Florence Minch Stauffacher Journal – Oct. 27 - Dec. 13 1913
& Jan. 1 1914.
Index
Oct. 27, 1913
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[Kasengu/Gasengo, Belgian Congo]
This is continued from
Sept. 17 where my last one closed. Haven't written in here for
so long I may not be able to keep all connections but can get
the generalities.
It's been hard to get at it
again as there seems so much to do and returning as we did
just before mail time makes it very hard too as mail must be gotten off. The boat
doesn't wait so the Journal must take to waiting.
God has been so good to
us to let us go that long trip and come back and find all so
well here. I do want to remember His goodness and try each
hour to live the Christlife as I know He wants me to. Already
things have annoyed and tried me but God can & will help.
Now I'll continue where I
left off in the black covered Journal. (Bot this at the
Greek's shop in Faradje.)
Jno and Mr. Batstone went over
to see the Chef about getting porters for tomorrow and he
said he couldn't tell them whether porters would come
before 4 days or not. They told him they tho't he could
get them in a day. He said it's the affair of the porters.
Just treated them like children. He knew as well as
anything that porters could be had the next morning. But
we went to bed rather discouraged and didn't dream that
porters would be there next morning. About
11
P.M. a bugle sounded & several shots were fired off.
We tho't perhaps that was to call porters, for the next
morning before seven Mr Morris called that the porters
were outside. I jumped up so quick that I was rather dazed
for quite a while. We got things together and had
breakfast. but while eating it started to rain and kept it
up most all A.M. We had early dinner and left about noon
as it stopt raining. Got to first camp in good time 14
miles. Had late supper. Roads were full of pools of water
making it hard to walk.
Camps all along were about 14
˝ miles apart. However from 1st
to 2nd
was 16 miles & the last into Kungu was 15. Fairly good
traveling. In many places the big grass leaned over into
the path. Elephant tracks all the way along. Some lion
& leopard tracks too. Not many people- some scattered
along the road & up the valleys but not as many as we
expected to see. Camped for Sun at the 3rd
camp – a beautiful spot on a hill with the Dungu river at
its foot. The men caught some fish, not many. Saw antelope
watering at an open place along the stream.
Quite a lot of people at
this place- more than usual. We noticed the heat more &
more and had mosquitos every night. People are mixed along the
road but mostly Azandi. Got to Dungu on Wed. Sept. 24.
Two camps out of Dungu Mr
Batstone had fever. A little rise the next morning but started
off anyway. His temp. went way down but was about normal when
we got to camp- but went up again and again the last morning
it was not normal but we all tho't wisest to pull in if
possible. He & Mr. Morris rode their wheels & went
fast. He staid at a Greeks while Mr. M- rode back to meet us.
We all went in together- porters, boys & all and the Greek
showed us to the house we had while there- burned brick much
like the Faradje houses.
We paid off the porters,
the boys got dinner agoing and Mr. M. looked after Mr. B. His
temp. went up to 105. Came down before evening and the next
A.M. was normal so got up after dinner.
Jno & Mr. Morris went to
see the Chef de Post & found they could see the Chef
de Zone, or Count De Grünne whom Mr Haas spoke of, the
next A.M. at 9. John rather decided it was just as well
for Mr. M- to go alone and since Mr. M- was willing it was
left at that and John, Mr Miller & I went to the shops
& stores and when we got back we found the Count at
our house waiting to give his “salaams” to the “Madam”. He
seemed very very nice & ordinary and asked us all
there to 5 o'clock tea. Even Mr Batstone went, we had a
pleasant P.M. The next day (Sat.) Mr. Morris, Mr Miller
& John went to look for a station site. Thot they'd be
gone all day but they were back by 1 and we asked the
Count to tea with us. He had sent us a fish – such a large
one at least 50 lbs. We did enjoy it & hoped to have
some left for next morning but it was spoiled. The Count
came & we had a splendid time. I had baked a cake
& he enjoyed it so much. The men chose a site they all
seemed to like so we decided to go & see it on Sat.
Took our tea out as it wasn't much over two miles. It did
seem like a nice place. A hill with a stream at the foot.
Some people around tho' not many. As we came back from our
tea we met the Count out riding and he asked J & I and
one other (as he had only 4 plates) for dinner the next
evening at 7. We were surprised but accepted.
Next morning (Sun.) was
market day. Natives began coming a little after six with
things to sell. We expected to go and see if there was
anything we needed for safari but someone told the boys we
were to wait til a gun was shot off which was a signal for the
market to open. We had breakfast then leisurely walked to the
market place but found we were too late. Everything white
people desire was sold and shortly after we got there a
whistle blew which meant the market was open for natives &
in 15 minutes things were pretty well cleared out.
There were crowds of
people there. Messrs Batstone and Clarke were with us. Mr.
Morris baked some bread and Mr. Miller had a rise in temp. so
staid in bed all day. Had dinner – the Count had sent us a
young goat- also P.M. tea at which time we almost finished a
tin of vanilla wafers as well as a tin of macaroons. We
lingered around the tea table until it was time to get ready
for dinner at the Count's.
Mr. Morris went with us
& we had a very enjoyable time. Everything was so
spotlessly clean & neat. Everything done by his boys. Menu
was something like this: Chicken soup; macaroni; meat of some
sort and salad; duck & green peas; pie; tea. He is a good
conversationalist and seems to be able to understand & be
interested in all sorts of people. Got home about 10. Rather
late when we wanted an early start next morning. While at the
Counts a native came & said elephants were in his garden
so the Count promised to go out early next morning to shoot
them so we said goodby to him that night as he was going in
another direction.
