Congo (101) Luebo, Congo 6/10/1923 [BMS]

Luebo, June 10, 1923

Dear Mother and Daddy:

Another month has rolled by, and we are now in the midst of another dry season. The temperature was down to 59 a few mornings ago, which is pretty cool for these parts; although I think I have seen it a few degrees cooler than that.

We had a new experience today. Yesterday a white trader died here at Luebo, and on the occasion of such a funeral, a good part of the white population attends. Dorothy and I, together with Miss Black, Mr. Hillhouse, Morrison, represented the Mission. So we had an opportunity to see what a Catholic service of such a nature was like, in the Congo. As you have no doubt attended such services, or are well acquainted with what they are, I'll not go into details. I suppose they follow, out here, practically the same routine here as in America, except that they have natives as assistants.

Mrs. Savels has been very ill lately, in fact it was serious yesterday, for she has Black Water Fever, which is a very dangerous disease. Yesterday she was very weak and the attacks continued and it looked rather discouraging, but last night she improved, and has continued to do so today; as she was able to eat today, they feel like she is improving fast.

This Black Water Fever has carried off many a white man in this country. Less than a year ago a man and his wife at Luluabourg (about four days from Luebo) both had it, and the man died; the woman was so sick they were not able to tell her about the death of her husband until some days after. Lapsley had Black Water Fever at the time of his death, but I understand that he really recovered from the fever but was so weak that he couldn't recover from the effects. This is the first case we've had at the Mission for many years.

Dorothy wrote you about her trip to Bulape with Rowena, and left me a bachelor for about two weeks. Since her return she has been in better health than for a good many months past. While she hasn't gained much in weight still she feels better. She wasn't sick, but perhaps somewhat aenemic. (It may be that I wrote you this same item in a previous letter; if I have duplicated, no harm is meant.

We have just received a package from Carrol, some things that we asked him to send us; also a package from the Honorable Montgomery Ward. There wasn't much of great importance, but we were glad to get them; there's a touch about receiving packages out here that you folks can't comprehend. The long distance, the long wait, the lapse of time between mails, and the need of the articles, all go to make a spirit that brings quite a bit of pleasurable excitement. The contents of these packages were something like this: batteries for flashlight, 1 pair black shoes and 1 pair tennis shoes for myself, lace, Xmas cards, handkerchiefs, percolator tops--Montgomery Ward. Then a pencil sharpener, rubber bands (for office use), dating stamps, ink pads and a few other items.

In this last mail word was received from the Martins that they expect to sail from the States somewhere about May 6th-- this is much earlier than the date they told you. However, we can't really tell until they are actually on the way, for there is many a slip between a written date and the actual sailing date, especially for the Martins. However, unless something unexpected happens I believe they will be on the way (I should have said were on the way) somewhere near that date.

We have about 5 more months here at Luebo, as we will be leaving here along about November first, or not long after. After that time, we will not be long in anyone place for some months.

Our mail will perhaps be slower in reaching us now, for in the dry season boats are sometimes few and far between. This last mail was a fine one, but it was about a month behind the last one.

With love to all,

B. M.

Congo (100) Luebo, Congo 6/3/1923 [DCS]

Luebo Sunday

June 3,1923

My own dearest homefolks:

Hasn't anything of any great interest happened around here lately, but to you, I never seem to run out of letter material. I'm hard at work in school again and time is certainly passing rapidly. Only five months until we leave for the pool. But I won't say any more on that subject now as I think and dream too much about it now for my own good. I suppose you are through school for this year and planning for summer holidays. It is almost your birthday and I don't know how old you are, now what do you think of me. I, too, am getting so ancient I forget whether I'm 22 or 23. Don't tell Nettie but I wish you would tell me when James was born, I know March 25, but the year?? My! I certainly am anxious to see that little rascal.

Mary is a back off her honeymoon, and seems to be mighty happy. If B. M. were as indifferent to me as he is to her already, I'd pretty near die. I guess I' m just spoiled, seems like I have always had someone to spoil me. I guess that's why I am so good-for-nothing. I never have been able to explain the statement you used to make so often, that married people had such a hard time. Unless I have been unusually fortunate. I even long for the one thing I dreaded so before I married, and can't have it.

I have been chumming with Susie Savels a lot since Rowena left. In fact, I'm trying to be close friends with too many and it's about to get me in trouble. One sees me going to another's house then they ask me Why I didn't come to see them, etc. In other words, I have too many strings to my bow! But it's mighty nice to have friends and I hope I can keep them so.

