Florence
Minch Stauffacher Diary – 1932.
Index
Dear
Master, for this coming year
Just
one request I bring;
I
do not pray for happiness
Or
any earthly thing;
I
do not ask to understand
The
way thou leadest me,
But
this I ask: Teach me to do
The
thing that pleaseth thee.
I
want to know thy guiding voice,
To
walk with thee each day,
Dear
Master, make me swift to hear
And
ready to obey;
And
thus the year I now begin
A
happy year will be,
If
I am seeking just to do
The
thing that pleaseth thee.
Fri.
Jan. 1
And
now we have begun the year. & I, this book. How will it
end? The 3 men went to the road. mostly to see where to make
it. Took
lunch. Parmale didn’t want work this mo. Kap. said he was
sick so
I had a good time - 3 qts of ketchup for Conf. & baked
cookies.
Sat.
Jan. 2
Yesterday
when the men returned they decided not to go to Loitokitok
now but
make the road. So Mr. Edwards left by todays lorry. Mrs S
& I
took him over. Its been hot & my head aches. & the
house is
empty without Mr. E. We are going camping next week. saw
Mulungit.
Sun.
Jan. 3
Good
crowd out this A.M. In P.M Mrs S. & I taught Swahili
choruses. Rained hard. Just as we finished J. called us
& said Rainbows
had come. They staid only for supper. Billy is a nice boy.
They
are much as usual. all working so had to get back. Started
letter to
boys.
Mon.
Jan. 4
Camp. Stream beyond hi bridge. The men thot we
better move out today. Parmale washed & ironed. Mr. C.
came about 10. Got in last eve. He is not agreed that this
road is a good thing. J & I came out
ab’t 3. S’s were just ready to leave when Dawson drove up
for
language. Have a nice camp. 7 workers - so should accomplish
something. Brot lots to do.
Tues.
Jan. 5
It
is very pleasant here in camp. I got quite a bit of typing
done &
Mrs S. was sewing. The men are working very hard. Moved the
bridge
& are cutting the road on from here. 3 more came to
work. Read
awhile tonight by the big fire.
Wed.
Jan. 6
Mrs
S. is getting meals today & I will tomorrow. Wrote at
Ruth &
finished some letters this P.M. but the time passes so fast.
We do
not know what we will do ab’t staying out. must get more
food for
men soon. No reading - all tired.
Thur.
Jan. 7
The
men announced another improvement on the road. It will soon
be so
straight & fine that we’ll be at Kijabe before we know
it. Wrote a general letter. 8 copies. Almost finished typing
Ruth. Mr
S. & I may drive home tomorrow for more supplies. Read
aloud
tonight.
Fri.
Jan. 8 Home
When
men came for A.M. tea they announced they’d like to go home
this
P.M. so here we are back home. had a nice swim & supper
there. Mr. Clarke came for swim but sat & talked
instead. Jno went to
hear records. I got letters ready for post. Nice to be here.
Sat.
Jan. 9
Men
went to Narok for gas & mail & when they came back
they had
about decided to go to Narosero. So we packed chop box &
they
left ab’t 3:30. Will be back Mon. Ram wont go. Are carrying
water from stream. S’s here to supper. R.M. sleeps here.
Sun.
Jan. 10
Milaun
turned up yesterday so took the meeting today. Mrs. S.
drilled them
on Swahili choruses. I staid with children. Men came just at
supper
time. John had been sick & broke something on car. Had
mt’g
this eve over there.
Mon.
Jan. 11
Men
got off on the road by 9 A.M. Parmale washed at the pond.
Mrs S.
washed blankets. I eat over there & get meals. so she
can sew. Men forgot butter. Are sending Mashipei & he
will stay with them
& help. Kapirondoi didn’t want to go - but did.
Tues.
Jan. 12 Mrs. Farnsworth 1885
Harry
D. went down to see if he could start the ram & he did
& its
pumping fine. My its nice to have plenty of water again.
Parmale
went to Narok with letters. Kinyanjui is going to kill on
Thur. so
didn’t send for any meat. Mended all day. So am ready to go
at
dress.
Wed.
Jan. 13
Tank
was running over this morning tho we had 2 faucets open. Has
pumped
fine all day. Garden things seem so grateful. The nice white
leghorn was dead this morning. Swelled head. Got quite a bit
done
at dress. Walked to Sitoyas this eve. Kapirorei is sick.
Thur.
Jan. 14
Worked
at dress between interruptions. Kinyanjui killed an ox. The
meat
seems lovely. I got 24 lbs to corn for Conf. Prayermtg this
P.M. 9
out. Olduboi is here. Mulungit called & had quite a chat
ab’t
school. Mr Clarke called. Just back from Nairobi.
Fri.
Jan. 15
Men
didn’t come. Guess its taking longer than they thot. Letter
from
Dawson asking ab’t driving up to Oljoro. Told him Jno would
be
here Mon. Had Shaffers here all day. I baked bread &
ironed. Am to eat breakfast there tomorrow.
Sat.
Jan. 16
Men
sent Kap. to tell us they’d be in by 1:30. We ate early din.
they
came ab’t 2. Bad head til this eve. Took asperin. Mr. C. her
to
supper & we down there for music. Almost finished
knitting
sweater. Quite a nice mail. Korean cloth is there.
Sun.
Jan. 17
Meetings
as usual & attended as usual. Rained just as meeting
closed at
noon. Mrs S. & I practiced Swahili choruses again. Read
in
Rob’t Allan’s book ab’t indigenous church tonight. Didn’t
rain much. We hope for more.
Mon.
Jan. 18
Jno
worked on road til we called. I went to S’s for tea &
while
there Clarke came then Dawson & Denning & later Mr
Deck. They left to go up the ridge. but we fear they wont
get thro. Fish
supper at Shaffers. Parmale washed. Korean goods as ordered
but I
ordered some wrong.
Tues.
Jan. 19
Mrs
S used irons til 11 - then I finished mine still before we
ate. Darned 2 sweaters for Mrs S. finished knitting J’s so I
could sew
it up. Think ‘twill do very well. Am now at the red border.
Ram
is going fine. Mr S. fixed oven door.
Wed.
Jan. 20
Typed
songs & fixed Nol’s song book. Did a number of little
things. S’s went swimming by moonlight. twas lovely. We went
down but not
in. Jno making magazines into books. Met at S’s for prayer.
Thur.
Jan. 21
Jno
was going to the road in the car & found the battery
out. They
went to Narok but it only starts when pushed. Elders came
this
morning & said no they would not have Milaun to
teach. but
Elija only!!! Tonight there is a shauri on. The broken part
came
today for car. Sh. 50.
Fri.*
Jan. 22
Doing
last things. Elders don’t want to do things here themselves.
but
Milaun has decided to go to Bible School & we shall see
when we
return about what I’ll do with school. S’s went for
moonlight swim. We are having hot baths here & washing
hair.
Sat.
Jan. 23
Got
away by 8. Mr. S. drove our car because of run down battery.
I rode
with Mrs. S. part way. I forgot tea so had rather thin
lunch. Both
Mrs. S. & I had bad heads. mine is better tonight. We
were 26
for supper. More will come tomorrow or Mon. Very dry around
here. Milaun has come to Bible School.
Sun.
Jan. 24
Most
every one went either to native meeting or S.S. at the
station. I
wrote the girls & lay down some. Mr. McK. had P.M.
meeting &
Skoda & Weppler prayer & praise meeting tonight.
More will
come tomorrow. 2 came today.
Mon.
Jan. 25 Miss Holman
Jno
takes all early mtgs. More came in today so we now number
abt. 40. Jno & I went to Moodys for lunch. Miss Junod
leaves on Thurs. Meetings all good. Mr Guilding had “Love”.
it was very good. So
was Pitway. Went to Davises & heard boys’ records but
not very
clear.
Tues.
Jan. 26
Jno
followed Mr. Pitway on “Peace”. Mr. P. was fine. So
searching
and straight. God bless him & help us. There seems such
frivolity somehow. Mr. Ford spoke tonight. very good. Clara
drew a
picture & spoke. 45 puddings to dish up now.
Wed.
Jan. 27 Ruth Marie
Such
a lovely mail today. Huge letter from the boys. etc. Mrs.
Davis
must go home soon as possible. Dr. Jex-Blake says. Went to
see
Grandma Myers this P.M. & got our record that Mr.
Edwards got for
us. Mr. Reynolds showed pictures tonight. Miss Mathys had a
party
for Ruth Marie.
Thur.
Jan. 28
Mr.
Capen, Norman Johnson & Miss Lovell all down with fever.
Mrs
Guilding & I had a nice visit. Womens meeting this eve
lasted
late. So many reports. All mtgs. very good. Parents meeting
at 4. I didn’t go. Miss S. not feeling very well. She does
too much. Blaikies are at Davises.
Fri.
Jan. 29
Mrs
Hoyt & Martha came. Also Mrs Walgren. Mr. Pitway was
very good
again. so searching. Prayer groups this eve. 6 of us met in
Mrs.
Innises room. Some of the men met at the Bible School.
Sat.
Jan. 30 Grace Wight 1910 Mr. Barnett 1876
Mr.
& Mrs. Butcher & 2 children & Mr. Glover came
this eve. &
all sick ones are up so we set table for 6 in sitting room.
besides
the 12 children in boys sitting room. Prayer groups again
tonight. Biz. mtg this A.M. Blaikies came to my room
yesterday & we had a
nice visit.
Sun.
Jan. 31
The
last day. and a blessed one too. Went to native service. saw
Wambui
- she has run away from her father who was selling her to
Njuguna. Says Syabei folks are praying we wont
return. Well, the Lord
is faithful. He will answer our prayers yet for them. but
they are
not easily led these days. Sort o’ hate to close Conf. We
have
had blessed fellowship. & boys in kitchen have been
fine.
What
a full month! & such a hectic life. I’m not fond of. We
do
wonder what is waiting for us in the future. We want Him
to
open the doors of service. If it seems best to go out among
the
people that’s what we want. God help us to know His will.
Mon.
Feb. 1
Had
breakfast a bit earlier than the others - about 10 of us.
Saw lots
of our people in Nairobi. Skoda is a good driver. Met S’s at
the
stream they said Mbaei had come & was very angry about
Wambui. Got to Miss Moodys ab’t 6:15. She had supper for us.
Tues.
Feb. 2 -Home-
Got
in about 3:30. Brot Keshia. He was supposed to watch the
tire but
kept saying it wasn’t bad & when we got to the Syabei it
was so
flat that it had ruined the tube. Took 40 min. to put in new
one. Threatened rain on all sides: got into a bit of mud but
none here. Heavy rain Sat. Met Mr. Clarke on way to N. Gave
us half sheep.
Wed.
Feb. 3
Mulungit
came this eve & we talked quite awhile. He had tea &
bread. Said they wanted to begin school right away. Guess
they don’t care
if I help or not. Cleaned my room & got things all put
away. Want to hold nightly mtgs if others are agreed. Shauri
Fri night.
Thur.
Feb. 4
Sent
Kapirondoi for mail but he didn’t return. Just at prayer mtg
time
it started to rain hard. so no mtg. We read aloud from
Jonathan
Edwards, this eve. Went with Jno on the road. & had
lunch but
forgot matches.
Fri.
Feb. 5
K.
got back ab’t noon. Said mail came in at 7 last eve. Elija
began
school yesterday. No shauri tonight because it has been
raining hard
since dark. Made peach & pineapple jam. Jno walked to
his work
on the road. I intended going tomorrow but too wet now.
Sat.
Feb. 6
Did
a bit of baking but not much for any one to do. Parmale
cleaned a
bit. Jack helpt & we sowed some seeds in the garden.
Rain again
this late PM. Read aloud & had prayer for tomorrows
meetings. Don’t know what they may try. M’s don’t bring enuf
milk.
Sun.
Feb. 7
Had
A.M. meeting. Children came very late to S.S. and not so
many as
usual & only 24 to mtg but some of each old & young.
No P.M.
meeting but night mtg was announced but it is still raining
pretty
hard. so we aren’t going over. We read this P.M.
Mon.
Feb. 8
Parmale
washed & all got dry. Jack took letters & brot
others a few
from home. I had posted one to Aunt A. & he brot it back
by
mistake & as there is one from her its alright. I’ll do
it
over. He was soaking wet. Rained very hard. but mtg.
Tues.
Feb. 9
Rained
again but mostly over by mtg time. Just the three again
tonight:
Sitoya, Kapirondoi & Susana. But if they 3 are led by
the Spirit
God can do great things. I helpt some in school. Sitoya
comes for
going over Psalms.
Wed.
Feb. 10
Only
a little sprinkle today. Not even very cloudy. Snappy cold
this
morning. We make fire every evening so its pleasant for mtg.
Elija
acted very curt today as I helpt a bit with Arith. O he is so
important! 3 out.
Thur.
Feb. 11
P.M.
prayer mtg, 9 out & while at the eve mtg Davises &
Farnsworths drove up. F’s are in S’s house & Dr. &
Mrs
up stairs. Just came for a drive & to get a change. Hope
they’ll stay til Sat. but they say not. Brot lovely peaches.
4
out to mtg tonight.
Fri.
Feb. 12
They
couldn’t stay over so left after dinner & by this time
are no
doubt home. Dr. had bad cold & Mrs. F staid in bed too
this
morning. Morimo came out to mtg tonight. Baked corn bread.
Started
bread & will leave Parmale to do it tomorrow. I go on
road.
Sat.
Feb. 13
Got
off after breakfast. Had a lovely day. and did a lot of
work. I
spent the first hr. throwing stones out of the road &
collecting
dry roots to bring home. Wrote Mrs Westervelt & knitted
at J’s
sweater. I’ll soon get it done. Am wearing my new Indian
made
shoes.
Sun.
Feb. 14
My
new shoes aren’t much good. too large. I sent them the pay
but
told them they are not good. A.M. meeting was attended well.
5
elders there. Jno seemed specially free & full of his
subject. P.M. 4 only. this eve 11.
Mon.