Didn't get a very early start
next morning. Tho't first porters weren't coming but we
had hardly finished breakfast when they arrived. I bot two
Azandi made chairs – one little one for the children and
an ordinary one. Had 8 loads in all. 'Twas rather hard to
leave the men. Mr.
Miller was still in bed but feeling much better. Mr. B-
took some snapshots just as we left. Mr. Clarke walked out
quite a ways with us. Mr. Morris went across the river to
see the man at the head of the Gov't farm for we were told
they were to have 5 cows. Nemienga & Kigere were both
very profuse with their goodbys & sent greetings to
every one. After we were out about 7 miles who should come
riding up but Mr. Morris. We had left some letters and he
wanted a last goodby. We sat down under a tree & ate
sugar cane & talked for at least 30 minutes – then Mr
M- returned & we came on. It was hard for Mr. M- to
have us leave. Think he really felt worse than any of the
others.
We got to first camp about 2.
It was so
hot we felt about done out; but the porters were in before
us & had our chairs all set up for us. We tried to get
a pretty chair here when we went and as we returned we saw
it again but no chance to dicker for it. Sometime after we
got in some soldiers began to come – quite a number at
least 20. One was called the “Family Man” as he had two
children & carried them both at once. When he got into
camp he put the children down and then acted the monkey –
seemed all joints. Supposed these were going to Faradje.
Got fairly early start next
morning. Didn't want to walk so much in the sun. Got into
camp about 11. Didn't take lunches those days as the trips
were so short. Always had tea first & then a boiled
dinner of some sort and a supper that could be used for
breakfast too. At this camp Mr. B. had fever first. The
best house stands back and lower than the other so we
staid in 2nd
best as we didn't like the better one. Porters in first.
They do keep up well. Didn't buy much food for ourselves –
eggs, a few. Hadn't bro't any chickens yet. Bo't a chair
& some caps.
Next morning got a very early
start- but had gone only an hour & a half when it
began to look very dark & stormy so
we stopt at a village. Everybody stopt. We were given a
hut & we & the porters got in. It stormed pretty
hard. We ate our lunch of “cuddy” biscuits & hard
boiled eggs. Rain let up some but seemed to decide to keep
at it so Jno took off his shoes & stockings & I
carried the umbrella and we waded. Some of the porters
were in before we were – bedding was quite wet but about 3
P.M. it cleared some & we put things out & they
got quite a bit drier tho still damp. Up to this time I
had always been so warm but this night we almost suffered
from the cold. This was our Sun. camp before & is a
beautiful spot. The river makes a curve here and the camp
is on an elevation. Lovely place for a station. At this
place the Count said he saw a drove of 600 elephants.
Couldn't start very early
next morning as it was so cloudy & foggy that daylight was
slow coming. Road kept getting drier and the sun came out
occasionally. Got eggs & bananas here- also nice sweet
potatoes. Got things fairly dry by dark. Slept more
comfortable than last night. Family man & family slept on
our veranda and made some disturbance. Crossed a stream by
canoe just before camp. Near here is a cleared spot with a
grave in the centre. Don't know particulars.
Next day had another
stream & canoe. 16 miles in this day and reached the last
camp before Faradje. Got a ripe pineapple and 5 green ones we
took along and ate later. John took a lot of cuttings of lime,
orange, guava and mango. Have read quite a bit in the History
other days but haven't finished it yet.
Sat. Oct. 4 reached Faradje
again. Seemed hard to walk fast but got in in fairly good
time. Stopt at the Greeks & he gave us each
a
cup of coffee & biscuits. We bot sugar and a tin of
Gerabaldis & sent back to the men at Dungu. Were given
the same house to stay in that we had before. While at the
Greeks in the P.M. finishing up with him it started to
rain & I had my white slippers on. but we got back
alright. He had two gray & white kittens and gave us
one of them & we brot it with us. The children were so
pleased with it.
Another market day on
Sun. but because of rain it was later than usual. Much quieter
& smaller affair than Dungu. First thing this morning the
Chef came over with a crowd of natives. Kaperi had been in a
woman's house or something of that sort & she had stolen
his clothes. Don't know what it all was about but if he hadn't
been our only boy he'd have gone to prison.
Did a nice lot of reading
in the History. That eve the Greek went us a nice mess of
goat- which made us nice lunch next day.
Wanted to get an early start
but we packed up & then waited quite a while before
the porters came. We started on for we didn't like walking
in the heat. The scrubby woods with the winding path
didn't seem nearly so long this time. We stopt at the only
stream we crossed & had our lunch. Expected the
porters to come while there but they didn't and we went on
to the rest house. They finally came after we had waited
over 2 hours for them. Then we had tea and when we wanted
to go on 4 miles further we found they objected at least
Kaperi said they did but we tho't it was all put up by K-
so we paid no attention to them & went on, only a
little ways tho and waited. When they didn't come John
went back and made K- come on. He refused at first but
finally came on. and we waited a little and soon the
porters came too. The camp wasn't a regular camp &
very poor houses. We thot first of putting up the tent
then decided to put our beds in the smallest but best of
the houses. It was full when we got the beds set up. The
kitten & old hen traveled together in a basket. The
kitten crawled under her wing & she clucked & both
seemed pleased. John told Kaperi if he didn't stop making
trouble he'd dismiss him right away. He seemed to brighten
up.