The Hobson's are out on the road again, I certainly don't envy them their work. I don't think I could stand the road a month at a time. It's mighty hard on her, too.

I have been playing my "Uke" quite a lot lately. We sit out on the porch and sing and play. And so often, I long for you to be there too. I'm trying to copy the words to all my songs, so I won't forget them, and it is also good practice for me on the typewriter. I'm hoping some day that B. M. will teach me. My organ is out of fix and so I haven't gotten to play much for a long time. I hear that there is a nice large organ at the pool.

I have been so well of late haven't gained much but just feel so well. My hardest thing out here is the sun. It just gets me so quickly if I'm not careful. The roof to the school shed is not good and I have to wear my helmet all morning when I teach. It's heavy and big and I get so tired of it.

By the next time you write you must address my letters to Kinshasa care of the Union Guest House. I hear that Mr. and Mrs. Martin were to sail in April, if so they will reach here this month, perhaps. I wonder what you will do about my things, send them by the Millers, I hope or by mail. We also hear that Lucille Wilds is in the hospital again. Dr. Kellersberger is either already at Mutoto, I mean Bibanaga, or nearly there if his plans have worked out.

Mrs. Washburn of Bulape is here now, she came to consult the doctor. She was with us at noon, and I like her very much.

Mrs. Stixrud gave a party for her little four year old girl yesterday. I do not like her parties they are too formal for a crowd of missionaries.

I read the best book this week and I certainly want you to try and get it. It's a story of a lady missionary, so I want you to read it and think of me. I read awhile and I cried awhile, I read awhile and I laughed awhile. The name of it is "The Lady of the Decoration" by Little. It's just so true and put in such an interesting way. You may have read it, I don't know.

B. M. is raring to go to bed so goodbye for this time.

Lovingly,

Dorothy

Congo (99) Luebo, Congo 5/22/1923 [BMS]

Luebo, May 22, 1923

Dear Mother and Daddy:

This no doubt finds you in the most pleasant part of the year, with the trees in full leaf, and everything in harmony. We are just at the close of the rainy season, at least it is time for it and some of the signs are on hand, although we are still having some rain.

The "Lapsley" was here last week, getting in on Wednesday and leaving on Thursday, so there wasn't much stir about it, especially as no other missionaries but the Daumerys came up.

Our newly weds have settled down in their home, after their excitement and honeymoon at the Lake at Bulape.

There isn't much news with us as things are moving along smoothly enough. Dorothy is teaching again this session. She improved quite a bit during her stay at the lake; while she gained only the sum of two pounds, still she looks better and feels more like herself. However, I do not mean by this that she was sick. We have both been blessed with fairly good health so far, better than most families I believe; even Mrs. (Dr.) Stixrud was sick for several days here recently. However, let's not boast, but trust that we may be able to continue this way for about eight more months.

I have been watching a little bird build its nest just outside my office window for the past few days It looked odd at first to see a long straw fly up into the tree, and on the end of it a little bird about as big as your thumb. We have quite a number of these little tiny birds, not hummingbirds; there seem to be a number of varieties. As far as we know at this

time we shall be here at Luebo until along in November, perhaps the first and perhaps the latter part, this depending on the "Lapsley". And as regards our mail, we believe that after the 15th of August you had better address our mail to Kinshasa. For if the mail should come after we had gone it would have to follow us back to Kinshasa and be delayed in

reaching us from one week to a month. This of course applies also to packages. Do not send packages to us at Luebo after July 20th.

We have just heard that Dr. Kellersberger is near Bibanga, coming out by way of Capetown; they had a wire from ~Iim for porters to meet him at the terminus of the railway, Bukama. As you may know, he is coming out alone, as Mrs. Kelly was not able to come. And it is most fortunate, for Dr. King is just leaving, and this would leave only one doctor on the whole Mission.

The latter part of April, I don't remember the date, the Longenecker baby died. I understand it had very little chance from the first I weighing only about 2 or 3 pounds, and at the time it came Mrs. Longenecker was very sick. In fact, about one month ago, they feared for her life; but she is better now. For about a week they didn't think either of them would live. Also, the little Crane baby has lately been very sick with bronchial pneumonia, and they were very uneasy, but it is much better now, and I believe almost normal. Nearly all of the children at Mutoto, and there were about 11, had the whooping cough. So there has been quite a bit of illness; some of the grown-ups on the other stations also had minor illnesses. But I think everyone has about recuperated now. Mr. Vinson is on the sick list, although it is more in the form of a nervous breakdown, especially in the form of insomnia; all this family has had a hard time this term, as the little baby has been quite sick more than once lately, and their boy, about 4 years, has had a few spells.