Feb. 15
Sent
K. for mail but there was none. Sent Roaches some peaches. 5
out to
P.M. meeting & several this eve. Sitoya said people say
Jno’s
words yesterday were very good. Olduboi comes at night &
sits
way back in dark. Hope God will deal with him.
Tues.
Feb. 16
Elija
is quite sick again with appendicitis. Kinyanjui is teaching
school. Sitoya & I get good licks in each day at
correcting Psalms and
songs. Olduboi there again tonight. I pray he & S may
make
peace.
Wed.
Feb. 17
Got
an order off to Wards. Asking Barnetts to bring it out. Only
2 out
this P.M. Elija still quite sick. May he repent of his wrong
doings
& the Lord heal him. Parmale asked to be let off & I
let him
go he has not been happy. Says his sister is ill.
Thur.*
Feb. 18
Jack
came and helpt & will help what he can. Rained pretty
hard this
P.M. but still we had mtg. Will send Jack for mail early as
it may
rain. some of the little girls come for singing mostly. Brot
S’s
single bed down from up stairs for me. I don’t like the way
beds
are arranged but can be altered when we get another single
bed.
Fri.
Feb. 19
Mail
came as we were ab’t ready for mtg. Letter from Chas. says
he has
$800. for us of estate money. Jack did not post the letters
but brot
all back - just left in bag. S’s want things so have asked
Morima
to go in morn.
Sat.
Feb. 20
Jack
cutting wood - but he doesn’t like it. I went on road with
Jno.
drove the car some - run a thorn into tire had to fix it.
Clarke
came in last eve. so came to supper & we there for
music. Very
pleasant.
Sun.
Feb. 21
Got
to A.M. meeting but to none other - as my head was very bad.
I took
asperin but it didn’t seem to help. only 23 to A.M. &
one to
P.M. & none tonight. The devil is surely busy these
days.
Mon.
Feb. 22
Jack
went for mail & parcel Haji Aboo had for us. It turned
out to be
a box of candy & tin of chocolates from MacIntoshes - we
think.
letter from Mrs Guilding telling of Grace’s engagement.
Tues.
Feb. 23
Feeling
pretty bum but went to meetings. Can’t eat any thing &
head
wants to ache. Jno worked out where he left water bottle
& found
it. Clarkes engine was broke yesterday when he wanted to
start for
Nairobi so took ours out. so we hope he’ll be back on Sat.
Wed.
Feb. 24 Fathers 83rd birthday
All
work as usual. Nol. weeded in S’s garden. Jno worked in
ours. Keeps threatening rain but none comes. Usual number
out again. I
can’t seem to pep up. feel really ill tonight.
Thur.
Feb. 25
Had
an awful night last night. Rested little and have lain down
most all
day. Can’t eat. only drink water. besides bad stomach &
bowels
my head has been awful. Nice mail came but couldn’t read
much of
it. Jno called both P.M. & eve but no one came.
Fri.
Feb. 26
Thank
God I feel better tonight. Have eaten a bit today & have
had
very little headache. Nol. worked again. No meetings. A
little
rain. Jno at the road near by. Notice that our remittance
has come-
$95. = 541 Sh. Thats good Ex.
Sat.
Feb. 27 Mother’s 78th birthday.
How
well I remember a yr. ago. Just the day before J came home
& I
had our room all fixed up. Hard rain this P.M. & wind.
Some one
drove into C’s this eve but not his car. I cleaned. Jno
wanted me
to go on road but it seemed too much of a walk. This is the
10th
day for me. Makes me feel bum.
Sun.
Feb. 28
Got
very black & threatened but only sprinkled. Felt awful
when I
went to S.S. but thot I’d do it then come home but felt
better &
staid for all. 3 out to mtg tonight. No mtg this P.M. Shall
try
PM.s this week.
Mon.
Feb. 29
This
is an extra day- should have accomplished wonders. but
didn’t. Jack brot mail. Nothing much. Told Jack I’d give him
sh. 8 for
Mar. if he works well. Had P.M. mtg but not tonight. It got
very
black this eve but nothing has come of it. Nol. washed. She
said
Mbaei was hunting for Wambui - said she had come.
But
she hasn’t - and if she knows when she is well off she will
stay
where she is. I surely haven’t done much in school but it
goes on. Sitoya & I have gone over quite a few Psalms
& songs. So
the mo. hasn’t been wasted.
Tues.
Mar. 1
Stacys
move to Kewanee today. Returns from Ed. Dept. came
yesterday. Parmale & Kinyanjui did not pass - others got
distinction in
Arith. & Hygiene & Geog. They have to be filled out
&
then returned for Director of Ed. to sign & then they go
to the
boys. They are pleased.
Wed.
Mar. 2
Work
as usual. Ironed. Jno at the road every day. Not much sign
of rain
today. Opened the box of candy from MacIntoshs. It is
lovely. Ate
2 pieces. it was so good. & I was hungry for it. Nol.
came very
late to prayermtg.
Thur.
Mar. 3
My
head was not comfy this morn. & when I tried to vomit
this P.M. I
found it was the choc. I ate yesterday. didn’t go to mtg.
Quite a
nice mail. Letter to tell us Mr. Day died Jan. 15. Dr.
Arthurs are
coming on the 15th.
Fri.
Mar. 4
Better
today & henceforth I go slow on the chocolates. Mr. C.
has come. Jno went down for a bit. Etta & Wambui have
joined the
catecumen class at Kjb. I asked Sitoya why they wouldn’t
here &
he said they’d have been beaten.
Sat.
Mar. 5
Baked
& cleaned. Mr. Clarke here to lunch. Then they went to
get Mr.
Surridge to put our engine back. but found he had skipt the
country 4
days ago. no one knows where - his boy is trying to put it
in. Hope
he knows how. Mr. C. is troubled. Nice supper there &
music.
Sun.
Mar. 6
Just
as we came from meeting Mr. & Mrs. Ashton - vet. who has
just
moved to Narok drove in. We wanted them to stop for lunch
but they
brot a picnic lunch & went below Clarkes to eat it. Mr
C. brot
our car up. starts alright so hope its fixed. Rained
terribly hard
from 2 P.M. No mtgs.
Mon.
Mar. 7
Nolmisheni
came & washed. Kinyanjui brot the mail last eve so
didn’t send
Jack today. Got dark but no rain. So am going with Jno on
the road
tomorrow. No mtgs this week. Seems nice to have P.M. &
eve.
Tues.
Mar. 8
Nice
time on road. Jack wanted to go to Narok so he posted my
letters. Thot we weren’t going to get started as starter
wouldn’t work &
engine wouldn’t start when pushed. After fussing quite a
time
found the gas was turned off.
Wed.
Mar. 9
School
& garden work. Called girls for sewing but only 2 came
&
Susana. She is going to teach them. No rain again. Guess
I’ll go
on the road again tomorrow. Sitoya can work by himself if he
wants
to. Started night school last night.
Thur.
Mar. 10
Went
on the road but didn’t stay as late as we wanted to because
it
threatened rain. But that was all til evening then it
rained. Old
Masai man brot milk I promised him salt. if we go out
tomorrow. Only
3 at prayer mtg.
Fri.
Mar. 11
Jno
did not go out so the Masai brot another gourd of milk and
wanted his
salt & pepper. Jack went for mail. Nice letter from the
boys &
several others but none from Shaffers. More rain tonight.
Sat.
Mar. 12
Asked
Kinyanjui to get nice cut of meat because of Arthurs coming
on Tues.
but I fear if rains keep on they wont come. Cleaned a lot
but didn’t
bake much. Rained very hard again this eve.
Sun.
Mar. 13
Meetings
this A.M. as usual. Not many out ab’t 30. Announced evening
meeting but it rained quite hard again. Wonder if Arthurs
will try
to come thro. Reading from Ironsides “Revelation”.
Mon.
Mar. 14
No
rain here & wonder if it is pleasant at Kericho where
Dr. Arthurs
are supposed to be. Nol. washed. I gave Kenea a dress for
Nol.’s
wage. Jno at the road. Letter from Ss. They are helping put
up a
church.
Tues.
Mar. 15
Yes
they came about 5:30. Parmale was helping all day & will
again
tomorrow. Arthurs had tea at Roaches. They say Dawson is at
Ngong
taking language exam. They sleep at Shaffers. I got letters
ready
for them to post.
Wed.
Mar. 16
Dr.
wanted to see Tameno & M. so they went up after
breakfast but M.
had cleared out. T. is better. We had tea ab’t 9:30 &
then
they left. Lost a side curtain near here will send it to
them. No
rain today.
Thur.
Mar. 17
Went
on the road with Jno. This eve asked Clarkes man if he could
call 5
men for us for next week & we would go way out &
work back. &
camp out. Now this eve it has rained again pretty hard. J.
was to
work in the garden. Parmale dug over some of Shaffers.
Fri.
Mar. 18
Prayer
Day. Expected to have all A.M. at school but Susana came to
work at
beans & got them all beaten out. Quite a nice lot. I
planted
corn & beans for S’s. It acts like it is going to rain.
Such
a gorgeous sunset. 4 men came this A.M. I told them to come
again.
Sat.
Mar. 19
Our
4 men went on. couldn’t wait. We thot of driving to Narok to
see
about some but it rained some. C’s man will go tomorrow.
Sort of
packed the chop box. Did a bit of everything. Don’t feel
ambitious these days. Head threatens much of the time.
Sun.
Mar. 20
Meetings
as usual. A good crowd of young men out. Ab’t 1 an awful
storm
broke. Terrible wind & rain. Pond went over dam a bit.
Then we
called for meeting this eve & while there it rained
pretty hard
again. So no going tomorrow tho there are 3 men here for
work.
Mon.
Mar. 21
Parmale
washed. No rain so far. so perhaps we can get off tomorrow.
2 men
got food at Narok. Sort of getting things together. Nice
&
sunny most all day so every thing is dry. Sewed at bathing
suit &
typed more songs. Wrote Mrs. Shaffer. They are having
trouble ab’t
getting a church built.
Tues.
Mar. 22
Got
out & camp up by 10 A.M. Had some trouble getting up the
steep
place above Clarkes but put in more petrol. Everything is
grown up
big & one couldn’t tell there had been a camp here 2
mos. ago. No rain here today. Big fire & watched moon
rise.
Wed.
Mar. 23
Moved
camp up hill. Much pleasanter but further from water. A herd
of
cattle past & left a swarm of flies. Work is going fine.
The 3
men do very well when J. is with ‘em. I teach Jack Arith
&
first chap. of John.
Thur.
Mar. 24
Nice
to have all day in camp without moving. Wrote letters AM
&
knitted P.M. Have a nice lot of letters ready to post. Moon
is
lovely these nights. Flies so bad all day.
Fri.
Mar. 25
Flies
getting worse. Got a tin of milk from the boys who have the
cattle
here. Jack left right after noon with letters & will get
meat
too. John feels better tonight than he has. The work goes on
fine. I walked right to the crossing this morn with the tea
- missed Jno -
but found him as I came back.
Sat.
Mar. 26
We
got home a bit after 2. Bathed & read mail that Geo.
brot
yesterday. Jno went to C’s but he was at Narok. So went
again. at
supper time & brot him up and we went down for music.
Jack came
so late with meat.
Sun.
Mar. 27 Easter.
S.S.
& A.M. meeting but rain this eve. We have been watching
clouds &
weather - but don’t think it rained enuf to soften the road
much. Not very happy tonight for Parmale & others &
a lot of girls
were in swimming - boys naked. And in service this A.M. they
sang a
special song! We can and do pray for them.
Mon.
Mar. 28
Realized
the office would not be open so sent no one. We were ready
to return
to camp by 10. Now are set up just a bit before we get to
crossing. Nice place too. Susana ironed while I baked the
bread. Men had done
almost nothing on road.
Tues.
Mar. 29
Keeps
threatening rain but nothing yet. Water holes have nice
water. Went
to fartherest end today & worked back. Took lunch along.
Lovely
view of Mau & all between from top. A good road all
along &
very little work.
Wed.
Mar. 30
Bad
head. Wrote at Malachi. Finished Riebe letter. Jno did
crossing
today. Very good but worked too hard. Locusts flying past
today. Very dark clouds. Kilele ab’t food. Don’t want
potatoes &
posho getting low. Rained at dark.
Thur.
Mar. 31
Rained
some during night. Took lunch out today so they could keep
working.
but threatened so came in early. Have a good grade up but
took some
filling in. Started Esther today.
Sort
of a funny month. No very steady work for me at anything but
Jno has
done well the last 2 wks at the road. Shall be glad when it
is done
& we can stay home again. I get tired of camp.
Fri.
Apr. 1
Jack
left after dinner with 2 gal. tins to get petrol & mail.
It only
sprinkled here but looked as tho it rained hard all around.
Working
on this side crossing today. Will move back to bridge
tomorrow.
Sat.
Apr. 2 Aunt Ellen.
We
are home. because we walked. Got all loaded & tried to
come but
car wouldn’t pull up hill. tried again & again. cleaned
spark
plugs & backed & tried but guess the gas is too low.
Brot
one man. left 2. Just missed a heavy rain here at home. Very
tired. Parcel from Lo.
Sun.
Apr. 3
Meetings
as usual. 7 out tonight counting 3 children. Am wearing
shoes &
dress that came in parcel. Gum came also. & stockings.
All very
nice. Shaffers are at Ngong. Ndilai & wife at Kajiado.
Jno
will go out to car in morn. & come to bridge & after
bread is
baked I’ll go out to bridge.
Mon.
Apr. 4
Baked,
washed & ironed. Parmale went for mail. Jno went early
with
gas. and sent a man about 2 P.M. So are all nicely set up at
high
bridge. and a good piece of new road made up the hill.
Rained some
this eve.
Tues.
Apr. 5
Rained
during night too. Are ready to go at the hard part of this
stretch
of road. There will be stone work tomorrow. Got very dark
this eve
and very cold but no rain. but Jno heard roar over
Syabei way
as tho it was raining hard. Wrote Aunt Ellen.
Wed.