Next day we went to Mtuffa's –
we were dreading the 2 hrs. of long grass
to wade first thing that morning. it looked awfully
threatening when we started so weren't surprised when it
began to rain. But the long grass we were
dreading, didn't come for quite awhile. Suddenly the
cleared path stopt and we realized we were in for it; so
putting matches, lunch etc into safe places so as not to
get wet, we started in. But it lasted only about 1 ˝
minutes and all was finished. We walked fast but the rain
worked around us and we had to either sit under a bush
& wait or go on in it & it looked so solid that we
feared it was at it for a long time so kept on going. I
used my umbrella but John had nothing so got pretty wet as
it rained all the way to the enclosure camp. At least 2
hrs. We were pretty well wet thro' but soon got a big fire
agoing and began to get dry. The porters weren't very late
and altho we had eaten our lunch we boiled some potatoes
and had a regular dinner for we thot best not to go on
until it stopt raining. It kept getting less & less
until by the time we finished our dinner the weather was
quite fine so we skipt on. Just before reaching the rest
house we came to a hill and got a lovely view of the hills
& country beyond. We sat down on the stones and
enjoyed it it was so fine.
Of course the bedding was very
damp & the porters didn't come in til some time after
we but we got the bedding dried some- so we were
comfortable for the night. Two Baganda boys were there-
said they were collecting elephant tusks. They had just
killed a young goat when we got there and they brot us
half of it. 'Twas such nice meat. At this place was the
nicest rest house of the whole way. The big river crossed
by canoe is between Kavuli or the enclosure, and Mtuffa's
and when we got to the river we found it considerably
higher than before. The canoe man was on the opposite side
but jumped in and swam to our side. At Mtuffa's I bo't
another sort of a chair. More
like a stool- made of palm splints. All native make.
Next morning we were
rather undecided whether we'd go to Tandia's or not – 24
miles. Thot we'd decide later. First rest house we past was
where we spent Sun. and John had fever. Then we crossed one
big stream that was bridged and came to Roa camp. Ate our
lunch before reaching there. Rested qauite awhile and as it
was only 1 P.M. we went on. Tho't the porters would surely get
there shortly after we left. Got to Tandias about 3:30 &
waited until 8 P.M. for the porters. Had about decided they
weren't coming when they appeared. I was awfully put out. John
was as usual, patient & good natured. The kitten was
squealing it was so hungry. We were thankful for the beds
tho'. But these porters are just awful about coming into camp
and about obeying when they are in. Just wont do a thing.
Didn't get a very early
start next morning. Had only about 17 miles to make to camp
Kasima. I'd really have liked to go on further but the porters
said they were being killed so we tho we'd make ordinary
marches at least for a day or two. on Sat. we'd liked to do
about 20 miles so as to have a short march on Sun but that
didn't work out very well. Found Mtuffa and his following at
Kasima & they had a dance until nearly ten after which we
had a big storm.
Next day to Adranga's. 17
miles. When almost there – within 5 min. – it began to rain
& we stopt under a tree. Could have gone in if we'd known
we were so near. Found the rest house here occupied by parrots
and boxes galore belonging to Parakondi – Chef de Sector. He
had gone north with the Com. Gen'l and sent these things this
way to Faradje. We put up our tent. At this camp is the first
place we used the house. The men put up their tents as the
house was too small for all.
Next day Sat. we went 9
miles to Djombo and ate our lunch & waited for those awful
porters. I tried not to say much about them but something
would slip out once in a while. Here on we wanted them ahead
as we didn't know where we were going to stop. They finally
came & Jno asked if they wanted their cents to buy food.
and of course they did and then they lay around and wouldn't
get it until we wanted to go on then they bestirred themselves
to hunt for food. I could scarcely hold in. Rain came up every
day and it seemed we'd surely get caught in it even before
getting to the usual camp at the big river 18 miles out of
Aru. and I did want to get on. we had ordered our porters for
Mon. so we had to get in by that time. Finally they picked up
their loads & went- after Jno had told them repeatedly to
do so. Then when we got to the camping place they put them
down & refused to go further. We reasoned & tried all
sorts of things but they picked up their sticks & walked
down to the bridge & sat there. Finally John said if they
refused his words they would go back to Faradje. They just
laughed and stood there. He told them to go- & they still
stood. Then he took his walking stick and got after them.
Struck one & broke his stick. He told them not to come
back again. He wouldn't have 'em we'd get others. There was a
Madi village there and we thot we might get enough to take us
on. About dark the fellows came slowly back and sat around the
fire. I was sorry for I felt I had been to blame because I had
said Jno didn't do right in not reproving them when they did
wrong. Now I felt if I hadn't been there he'd not have treated
them as he did. I'm awfully sorry about the affair. We put up
the tent & Kaperi got some potatoes boiled & we had
sardines. Did some reading again. Finally Jno told 'em if
they'd keep right up with us the next day so we wouldn't have
to wait for them and obey him they could go on. We had had
trouble with them about getting water for us. just wouldn't go
no matter how many times we asked them.
Next morning we were up
early & they were around for their loads before we
finished breakfast. It was a pretty long walk in to Aru but we
got there about 2 P.M. The porters were right on our heels
most of the way. but were back some just when we got to Aru.
However they came in about 3 and we paid them off and they
skiddooed right off never looking around. My we were glad to
reach Aru and that eve Jno went to see the Chef de Post and
was trying to find out about the porters – using Kaperi for
interpreter – they couldn't understand one another & when
in the midst the Captain another white man came in he helpt
out for he knew Kingwana. Then we found our porters had been
sent for. and while they talked the porters came in. How
thankful we were- and some who had been with Parakondi and
knew the path he had taken- a shorter and better way- We were
so thankful and altho very tired yet glad to get off the next
morning.