As we failed to get this letter off in last mail, I'd better close and seal this, for you might be wondering what is becoming of your letters.

With love to all.

B. M.

Our Kinshasa address:

Union Mission House

Kinshasa,

Congo Beige,

Africa.

Congo (98) Luebo, Congo 4/28/1923 [BMS]

Luebo, April 28, 1923

Dear Mother & Daddy:

A few days ago I had orders direct from "headquarters" to explain to you all about our prospective move to Kinshasa, the Union Mission House, et cetera.

Dorothy has written you, I believe, that we have been assigned to this work for the last three months of our term. This Union Mission House is a hostel, or hotel, built and operated by five of our Protestant Missions, for the sole purpose of providing comfortable and pleasant lodging for our missionaries on their way through Kinshasa, as the hotel accommodations there are not only uncertain but often very unsatisfactory and disagreeable. Several of our missionaries have already stopped there (it has been in operation only about six months), and report it a splendid place. The idea is to get some couple from America or England to take permanent charge of it, but until that couple is found

the different Societies agreed to furnish someone, in rotation, to take care of it in the meantime. The Methodist Mission have a man there from June to November, and then we are responsible for it the following six months. So the subject was up for settlement at our Annual Special Ad-Interim Committee Meeting, held here at Luebo from April 14th to 19th. As there seemed to be no likelihood of finding someone to take it for this six months without serious interruption, it was decided to send us there for our last three months, and then send someone to relieve us at the end of our three months (it was definitely understood that we were to be relieved at the end of our three months, which ends some

time in February).

At first Dorothy was somewhat disappointed, but I believe she sees some decided advantages. I will say, and I don't believe you will understand this as boasting or pride, that it is quite a compliment to both of us, for this is quite an important job. My being able to speak a little French, as well as my business experience, will help us a great deal; and there are only a few of our missionaries who can even speak a "little French," on our mission. Then it will give us the opportunity of meeting a large number of missionaries -from the other missions, whom we would not be likely to meet otherwise. Also, we happen to have two good friends of the Baptist Mission in Kinshasa, and this will be quite a help to Dorothy; they are Mr. and Mrs. Kirkland, and came out on the steamer with us from Belgium, so we came to know them quite well. Another item, is that it is on our way home. Kinshasa is the terminus of the railroad -from Matadi (where we get off the steamer from Belgium) to Stanley Pool, and when we get ready to leave we will have already made our trip down river.

I think we wrote you when we came out about the unfortunate situation in which we found ourselves when we landed at Kinshasa on our way out. We certainly had and were a vivid example of the need of this hostel. They certainly pushed it through, for it was started since we came out, and you know you can't get things done out here on schedule time like you can at home.

Kinshasa (Kin, as it is called for short) is quite a commercial center, being at the source of navigation for the larger part of the interior of the Congo; so there are a number of stores (magasins, as they are called out here), and you can get almost anything you need (With of course a great dea.l of profit added).

Our work at Kin, at the U. M. H. (Union Mission House) will be to take care of all missionaries passing through Kinshasa, either on their way out, or on their way in; Kin is where they take steamers for all places on the Main Congo River, the Kasai (which is our way), the Sankuru (on which Lusambo is located), the Kwilu, and others. From what I understand, there is accommodation for about ten people at one time, there being three large rooms, and four small ones. The people going out seldom stay over one or two days, as they take the train for Matadi, and if they have to wait for the Steamer to Europe they generally go to Thysville, which is half way between Kin and Matadi, and which as the

reputation of being very high and pleasant climate. Then there are times when there will be no guests. Of course Dorothy's concern is about caring for and especially feeding the people; but as food is easier to get, I hear, at Kin than here, though more expensive, we will not likely have much trouble on that score.

We will write you more about this in the near future, as we expect to get more information on it ourselves. .

Since Mr. Savels has come, as Dorothy mentioned, I have been relieved of some of my other work so as to give more time and attention to the printing work, which is sorely needed. This pleases me very much, especially since we are in great need of books and other matter waiting to be printed. I still have the work of Station Treasurer, and Station Magasin, so am not wanting for jobs.

Everything is moving along nicely with us, even though there is no exciting news. I haven't written you lately, for with the meetings of the Ad-Interim Committee Meeting here, three times daily, in addition to my work, and being Secretary of the meeting, I had plenty to do and not much time to write letters.

With love to you both.