Apr. 6
Jno
worked so hard today but got the bad part done. Word came
from
Syabei to say the dam had gone - that they had very hard
rain
yesterday. Wrote Shaffers. Jno doesn’t know ab’t building up
the
dam again but I’m sure the Narok folks will want it.
Thur.
Apr. 7
Sent
Jack & the toto to Narok for mail & load of posho.
but they
didn’t come back. I’m disappointed for I expect home mail.
Wrote Mrs. Steele & started the boys’.
Fri.
Apr. 8
Just
as we finished breakfast the boys came. Jack said he wanted
to come
on but the other one wouldn’t. I had told them if they
didn’t
come there’d be no food. They are sore ab’t it. Lovely mail-
2
letters from the boys.
Sat.
Apr. 9
Sent
Jack early for meat. We got in abt 3. Mr. Clarke kindly
asked us to
supper. Did enjoy it so much. It hailed terribly on Tues.
&
turned the water in the pond so cold that the fish all died.
Mr. C.
has shut the dam but dead fish lie all about, hundreds of
them.
Sun.
Apr. 10
Meetings
as usual. Tameno had to say something after the close of the
meeting
so I didn’t get to see the women. Maj. Dawson & Mr C
called &
talked ab’t the dam. Jno will get the car & work here
this
week. Dawson’s men.
Mon.
Apr. 11
Jno
& Mr. C. fooled around all A.M. Men at dam. Jno got the
car &
things. Wont wash til next week. Went to school most all
A.M. Mr.
C. asked us down for supper & eland meat. He doesn’t
think it
necessary to clean out the pond so much. He will see Dawson
tomorrow.
Tues.
Apr. 12
Had
asked Mr C. up to sup and just ab’t 5:30 Mr. S. came with
Mr. McK &
Dr. D. He brot our bed of Davises - ¾ size. and groceries.
Milaun
came too. They want to go back tomorrow. Mr McK sleeps at
S’s. Dr. upstairs. Sitoya came to school. We’ve caught up to
Jno with
Psalms.
Wed.
Apr. 13
Every
body busy all A.M. I had Musupa, one of the workmen help or
I’d
been stumped. Had dinner & they got off by 2. I had
sewing
class - 3 came. We are both tired & sleepy & have
had our
prayer service & are going to bed tho its only 7:30. Mrs
Davis
is to be at Cairo by today.
Thur.
Apr. 14 Miss Grindley.
Musupua
cut wood & then went for mail. Nothing much - a letter
from Mrs.
Lany to say she can’t come now. 10 out to prayer mtg today.
Clear
& bright as tho it never intended to rain. Jno spaded a
bit but
his back troubles. He worked too hard on the road.
Fri.
Apr. 15
Prayer
day. While in class with Sitoya he heard the children
singing bad
songs. Guess I’ll have a talk with Elija. Went to school
tonight
& played for them. 6 were there. We had our service when
I came
back. Sitoya is going to Ollolonga. He wants to move.
Sat.
Apr. 16
Jack
& I had a strenuous day. Washed up 3 rooms & shifted
all
beds. Set up Mrs Davises new one for Jno. Makes it much
nicer in
our room. Baked lots of do-nuts. & bread too. Jno at the
pond
these days. Wrote Mrs. S.
Sun.
Apr. 17
Services
as usual. Such a bunch of young men & boys out. If only
they
would all line up for Christ. A good sing this eve.
Quite a
number out. Very clear & sunny all day. like after rainy
season. The grass is getting quite brown.
Mon.
Apr. 18
Nolmisheni
washed. Lots of sheets because of extra beds last week.
Trying to
rain this eve but isn’t coming very hard. Sitoyas are going
to
leave soon. Go to Kijabe first - then I don’t know where to.
Writing the Aunts.
Tues.
Apr. 19
Rained
hard this P.M. & at it still. More like rainy season
than any
thing we’ve had before. 2 wks ago today the dam went. Am
helping
Elija in school. but will work at Psalms tomorrow with
Parmale. Typed more new songs Sitoya brot yesterday.
Wed.
Apr. 20 - 1932
And
now I’m 51. I don’t feel like it tho. Spent all A.M. in
school
at Psalms & songs. the 3 boys were there. Sitoya,
Parmale &
Kapirorei. Sewing this P.M. Some rain this eve but not much.
Dismissed the work men. Wrote the girls.
Thur.
Apr. 21
Parmale
taught. Elija hurt his foot. I didn’t help much after recess
but
ironed. Prayermtg this P.M. Tho it rained a bit 7 were out.
Raining hard this eve. Writing Marselle.
Fri.
Apr. 22
Quite
a nice mail. Al & Mrs Hargrave wrote birthday letters.
Bad
head, by bed time quite sick. Helpt in school. Word from
Kjb. They
wont come til Sat. & Moody & Holman are coming too.
Hard
rain.
Sat.
Apr. 23
Head
better. Baked some & cleaned a bit. Jack cut wood. Men
working
at dam went to Narok can’t work these days. too wet.
Lengthened
green dress. Finished Ms letter. More rain but not so heavy.
Sun.
Apr. 24
Meetings
as usual. Singing mostly tonight. Threatened rain but
nothing came
of it. Wrote Moody & Shaffer. Wonder if all will be here
next
Sun. Jo & I have been so quiet these mos.
Mon.
Apr. 25
Kinyanjui
came to school & rearranged classes - put all into 2
classes! He
says the children haven’t progressed - and its because there
are
too many classes. I told him its because Elija doesn’t know
how to
teach.
Tues.
Apr. 26
Sent
Kinyanjui for mail & meat. He got a very nice piece. No
mail
but the paper. but there should be a big mail on Thurs. I
helpt in
school.
Wed.
Apr. 27
Got
very dark all around but we got very little. It is
raining
now some. Didn’t have sewing class because it rained then. I
ironed after doing school work. Jno planted beans &
peas.
Thur.
Apr. 28
Morima
went for mail. Some home letters & papers. 5 out to
prayer mtg. I intended helping in school all AM but Sitoya
came & we went
over some songs.
Fri.
Apr. 29
Heard
Mr. C. came in and so J. went to ask him up to supper but he
asked us
down. Surridge was there. Soibi & Kinyanjui came to
school to
see what the children knew. I wanted much to tell Soibi they
didn’t
get on because Elija sat idle too much but I knew would be
pesho.
[Masai, “for nothing”]
Sat.
Apr. 30
Work
went fine & had all done even to putting flowers in S’s
house &
we had just finished our rest when they came. Devitt with
them. All
had supper here. Devitt is in S’s guest house the girls in
the
east room upstairs.
And
now our quiet uneventful days are at an end for awhile. We
are
anticipating a lovely mo. of good fellowship and plenty of
picnics &
fun. I’ve a pretty full program planned but shall not fret
if all
doesn’t get done.
Sun.
May 1
Fair
crowd out to A.M. mtg and at lest 25 to P.M. sing. Then to
S’s for
supper & our mtg. When we came from P.M. sing - Mrs S.
& me
- Dawson etc were here talking ab’t work on the dam. That
made
supper late.
Mon.
May 2
Parmale
washed. Clarke came to supper. Sold us a sheep for Sh. 4.
Mr.
Devitt took Surridge home in S’s little old Ford. if it runs
Solomon, a native from Kjb will buy it. C. was all packed to
go to
Nrb. tomorrow when a telegram came saying he’s not wanted
for
another month. Music down there.
Tues.
May 3 Bekah Hurlburt.
Boiled
pickled figs. Rained this P.M. Jno & 20 gov’t-sent men
closed
the dam today. Devitt got away ab’t noon. Hope he is at Kjb
by
now. Girls spent the evening at S’s. Wrote Mrs Keller. Did a
few
songs.
Wed.
May 4
Just
didn’t accomplish much of any thing. Miss M. working at
times for
Kiku. hymns & I helpt some. Enjoying mutton these days.
Mr. C.
came up to lunch. Isn’t feeling well. Fever.
Thur.
May 5
‘Twas
raining hard when we awakened this morning. but cleared
during the
day. 10 out to prayer mtg. S’s are working at the house
& its
getting on nicely: Veranda enclosed. West end is bedroom
& this
end lengthens living room. To C’s for music. Dam is
finished.
Fri.
May 6 Mrs. Probst.
K.
went for mail. Brot letter from boys in which C. says he is
applying
to A.I.M. Good. they may yet come out together. K forgot to
mail
the letters so he goes early in the morning again.
Sat.
May 7
Baked
bread, pie & cake & beans & salmon. mostly for
super
together tomorrow night. Girls went for early swim. Narok
folks
were in last night ab’t 10. used spot light on car.
Sun.
May 8!
Now
we’ve been married 26 yrs. How they have flown. God has been
so
good to us. Perhaps before another year is past the boys
will be
here. I’m so glad C. has applied. Elders came this eve to
shauri
- but ‘twas supper time. All ate here.
Mon.
May 9
Elders
& both men were at it most all A.M. mostly ab’t Kuyoni.
It was
settled Njuguna would release his bid for Wambui if K. would
get 4
cows in 10 days time. Olduboi has asked 6 from Sitoya &
I guess
S. will give them now & that affair will be closed. Then
McK.
can give them a civil marriage.
Tues.
May 10
We
went to Clarkes for music last eve. Not Moody. but we
others. Rained on way home & harder yet after we got
here. Jno typing
and Miss Moody too. She is working at TT Std. Arith. Soibi
wanted
to know if I’d teach Elija for next Exam. Elem. C. Miss M.
told
him it was too hard.
Wed.
May 11
More
rain. Mr. S. came to prayermtg. He is all in & no
wonder. he’s
been working awful hard. but their house will be much nicer
when
finished. Miss Moody busy at Part II of Std TT Arith. I’m to
do
Part I.
Thur.
May 12
Dalziels
came. It was quite rainy today. they had chains on. Ladies
were to
eat at Shaffers this eve & we at Clarkes - but when D’s
came I
wanted them to come here. However Mrs S. wouldn’t have it.
The
French Pres. has been murdered by a Russian. Now what!
Fri.*
May 13
Not
feeling up to much. Took asperin for head. Seem to be
getting young
again. Everybody went for a swim but the old folks. They
want to go
for picnic tomorrow - plant sisal to line the road - &
take
ladies to Narok. I can’t go because of baking. Miss Holman
carding wool.
Sat.
May 14 R.E. Shaffer
They
got off a bit after 8. Took lots of sisal to plant to line
up the
road where it leaves the main road. Got done & drove to
Narok
with the ladies before the mail lorry was ready. All at
Shaffers for
supper as it is his birthday. Baked bread, etc.
Sun.
May 15
Meetings
as usual. A good sing this P.M. Have all these new songs to
learn
properly. Most are known after a fashion. My its lonely
without the
ladies. Every body here to supper. and short meeting. No
rain.
Mon.
May 16
Parmale
washed. Cloudy but no rain. Worked at Arith. Mr C. called
& we
went there for mutton dinner. Says he has too much food,
needs help
to eat it. That Mr. Kehrein would come but hasn’t yet. Jno
worked
in garden today. Wrote the boys.
Tues.
May 17
Lovely
home mail letter from boys. Wanted some meat but they didn’t
kill. Mr. S. was cross at Mr. C. again but guess it may blow
over. Worked
at Arith. and typed more songs tonight but still more to do.
The
boys are so hoping they can come out this fall - & we
too.
Wed.
May 18
Typing
& working. Cut up oranges for marmalade. Parmale does it
so
well. Mrs. S. is getting her curtains made. Mr. S’s back has
given out. No wonder he works too hard. Mrs. S. led prayer
mtg
tonight.
Thur.
May 19
Rather
a hectic day. I prayed much for grace for every need & I
surely
had needs. Just little things but so annoying. Had a bad
head too
all day. To C’s for supper & music. Home early. S’s
borrowed “Rigoletti”.
Fri.
May 20
Prayer
Day. Had ours this eve. Dalziels moved over here. Jno sawed
the
big weak springs & made a nice single bed. Got a big
leopard in
a gun trap this P.M. Letters from Moody & Holman. M. got
a gift
of money so is booking passage for Aug.
Sat.
May 21
Did
baking & cleaning. Kapiroi got very mouthy & spunky
- really
insolent so I shall let him go at the end of the month.
Perhaps
Morima will work for me. Parmale is hoping to go to Kijabe
to
school. Charades at S’s.
Sun.
May 22 Cora’s 44th birthday.
Meetings
as usual. All had supper at S’s and meeting. Milaun brot
mail. Lots of home mail. Boys’ pictures. Rs is nice but C’s
isn’t. Paper says Lindberg baby’s body was found - killed by
blows on
head. buried on the estate. Awful.
Mon.
May 23
All
men at cars. Found cylinder broken. Parmale washed long. Put
up
extra line. Every thing got dry by evening tho it wasn’t
very
sunny. Mr. C. came along at lunch time & ate with us. We
went
down early for music. came back by 8:30. Finished typing
Arith. Swimming.
Tues.
May 24
Parmale
only got half thro ironing. Got meat by Wambogo. Rained
during the
night & may again as it’s cloudy & still. S’s over
&
we had music. I corrected the typed papers & now all is
ready
for Miss Moody.
Wed.
May 25
Jack
went with letters. Got a 10 lb. bag of Kenya flour. just to
tide
over til Mombasa flour comes. Locusts are flying both
yesterday &
today. Women sewing here. Prayer mtg this eve. Jno led.
Thur.
May 26
Prayer
mtg - 6 out. Monkeys are so bad. Locusts are flying.
Chickens
enjoyed a good feed. Acts like rain but doesn’t. Garden is
getting dry. Wambogo went for mail. Car parts came. also
sweater
from Miss Harlow.
Fri.
May 27
Trying
to get up a picnic for tomorrow but no one gets
enthusiastic. Mr. C.
here to supper & we went down to hear Roaches book “La
Boheme”. Don’t care a great deal for it. Had lovely swim.
Went across the
pond with help of tube.
Sat.
May 28
Keith
not feeling very well today. Has been getting pretty tired.
We went
for picnic dinner in the canyon. Mr & Mrs. S. didn’t
come. Jno & Mr S. went to Ngiro to see Surridge ab’t the
car. Every
one too tired for swim except the children. Took group
picture.