It was raining so
couldn't start very early. 10 men to carry and another who
knew the path – carrying a gun – It seems the Chef was rather
anxious to have them go thro so told us several times to be
good to them and we did try to be. After going about an hour
we got to a bad stream, very high & swift. Jno took off
his trousers & hunted for a better crossing – finally
found a place where by stretching he could span the stream. He
carried me part way then at the main stream I got down &
stept it. Got pretty wet but didn't mind. The next stream we
put a shrub across & crossed on that. These porters seemed
so much nicer than the other lot. That night we camped at a
Madi village in sight of Mulla's. We kept asking about
Parakondi's path and think we were on it up this far but the
next morning the gunner insisted on going to Mulla's – we said
no we wanted to go Parakondi's path but in spite of everything
he led us around and for 2 hrs or more we were wading high
grass with no path. All he'd reply when asked where
Parakondi's path was was that there was much grass there and
this way was better. He took us to within a few villages from
Mulla's & when we saw he was determined we went ahead
ourselves. As we got near we saw a tent pitched there – and
found all of Haases there and all their possessions in one
tent. We really had hoped to get on to Vey – but Haases wanted
us to stay & so we asked the men & they wanted to stop
– so we did. Had a nice visit with Haases – ate supper &
breakfast together. They were trying to get porters to take
them among the Madi or Lubari as the Belgians call them – but
old Mulla would just sit & grin. Finally after we came he
promised to bring them in the morning. A dance on just back of
our tent so didn't rest awfully well at first. Were so tired.
Next morning the first
news that reached me was that our porters had gone back in the
night. Suppose they got scared out. I could scarcely keep the
tears back. I had felt so comfortable the night before
thinking we didn't have to depend on that rascal of a Mulla
but could get right off early. Well, nothing could be done but
ask Mulla for 10 men. We finally got 'em by 10 A.M. & then
to take us only to the first village and pay in advance. Risky
business but better than sitting at Mulla's village. Mr. Haas
was rather thinking of going to Aru to bring out porters. We
tried to persuade him to write a letter & send it with the
gunner as he remained. 'Twould be so hard for Mrs. Haas to
stay alone for almost a week. We got to the next village &
by the time we got there the first porters were out of sight
& men from the village were gathering to carry us on.
Nasaneri who had come with Mr. Haas, and who is the main
helper here at school, and another Banyoro boy Singoma whom we
picked up at Mulla's were with us & were such valuable
help all along. Well, we got the required number & they
wanted pay too in advance. We had waited quite awhile so to
hurry matters Jno paid them- to go to Vey- about half way over
they dropt the boxes & hid in the grass. It was near a
village so we called for others and after eating our lunch
& waiting quite a while we got enough to go on but at each
village others were taken. We finally reached Vey's at 3 P.M.
and more in fun than in earnest Jno asked for porters to go on
to Onega's or the English Boma. After about half an hour they
took it up in earnest & at 4 P.M. we had enough men to
take us on. Again paying in advance but having the headman go
along and carry the cloth with him. One man objected very much
to going. Something about Vey – he wasn't present – was at his
garden – but we got off and how we went – almost on a run thro
high grass and all. Just at dark we got to the big stream. It
was high enough going to Aru – Jno had to take off his
trousers but now it was most 18 in. higher & was tearing
along. Feared the porters would refuse to go on but Jno
prepared to wade and then some of them tried it. Jno came back
without crossing as the current was so swift, & tried up
higher where the grass was longer- but while he was trying one
of the porters managed to splash thro' the current and gained
the quieter water on the other side.
Singoma was in too &
then another went & they 3 stood in the current taking
hold of hands and others with the boxes passed above them by
holding onto them. Jno wanted to carry me but I feared if he
slipt with me on his shoulders I'd wait him down & he'd go
under – so I tho't best to wade tho' I knew that was very bad
– so Jno took one hand & with the other I carried the
umbrella as a walking stick but couldn't use it. When I got
into the current it took me right off my feet but the porters
& Jno pulled me along and we landed safely. I had taken
off my skirt thinking it might hinder. Then I got out my big
coat & put it on so I wouldn't feel the cold so much. Jno
was fairly comfortable for he had taken off his trousers. The
water came almost to my arm pits. Just as we got over, the
moon came up & we pattered on toward the Boma but lost the
path & how we wandered around – over an hour but finally
did get there.
Went into a house and as
soon as things were in some order I got into bed. glad to get
out of my wet clothes. Jno made tea & had some rice boiled
& ate sardines. I had some tea but didn't care much for
anything. Were so glad to get to the Boma as there seemed some
possibility of getting home the next day. The porters had been
liberally paid in cloth but th work of crossing the stream was
very hard & they wanted a needle added – so Jno told them
to come in the morning. They did & got their needles &
all seemed satisfied but the old head man. He wanted cloth.
Jno had given them plenty of cloth for his pay too but he hung
around and finally when we started for Mombas he followed.
It was kinda rainy all
night & misty next morning but cleared some and after some
delay we got 10 men to go – paying in advance again. But the
headman said Mr. Haas had treated them badly so they didn't
want to carry any more. They had promised to take him to Mulla
& then wouldn't go further than Vey, so got no pay. Jno
gave them liberal pay and told the headman he'd get a franc
and 2 hands of cloth when they land us at Momba's. How fast
they went again but we kept up. Haases said it was 5 hrs. We
made it in 3. so decided if possible to go on home. Took us
about an hour to get lunch. Had biscuits & eggs &
cocoa. Then packed things up & told Nasaneri & Singoma
to get porters as soon as they could & come on – our
efforts seemed in vain & we had Kaperi come with us to
carry the kitten & hen and some letters etc.
We left Momba's village
at 11 and followed the road for an hour then came for the head
of the valley & followed down. Kaperi got awfully tired
and finally we couldn't see him any more. He had stopt at a
village above Moto's someplace. When we got to Moto's we sent
a man with a note to tell the folks we were coming but it did
little good as we heard it shouted from hill to hill.
Got a good drink at the
stream at Moto's. I felt awfully fagged so Jno helped me by
pulling me at the end of his walking stick, up hill. At the
picnic stream we drank again. How many times I tried to
imagine how it would feel to be at that stream – so near home.