B. M.

Congo (97) Luebo, Congo 5/8/1923 [DCS]

Luebo Tuesday

May 8,1923

Dearest homefolks,

I just got back from the lake at Bulape yesterday. Rowena and I went together for a rest as our husbands could not take a vacation, and we felt that we needed one. We were gone from the station about fourteen days and Kemp and B. M. came up to Ibange to meet us and we spent Sunday up there together. Ibange is about half way between Bulape and here. The lake was fine, but not as fine as it was last time we were there because this time we were there in the rainy season and there were some mighty hot days while we were there. But the rest did us good, as we did nothing but read, eat, sleep, and sew. Twas lots of fun. I certainly was glad to get back to my husband and home, though.

The bride and bridegroom are up there now on their honeymoon. We fixed the lake house up mighty nice for her and put ''The Romance of a Nurse" up all round the room. It is very cute, we think, and I wish you could see it. We did not go swimming this time, as we were afraid to go, there being no men around to save us if we started to drown. There was not a good boat, either, only the one to carry our things across, and it leaks terribly, so there were two of our pleasures taken away. The boat is being made, but isn't finished yet.

Mary's wedding was quite a swell affair, they say. I did not get to be there, on account of being at the lake. I believe I told you that I was supposed to play the march, but Rowena and I decided we could not possibly go any other time, and that we both needed it , so I got Mrs. McKinnon to play it for me. I feared for a while that Mary would be hurt, but

she seems to be as friendly as ever. One thing, we fixed the lake house for her and our meeting and greeting her at Bulape cheered her up, too. But I felt that as I am going to have to stay at Kinshasa three months after my long stay in upper Congo, I need as much rest as I can get. I think that going to Kinshasa won't be as hard as I thought It would be at first, and one thing, it is going to make my last few month's fly faster, I hope.

I couldn't help wondering why you backed out of going to Houston to hear Mr. Martin. I am afraid you missed something by not going to hear him. He is certainly a good speaker. I am not surprised that they did not get him to come to Livingston at all, but I was surprised that he is not going to leave for Africa until August. We expected him here in July and we were afraid we were going to have to move out of our house ahead of time in order that he might move in. But if he does not come until August, we will be ready to move out by the time he arrives. As far as sending my nice new clothes by him, I don't see any other chance to send them, for I would be afraid to have them sent by mail, even though we have been having good mail service, because if I should lose that it would be bad and there are to be no missionaries coming out after him, and you have to count on delays. then you see we begin our journey home in a sense in November, and I need clothes for Kinshasa, too. If you can get in touch with the Millers and they are coming at a good time, it will be all right to send things by them, but whatever you do, don't send things too late. had rather have them three or four months ahead of time than after I leave. There are so many causes for delay in the Congo and after they leave America. I have not heard when the Millers are expected. back, but before we leave, I think. I have been thinking that since I have such a little time to travel in winter, that it would be better not to send me a winter

dress or a very cheap one. The sport suit, if you get one, would be of more service if it's dark, say navy blue, then I might not have to buy a traveling suit in New York. When you hear I'm coming home, have me a letter waiting in New York telling me what to get, the style and everything. Whether gloves, parasols, veils and little things like that are in style at that season for traveling or what is. See, I've been so far away from styles for so long, I'm going to be lost if you don't find out and tell me. Of course, I'm not going to get any more in New York than I have to and know is the right thing to get. It will be spring when I get there. I just supposed Dr. Davis was dead from what you wrote and came near writing a letter of condolence to his family. He is a mighty dear man to me having helped both my mother and my aunt so wonderfully. Don't fail to tell me whether he is still alive when you write again.

I wrote to Aunt Lutie in the last mail and asked her if it were possible for her to come out to see us when I get home, so if she agrees at all, please have her come there instead of now. I told her if she thought she couldn't come, that I would try to go by Lexington to see her if we took the St. Louis route.

Was certainly surprised to hear of cousin Hannon's marriage to the Field girl. I'd like mighty well to see them, too. But don't suspect cousin Hannon remembers me at all. It's been so long ago that he knew me. Of course, cousin Lora was the one I knew best.

Was sorry to hear that grandmother was sick. Do you think she feels all right toward me now? Would have written her, but don't know hardly how to write to her if she feels that we treated her bad. I don't want to seem too anxious to make up or be nice. They are the kind of folks that might say I was friendly in order to get some of her money, but I certainly

don't want any of it.