Sun.
May 29
Had
communion service today. 6 women took it. Wish they’d be as
eager
to come to prayer mtg as they are to take communion.
Cafeteria
supper here. Parmale thinks he can’t go to Kjb for lack of
shgs.
Mon.
May 30
Parmale
did big wash. They all got away ab’t 9 A.M. Elija started
school. Seems rather empty. We did enjoy them. Mr C. here at
lunch time &
asked us down to supper. & music. Mrs S & Grace
sleep here.
Tues.
May 31
Parmale
ironed. Ab’t 11 we went to Roaches for lunch. Got mail. Mr.
C.
to supper. Mrs R. was coming for swim & return with
Denning but
while at the duka Maj. Dawson came from safari. so she went
back - as
he stays with them.
Quite
a hectic month but pleasant all the time. Enjoyed all the
guests. Hoyts want to come for Sept. We took Rigoletti to
Roaches & Mr.
C. gave us their “La Boheme” just for a month or 2. Now I
suppose Claudon is graduated & Raymond will be soon.
Wed.
June 1
Morima’s
first day. He doesn’t do so badly. Mr. S. says Dr. wants
much to
go to Loitokitok. So perhaps he & Jno & Mr S. will
go &
Mrs S & I stay at Kijabe. Sewing class this P.M. 5 out.
Thur.
June 2
Morima
went for mail & brot a nice lot. Letter from the boys.
Went to
prayermtg. Planning for Guaso Ngiro tomorrow. Lots of
magazines of
all sorts. Mr C. to supper. Goes to Nairobi tomorrow.
Fri.
June 3 J.W.S. 1878
Didn’t
get away til 11. Mr. Surridge ate lunch with us but couldn’t
come
back with us. Said he may come Sun. Brot Bombay flour that
S. was
to bring & they told him it had gone. Played “La Boheme”
this eve.
Sat.
June 4
Baked
some & cleaned a bit. Rather expected B.C.M.S. people
here but
they haven’t come. Worked at Song book this P.M. Played “La
Boheme” again. Mrs S. likes it much but he doesn’t. I like
it
better than I did but not like Rigoletto.
Sun.
June 5
There’s
a parcel at Narok for me. Have no idea what it is. Meetings
as
usual. Mrs. S. spoke so well to the young people this P.M.
on
riches. Over there to supper and for mtg.
Mon.
June 6
Washed
a bit. Will leave things to accumulate til end of next week.
Quite
a nice mail last eve. Sitoya & Parmale came for Eng.
&
Arith. Elija insists on teaching Eng. Bible verses.
Tues.
June 7
Morima
went for meat. & pd the customs on the parcel but did
not bring
it. Mrs. S. asked us to eat there - at noon & we did.
Writing
the girls. Had La Boheme again. It is improving.
Wed.*
June 8
Feel
rather punk for I was too cold to sleep well last night. Had
sewing
class. Susana didn’t come. Every one has to watch gardens
these
days. Monkeys are bad. Prayermtg at S’s tonight. Elija &
school played instead of going to the gardens. I’m so cross
with
him.
Thur.
June 9
Boys
leave on their trip today. I staid right in school all the
time
today. taught the advanced class most. Gave the boys their
work too. Elija just wont keep to the books. but teaches
everything but what
he should. No definite reply from Dr. Davis ab’t going to
Loitokitok.
Fri.
June 10
Am
glad another week of school is finished tho it goes better
now since
I just take over part of the work myself. I wish I didn’t
need to
go to Kijabe & could just stay at it here. I believe
we’d make
progress. Baked bread today.
Sat.
June 11
Did
a lot of extras. Morima cleaned. I worked at Songs. fixed up
3
books. Have several ore to make. “La Boheme” again tonight.
We
are getting quite familiar with it now.
Sun.
June 12
Meetings
as usual. Mrs S. does so well with the P.M. meetings always
gives
some illustrated talk. Today was “The Word of God”- as
light,
fire, meat, milk, knife, etc. They ate here. and after a
walk had
mtg.
Mon.
June 13
Jno
did extra today so will finish tomorrow. They want to leave
on Fri! Mr. S & I drove to Narok for mail. I drove most
of the way. Didn’t wash for I thot I’d do it Sat. ready for
leaving on Mon.
Tues.
June 14
Jno
finished the vocabulary. I just mentioned to Susana that we
didn’t
want the trees cut on the further bank of the pond &
Ollenaisho
came right up mad as anything & called the elders &
wanted a
shauri. but Jno wouldn’t. They are just getting nastier
&
nastier. We are getting ready to leave Fri. “La Boheme”
tonight.
Wed.
June 15 Faylon. 1925
Baked
& got a few things lined up for safari. Parmale washed
& I
ironed. Morima went to Narok with letters. Getting nice big
eggs
now from the big hens. Jack says he wanted to go to Kijabe
to
school. but we hope he wont.
Thur.
June 16
So
eager for the mail for there is a big one in. but nothing
but Nairobi
mail came. They stopt ours at Kijabe. Are ab’t all packed
up. S’s will eat here in the morning. La Boheme again
tonight. Started a letter to the boys. finish it in the
Gorge. Rained a bit
this eve.
Fri.
June 17
We
thot we’d go to Nairaq Ngare for the night but here we are
in the
entrance of the Gorge. Couldn’t go very far in because we
are
short of gas. We have an awful load on of “kits, cats, sacks
&
wives”. Could get no water at Ndulele nor have we found any
here
but past an awful mud hole. Hope to find some tomorrow.
Sat.
June 18
Jno
& Mr S. & Mashipei went way up the Gorge. We found
water
trickling down the rocks. We sewed & looked at Cat. for
we want
to make up a joint order. Men had a wonderful time &
want us to
go too tomorrow. Could drive in further but gas is very low.
Many
buffalo tracks.
Sun.
June 19
Jno
& I went up as far as the huge steam jet. Cooked an ear
of corn
over it. Took pictures. Got back by lunch. Decided we’d
spend a
week here when the boys come. Men walked out to find best
way out &
on way back chased up a lone buffalo. Very excited. Rained
this
eve.
Mon.
June 20
Got
away in good time & gas lasted til almost to the corn
cribs below
Kjb hill. Mashipei got a gal. We ate lunch here. Not getting
Thurs. mail we missed Drs letters. We are sleeping in Miss
Stevensons old house. Had supper at Holmans. Baths at Drs.
The men
will both (McK & Dr.) go along to Loitokitok.
Tues.
June 21
More
talking & planning. I’m to stay with Mrs. McK - came to
supper. Jno with Devitt & the B.C.M.S. men. & then
here all
night. Mrs S. at R.V.A. Expect a big mail tomorrow. Have all
packed up. ‘Twas some sorting & scheming to take all
necessary & not any extra.
Wed.
June 22 Elmer’s birthday
Men
got off by ab’t 9 A.M. Sitoya goes to Ngong. and Milaun goes
all
the way. S. has been so disappointing. Nol. sits.
She seems to fear. No wonder she was never away before. I
led P.M.
prayer mtg at Holmans. also had tea there. No mail. ripped
dress &
jacket.
Thur.
June 23
Mail
today & letter from boys. also Lora. I added my note to
Barnetts
that Jno wrote telling them about the little money Chas has
&
asking ab’t boys using it to come out here. Mtg here &
Stevenson cut out coat.
Fri.
June 24
Went
with Mrs. McK. to sew at R.V.A. Worked at shoe bags after
mending. Also planned for fixing car cushions into chairs.
Ironed Mrs S’s
clothes as Nolmisheni didn’t come. Mrs. McK. heard from Mr.
but no
new plans.
Sat.
June 25
Were
planning a party on F’s tonight but he is not well so called
it
off. Worked some at coat. Moody asked us to supper. Mrs. S.
there
too. Very pleasant time. Flora at R.V.A. Martha here to
dinner.
Sun.
June 26 Flora McKs. 1920
It
is also Farnsworths silver wedding anniversary. And as he
felt
better every one came after supper for a little surprise –
gave
them a gift of sh. 130.50 & then we had a sing. They
shewed the
wedding picture & clipping from paper at that time.
Mon.
June 27
Mrs.
McK’s wash boy is sick so didn’t wash. Sitoya is back. Says
now
Olduboi wants 10 cattle. He is working here at wood
for his
food. Got letter off to boys, & for the set of vegetable
shredders. To Miss Stevensons for tea & pr mtg.
Tues.*
June 28
Sewed
at coat. Hoped to finish but not quite. Found some songs to
copy. Mr Alfred Buxton came last eve & left this P.M.
but called for
chat. ‘Twas so nice to see him again after almost 20 yrs.
Scudder
called too. He is going out with us. for language.
Wed.
June 29 Grandma Myers 1854
Finished
my coat & ironed my clothes. Grace S. had a hard fall
from the
see-saw but seems no serious injury. Helpt Mrs. Saum &
Miss
Mathys prepare supper for all on station - in honor of
Grandma M’s
birthday. Had a very nice time.
Thur.
June 30
8
yrs ago tonight Mother went to glory. Mrs. McK. is expecting
Downeys
tomorrow so I’m going up to Moodys & Holmans. Worked at
shoe
bags for R.V.A. Capens, Shaffer & Stevenson here to tea
&
prmtg. Letter from Agnes. Copied a song. Went to singing
class
with Miss Mathys.
Rather
a hectic month. Haven’t heard yet from Johnsons if they are
coming
to us for Aug. or Sept. Since Mr. Scudder goes out with us
we’ll
not have much time by ourselves for a bit. We are glad he is
coming.
Fri.
July 1
As
Mrs McK & I went up the hill for sewing at R.V.A., the
truck &
men drove up. So glad they got back so early & we go out
tomorrow - with Mr. Von Staden & Dr. who go on to
Ololeondo –
while Mr. Scudder & I stay at Syabei. Devitt &
Scudder go in
Dept. truck. Shaffers go to Loitokitok - have permission to
work
there for 5 years.
Sat.
July 2
Home
and it’s nice to be here tho we didn’t arrive til most 7:30.
had
a puncture just after getting out of the valley. Then
couldn’t
find the road thro the brush. Devitt & Scudder got here
ab’t
5:30 & settled in S’s guest house. Von S. didn’t stop to
eat
but worked at car til late.
Sun.
July 3
Mr.
Von Staden spoke to the children so helpfully. then spoke at
P.M. mtg
and also at our mtg tonight. He is fine - so spiritual &
yet
very jolly & witty. Jack & Morima are helping today
but
Parmale will come tomorrow. Good crowd out this P.M.
Mon.
July 4
The
3 bound for Ololeondo got away ab’t 8:30 & Mr Devitt
left
11:20. Hope all are at their destinations ere this. Mr. S.
stays in
S’s guest house. Parmale began work. washed. Susana is to
come
but hasn’t yet.
Tues.
July 5
Susana
did not come. I left the lantern burning turned very low.
was
wakeful but not restless. P. ironed. I went to school some.
Rained
pretty hard last night. Jack got meat & mail &
posho. Mr.
S. weeded some & studied much. & shot a pigeon. Will
they be
back tomorrow?
Wed.
July 6
Men
came in ab’t 10 P.M. I washed my hair or I’d have been in
bed. Mr S. & his boy weeded quite a lot in the garden
& Parmale
cleaned up the work shop. We two had prayer mtg. The men are
pleased with their trip. Some Dutch settlers are giving 5 a.
for a
mission sta.
Thur.
July 7
Dr.
& Mr. Von Staden had lunch here then left ab’t 1 for
Kjb. Kamoni came at noon & said Putuputu’s mother was
sick. Had
been in labor since yesterday. Finally after prayermtg he
came &
wanted her taken to Narok. Mr. S. drove but just as they got
her
there she died. I hope she was a child of God. Some home
letters.
Fri.
July 8
Mr.
S. moved up stairs yesterday. Very heavy rain this eve.
after a hot
sultry day. Jno worked at garden. & Mr. S. at car part
of time. I did lots of little things this P.M. In school
this A.M. Got vegs.
ready for pickle tomorrow. Wrote boys.
Sat.
July 9
Baked. Parmale cleaned. This PM went fishing below
the falls caught only
shenzi ones but had ‘em for supper. Men working at spring.
S’s
want the ram, so Jno is trying every thing else to get water
up here. I’m not very hopeful. Jno began at Masai-Eng.
vocabulary.
Sun.
July 10
Meetings
as usual. Had a good sing this P.M. & Jno gave a short
message. Read from Keswick addresses this eve. Boma folks
came for lunch &
a swim. Took a walk way up past Tamenos.
Mon.
July 11 Dr. Davis.
Parmale
washed long. Hassan helpt me in kitchen. Headache this P.M.
Took
asperin. Mr. Scudder started his night class in Eng. 6 were
out for
it with his 2. Writing letters this eve.
Tues.
July 12
Sent
S’s boys for meat & mail. Nothing much. Parmale ironed.
Mr.
S. had class again. They are working to see if the spring
can’t be
brot around or over the hill. Were late to dinner. I’m very
doubtful. Typed at Songs.
Wed.
July 13
Garden
work today - or rather cleaned up & hauled & pounded
stone in
front of school. Prayer mtg tonight. Sewing this P.M.
Airplane
passed. Does almost every wk.
Thur.
July 14
Lovely
big mail tonight. Women brot it. Graduation & pictures
in boys’
letter. Mrs W. told that Eric B is engaged. Sent their
summers
itinerary. Letters from Lo & enclosures & Becca
&
Guithers. Friends Conf. opens today.
Fri.
July 15
Prayer
Day. and as no one came yesterday we told ‘em to come today.
11
were out. Locusts were very bad - til prayermtg time then
they all
left. but gardens are stript. Sending boys a letter to Aunt
Lorene. Baked bread & pie - & cleaned - because of
trip tomorrow.
Sat.
July 16
Got
away ab’t 8:30. Stopt at Roaches & exchanged operas.
also at
office. also at Surridges just a bit. Had a nice time but
too short. Visited 2 kraals & spoke to others who came
to the fire. Got
home ab’t 5:15. Supper & baths & bed. Enjoyed the
day
much. Shot a momba along Ngiro River.