Kept meeting people along the path – all seemed very glad to
see Jalmora back again. Coming up one of the last hills Mr.
Gribble & Miss Hurst came to meet us & a throng of
natives. All “jamboing” to beat time.
As we came nearer we met
Miss Stirton coming with the children. Raymond grinned rather
embarrassed and Claudon hung his head and looked as tho he
wanted to cry. R. seemed very natural except that he'd grown
some but Claudon's voice changed so & he uses bigger words
and seems older in every way. This was Oct. 16. Gone two
months & one day – left Aug. 16. Well, it is so nice to be
back again. Kinda hard to find our places but are feeling
quite settled.
The ladies house wasn't
quite finished for them to go in. Mr. G. was making it thief
proof. So they staid with us until Mon. Rather crowded but we
managed. Of course things were awfully scattered and out of
place when they got all theirs away so I spent most of last
week getting things into order. Now I have a wash stand in the
childrens room and one in our room. & some boxes packed
& put up in the attic.
Jno felt pretty much done
out & was in bed one day. Wed. was mail day. Not much mail
but a bag is at the Boma containing parcels. also some boxes
are there – so Jno & Mr. Gribble and some men went on
Thurs. to get things but found no one there so couldn't bring
anything. They had taken some of the Banyoro boys too who
wanted to go to their village so they went expecting to find
it near but instead they took them all the way to Debu Kilo.
They couldn't do anything about getting more to come. Brot one
along for the cows but he tried and has given up and wants to
cook but I've enough cooks. Don't know yet what he will do.
The men found about 50
loads at the Boma. Dr's & Miss Harland's goods have come
from Kijabe. Also two boxes for us & two parcels; 1 from
Kijabe from Miss Simpson & 1 from M.W. & Co. Don't
know when Lieut. Jadot will be back. Lieut. Boulouff left for
Irumu so henceforth we must deal with Lieut. Jadot.
Last Fri night we had an
awful storm of wind & rain. Hardest we've ever had in this
house – and when it was about over in walked Jno & Mr.
Gribble. soaked of course. Got hot drinks & some chicken
soup & got dry clothes on so they were soon comfortable
but Jno was awfully stiff and achey all next day. We dismissed
Kaperi on Wed. last week. and he left.
We've seen the kitten
catch two rats. She's beginning very young. We'll soon be rid
of rats in the house now. The children are fond of her too.
Forgot to say the loads came in on Fri. P.M. next day after we
got here.
Jno has again worked at
the organ some but can't seem to better it any. Seems to go
better for awhile then all at once gives out.
Last week Mr. G. had men
carrying stones for a store house & this morning Jno
signed on about 40 and went at it about two feet of wall are
done already. He isn't doing much laying but has several
natives at it. They hope to have it pretty well finished in 2
weeks. Mr. G. will take some of the men & go for poles
& timbers for ceiling & roof. 'Twill be nice to get
things cleared out of the house, and still feel they are
perfectly safe in there. We've taken Singoma on for Rs 5. a
month. He's pretty good if he wants to be. but needs poking up
some times.
The children enjoyed
their biscuits (Pate de pommes) and apples (dried) we brot
them. Also mouth organs & little baskets. and chairs. Gave
Miss Harland a steamer chair – Azandi make. Very nice &
comfortable.
Fixed up the organ today.
Wonder where Haases are
by this time. Do hope they've gotten away from Mulla's. Lots
of letters to get ready for next mail.
Mon. eve. Nov. 10.
These are busy days as
well as evenings. When we got back there was a letter here
from Miss Wright at Hoima asking if they could come here for a
vacation. I wrote her to come by all means and let us know by
next boat (Nov. 7) when they'd come & Jno would meet the
boat with the chair. Instead of letting us know, they came.
Fortunately Mr. Gribble was there and he got them thro' &
waited with them to send here for chair. So they came up Sat.
evening and are now with us, and we are enjoying their
company. Mr. G. went down to the Boma last Tues. &
repacked & sent their things up.
A week ago Sat. P.M. Jno
took sick & altho his temp. wasn't very high, he had awful
headache. He was in bed til Tues was up some but felt pretty
bum. all week. Did no work and had no men working. I had been
trying to get the sewing done- necessary mending at any rate,
and get curtains made for the windows. When we had word Fri
eve that the ladies from Hoima were coming I sewed all evening
& got them finished ready to put up & Sat. Jno helpt
me we got them up – on each side of window & ruffle across
top are red & then the thin white between. Look very nice.
Also made a red table cover of the curtain I had at the pantry
cupboard.
Jno made a door for the
front dining room doorway. It's awfully nice to have one that
swings on hinges and latches when pushed shut. Baked bread on
Sat. Got pretty good. Baked in stove oven very nicely. Jno
fixed stove. Made yeast cakes.
Fixed at organ last week
but doesn't work well yet. Rather thinks of sending for new
insides.
Got nice mail. M.W. &
Co parcel was alright but my shoes are black velvet high
heeled slippers. O My, don't look like Congo at all. The
parcel of home things sent by Miss Simpson is fine – such a
lot of pretty things. and every thing so useful.
Jno started work again
today at the store house- ready for roof now. Tomorrow he will
likely go out with men for timbers. Mr. G. doesn't help for he
doesn't seem to be very well. Dr. is looking so bad these days
too. We do hope some how the Lord will open the way for them
to go home soon. They both need it.
Raymond picked a white
rose today. It smells so sweet. A red one is blooming at the
ladies' house. Want to send stamps next mail.
Fri. P.M. Nov. 28.