Got a letter from Douglas' Dedye in the last mail. Was quite a nice letter, but bragging on Doulas, as usual. She says they have a Ford and pretty bungalow home, but the thing that most surprised me was that she and Douglas were going to a "college" in Port Arthur. I hope they can go, but I have my doubts. I'm glad Edd's doing well, but the more I hear, the more I believe that he is nothing but a "flirt" and don't care to marry anybody. I don't want to say all I think about him in a letter, all I will say is that I'm mighty sorry for the girl that gets him and I'm mighty glad it was not I.

In the same mail I got a letter from Gretta Cunningham. She is married now and lives in Arkansas. She certainly wrote me a sweet letter. It's a shame the way I have treated that girl. She is a friend worth having. She asked us to visit her when we come home, and I certainly wish we could go. Of course, it's too early to make plans now. Evelyn is also

expecting me to come to see her. I can't go everywhere.

We certainly were glad to get Daddy's letter. I was sorry to hear about the cat, but I can't remember her to save my life, neither can I remember Blackie. I do hope you have a cat when I come home. I have had cats all my life and I'd be lonesome without one. I certainly have a nice old cat out here. She's by far the biggest pet I ever had in a cat.

I have been meaning to tell you how pretty everyone thinks my white dress with the black ribbon in it is. I too think it is one of the prettiest dresses I ever had and looks well on me. I don't know what I would have done if you had not sent me those dresses. I didn't realize how I needed them until I got them. Nearly all my old clothes have worn out. I will

know how to take care of my clothes better next time. Everything faded so bad this time. We have things washed so much more often and the sun fades more out here, too.

I start back in school again in the morning. This is the first time I have taught for quite a while now. I got filled up on teaching while Georgia was away at Mission Meeting and haven't been back since. In fact, B. M. didn't want me to go back for a while. Georgia is all by herself and wants me to take a class, so I'll teach this next three months (one school

term), then t'will be time for me to pack for Kinshasa. That underwear of mine has not gotten made yet and it's simply got to be done.

Mr. Savels has taken quite a bit of work off B. M. 's hands, so he is putting in most of his time at the printing office at present, and it needs him badly. So many books and pamphlets are to be printed in the native language. B. M. will likely try to get a job with some printers when he comes home in order to learn more about the business. That is, if

we are coming back to Congo.

Can you imagine my keeping a boarding house? Well, I certainly can't imagine ;myself doing such a thing, but since the mission put me there, I'll do my best. My biggest job will be planning the meals, and I'll take my own cook, likely, and keeping track of the linen and everything. The boys will do all the work. I shall also take Cisuaka with me as he

is my right hand boy. They say the house is mighty nice and everything is furnished. If it weren't so we could not go, for it would not pay us to pack up twice. There are electric lights and there may be a car down there when we arrive. This will not make us a day later than our furlough time. When the time comes, we will pull up and leave. This letter is too long again, but when I wait a long time to write, then I have lots to say.

I love you just as I always did, if not more so.

Lovingly,

Dorothy

Congo (96) Luebo, Congo 4/15/1923 [DCS]

"Luebo"

April 15, 1923

Dear Mother and Father:

The Lapsley is here, has been for several days. The Savels came on it and Mr. Savels is preparing to take over some of B. M. 's work. They have not decided what yet. Mrs. Savels is a very nice woman, though shocks us sometimes with some of the things she says. She is not of our nationality; therefore it is not her fault. We have gotten to be very good friends as she is one of my nearest neighbors and comes over to sew on my machine sometimes. Their little son is a "case" and shows the failing of nearly all of our missionaries of not making their children mind and behave in company.

Rowena has moved to Miss Black's house and Miss Black lives near me. I miss her so much for we were always together when she lived near, though she comes down often now and I also go to see her. I helped her move and get settled in her other house. Miss Black has asked me to help her in the home, (girls' home) but I'm afraid we can't work

together long for we have such different ideas. Rowena and I were together on everything. My main idea in helping her will be to translate for her as she understands practically no Baluba. That is the difficulty in sending missionaries out for the first time when they are up in year

I had a paper to read in our evangelistic meeting last week. It pretty near killed me, but some way I got thru. I must explain that I had to read only before the women. I did not get frightened near as I thought I would, but I just held in my mind that a lot of my audience were women I had taught in my class in school and had married evangelists and gone to the out stations, and that it was foolish for me to be afraid. Of course, there were other missionaries there but some of them were just as frightened as I was. I dread to face the Livingston people, for I am not going to try to make any speel before them. The only way I will be able to get anything over to them will be by conversation. We got such a nice letter from Mr. Davis yesterday and certainly did appreciate it. I am ashamed of myself for not writing to Miss Cassie more often. I have twelve letters to go off in this mail and I am so proud of myself I'm about to pop. One is to the Dorothy S. Aux. enclosing a cheque for about ten dollars. We wanted in some way to express our interest in the new church building. Please give Miss Cassie my love the next time you talk to her. I'm afraid I won't get a letter off to her in this mail.