Sun.
July 17
Not
many out - and this PM the young men played ball til mtg
time then
went home. Only 9 children out. Jno came home but Sitoya
wanted to
sing. We read from Keswick report. Feel depressed &
disappointed - but the message was helpful. It is
God’s
work.
Mon.
July 18 J.R.S. 1908
Parmale
washed. Sent Gumati to see ab’t parcels & Haji Aboo says
he
has one. So may have to drive over to get it. Worked at
songs. Took ball away from children as S’s didn’t give it to
them but
some one found it outside.
Tues.
July 19
Mr
S. & I drove to Narok for the box. All was fine in it.
butter -
slates & water machine. All children went to Narok to
see
sports. Gov. got there ab’t 11:30. We didn’t wait. Note from
Mr Roach to say Gov. will call here tomorrow A.M.
Wed.
July 20!
They
came ab’t 9:30. School stood in line while they were there.
They
only stept onto the veranda for a minute & went right to
school &
lookt up the valley from there. After half hr. they came
back &
left.
Thur.
July 21
My,
I’m glad yesterday is in the past - but I’m glad we had it.
Mail
brot a bit from home. Wrote Lo birthday letter. It’s late
now, I
fear. Jno worked a bit on the road. Roaches can’t come til a
week
from Sat.
Fri.
July 22
Every
thing as usual. School etc. Want to go on the road tomorrow
so will
leave P. to bake bread. Wrote Bec. birthday letter. Cut Mr.
S’s
hair. Finished sewing J’s pyjamas. Parmale got spunky.
Sat.
July 23
Too
rainy this morning so I didn’t go out, but the men did &
Mr.
S’s 2 boys. Bread got pretty nice. Men came back ab’t 3.
Rainy
most all day. Washed hair. P. is better natured today.
Sun.
July 24
Mtgs
as usual. As I went to S.S. I saw Elisa starting for Narok
with a
big load of garden stuff to sell! and next Sun. she will
come &
want communion. Almost no one came to P.M. mtg either. guess
we’ll
change it.
Mon.
July 25
Not
much mail- Gumati went. P. washed. Just as we got well
started in
school Elija asked to go for a bit - but he didn’t come back
til
school was finished. I typed songs P.M. & this eve.
Tues.
July 26
Ironed. I baked muffins. Wrote at songs this P.M.
& eve - pasted some. While at em just before sup. Mrs
Roach came up. Mr. Ashton looked at
a dead calf. Expect hyenas ab’t tonight.
Wed.
July 27 Sara - 1910
Last
night ab’t 10:30 Dr D & Farnsworths came in. Called to
Narok
to see Mrs. Lobo. F’s slept in S’s house. They left again
after
lunch. so it seems only a dream that they were here. 6 out
to sewing
class. The regular weekly air mail passes during class. They
look
for it now. Mr. S. shot a rabbit tonight.
Thur.
July 28
Such
nice letters from boys. Mrs Shaffer and Mrs Guilding. She is
going
home soon sailing with Miss Moody. Grace has broken her
engagement. Raymond is interested in a Miss Sloop - who is
taking a nurses
training. Six out to prayermtg. Very cloudy all day.
Headache.
Fri.
July 29
Just
can’t get R’s letter out of my mind & then I feel so
sorry
for Grace W. Her mother is so sure it is all in ans. to
prayer. Headachey most of the day but better this eve. Wrote
Mrs. G. Cut
out & sewed pieces for 1 block of pattern Al sent.
basket. Men
cut better path into the valley below falls.
Sat.
July 30
Worked
fast & got all done but bread was baking at 12 when we
left for
picnic lunch. Mr. S. had gone for Roaches. They came before
1 - and
we had a pleasant time. Roasted corn & made tea had
beans etc. Came home & had visit then went to pond &
asked Ashtons,
Denning & another to tea. Phono spring broke. Mr D took
it to
fix.
Sun.
July 31
Had
communion. Not many out. Sitoya & wife took communion.
Elisa
was there but didn’t take it. Susana has bad knee. 4 stood
wanting to come to class but Gashisha says better not start
til Oct.
some are moving. No P.M. mtg. Started reading Mr Scudders
book by
Thomas Payne. Very good.
We
have enjoyed having Mr. S. here very much. He’s so full of
pep.
and so helpful about every thing. Work has jogged on. Jno
wants to
try again to bring water from the spring up in the gardens
for S’s
want the ram.
Mon.
Aug. 1
Only
4 more weeks of school & less than that til folks come.
This is
a bank holiday so office isn’t open. Will get mail tomorrow.
Mr.
S. had no class tonight. Big white kitty has been away for
several
days. Mr D returned phono. Seems alright.
Tues.
Aug. 2 Grace S’s 4th birthday
Parmale
is either sick in his heart or in his body. but he finished
the
ironing. Hassan went for mail & meat. Mr S. has swimming
lesson
for his class tomorrow at 10. I’ll keep the girls busy.
Wed.
Aug. 3
Was
home from school working at dinner when Mr Metters arrived
bringing
Mr. & Mrs. McK. and Mrs. Saum along. Had such a nice
visit this
PM & eve. Mrs S. not feeling so well. Metters wanted to
see
Scudder. I feared he wanted to take him away. Parmale sick
so it
was Hassan & me for it.
Thur.
Aug. 4
They
said they must leave after tea at 9:30 - They did. Got away
10:20. Miss Stevenson is having her house warming tonight
& they had to
get back in good time. Did enjoy their visit much - tho so
short.
Fri.
Aug. 5
Boys
leave Montrose. Likely have our letters by now. I guess our
pretty
Capt. Kitty is gone for good. No one has seen him for some
days. A
wild one comes every night & fights with the blue one.
Brot the
kittens in here last night. Parmale is not awful peppy yet.
Made
donuts this eve for we want to go to falls tomorrow.
Sat.
Aug. 6
Packed
up & went fishing right after breakfast. to lower falls
& cut
road as we went. Had lunch. Then men went into valley for
fishing. Second one Jno pulled out was a trout! 1 ¼
lbs. 17 in. long. what excitement! took picture when we got
home. Enjoyed the day
much.
Sun.
Aug. 7
Meetings
as usual. Nothing in P.M. They just wont come. Both the men
are
pretty tired today. Finding the book “The Christianity That
always
Triumphs” by Thomas Payne, very helpful. Only one chap.
tonight.
Mon.
Aug. 8
Parmale
washed - lots of shirts. Susana asked Mr. S. if he wanted to
shoot a
baboon. so he went & got one. Jno working at upper
spring still. Wepplers want to come in Sept.! Writing
letters to send tomorrow. Mrs Roach sent records.
Tues.
Aug. 9
Parmale
did only part of the training. He has troubles - a calf
died. Mr.
S. cuts out school on Mon. nights. He’s not feeling very
well
these days. Pasted songs into books. Not finished yet. but
want to
mount pictures from the boys.
Wed.
Aug. 10
Jno
put in trough but water hasn’t come up to it. is getting
away some
place. Had sewing class. air plane that passes every Wed.
past early
today. Finished Stacys letter.
Thur.
Aug. 11
Hassan
brot mail. Mr S. got home mail but we didn’t. but 2 from
Shaffers. Nixons will camp. That’s good. Hoyts may not be
able to stay all
month. Mr S saw a momba at the ram but didn’t get it. Got a
rabbit.
Fri.
Aug. 12
Mr.
S. has 3 boils coming on one wrist. are putting on hot Epsom
Salts
fomentations. Parmale goes to Narok tomorrow to take
letters. Mr.
S. got the momba today. also shot the wild cat that’s been
around
here.
Sat.
Aug. 13
Baked
all A.M. Made rabbit pie. Jno opening a path up the river so
had
dinner in the woods. Then they went fishing later but caught
only a
few shenzi ones. Parmale brot parcel for Mr. S. 2 scenes of
Keswick. very pretty. Pasted boys pictures in album.
Sun.
Aug. 14
S.S.
& A.M. meetings both fairly well attended. Sat out in
the woods.
then on way home talked with 2 old women. Very quiet &
helpful
day. Our own service this eve was very helpful too. God
seemed very
near.
Mon.
Aug. 15 Mr. Scudder ‘06
Letter
from Moody - tonight they are on the boat. Cake got pretty
nice -
put tablet, envelopes & stamps on Mr S’s table. He
hasn’t
seen ‘em yet. Shauri tonight was quite a failure. Ended by
saying
they didn’t want any more of our words. They didn’t believe
the
Bible was God’s word. We know not all are saying
that.
Tues.
Aug. 16
Hard
day. Many temptations to annoyance. Parmale is trying.
Gashisha &
Kamoni came & talked long with Jno on the veranda but he
says
they only hashed over again what was said last night but he
found it
is as we supposed. This has come up because of girls who are
of age
for cir-
Wed.
Aug. 17
Am
having to fight depression today. Didn’t rest very well.
neither
did Jno. We had such a nice time at sewing class today.
reminds me
so much of 2 yrs ago. but I know God can over rule all to
his glory
so I’m trusting & resting in Him. My efforts to avert
any
thing are futile.
Thur.*
Aug. 18
Such
a nice mail was here when we came from prayer mtg. Hassan
caught a
ride with Denning. Nice no. to prayer mtg. mostly women. Mr.
S’s
girl has changed date of sailing & doesn’t leave til
Oct. 21. Rather disappointing.
Fri.
Aug. 19
Tried
to get the boys to cut lots of wood but Parmale is so slow
ab’t
things these days & gets so cross when I reprove him.
Hen should
come off today but no sign of any chicks yet. Mr. S. caught
a good
lot of nice talapia. Quite exciting for we thot all big ones
had
died.
Sat.
Aug. 20
Mr.
S. caught 27 fish. Very nice. Had lunch down by the river.
Found a
nice cave. Did some fishing but nothing exciting. Washed
hair. Baked cookies etc. Also large sweet potato for lunch.
My letters to
Mrs S. came back so sent Jack to post them to Miss Slaters.
Sun.
Aug. 21
Bigger
crowd than usual at mtg. Afterwards a few came for shauri.
Kinyanjui leader. but not Gashisha nor Kamoni. They threaten
they’ll
get us out of here if we protest any girls. Everything was
late so
didn’t get much time in the woods but some.
Mon.
Aug. 22
Gashisha
brot. mail. Saw a whole crowd coming back from Narok. G.
said now
he & Kamoni stand with us & against the others! tho
they
don’t think we do right in all things. Making bread
tomorrow. Sprinkling tonight. Hen coming off.
Tues.
Aug. 23
Quite
a shower this P.M. Mr S got 2 rabbits but no fish. Hassan
brot lots
of meat. Chicks are coming out. but should have been out
Fri. One
died another not very chipper all by the fire tonite.
Wed.
Aug. 24
Big
sewing class today. Pupils in school getting ready for Sun.
when
they are to recite scripture & sing. Weekly ‘plane
passed
again. Only 1 more eve before the crowd comes.
Thur.
Aug. 25
As
we were eating supper Mr. Shaffer & the 3 boys came.
Others want
to get here for lunch tomorrow. Gumati went to Narok brot
home mail
for us. Nice letter from the boys. Jno & Mr. S. went up
river
to hi rocks nice picnic place. Good number out to prayer
mtg. Rather excited tonight - folks & mail.
Fri.
Aug. 26 [page damaged]
Was
so busy all A.M. di… get to school at all. Folks got h… 2
P.M. Nixons in tent McK’s in… house Hoyts up stairs. All had
…
here, & all fairly well settled now… Baked bread for Mrs
S. Was temp… get very nerv… was…
Sat.
Aug. 27 [page damaged]
Just
did a bit to get ready… tomorrow. Talked a lot. Ss… to have
Wanjeri in kitchen. …male works for Nixons. Every body…
Every
body in for a swim - big, ...ttle & medium.
Sun.
Aug. 28
Good
crowd out to church. Children did very well with their
scripture
chapters. Mulungit is here. He said “for shauri”. There’s
lots of talk these days. May God help us to be wise. Very
nice
service at 4.
Mon.
Aug. 29
Every
body washing. Wanjeri got only half done. Can’t settle down
to any
thing. Our 3 men went fishing down river at lower falls.
Wrote
boys, & talked. They tried for trout. but no luck. Mr.
Hoyt
threatened with bad head.
Tues.
Aug. 30
Finished
washing today. Men lying around. Jno set out cabbages &
tomatoes. Mended. Had supper very late. Didn’t go swimming
tonight. Talked awhile around the table. To bed early.
Wed.
Aug. 31
Slept
very poorly - and was up by 4:15 - but Mr. Shaffer was
already here &
had fire made. They got off a little after 6 and came back
tonight.
with ducks, geese, bustards & guinea fowl. & brot
some boards
for Jno to use on trough for water works - if we don’t keep
ram.
Aug.
has gone out with a bang. Otherwise the mo. hasn’t been so
bad. Several annoying shauris and no doubt still more to
follow. We are
enjoying our guests.
Thur.
Sept. 1 Warren
Shaffer,
Scudder, Hoyt & McK. went to Narok for mail. Jno &
Milaun
working at ram. grinding it down. I did prayermtg this P.M.
We all
met at S’s this eve. Anderson is to come tomorrow so men are
going
out for the day only. Mr H. got a 2 wks license.
Fri.
Sept. 2 Lora.
They
didn’t get back til 7:15. but had several animals - altho
Mr. H.
had headache. Mr Scudder was with them & had a very
exciting
time. We had a lovely supper for them but they scarcely ate
at all.
so tired & excited over it all. They’ve decided to take
Scudder with ‘em tomorrow- & not a cook.
Sat.
Sept. 3
They
finally got away - after pictures etc. Very well loaded but
not too
much. We had Nixons come to dinner & supper as Parmale
went to
Narok. & now wants to go to work there so Gumati will
help Mrs N.
tomorrow & we’ll see about Putuputu.
Sun.
Sept. 4
Mr.
S. led A.M. native service & Nixon P.M. white service
all had
supper here. and then a walk to falls. river is very high.
Wonder
what sort of a day the men had in camp. restful, I hope.