Yesterday was
Thanksgiving. All ate dinner and supper here. Had service at 4
P.M. Dr. took charge of it. Phono- after supper. Had hoped to
have new records but they haven't come yet. The Lieut. told us
the sailboat would be over with mail bag & boxes on 26th
& we sent for things but nothing came. White Fathers had
chartered it so brot nothing only for them.
The white ants were
working very bad in our room so we took the floor up around
the fire place. Then they came up in the children's room so we
took half of that floor up and now they seemed to be in the
pantry so today they are taking that up. partly at least. Do
hope to get them cleared out & be rid of them for good.
Haven't put the floors down yet. Wont until we're sure they're
finished.
The ladies returned on
the 19th. The boat came then instead of the 22nd.
but brot no mail nor any thing. Miss Harland went back with
them for a rest & change. Wont return before Dec. 22 boat.
We were glad she could go as she was very nervous and needed a
change.
The Gribble's were going
camping this week – to the Banyoro village at Debu Kilo and
then to Uma's & intended staying out until near Christmas.
but Mr. G. got sick so they haven't gone yet. We dismissed the
Banyoro boys that weren't working also the two that were
working for us and the other three that were working for the
ladies & Gribble's went too so now we have only Nasaneri
& Singoma left.
The others had all said
they wanted nothing so much as to learn but we found they
didn't care at all for that if they couldn't make money at the
same time. We are glad they're left since we realize how
little they really wanted to learn and know the things of God.
Have been buying up some
curios to send to Mrs. Simpson and also will send some to
mama.
Last Mon. I asked the 3
ladies for the P.M. & we sewed the burlap for the dining
room floor. It looks very nice & is kept clean so much
easier than the mats. Sweeps very easy & looks nice. Have
scarcely used a third of it. Made curtains to shut out the sun
on the veranda too of it.
Jno finally got the
veranda finished up and I've planted some flowers in the top
of the stone railing and all look very nice. Shall be glad
when they get to blooming. Have put in some apple and rhubarb
seeds too. Jno dug potatoes this week & worked some in the
garden. On Wed. he put up a chicken & wood house combined.
Have a lot of chickens now- 30 in all. counting guinea fowl
& Buxton cock too.
Sent to the Indian for
cloth today. Mr. Gribble made the door to the store house but
the mud ceiling isn't in nor the roof quite finished. Hope to
finish it next week. Ought to have an awful mail on Dec. 7 –
the last we got Nov. 7 was not very much.
Am writing sort of diary
letters home to Lo. & to Father S. & Albert. Found out
that our letters are at Irumu needing postage before we can
get them.
Last Sun. was Miss Hursts
birthday – but we celebrated on Sat. with a picnic at the
stream. Had a nice time. and a good dinner. We are having so
many tomatoes now between Dr's garden & ours that every
body is making jam etc. We do enjoy them so. Got a parcel
ready for Dungu.
Mon. eve. Dec. 8.
A nice mail came last
night and the parcels turned up today – records &
Christmas parcel from M.W. & Co. We sorted the records
into 3 piles – one for tonight, one for Claudons birthday and
one for Christmas.
About supper time Jno
suggested the ladies come here for supper & the evening
but Miss Hurst isn't feeling very well and Miss Stirton
insisted on her going to bed but Miss S. came to supper.
Afterwards we took the phono. down there & played 5
plates- or 8 pieces. They were fine – every one of them.
The packages from M.W.
& Co are mostly Christmas things so wont open them til we
go at trimming the tree. Its kind a' hard to see the parcels
& yet not open them but 'twill be nice to have things new.
Gribble's went camping
the next Tues. after I last wrote – on Dec. 2. Went to Debu
Kilo & found it very hot & mosquitos awful- on
last Sat. moved to the lake shore at the Boma, by canoe. had a
hard time getting there – and didn't get in until 8 at night
& the mosquitos awful. Mr. G- crazy with tooth ache.
The boat came yesterday
morning and brot the rest of Dr's boxes. They hope to leave
there on Wed. morning for Uma's. We really think they ought to
come back here. Mr. G- ought to be helping with the ladies'
house.
Last Wed. we put the
floors down again as the ants hadn't worked up again and how
nice it does seem with them all fixed nice again.
Jno worked in the garden
all last week. ditching & getting it dug over. There is
still quite a bit to do but the store house is needed and the
ladies house ought to be started.
Fires on all sides of us
these days. Every where it is charred & black and the sky
very smokey. Can't see the Lake at all.
Am baking bread after a
recipe mama sent in her last letter. Hope it will be alright
tho I fear the yeast got too hot.
Claudon was stung on his
first finger by a bee yesterday and it is very swelled and
painful today so I put on ammonia and not seeing two little
scratches; the ammonia made them very sore. Tonight we put hot
compress on. Miss Hurst has word that Mr Clarke will likely
return any time & if he does Mr. Morris may come too. They
might both be here by Christmas.
Washed today. Hope to do
the ironing tomorrow. If Miss Hurst remains in bed in the
morning I'll take her school work.
No rain for quite a while
but very queer weather. Suppose the dry season has set in.
Thur. eve Dec. 18.
On Sat. Gribbles got part
way along the lake to Uma's but camped along the shore hoping
to go on on Mon. and Mon. eve about 5 we had word that Dr. was
very ill would Jno & Miss Stirton come down at once. They
left by six and reached there by 11. Dr. was suffering
terribly. regular spasms of pain – Jno wanted them to come
right up and be here so we can take care of them but Dr. said
she couldn't be moved and they want the boat to call there on
Mon. & take them over to Butiaba & they'll go on to
Mengo. Dr. feels she will not have any relief until she has an
operation. If all goes well they hope to go home from there.
Mr. G. isn't planning to come up here any more either &
has sent for the things they will want. Miss Stirton writes
Dr. suffers terribly. Yesterday for 8 hours was delirious from
pain.