There is to be a farewell "picnic" on Anderson's porch for the Clevelands tomorrow. My donation to the cause is rolls & candy. Tuesday the day following Rowena is to give a shower for Mary in the form of a clothes line. She is to be given an apron and basket and told to go get her washing off the line. I think I shall give her the apron and three pair of

white stockings from Mrs. G. W. as she needs them badly.

Mrs. Anderson, Dorothy, has another fine boy born on my birthday. Her other baby is such a sickly child and cannot walk yet. Hasn't been sitting up but three months. I want a baby to bring home, but I'd rather be like I am than to be in her fix. There is one thing to her advantage and that is that she is a strong girl.

We haven't had much success in printing our negatives yet, but it seems that we will be able to get some real good pictures. I thought something of sending all my plates home by Mrs. Cleveland, but I'm so afraid something will happen to them. There are not many of them very good but I'd certainly hate for them to get broken or spoiled. Now I

guess we will just take the best care we can of them and bring them when we come. I do wish I could get you a print of each, though, but there are lots of things we have to be patient for out here.

Well!!! a big change has come into our plans. Last evening at the Ad Interim Committee meeting they decided for us to go to Kinshasa to take charge of the "Union Rest House." We leave here the last of October and keep charge through Nov., Dec., Jan. I guess you remember my saying they were joking and saying we were going, but I don't believe they were in earnest; these men from the other stations brought in the idea. Was not at the meeting, but I'm glad I wasn't for I fear I would have said too much. I was very much opposed to going at first but have gotten reconciled somewhat and we will leave the last of Oct. or the first of Nov. This is going to make a split in my stay out here and possibly make it seem shorter, but the last three months are going to be very busy ones. I'll get B. M. to tell you as much about it as he can. The house and work we have to do.

Cisuaka was tickled to death with the picture you sent him. I don't think you can please a native better than to give him a picture. I wish you could have seen him when he got it. He stood there and exclaimed over it for about a half hour (more or less) and called all of the other boys around him to show it. He had already bought you a native musical

instrument with his own money and said this is for my "grandparents" in America. he had already done this before the picture, so he said tell you thank you and (life) many times. This is the native greeting. He also brought me another instrument just like yours for Hickman. He is to go to Kinsasa with me to help in the guest house, and I don't know what I would do without him. I shall also try to take my cook but don't know about that yet. Little Mayele (Cisuaka's son--B. M."s namesake) is the finest native child I've ever seen and they keep him so clean and nice. James must be a case. I still have my little monkey and must send him a picture of it soon.

Lovingly,

Dorothy

Congo (95) Luebo, Congo 4/7/1923 [BMS] [DCS]

Luebo, Congo Beige, Africa

April 7, 1923

Dear Friends:

Having just returned from an itinerary of two weeks to a section of our Luebo outstations we will try to tell you something of our experiences on this trip. On a large station like Luebo, we do not have the opportunity of getting quite the insight into the heart of our work, which is in our outstations, as those who itinerate. So it is a privilege for one who is tied to a post with routine duties to take an active part in the out-station visitation.

When we wish to make a trip in America of 50 miles, for a stay of one or two weeks, it takes only a few moments to plan and gather up our effects. But with us we must make preparations for all of our needs, except the house, such as beds, cooking utensils, food, etc., making it really a camping-out trip. In our equipment we carried one article that might be considered luxury, a folding organ, which not only provided music for our services but great delight to the natives as they crowded around to listen. Our means of transportation were a bicycle and a hammock, with native porters.

In reaching a village our program is about as follows: 1- To have a conference with our evangelist, to inquire into the condition of the work in general, the church, school, and the attitude of the chief and people. 2- Examine catechumens for Probationers' Class. 3- Have a personal talk with each Christian. 4- A conference with the chief and his elders. 5- An evangelistic service in every village, at night. As we stayed only one day and night in each village (except Saturday and Sundays) this kept us busy from the time we arrived. Then as a side-line we carried a few simple medicines, such as castor oil, salts, turpentine, iodine, etc., for which there were always a number of applicants, the salts and castor oil

being the most popular.