Mon.
Sept. 5 Mrs. Hoyt. ‘80
Rather
strenuous day. Made cake etc - hi tea at S’s - decorations
&
program. Letter from boys. They don’t think they should come
now. Drove truck up to get wood just at dark. Hope the men
are having a
nice time. Wanjeri washed big wash. Very
tired.
Tues.
Sept. 6
Hassan
ironed with charcoal iron - but he’s as slow as Wanjeri. Ram
pounded hard & stopt in the night. Mr. McK. thinks the
end of
the pipe should be screened. Lovely time around the bon fire
singing
& repeating scripture.
Wed.
Sept. 7
Mrs.
Hoyt led prayermtg this eve. Sort of for children but good
for all. Very helpful. We ate supper at pond. Ashton was
fishing & came
& had a cup of tea with us. Mr. McK. & I worked at
ram. He
took it to pieces - several things missing others worn. so
no wonder
it doesn’t go well.
Thur.
Sept. 8
What
excitement! just as we finished eating lunch the men drove
in from
camp and had a lovely large lion skin. Every body came over
here to
hear the story. Mr. H. sat up the tree all P.M. yesterday
&
finally got it about 5:30. Didn’t have any other meat but
bustards. Sitoya led prayer mtg.
Fri.
Sept. 9
Working
at skin and dried meat. and getting dirty safari clothes
washed up. Had quite a nice mail yesterday. Letter from Mr.
Barnett. It is
evident they don’t understand our proposition. Mr. Hoyt is
happy
ab’t the lion. They went out for impala but got nothing.
Sat.
Sept. 10
Did
some baking. Hassan is not quite so indifferent since his
bwana is
back. but I do not like his ways. Tried to wash his clothes
in our
tubs again after all I’ve said to him. Several went for
moonlight
swim but we had super late. Had talk with Mr. S. ab’t going
to
Kaimosi. Splashed hot fat on wrist so its blistered.
Sun.
Sept. 11
A
big crowd to meeting today. We had service here & supper
at S’s. Very nice time at both. It’s so nice to be such a
gathering. We’ve ab’t decided to go with Hoyts if Mr. S.
will bring the car
after Keswick. He’s keen on it. John is not, but says
alright. I
told him I’d gladly stay home if he’d use the money we’d
spend
to pay on ram - but he wont.
Mon.
Sept. 12 Becca
Mr.
S & Harry & Roy D went to saw mill & Kjb. Mr.
Scudder
wants to go to Nairobi tomorrow. He will take our blankets
and Hoyts
extras so we wont be so heavily loaded. Jno is getting quite
enthusiastic. S’s want to take the ram now. I’m
trying
to be happy ab’t it all. Do get so tired these days. Not
just so
busy but just so many ab’t. Washed for Mrs Nixon.
Tues.
Sept. 13
Scudder
& the loaded car got away by 9. Took both boys. I called
for
Waweru but he is herding. Asked Susana to help but she
didn’t
come. Poor Wanjeri washed all by himself. Started bread.
Rained a
bit this eve. Men went for hunt after tea but got only a
bustard. McKs want to be off by 5:30.
Wed.
Sept. 14
They
did get off by 5. Mrs Hoyt helpt iron. Have things pretty
well
packed. S’s will live over here & pack their things.
Prayermtg over there this eve. Mr. H. says we’d like to be
off by
7! Jno says 9! We’ll see.
Thur.
Sept. 15 Litein
Shaffer
& boys got back at 3:30 A.M. We were off a bit before 7.
Got
out to the Loitai plains & got a tommy & 2 bustards.
Stopt
many times for mpala but got none. Ate lunch at Mara bridge
- at
noon 53 miles from home. Went barely an hour when we ran
into rain &
slipt to one side & got stuck. Worked 1 hr. before we
got on. Then soon ran into dry roads. Chains off. 15 min.
more in mud -
chains on! Reached Andersons by 5. Pleasant eve. Nice baby.
Mr A.
didn’t want to believe Mr H. shot the lion. Accused
him of
buying it.
Fri.
Sept. 16 Kericho
Mr.
A. took his truck to Kericho to be looked over & we 4
went in our
car. Then after lunch at Mrs Waldrons we 5 came back
stopping on the
way to see how tea is prepared. ‘Twas very interesting. We
got
into heavy rain & our wheels clogged beside skidding
awfully. but
finally got home by 5. Pleasant eve. Janzens came over.
& they
talked late. I read Col. Pattersons “Grip of Nyika”.
Sat.
Sept. 17 Kaimosi
Got
away from Litein by 9. Ate lunch just before crossing Kano
plains. Went to air port & saw both water & land
machines. Stopt at
Innises for tea & stopt & greeted Kellers. She is
thin but
he looks well. Found Norman Johnsons at Innise. and Wepplers
here. Mr. Hoyt is so pleased to show his lion skin. We have
a lovely room
and tho it has rained they hope it will clear for a trip to
Elgon Mt.
Sun.
Sept. 18 Lo & Alberts 26th.
Last
day of Keswick. Hope it has been a blessed helpful time.
Nice quiet
day here. Early prayer mtg for workers. Native service at
11. I
went with Mrs Hoyt. Not many natives here now. Our service
after
supper. Mr. Weppler led. Then all staid to talk awhile.
Mon.
Sept. 19 Mothers & fathers 60th wedding day.
No
one has come from Nairobi yet. Looks rainy out that way.
Hope they
are not having car trouble. Mr. H. showed us thro the mill,
coffee
house & all. Very interesting. Then had to go to a
shauri at
out school & got back to late dinner. Not very ambitious
for any
thing. Am rereading Jane Eyre. took long walk this eve to
Mrs.
Fords grave & on to an elders’ place.
Tues.
Sept. 20
And
still no Keswick folks. We can’t understand. Almost no rain
at
all here tho banks of black clouds on all sides. Had lunch
at saw
mill - altogether only Dr. Ms. M. & Mrs. Weppler went to
Kisumu. John & I took long walk to the east after tea.
Saw some big
rocks where we may all go tomorrow for the day. Washed my
hair.
Wed.
Sept. 21
We
went to the Cabarcan Rocks. Climbed two of ‘em. Found Mr.
Ford
here when we returned. Said others had helpt him out of a
hole then
went to Eldoret for the night. They didn’t leave El. til
noon &
got here by 6 P.M. Erika & Ruth came too. Had heavy rain
on
road today. All here to tea. Clara got part way up Kibo ab’t
where I did.
Thur.
Sept. 22
Mr.
Hoyt had to go to Kakamega gold field so we went too. Not
Mrs. H.
but Weppler. Took lunch. Sat in car quite a bit. Very
interesting
where they test the gold & also saw where they were
washing it. &
mining it. A man gave Martha & me each a nugget. Got to
Maragoli, where Webbs live now as it began to rain hard. So
had tea. Mrs. W. very pleasant. Got home by 7. lovely dinner
of chicken etc.
Fri.
Sept. 23
I
wanted to go to Innises but plans changed so we thot we’d
get there
on way home. Had an awful rain & wind storm this P.M.
Doors &
windows blew open & things got wet but all is quiet
tonight. Tea
& sup in one on the veranda. Have ab’t decided to
abandon the
Mt. trip now. but we may go on to Kacheliba - all go to
Malava
tomorrow to Conf.
Sat.
Sept. 24 Kacheliba
We
got away right after break. didn’t stop at Malava but came
on to
Kitale fast as possible in order to get some eats before
going out. Had lunch at the hotel then went to Wyats &
saw Fripps &
Totty and then came on down to Kacheliba. Had tea on
escarpment. lovely drive on down here.
Sun.
Sept. 25
Very
hot. Didn’t sleep well. Throat sore & bad cold. feel
like a go
of fever but it just just be the heat. Nice & cool this
eve. Had lovely walk to the bridge & watched baboons on
the big rock. Jno & S. had swim in river. We are
sleeping in Mr. Totty’s
house. Mr. S. stays in guest room. We went to A.M. meeting.
Mr S.
spoke in Swahili. Want to leave early for Lotome.
Mon.
Sept. 26 Lotome (nit!) P.W.D. Camp
Got
away in good time. Drove 30 mi. on the border road then
returned &
went toward Lotome but when within 15 mi. found it had
rained too
hard to go on. River sounded high. Returned & crossed
another
river so were on the home side if it should rain more. Mr.
Walker at
the P.W.D. Camp asked us to stay. Gave us sup. Mr. S. was
very
tired for we’d gone 180 mi.
Tues.
Sept. 27 Falls (nit!) Kacheliba
Left the camp by 6:30 headed for a gorge and falls
out among the hills
beyond Karrpao. but found rough going & decided to
return &
ask Mr. T. who has been there. He came ab’t 2 P.M. &
said it’s
fine etc but too far for 2 day safari. So are giving it up.
Brot in
lots of spur fowl & guinea fowl. shot yesterday. Hope
Housdens
can come to us soon.
Wed.
Sept. 28 Mrs. Downing.
Kitale. Left Kacheliba ab’t 9:30 got to Kapenguria
just before it began
raining. Staid at Channdys for lunch. He has a good school
&
nice house & lots of gardens. Enjoyed our visit much.
Got to
Kitale ab’t 4. Went right to Ulyates after buying some
records for
Mr. Hoyts birthday. Dinner at 8:30! Have awful indigestion.
Cold
doesn’t get much better either. Rain all evening.
Thur.
Sept. 29 Miss Glover
Kaimosi. Left Kitale by 6:30. I had an awful night.
Think it was lime juice
at Channdy’s that set me off. Felt punk all day. Ate
breakfast
beside the road. Went to see Broderis Falls. took pictures.
It’s
beautiful. got here just as rain was beginning. Had quite a
bit of
trouble with mud. put chains on tires. Awful good to get
back. Pleasant eve together.
Fri.
Sept. 30
Gumati
washed & I ironed. Cloudy all day. Raining a bit this
eve. Played records we bot in Kitale. then Jno & I went
to Dr.
Mitcheners. They played the “Mikado”. Pretty &
interesting. Others were there too. Had good sleep today.
Stomach is getting
into better shape. but have awful hives. due no doubt to
poisoning
for I couldn’t get rid of food that wouldn’t digest.
So
many things have happened this mo. that in some ways it has
been very
long. Yet the time has past very fast and so very
pleasantly. We
will soon be home again and only the memory of a lovely
vacation
left. Tho the new acquaintances made will last thro
eternity. and we
thank God for every experience of the mo. & pray we may
be more
faithful to Him.
Sat.
Oct. 1 Mr. Hoyt
Mr.
H. & Mr. S. went to Kisumu - brot ice for ice cream. I
did some
mending and tried to get things together for leaving after
tea but
when they got back they said it had rained very hard
at
Kisumu. that we couldn’t leave til morning. So we are
staying tho
we dislike to travel ab’t on Sun. Had a lovely evening
together.
Sun.
Oct. 2 Chas.
Kellers. As we came along we could see it had
rained tho the roads were fine
this morn. We stopt at Kellers to say we’d be over tomorrow
&
she said we were to stop now. That Mrs Innis would be ready
for us
tomorrow. So here we are. They have a lovely home &
beautiful
grounds. Single ladies here to sup. & evening. Baileys
drove in
ab’t bed time.
Mon.
Oct. 3
Took
all our things to Innises & then we went on to Maseno
&
Bunyore - and back in time for lunch. Had good rest &
then tea
and a lovely drive before dark. Sat & chatted before
supper &
also afterward. til 10 P.M. Jno & Scudder taking
quinine.
Tues.
Oct. 4 Nyakach
Mr.
S. had a miserable night and has been quite feverish today.
Mr. Ford
& Clara came while we were at breakfast. Esther comes in
this
eve. Sorry we missed seeing her. Got here ab’t 2 P.M. and
after
tea Mr.S. went to bed. It rianed & blew just after we
got here. The view here beats Ogada, I think. Wonderful
sunset.
Wed.
Oct. 5
Mr.
S. staid in bed til supper time. Gumati is sick too. We thot
Mr Ss
trouble was fever but now acts more like heavy cold. Guess
it is the
epidemic that is around. He staid up while we read some
negro
stories, & enjoyed them too. Mr Skoda reads well. Paul
has
fever & baby is fretful.
Thur.
Oct. 6 Litein
Got
on to Litein today only ab’t 43 mi. Found Andersens OK but
Margaret has had another spell of pneumonia so Mrs. A. wants
to take
her away & may come here with the 3 girls. Mr. S. better
but has
such a heavy cold now. Earls letter says Ray. may be asked
to go to
Ukamba!
Fri.
Oct. 7 Home.
Got
in 3:30. Ran into heavy rain just as we left Narok. Awful
wind too
but it stopt by the time we got here. Letters here from Ray
&
his Sara Sloop. They have decided the Lord wants them to
work
together for Him. God bless ‘em! 2 wks. from today Mr S’s
girl
sails.
Sat.
Oct. 8
Baked
bread & cakes. Mr. S. is not feeling up to much at all.
and
Gumati is all in too. Several here have what acts like
pneumonia. Mrs Kashisha is very ill. Had miscarriage
yesterdy. Her heart is
weak. Shaffers left Mon. took the ram!
No
rain today.
Sun.
Oct. 9
Kashisha
was at the door when I got out & at once asked for
boards for
box. his wife had died. We had little service at the grave
then
regular Sun. service. No S.S. Mrs Tameno & Mrs Muloungit
quite
sick. Asked Dispenser to come. He says its poisoning. He
brot
telegram & mail. Buxton wants Scudder at Kjb so he left
ab’t 6
this eve. Morima went with him.
Mon.
Oct. 10
Mr.
S was back by 5:15 this eve. Saw Buxton who doesn’t know
just what
can be done ab’t him but perhaps he’ll stay til Feb. Another
lady may come with his Miss Glover. Wanjeri washed. Jack
helpt ab’t
other things. Morima will work this month. Talked a lot ab’t
the
water. As soon as he feels able he will work at dam &
see how hi
he can get it.
Tues.