Some one will have to go
to the boat and see if Capt. Dugdale will stop for them. Not
being at a port he may refuse. but we hope he wont for
everyone will feel much better when they are actually on their
way to Mengo which will mean relief to poor Dr. She thinks its
the same trouble Mrs. Downing had – outside conception.
We celebrated Claudons
birthday on Tue but didn't go to the stream as Jno wasn't here
& the morning wasn't very nice. We were just finishing
dinner on the veranda when Jno came up the hill. He was about
“all in”. Hadn't slept a wink all night and then coming up
from the Lake was awful – such a climb.
Miss Hurst eats here
since Miss Stirton is away – but sleeps down there. Expect
Miss Harland on the boat next Mon. Our Christmas fun will no
doubt be somewhat spoiled by Dr's illness. If they can't leave
by the boat on Mon. then Miss Stirton will of course not be
here either.
We want to make Dr a
dress yet before they go – of the blue material Mother S. gave
me when I first came out- light blue & white. Have sent
for her dark blue dress to make it by.
A week ago yesterday P.M.
Mr. Morris & Mr. Clarke came. We were surprised – but not
so much for Miss Hurst just got a letter that morning saying
they'd be here by Sat. They had had a good trip & looked
quite well. Brot 25 porters along to take loads back- with
soldiers who, when they got here wanted to go to Mahagi &
deliver a message & Lieut. Jadot shut them up as they had
no letter. However by writing him he let them go and the loads
finally left Tues. morning.
Miss Hurst gave Claudon a
little chicken – and while playing with it Raymond casually
remarked - “Miss Hurst, I spose you didn't want this any more
that's why you gave it to Claudon”. It sounded so funny we all
laughed hard.
Had an awful storm Tues.
P.M. from up the valley. blew into the west dining room
windows awfully bad. The children's room too got wet as it
seemed to come in all over. It blew frightfully. Jno got back
just in time.
The ants are working up
again in our room. So provoking.
Jno worked two days at
the ladies house. It's started now & Mr Morris will help
him- but the weather has been so bad – cold wind every A.M.
Worked at store house this P.M. It's pretty well piled up with
boxes. Only a few letters ready. Too much entertaining lately.
The records on C's
birthday were failures at first but since using the steel
needles are better.
New Years day Jan. 1.
1914 Thurs. P.M.
Miss Harland came as we
expected she would on Mon. Had sent the horse, Mr Clarke
bro't, and Singoma for her but she couldn't ride – Was too
afraid. Was very very tired when she got here as she walked so
fast. We had sent lunch out on the path to meet her but no tea
– then about 2 the mail came & the lunch boy with a note
saying she was very thirsty for tea so Miss Hurst & Mr.
Morris left at once. with tea. but met her on this side of the
precipice. We waited a little then went to & met them on
other side of rocks. She is very glad to get back. Tho reports
a lovely time.
She
says
Capt. Dugdale sent the sail boat for Gribbles on Sun. the 6.
but they saw it up toward the Nile evidently couldn't come
down before the wind. But as we came up the path we saw
porters coming from Gribbles so we thought they got off
alright. But when
in camp night before last two men came with a letter from Mr
Gribble at Butiaba in which he told of the awful
time they had. They boarded the sailboat early Mon. morning
& bounced around in it all day & at night had to put
back to shore & camp. All were very sea sick but Dr.
didn't seem to suffer any for it. Next morning they boarded
again but with much more difficulty as the water was much
deeper. They finally got across but late & Dr. was so
ill they couldn't take her off that night. She seemed a
little better when Mr. G. wrote but still very ill. They had
sent for Dr. Reeford of Hoima & he said appendicitis
with complications. That may explain much of the suffering.
He advised them to go to Mengo as quickly as possible. They
had telegraphed Kijabe & were hoping to leave Butiaba in
a few days. or as soon as they could get porters which was
very difficult.
Well, of course it took
Miss Harland some little time to get settled so they just
continued taking their meals here. Wed. noon they took the men
& we just had a pick up dinner. I baked bread. on Tues.
P.M. we made candies. Tues. A.M. we went over accounts &
got things as straight as possible.
Wed.
P.M.
every one was excluded from the dining room and the children
went with daddy to get the tree & I got things ready for
on it. Moved the table onto the veranda and had the room
nicely cleared. We had gotten three parcels in the mail from
M.W. & Co. and one before which was the Christmas
parcel. so we opened that & used the decorations on the tree. It
looked very pretty- and then all the gifts some wrapped
& some open. and over all I sprinkled Santa Claus Snow
so it sparkled pretty. Lunch on the veranda consisted of
chicken sandwiches, potato salad, deviled eggs, tomatoes-
jelly & cookies & tea & cake. Lanterns had red
paper around for lights on veranda.
When we had finished Jno
started the phono on “Holy Night, Silent Night” & I lit
the candles & had fire in the fireplace. Then as they came
in I sprinkled each with S.C. Snow. only poor Miss Hurst got
some in her eye, for which I was very sorry.
We
had
scarcely settled ourselves when Singoma & Nasaneri came
in with half a dozen chickens for different ones and a 5˘
piece for each of the children. Then Jno started at the rest
of the new records. Profiting by our disappointment on
Claudons birthday we used steel needles for these entirely
and all went fairly well. While these were going on we ate
candy & nuts. The boys also enjoyed honey candy. We gave
the boys each half a bar of soap & they went home
apparently happy. After refilling the candle holders and the
last ones burning down we distributed the gifts. Mine were
awfully nice. Miss Harland gave me a gray sweater. Mr.