The last time this field had been visited by missionaries was more than three years ago and we found the work very much as we had anticipated, sadly in need of attention. We found a great many discouraging things; there were a number of Christians to discipline (which means to take their names from the Church roll until their lives became their

profession), and some of them fallen into grievous sins. In one village the church had almost gone back to their old heathen state. In another, the native evangelist had been asleep. In some villages we found some heathen practices among the non-Christians that were causing trouble for our Christians, as they were trying to force the Christians to take part in their wicked customs. In one village we found the chief and his elders trying to prevent by force their wives who were in the Catechumen class from attending either the Catechumen class or the Church, saying that they were glad for their children to be Christians and go to school, but that this affair was not for the older people.

While the above discouraging conditions may sound [illegible] still it was in the villages where we found the worst conditions that we witnessed the most encouraging fruits of our visit, and especially of our night evangelistic services. These night meetings were held in some convenient place in the Village, in the open with one or more fires in the center, It would be difficult to find a more picturesque scene than these evening meetings; the group of natives seated around the fire in a semi-circle, on mats or logs, and the glow of the flames lighting up their faces, eager and attentive; the very atmosphere filled with a sense of peace and quiet.

At the three Villages where our work was in the worst condition, the effects of the services were most inspiring. In the first village where the people had returned almost to their heathen state and medicines, fifteen came forward at the close of the service expressing their desire to abandon their life of sin and to follow the master. In another where

indifference seemed to prevail, eighteen came forward. In these villages there were only about 40 and 75 people present, respectively. Then there were a number of individual cases, some of Christians telling of their trials. some confessing their sins and repenting. One Christian woman came to us with tears in her eyes telling how she had taken part in the heathen worship of her ancestors because of the pressure of her non-Christian husband, over which she was very much distressed and seemed genuinely repentant. The total enrolling was 73. But when we think of them scattered through these villages and the powers of darkness so strong about them, we know many of them will have severe trials of their faith; so we ask you to remember them in your prayers. It makes our hearts heavy to think of how much they need all the help they can get, and how little we are able to give them in proportion to that need.

The thing that impressed us most in the experiences of this trip is the power of the Gospel; the old old story of Redeeming Grace and its power to reach the hearts of men to save. The effect of the plain simple Gospel story on these natives has strengthened our own faith in its power.

It is hard for us to realize that we have been here at Luebo over two years, yet this time next year we shall no doubt be on our way home, perhaps almost there for we shall be due to leave for furlough next February.

With our prayers for each one of you, and asking that you in turn remember us and this work, and again asking that you do not consider and treat this as a "circular" letter, we are

Yours in the Master's Service,

B. M. and Dorothy Schlotter

Congo (94) Luebo, Congo 3/16/1923 [DCS]

"Luebo" 3:00 P. M.

March 16, 1923

Dear Mother, Daddy, & Aunt Nin:

My letters are coming a little more often, are they not? Well I just got repentant. Your letter of Jan. 7 just arrived. I was fast asleep when someone came and knocked at the door saying letter from America and believe me I was wide awake in a hurry.

Truly the months are taking the wings of the morning and flying away. I don't know where. Just about seven months until we will begin to get ready. Nov. & Dec. I will spend in preparing to leave. We are going to ask to leave in January, I think, so will not know for sure until after the October mission meeting. We have two reasons for wanting to start then. One is that there will be such a crowd to leave in Feb. and traveling on the river steamers even on the Lapsley is not very pleasant when there are so many. The men would have to sleep on deck and it's not pleasant on the cool nights in Africa and if it rains, they have to get up and sit up. The other reason is that if B. M. comes back out here he wants to learn as much as possible about printing and there is an office down river that is very fine for the Congo and B. M. wants to see it in order that he can order better equipment for his office. This would mean that we would leave on the big boat with the others just the same. But being on the way would make me feel better next morning. Was interrupted here by Mary. She had heard that her papers were on the way and that Mr. Morrison's papers were here so of course she was most excited to death. She has all her clothes ready and just finished her wedding dress yesterday. It is beautiful. The wedding will be in the church shed at night if possible. Georgia will be brides maid and Mr. Craig best man. I think Mrs. McKinnon and Rowena are to sing a song. Mr. Bedinger is the preacher and I play the march. I begged her to get someone else besides me but she wouldn't hear to it so I guess I'll have to make a mess of myself and everything. Of course, I will try not to.