Oct. 11
Gumati
was a bit better this morning but the sick women wanted to
go to
Narok so Jno & Mr S. went & paid add. Sh. 30 Poll
tax. Got
back late for lunch. Sitoya is teaching school but I go over
for
awhile each morning. Such a dif. in the school from last
term. Wanjeri ironed all day. Mr. Oulton came in for supper.
Wed.
Oct. 12
Wanjeri
finished ironing. Mr. O. sent up guineas & Tommy chops.
But had
“shepherds pie” for supper. Didn’t have sewing class as
theres
just so much writing to do. finished typing gen’l letter.
Men had
class this P.M.
Thur.
Oct. 13
Andersens
came in this eve. They expected to get here last eve but
broke down
on the way & had to send back. Lovely mail. Boys wrote.
Mr.
Oulton was to come for supper but when he found Andersens
were here
he wouldn’t. Wanted to poison monkeys but people wouldn’t
bring
enuf corn.
Fri.
Oct. 14
Prayer
Day. Nyakeiru has returned & sent up for coffee. to help
in
taking medicine. Baked bread. Wanjeri ironed at what he
washed
yesterday. Rained a bit again so both tubs are full. N.
Council was
to meet yesterday & would then tell us if we can use
water from
spring. but they didn’t meet. Waited for Mrs. Andersen to
come for
prayer but she didn’t come. & we talked too much.
Sat.*
Oct. 15
Baked
& cleaned. Mr Andersen left after breakfast. Jack went
too &
brot meat. Baby Andersen sleeps a lot & is very good.
Wanted to
walk up to Nyakeirus but it rained. Jno out all day with Mr.
Oulton. Then Mr. O came for supper. Wrote Miss Newman for
mats for
Edwards & me.
Sun.
Oct. 16
Roaches
had sent word they were coming to collect tax - but tho they
came
while we were in meeting they didn’t stay. Just asked Lucile
where
we were. After lunch Mr S. wanted to go see Gumati and asked
if I
wanted to go too & drive & I did. Ngota
Susana is
still very ill. We had a nice mtg. Dispenser said we could every
Sun. Mr Oulton came for sup but we had finished so got some
for him.
Mon.
Oct. 17
Got
lot of letters ready to post in the morning. Jno wanted to
work at
Exodus & Mr Scudder couldn’t find it. We looked long
&
finally Jno found it & started typing it. Mr Oulton
didn’t
come for sup. said he was tired. Mixing bread tonight.
Tues.
Oct. 18
Early
this morn. Mr O. sent word he wanted to see Jno. He is sick
with
appendicitis & wants to get to Nairobi. Shauris on at
Narok. Sitoya & all went. So Scudder & Jno both went
to N. with Mr.
O. & will try to find Housdens & bring them out.
Started
letter to girls. Mrs. Andersen hears yelling & is
nervous so I
will take blankets & sleep there. Shauri still on. Etta
is
teaching.
Wed.
Oct. 19
Thot
they might be in tonight but its 10 now & not here yet.
Mrs. A.
will try it alone tonight & I’ll stay here. Finished
going
over all letters. only have the private part to answer. Mrs.
A. is
getting things together so she can eat there if the folks
come in
tomorrow.
Thur.
Oct. 20
I
had just rung the bell for prayer mtg. Susana had said she
would
lead. when they drove in. Had Housdens with them. Mr. H. had
fever
so they couldn’t leave Nairobi early enuf yesterday to get
out
here. They got Mr. Oulton in alright & they staid at
Clarkes. Brot ab’t all I had ordered. Mrs A. is cooking over
there.
Fri.
Oct. 21
Mr.
Scudder’s Miss Glover sails today & 4 others. May God
bless &
comfort her mother. It’s so hard for the mothers. Guess the
shauris are over for all the elders seem to be returning.
Sitoya was
in school. Wire from Mr A. he is coming Mon. Music this eve.
Sat.
Oct. 22
Baked.
& ate lunch down the valley. The men caught a lot of
fish. Mrs.
H & I & the 3 men went in swimming. The D.C. told
Jno he
forgot to ask the N.L.C. about the water here & told us
to go on
& do what he wants to. So we are not sure that our
people
accomplished much at the shauri. No one has said a word.
Sun.
Oct. 23
Meetings
as usual. We wondered if they’d come out. They did, a good
crowd. We went to Narok again - had a good crowd there too.
took the organ. Brot Elisa back. She’s not well yet, but
better. Such a lovely
mail for us all. Big letter from the boys. Had our service
this
eve. Expect Mr. A. tomorrow. Mrs A & children ate here.
Mon.
Oct. 24
Mr.
A. came ab’t 4 P.M. Jno & Mr. S. started work on the dam
for
the D.C. forgot ab’t getting permission from N.L.C. so told
Jno to
go ahead. Mr. Roach wrote that a letter had come to him from
elders
of Syabei saying they wanted a shauri that they had
grievances
against us. We have no idea what. Tameno’s baby Lois died
suddenly last night.
Tues.
Oct. 25
At
dinner it was decided Mr S should drive Housdens to Narok
& I
went too. Mr. A. looked at the water plan & thinks it is
feasible. This P.M. he is quite ill - acts like flu. I asked
Mr. R.
what the grievances are he said they wouldn’t say - except
ab’t
cutting trees. Called on Mrs. Roach.
Wed.
Oct. 26
Had
sewing class this P.M. Susana took it after I got them
started. Mr.
A. felt better over noon but quite ill again this eve. Every
body
fishing this P.M. but didn’t get much. Prayer mtg this eve.
Thur.
Oct. 27 Wedding - Mr & Mrs Housden 1927
I
baked bread, pie & cake - but the cake was layer recipe
baked in
loaf pan so didn’t get very nice. Morima went for mail. Some
local. Housdens got quite a bunch. Fair number to prayermtg.
Called on Mrs Mulungit after tea. Mrs H. too.
Fri.
Oct. 28 Mrs. A. Cook - 77
Mr.
A. not at all well. Vomits so much. and has trouble
breathing. We
wanted to go to the lower falls tomorrow but Mr. S. thinks
it’s
pretty hard on the car - tires are thin. So decided to go
below Mr.
C’s house - to top of falls. Called on Elisa after tea. She
is
far from well.
Sat.
Oct. 29
Mr.
A. had such a bad night he asked Mr. S. to go for the Dr. at
Narok.
really only an Indian dispenser. He came but thinks its this
flu. S. took him back again then we went for picnic. Nice
time. crossed
river on a tree (stick) & went below falls. Every one
went
swimming. Music at Andersens.
Sun.
Oct. 30
Took
pictures of A’s children before S.S. All had rather
upsetting
letters. Housdens heard they can’t locate on the escarpment.
Mr
S. heard from Totty he wants to bring his car. & we
heard from
Mrs. McK. that she wont cater at Conf. So we are all
rather
disappointed. but we had a good mtg at hospital. Susana
spoke.
Mon.
Oct. 31
Paid
all milk & boys. Thank God for all this provision of our
needs. I wanted wood brot but men are too busy. Sat &
talked after
supper. Jno at A’s. Mr. A. feels some better but is very
weak Feared Sitoya was ill but he took his work alright.
Have
settled to work after a fashion but with guests here &
Mr. Totty
may come there is not much regularity ab’t it. Boys must
bring
water every evening to help out tank water. It just gets
cloudy but
no rain. Very dry. Some milk producers have stopt.
Tues.
Nov. 1
Susana
is bringing milk yet while the folks are here - but wants to
stop. Mr. A. just can’t drink anything else so we hope she
will keep on. Housdens are getting lots of letters written
these days. I started
cutting my tan & blue but there’s not enuf material.
Wed.
Nov. 2
Mr.
A. is so restless. Can’t lie down at all & sitting up is
tiresome. I moved my bed over & I’m sleeping with Jno a
night
or 2 til we make other arrangements. Baked bread & Dads
delights.
Thur.
Nov. 3
Mr.
A. seemed so ill we got the Dispenser again & now he
says its
mostly his heart & was glad when we suggested Dr D
coming. Mr.
S. sent a telegram so we expect them in tonight. Likely Mr.
F. will
bring him. Mr A’s feet are so swelled and has much
trouble
breathing. Mail tonight was very upsetting for Mr S.
Fri.
Nov. 4
Mr
Farnsworth & Dr. got in by 10:30 last night. Dr. has
examined
Mr. A. & finds his heart in bad condition - due partly
to flu. He wants him to go to Dr. Jex-Blake for exam. so he
may go when Mr.
S. goes on the 18th.
Sat.
Nov. 5
The
folks got away by 9:30. Mr S took loads to Narok for lorry.
Didn’t
do much baking – just some cleaning. Seems very empty
without the
folks here - but I’m glad they got such a nice way to go to
Kjb. At 3:30 we 3 went fishing below the falls. The men
declare there are
trout there.
Sun.
Nov. 6
Pretty
full day for me. S.S. then A.M. mtg and dinner, then to
Narok.
waited for mail til 5:30 then after we crossed the airdrome
a lorry
came in which no doubt was the mail but it was so black
&
threatening we came on. Got a little rain. Mt’g at A’s but
Jno
didn’t go.
Mon.
Nov. 7
Rained
enuf last eve that W. washed up here. Sent Gumati early to
get mail
& he came back ab’t 6 P.M. saying mail lorry only came
in at 4. That was another lorry we saw yesterday. Letter
from Miss Slater
saying we may come there - all of us - & Miss Glover too
if we
want it but guess she’d rather stay with others. Nice swim
this
P.M.
Tues.*
Nov. 8
Threatened
no tea these P.M.s but some how it’s pretty long to supper.
Getting mail ready for morning. Men went to Andersens for
music. I
wrote Ray. Finished piecing & cutting my dress - now
must baste
it together. It’s awfully pieced but got long sleeves. Baked
bread.
Wed.
Nov. 9
Sent
Morima early with letters. Baked bread. We all eat more than
we
did. Men say water is not rising any more so are going to
start
ditching. Mr. A. seems brighter. hasn’t so much trouble to
breathe. Had prayer mtg there this eve.
Thur.
Nov. 10
Just
ab’t 5:30 a native came with a telegram from Dr to say he
was
coming - so Mr S. hustled into the car & met him coming
by Indian
lorry. He will stay a few days. Brot butter & vegs. He
went to
bed early. Jno had shauri - but came to no conclusion as
there were
only 4 out.
Fri.
Nov. 11 Armistice Day
Worked
at dress some but talked with Mrs A. a lot. They finally got
mail. Dr. says he is better but still far from well - wants
much he should
see Dr. Jex-Blake but when & how is the question. Men
are at the
water ditch so it may be here soon. Rained pretty hard
today.
Sat.
Nov. 12
Took
the pipe reaching from ram here & carried to where it
will
connect with the ditch. Dr. wrote to Jex-Blake & expects
a wire
in reply on Mon. Did usual baking & sewed some too. Jno
at
Andersens playing Rigoletto. Mr. A. likes good music.
Sun.
Nov. 13
Mtgs
here as usual. Went to Narok as usual. Got nice mail. letter
from
boys. A leopard got a cow. Boys made trap. Mr S. went with
gun. Didn’t get in til late but brot the leopard. We had mtg
at A’s. Dr is staying til Wed. lorry.
Mon.
Nov. 14
Men
worked til 10 A.M. then went to Narok River for fish & a
shoot. Brot 2 greater & 2 lesser bustards and a plover
& hare &
lots of fish. black ones which we cook up for fowls.
Telegram from
Jex Blake saying they should go to Kericho to hospital.
Expect
Janzens tomorrow.
Tues.
Nov. 15
No
Janzens have come yet. Mr A. feels sure they’ve had car
trouble. A’s wanted to get back home tomorrow so that Mr. A
would get under
the Drs care there. He had a bad coughing & vomiting
spell last
night. Got dress pretty well together. Talked long with Dr.
this
P.M. He wants now to go with us Fri.
Wed.
Nov. 16
Mr.
S. drove A’s car & they left ab’t 8. Some things &
the 4
girls staid here. They met Janzens on this side of Narok so
Mr S.
returned & Mr. J. went on with them. Mr. S. has moved
out to the
guest house - so if Dr comes back he can be up here &
J’s are
in east room. Mr Oulton sent up a bustard! & came for
supper
asking me to bake bread for him.
Thur.
Nov. 17
Mr.
S. went to Narok to lunch with Mr Denning. No Dr. has
returned as
yet so perhaps Mr. S. & I will go direct to Nairobi
after all. Letter from boys enclosures of Aunts A - Lorene.
Mr. O. here again
to supper. About all ready in every way. Had nice swim.
Buxton
writes Miss Glover goes to Reynolds for Swahili.
Fri.
Nov. 18
Miss
Slaters. Mr. S. & I really got away before 8. I
sometimes
wonder if we are really here - plans changed so much. Miss
S. went
with me & we got a hat - double felt. It’s prettier than
I
expected to get. Talked late. She is very tired, as Pontiers
only
left yesterday. Mr. S. is quite excited - naturally. Hope to
get
some shopping done before noon tomorrow.
Sat.
Nov. 19
Went
to banks first then to Jacobs for records. Saw Metters &
Owen. Now they say Miss Glover goes to Reynolds for the
year! They came -
all 5. Glover & Grindley are with us at Slaters. All
here to
tea this P.M. Mr. Totty doesn’t look so well. but is happy.
Had a
very pleasant time. Sat by fire & talked this eve. I do
hope I
can have a talk with Mr Metters.
Sun.
Nov. 20
Had
a nice sing before breakfast. They went to Cathedral. I
wrote Mr B. The 7 came here at 3 for prayer mtg & tea
and then they went to
Cathedral. Miss Slater & I went to the Kirk. home by 8
&
supper then talked again. Restful day but shall be glad to
be moving
toward home tomorrow. Mr S. & his Jessie are happy to be
together again.
Mon.
Nov. 21 Kijabe
Went
shopping with Lotome folks til noon when they left. Went
home to
lunch & found Mr Janzen there - helpt him load up &
did last
shopping this P.M. Met Johnsons (Norman) they had tea at
Slaters. We left there by 5 - got here by 8. I am with
Holman. the rest at
McK’s. Talked late.
