me. Coming home it was quite different – he understood.

Claudon too was out for the first time today. He gained ½ lb. his first week.

The twins are growing so fast too. Mrs. B. feels much better again.

We are planning to take Miss S's bed out tomorrow and get rearranged again. We had just taken the papyrus mats out the day before I was confined so of course they are still out – it was so damp in here but it has dried out quite thoroughly now – so we'll put them down again. The white ants are working quite bad all thro' the floor & walls.

Raymond was delighted with Claudon from the first – but doesn't yet seem able to understand why there are two at Barnetts & only one here. The first time he (R) saw him (C), R began pulling at the clothes & asked “where is the other one” and still thinks there must be another.

I am feeling fine but quite tired now. Have been thinking so much about home today and what we did last year. Was a little homesick this morn. Would like them all to see Claudon he's getting so cunning. Started a letter home & China.

Sat. night Dec. 31, 1910.

This is watchnight and no doubt many many people will keep it. Would that all who keep it would do it in an honorable way – but no doubt there will be lots of gambling & debauchery tonight. But I prefer to think of the home folks for if Cora took home some N.W.C. young people they are no doubt keeping watch night and having a happy time of it.

Last Mon. we moved Miss S's bed out & Raymonds in and rearranged things so as to get baby's bed between the table & our bed. We didn't put the papyrus mats down again for the ants work up much worse when it's down. As it is, in just these few days they worked up into the boxes that have the sheets and Raymonds clothes.

Mon. night the boys: Thoebe, Enoch & Ngosogwan came up and had supper after we did and then they unloaded the tree. Daddy & Raymond went down to help entertain and R. was about wild when the things were taken off and came home with his arms full. Mrs. Barnett gave me a bottle of Bovril. I gave her a safety pin case – a dolls head with a long dress & the petticoats were full of pins. Gave Mr. an initialed handkerchief, also John – and Miss Slater a white apron and Karl a ball. Raymonds presents were: bottle of candy, linen book, doll, and white celluloid horn & a little stocking full of all sorts of little pretty things. Miss Slater fixed up a stocking for each one. boys & all. Mine contained 4 spools of thread, “Daily Light” book, Roll text Almanac, Nuts & raisins. Daddy's had 6 bars of Ivory soap and a cent all wrapped until it made a big package. From Mr. Barnett, John got a tin of biscuits. The boys got shirts, matches and soap besides nuts & peanuts & oranges. So everyone was pleased and happy. They came here after unloading the tree and we played a little on the phonograph but it was time to feed baby and as we have only one room every one had to be turned out at such a time. Thoebe's mother & another Masai woman were here. They looked so funny when the phono started. They'd never heard one before.

We looked over our things and then went to bed. I was very tired.

Tues. we got a very large mail. John went down to get it. We had 16 letters and packages besides papers. A package from China containing a pair of overalls for Raymond, linen bureau cover & 2 kerchiefs. A long letter from there too: all well. A packet from Bess containing two collars. Letter & cards etc from Cora. Letter & $2 from father S. Letter & $1 from mama. Wedding cards from Al. Letter & Roll text Almanac from Mrs. Owen; in her letter she says she has $500 for us for up country any time we want it. If only Hurlburt would let us go on now. Everything is ready but just for his consent. Things were all so favorable it seems too bad that he should take such a stand – but God can turn even Mr. Hurlburt about & make him see things quite differently and all we can do is wait, wait, wait but it is so hard to do. J. has had some bad sick stomach spells lately & I declare it's caused by this unsettled state of affairs.

On Wed. I went down to dinner. Walking goes rather shakey and slow but it goes. Baby seems quite well. Does a lot of grunting but otherwise makes very little disturbance. Doesn't cry much at all.

Went for a little walk this eve. Expected to have several letters ready to mail on Wed. but finally got one off to Mrs Riebe. No others. I mailed her a blotter and one of the kerchiefs I got from Lora.

Evenings I'm writing letters. Wrote mama a long one. Sent samples of Claudons hair to both grandmas. Have Miss Slaters hand machine up here so I get a little fixing up done but there's such a little time left after I get baby washed & fed then it's most always going on to ten o'clock. And P.M.s there's not much time either. And so the days have been slipping by almost faster than we can realize. and Claudon is starting on his 3^rd week. He gained 13 oz. this last week and now weighs 9 lbs. 2 oz.

The time flies so fast it's hard to believe we are only a few hours from 1911. We were in Chicago a year ago now. Left Raymond with Mrs. Simpson and we heard a Mr Newman on Africa in the P.M. and a lady pianist in the eve, Mme. Olga Sameroff. Then went out to Simpsons on the interurban and Roy met us at the station. 'Twas after midnight. Very deep snow & cold too. A year ago this last week we spent visiting Elgin & Chicago. Took in the Messiah on Wed. night.

Suppose the home folks are thinking of us good & hard these days, same as we are of them.

We have little to think & talk of for our future is too indefinite for plans. John is making garden tho: Put in potatoes & beans & peas are up. It looks very nice since it's leveled & smoothed over. He worked pretty hard yesterday – planting etc. He does the washing out each morn of baby's clothes and is undertaking the training of Raymond. It's hard to make him understand but he hopes to be able to teach him soon.

Raymond still says funny things. He picks up expressions very quickly.

The twins cry a great deal & Karl too is very cross & stubborn lately. It's telling on both Mr & Mrs Barnett. They are nervous & fretted.

Some one at the Fort killed a beef today & we got Rs. 4 or 32 lbs. and will have nice steak for our New Years dinner tomorrow. Have been having mangoes & oranges. but the oranges are so sour no one cares much for them. I'll stop for tonight and write the rest another time as it's getting late.

God is good to bring us to the end of 1910 so favorably & comfortably situated.

Later -

How much has taken place this last year. What a lot of running around we have done. My! how I should like to get just a peek of where we'll be at the close of 1911. I do hope we'll be more settled than we are now. We have changed our plans so many times this last year and our work too. Little did we dream a year ago that I would have had 3 months of school work and before the year closed have another boy. Many times things seemed all wrong but some how God helped us thro' all and now as we look back it all seems much less hard & after all much better than at the time.

School work with all its varied experiences was pleasant after all, and as I think back over the three months of that work there were many times when things could have been done better but they are as they are and I'm glad they're no worse. Of course there are spots in every retrospect that stand out more prominent than the average – some are pleasant others not so much so. Baby is very good.

Of all the experiences of the year it would be hard to say which was the one most beneficial or which work was the pleasantest.

The school months were no doubt the hardest in a way – especially so as John was gone the entire time – but many of the experiences were most helpful.

I suppose the experience looked forward to most of all was baby's coming and also about as much so was Johns return.

The trip up country and all was by far the hardest separation we have ever had. We both felt it more than any other one. It would have been unbearable if I had not been so very busy.

Our coming up here – trip & all was very pleasant but our stay here is getting quite monotonous as we'd like to get to work at something definite again. But no doubt by the close of another year we will be fairly well settled someplace – either up country or near Nairobi & very possibly here.

But wherever or whatever if we are only in God's Will. I think he must have a purpose in keeping us unsettled and waiting such a long time. If only we meet that purpose as he wants us to.

For the coming year I want nothing so much as to carry out His purpose in my life whether it be waiting or working. We have many kind friends both white & black for which I am thankful.

We know God will supply strength for each days duties and the text “Hold Thou me up, and I shall be safe” is good to begin the year 1911 with.

John was very sick several times and many times dangers threatened but God was with us always – and we praise & thank Him. “My times are in Thy hands.”

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