Clarke, a tea cloth, Miss Wright a needle case, Miss Flint,
a gilt easel for photo. I had sent for half dozen silver
spoons. Miss Hurst & Mr Morris made up a box containing:
A Christmas Cake from Eng., a tin of biscuits, tin of lard
and a jelly tablet. Every thing was splendid & so much
more than I ever dreamed of. The children were well
remembered too both by the people here & by the Hoima
ladies. Finally the children got tired and I put them to bed
then the cheese was called for. That cheese that had been so
long talked about. They had teased for it every night for so
long. The children however heard what we were up to so set
up a howl for some too. A little piece satisfied. We also
had Coronation Biscuits & tea.
About
10:30
all retired. Had
our little Christmas sing next morning early then breakfast
then native service & then the killing of the bull was
most exciting. Natives, natives every where. They had said
right along that they didn't believe we were going to kill
an animal for them so they were very eager to see if it was
really true. Jno tried first with his little pistol but
altho he shot him a half dozen times still he wouldn't drop.
Then he got Mr Gribbles rifle and one shot dropt him. They
pulled him out of the pen and the three white men were kept
fairly busy keeping people away while some whom they had
chosen, skinned and cut it up. We kept: the hump, a piece of
steak, tenderloin and a piece from the neck bone for one
soup. The front leg was given to the women. Miss Hurst &
I cut it up and tried making them eat it here but when they
got it boiled we were only too glad to let them go. They
most fought over it as it was. The men got on beautifully
for a long time giving out as slips were brot in but
suddenly when most of the slips had been handed in a mob
came on and altho the men tried to keep them back they
couldn't do it without just pounding them like animals – so
they got every scrap & rushed away – some of those who
were doing the work felt rather sore about it as they
expected pretty big pay and of course what they hadn't when
the rush came on they never got.
We had dinner with the
ladies. a very nice Christmas dinner. tomato soup, fried beef
& mashed potato & gravy and mince pies & plum
pudding & sauce & all sorts of candies. Miss Flint
sent Raymond & Claudon a tin of peppermint Bull's eyes and
we enjoyed them all the week. After dinner we rested awhile
then had games & races for natives giving soap, safety
pins & matches as prizes. All had supper here together and
phono after it. All pretty tired that night.
Plans were made for a
trip to the falls over in the hills we can see so plainly from
here. Wanted to go on Monday and have an outing of 4 or 5
days. I baked a lot of cookies on Fri. and washed & ironed
on Sat. Had tea every day on the veranda. Sun. did nothing
much but rest- felt rather done out- ambitionless for several
days. Then Mon. morning we got things together. Every one
went. Left the boys to look after things here. I felt still
worse on Mon. morning but Jno said that was why I needed a
change. So away we went about 10 A.M. The children wild with
delight. 'Twas very hot & we were glad to stop at the
Kakoi for lunch. I don't remember when I had such hard work to
get on. Took some cows along for the milk- & Jno thot he
might be able to get a bull for an ox from a chief over there
who is supposed to have many cattle.
One
very
high hill we had to climb I pretty
nearly
gave up but Miss Harland staid back with me & we got on
slowly & met the rest at the top. but still so far from
the falls. Then down into a valley again. Here we had tea so
felt better & went on with Jno's help to where we camped
still too far away to see all we wanted to; so Jno & Mr
Morris walked out on a shoulder to see about getting to the
Falls & there was such a deep valley between & such
a precipice that they decided for all of us that we didn't
want to go over. We camped near a village for
the night & next morning left there for Longois-
lunching on the way at a very pretty little stream- with a
little falls. Reached Longois in good time & had tea
& sat around then got up the tent. Jno & Mr Clarke
went to the river Kakoi to see if there was any thing pretty
to see. Came back just before dark & said it was very
pretty & we planned to spend part of the next day there.
Slept as the night before the men on the veranda & we
girls & children inside. I felt better that night than
any time since we left home. Get almost no milk from the
cows either some one took it early in the morning or they
didn't get enough food during the day.
Next morning (yesterday)
packed up and went down into the valley – very pretty. huge
rocks & water running under them & dark caves. We
followed down the river a ways and found a little bed of sand
& gravel. Lovely place for the children to play. I felt
very well early in the morning but was tired when we reached
this place so lay down on a comforter & pillow in the sand
but felt worse all the time yet couldn't sleep.
The
men
went exploring down stream. Miss Harland read & Miss
Hurst wrote letters. I intended writing but didn't. When the
men returned we had dinner. The rest did- I had some fever-
so Jno said on feeling my cheeks. After dinner we picked up
things & started for home. I held onto Jno's coat up the
hill out of the valley. It was stifling hot & so
steep. seems I never would have gotten out without help.
Children rode on shoulders of natives. They got home first.
I hung onto the end of Jno's walking stick. Never had such
hard work to get on. We rested often & drank often. Kept
Kunnu & the water bottle near us. Every one else was 45
minutes ahead of us. When we finally got here Miss Harland
had made up the bed & had a hot bath ready so I got
right in to the bath then to bed & felt quite refreshed
this morning. Got up after breakfast. Feel rather sick this
P.M. & think I'd better get back to bed soon. Had P.M.
tea on the veranda & cut the cake which Miss Hurst &
Mr Morris gave us for Xmas.
1913
is
ended & 1914 already begun. The year has been full
of experiences- such as I little thot of but God's hand was
over all. One of the greatest experiences was our trip to
Dungu and all the preliminaries- and God certainly was good
to us. & the children. I do praise Him so much for it.
It seems I must trust Him fully without worry after such a
year of testing His faithfulness. and I do want to trust
& love him more & more. love Him with all
my heart. O that He may take away this hasty tongue and
temper. I do pray for complete control of myself guided by
Him. God help me.
To the black covered
“journal”.
Index
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