Tues.
Nov. 22
Home
by 4:30. Mr. Janzen got in an hour before we did. Every one
&
every thing seems alright. Mrs Janzen has taken care of
things fine. Jno looks none the worse for being left in such
good hands. The
ladies are in S’s house. I want Janzens to stay a few days
but
they think they must go tomorrow. It is nice to be here.
Wed.
Nov. 23
Janzens
finally got off by 11. Lots of trouble with the tires. She
had the
house so clean & nice - flowers in etc. Also had
Shaffers house
clean for the ladies. They are unpacking & storing their
boxes
in the small room. We do so wonder if they’ll leave Miss
Glover
here.
Thurs.
Nov. 24 Thanksgiving Day.
An
air mail letter tonight from R & Mrs. W. urging us to
come home
by Mar! O me, O my, and Miss Glover had one from Reynolds
welcoming
her to their home. I feel all upset inside - for I don’t
want to
go home at all. R. says he thinks he better wait for Sara.
So to
see them we will have a long wait or else go to them.
Fri.
Nov. 25 Barnetts land.
Be
still, & know that I am God - was brot to me in 2 dif.
places
last eve. Talked a bit this morn. but couldn’t agree. Went
fishing below the hi falls. We 3 wet down too. Caught very
few. but
good chance to think & pray. After rest Jno gave his
idea of it
all & it was just what I thot too. Wait til May - &
if they
can use us then - then go. So I wrote air mail. &
Scudder
telegraphed Buxton.
Sat.
Nov. 26
Am
quite at peace about going home. We had a nice talk this
morning
early - and Jno feels we ought to go. So we will plan on it.
Just
when will depend on if they can get some temporary
occupant. Baked fruit cake. Swimming & fishing. Mr.
Clarke has come &
called Jno down. Spose Barnetts are at Slaters.
Sun.
Nov. 27 Mr. Clarke - ‘83
Meetings
as usual. We 4 all went to Narok. I drove. Mr S. sat behind.
Jno
not feeling very well. Mr. Clarke here to supper. Forgot
about his
birthday so as I had a lemon pie - I just put more meringue
on &
stuck candles into it.
Mon.
Nov. 28
They
started class today - just an hour each. Wanjeri washed at
the
stream. I didn’t get to school at all. Every body writing
letters
or working. Jno is at vocabulary for he wants to get it done
now. I
still have sort of an all gone feeling when I think of
leaving here.
Tues.
Nov. 29
Went
to school a bit. Mr Oulton has come but didn’t come for
supper
tonight but will tomorrow night. No telegram as yet. We are
all so
wondering what the reply will be. Wanjeri didn’t finish
ironing. Jno at the water again but doesn’t feel very well.
Wed.*
Nov. 30
Another
month done. Baked & worked in the kitchen all A.M. only
was in
school for a bit. Gumati went with letters. Sent Miss Newman
Sh 20/
toward payment of mats, for we ordered more. Mr. Oulton up
for
supper. The young folks caught quite a nice lot of fish.
It
seems impossible that this year is so near past. This has
been quite
a busy month. Did very little at school - but had plenty to
do at
home. Many things have happened this mo. both happy &
sad. Spose I’ll feel happier ab’t going home when I get more
used to
the thot.
Thur.
Dec. 1
Prayer
meeting tho it was showery. Very heavy rain last night. Some
home
mail. Late in coming. Scudder is disappointed there’s no
word
from Buxton. but all we can do is wait. Heard from both
German &
French lines. French is cheapest. Wont decide yet.
Fri.
Dec. 2
Baked
& stewed so if it is pleasant tomorrow we can go some
place. Rainy all day - showers & no sun. regular rainy
season weather. My head troubles again. Worked at Johns
shirt. renewed collar.
Sat.
Dec. 3
Not
much to bake because I did most all yesterday. Wanjeri went
to
Narok. Mr Oulton came up & brot 2 guinea fowl. Telegram
from
Buxton to all stay here til they have Council mtg. Scudder
sent wire
to Reynolds that Miss G. wouldn’t come now. Very clear &
cold
tonight. Cat killed our 7 young roosters last night.
Sun.
Dec. 4
Mtgs
as usual. I drove to Narok with very few suggestions from
Mr. S. Got mail but had to wait til pretty late. Mrs
Andersen wrote his
heart is much better but Drs. fear kidney stone. Mr. Oulton
up to
supper & mtg. We had communion service this morn.
Mon.
Dec. 5
Wanjeri
washed but says he is ill. Kesoi came with an awful ulcer
under his
arm. said it was a boil. Mr. Oulton did not come up as he
said he
was very tired. been out poisoning meat. Wrote Mrs Shaffer.
A
parcel came for Roy D. which I paid & will send to Kjb.
Tues.
Dec. 6 Mrs. Barnett.
Wrote
Mrs B. today. Rung bell for girls to come to class. 3 women
came:
Wangare, Nareyu, & Silole. Jno had 4 out tonight. They
will
meet Sun. P.Ms. Wanjeri not here today. Oultons boy will
take
letters. Tapped a very large spring today - so hope it can
be
raised.
Wed.
Dec. 7
Susana
did their ironing. Wanjeri here again. Baked bread. Men here
from
Uganda for fish. Mr. Oulton feeds them so hasn’t been here
to
supper. Girls made chains. Etta sewed. Ngoto Susana came too
but
machine was busy. Prayer mtg tonight.
Thur.
Dec. 8
No
home mail but several local. Skoda wants to come here for
his
vacation. Buxton wrote a lovely letter to us. We hope he can
come
out here next mo. Spent some time in school. Mr. Oulton here
to
supper.
Fri.
Dec. 9
Telegram
from Metters telling Scudder to go to Kijabe til Xmas. He is
to get
a letter at Kijabe with further orders for him. He wanted to
leave
at once tomorrow but we have persuaded him to wait til Mon.
&
then take the car. Theres so much to take & bring back.
Sat.
Dec. 10
Full
day. Wanjeri baked 10 loaves of bread. We left ab’t 9 with
Mr.
Oulton in his car for a large plain down the Narok. He shot
a zebra
& poisoned it. Then as we came home he shot at
wildebeest -
found an airplane had been here & soared around above
the house. Perhaps it was Mr. Clarke.
Sun.
Dec. 11
Mtgs
as usual. Rained pretty hard while we were in the hospital.
so I
thot Mr S. better drive. We went to Roaches after and
exchanged
books. Then all on this side of the dukas it was dusty. A
friend of
Mr. Oulton came so Mr. O. went back home for supper. No home
mail
for us. Scudder got a letter. boat in today.
Mon.
Dec. 12
Mr.
Sc. got away about 9. Took Jack along for company - he was
pretty
well loaded for I sent empty boxes. We 3 had a nice swim
tonight. They fished caught 8 tiny ones. They helpt Jno cut
up vocabulary. I
wrote at Mrs Shaffers letter.
Tues.
Dec. 13
The
girls had first class with Jno from 10-12. I worked at
letters &
Xmas cards this PM & eve. Mr Oulton is busy so wont come
up to
supper. His porters have come but he hasn’t any definite
word as
to where he should go - so has to await orders. Took a walk
after
tea. Kashisha arrived from Kijabe.
Wed.
Dec. 14
Gumati
took letters & returned with a summons for he hasn’t
paid his
tax - so we are giving him the money & he’ll pay up
tomorrow. Prayer mtg tonight & Mr Oulton came to supper
& staid. Lots
of sewing these days.
Thurs.
Dec. 15
Such
a nice mail tonight. A nice letter from Claudon. Several
Xmas cards
and stockings from Moody. Took til bed time to read all. Mr
Oulton
came up while at tea A.M. to tell us he was off for Kisii.
We are
sorry for he wont have a very Merry Xmas on safari.
Fri.
Dec. 16 Claudon 1910
Prayer
Day. Wonder if some one is baking a cake for Claudon. I did.
It
got pretty nice. We ate a good bit for supper. The girls
helpt me
swim & are very encouraging. Wrote checks &
christmas cards.
Sat.
Dec. 17
Did
a bit of baking then we went to the valley below the falls
for lunch
& fishing. They caught quite a number in the pool below
the
falls. Had a good swim. Miss Glover says I must know how by
Xmas. She is a great help. Looking forward to our trip
tomorrow.
Sun.
Dec. 18
We
left after S.S. Took lunch, Thermos & extra shoes for
the girls
- but they didn’t need them. Mine rubbed a blister open
before I
knew it so I put on Miss Grindleys. Ana, Lois & Keneya
went
along. Not Sitoya. One new patient had mumps! another had
bandaged
head. Tired tonight so had no sing.
Mon.
Dec. 19
Clarke
came just as we finished supper. Expected him last night.
Miss
Grindley not even stiff. Miss Glover is - and my rubbed heel
is sore.
but we wouldn’t mind going again. Mr. Clarke wants to eat
Xmas
dinner with us next Sun. night. Haven’t heard from Skoda
yet. Nor
Barnetts.
Tues.
Dec. 20
Lovely
rain this P.M. & some this eve. Had no tea but early
supper. Mr. Clarke left today but will be back Sat. &
brings a sheep. Folks here may kill an ox - no one knows so
am asking Scudder to
bring some. Mr Von Staden was to be married today.
Wed.
Dec. 21
Wanjeri
didn’t come all day - has bad cold. Gumati brot cough med.
More
rain this P.M. so no class. Made Ana of S. a dress for a
prize old
white waist & creton skirt. Will give Ida a doll. They
are the
only 2 who came every Sun. all year.
Thur.
Dec. 22 Alice
Awful
rain tonight - lots of lightening. Morima went for post
& cashed
cheque then got in so late for post was late. Made packets
for
school. 2 pieces of fudge & 2 of peanut brittle. Letter
from
Scudder to say he can’t come til Fri. something wrong at
car. Skoda comes the 30th.
Fri.
Dec. 23
And
at 11:30 last eve Mr. S. came in all the mud & rain. Jno
only
heard him & got up. Takes his exam tomorrow so is
studying up
today. Brot lots of lovely vegs & fruit. So glad for
all. Kijabe wanted us to come for Mon. feed but too muddy
& too far.
Sat.
Dec. 24
Baked
& cleaned & made candy. Have a pretty good variety
on hand. Am wrapping a piece of fudge & one of peanut
brittle & a few
peanuts in bright paper for S.S. & day school. Program
tonight
was only singing & Psalms. Fair crowd out. Gave Ana a
dress &
Ida a doll. Ana Soibi & Ida M. had perfect att.
Sun.
Dec. 25
This
has been sort of a strange Christmas because it’s Sun. too.
Had
early morning mtg but none of us went. but had S.S. &
reg mtg &
went to Narok this P.M. Got such a lovely tea cloth from Mr.
Scudder’s mother & such a nice letter. Ladies gave Jno
an
Irish cake & me a pair of swimming slippers. Their books
haven’t
come yet - that I wanted to give them.
Mon.
Dec. 26
We
went up river to where the big spring comes into Syabei. Had
lunch
of mushrooms and fried ham. My it was good. Got back just a
few
min. before Janzens came in. both of them. So glad to see
them. They have car ready to go in morning. Brot a native
driver. Mr C
here to supper too.
Tues.
Dec. 27
A
very full day. Janzens left by 9. and we were off by 9:30
for the
Loita plains. Stopt at Salt Swamp for lunch & Clarke
joined us -
then went on to Limik. We went via Guri Guri to Ollolonga
and back
down the Ngiro. Every one very tired but enjoyed the day
much. Saw
hundreds & hundreds of animals - were very close to
topi.
Wed.
Dec. 28 Mrs Shaffer
How
well I remember a year ago when the 5 Kijabiites came in for
Mrs S’s
birthday party here. Pretty well scattered now. Worked a bit
at
putting things away - but mostly wrote letters to get off
with Mr. S.
on Sat. Miss Glover has a nasty cold. Prayer mtg this eve.
Thur.
Dec. 29 Mr. Devitt.
Thot
of going to the Ngosor falls for fishing but because of
prayer mtg we
put it off til tomorrow. & it was well for it rained so
hard
this P.M. Morima brot a lovely big mail. Such nice letters
&
two gifts of $1. Miss Simpson wrote of Mrs De Groffs death -
very
sudden. Another at rest. Telegram from Skoda - he will come
Jan. 7.
Fri.
Dec. 30
Went
to Ngosor falls right after breakfast. Caught a lot
of black
mud fish. took pictures & had lunch. Got back ab’t 3.
The
men & Miss Grindley had a swim. Miss G’s cold much
better. Getting letters etc off tonight for Mr S. to take
tomorrow.
Sat.
Dec. 31
At
breakfast a note came from Tameno asking us to take him to
the
hospital. So, tho Mr. S. had intended walking we drove. I
did the
driving. He came back to our road. then walked back to
Narok. Mr.
Clarke here to tea & supper. Miss G’s cold is bad. but
she’s
doctoring for it. I wasn’t a bit nervous driving back
without Mr.
S.
Sat.
night. Dec. 31. [From “Memoranda”, back of book.] In many
ways
this has been a wonderful year - especially rich in new
acquaintances; and such worthwhile ones. these B.C.M.S.
workers are
so fine. There hasn’t been much noticeable change in the
spiritual
atmosphere of our native church - but there isn’t the
bitterness
either.
As
we look into 1933 we wonder again what has the yr. for us?
Probably
U.S.A. O may God guide us to know His will. I hope if He
doesn’t
want us to go He will definitely close the way - so we may
know it is
He doing it. We want only His best. Claudon is getting
valuable
experience where he is and Rymond has had the happiest
experience he
will ever have in the finding of his life companion. god
bless them
both & lead them out here in His own best time & to
the place
He has for them to fill. During this next year no doubt Mr
Scudder &
his Jessie will be married, & go to Asambur. God bless
them too.
One
step forward for the past year is the opening of the station
at Lasit
or Loitokitok. God’s hand was very evidently in that. God
bless
the work there too. We praise Him for all his goodness to
us.
[inside
back cover]
Nurses
in Hospital
Mrs.
Lawrie
Miss
Mc Ewan
Miss
Littlejohn
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