You spoke of my being willing to attempt big things, well, the school work must have broken me, and I'm afraid you will have a bad opinion of me when I tell you that the girls' home has been offered to me twice since last October and I have refused it. But there are many things on my side. I couldn't go into details or I'd never get through. Miss Black took the job and exchanged houses with the Hobsons. One of our biggest reasons was that B. M. was afraid I could not stand it and wants me to come home in as good health as when I left. I would only have about six months at the most missing my trip to Mutoto and Bibanga which is a Mission ruling that everyone should make a tour of all the stations during their first term, and Miss Black has somewhere about a year and a half. Of course peoples idea is that she cannot hold down the job, but she came out for that very kind of work and I say she should have a try or how are they to know whether to send her back or not. She has also finished four months of language and there is no way to learn it better than being where you have to speak it. O! but I'm full of the subject, but I'm almost sorry I started it as it's hard to tell it in such a way that one may understand in a letter. Some of these days before so very long I'm hoping we can have some good long talks and understand everything.

No, that picture is not one of B. M.'s girls. We think now that it must have gotten mixed in with our films at the printers.

Dorothy Anderson expects her second baby next month.

Georgia and Mary are coming Sat. to spend about two weeks with me while Rowena and Miss Black are moving then they stay with Miss Black. You see they're having to move also in order to let the Savals have their house. Mary will marry the first of May, I think.

Lovingly,

Dorothy

Congo (93) Elenga, Congo, Congo 3/4/23 [BMS]

Luebo , March 4, 1923

Dear Mother and Daddy:

It is hard to realize that in less than a year from this time we shall perhaps be on our way home. Looking at it from the standpoint of the work three years seems a short time; part of this time is spent in adjusting oneself, and part spent in packing up. Of course, three years is a long time from the other viewpoint, in fact, it will have been over three and one half years for us away from home.

The "Lapsley" came in Saturday, and will leave on Wednesday, with the Whartons and Miss Larson on board going home on furlough. They expect to bring back with them Mr. and Mrs. Savels, who will be at Luebo. Mr. Savels is the ex-priest, Catholic, who spent about fifteen years in the service of the Roman Catholic Church out here in the Congo; and now he is with us. He joined our Mission about four years ago. )

I would like to write you something about our trip to the outstations, but haven't time in this letter. However, I shall give you some account of it in the near future, for this is the heart of our work out here, and the most interesting part of it. We had an excellent trip, and saw and came into contact with "real heathen," and while we found some very discouraging conditions, still the work on the whole is most encouraging. But I'll go into that more fully later. Dorothy enjoyed the trip, and I believe it did her good physically; and I'm sure she got an insight into the work that she would never have gotten on the station here; she was rather tired of the road life towards the end, and was glad to tum homeward, for we were on the move so much. It was an opportunity for us both, not only to see the real work, but to take an active share in it.

The coming of the "Lapsley" always means extra work for me, as we have quite a bit of cargo (our supplies from Europe), and it has to be transported from the beach up to the station by native porters. So I'll have to make this letter brief, and write you more details about our trip as soon as I can find time.

With love to all

B. M.

Congo (92) Elenga, Congo, Congo 2/18/23 [DCS]

"Elenga"

Sun. February 18, 1923

My dear Mother, Father & Aunt Nennie:

We are still out on the road, but start for Luebo tomorrow and reach there on Wednesday morning. I think one of the best things about going on the road is the fact that you can appreciate home when you do get back. We have had a real pleasant and successful trip but there are lots of hardships in the path. One of my biggest trials is that the native houses, even the best of them, are very poorly roofed and we have to keep our helmets on most all day. You will please remember that helmets are heavier than the ordinary hat.

A messenger reached us yesterday from Luebo bringing fresh bread from Miss Black, but best of all mail from America. I don't get much mail anymore but generally get at least one from you and sometimes more. Yesterday I got a nice letter from Lucile also. She says she is going to be at our homecoming if possible, in fact says she is going to put off her next visit to Terrell until that time. I'll tell you what my plans are later, but want to tell you about my trip now.

Mon. Nga11e Nkoko. At our last village we got the heartiest reception that we have gotten anywhere. About one hundred men, women and children met me (B. M. came a good deal behind as he was hunting monkeys) a mile from the village and escorted us in with hammock songs and of course there was many a hand shake. There are so many people and they all want to "feel' your hand that one gets very tired before all the performance is over with.

The children are sure to come around for their second and third "hand feel''' and one couldn't afford to turn them down as he would get his "feelings" hurt. This is only one of the trying things about the native. After two weeks of work on the road, I feel that I could only get away from the natives for a while, be in a clean house, and breathe fresh air, I'd give quite a lot. Now this does not sound very encouraging for a missionary, but I'm not the only one who feels that way, in fact Rowena told me she was the same way. You know something of what it is in dealing with the Indians, but of course they are not compared with these savage natives and then there are so many more.

Later March 4. Didn't get this letter finished; I can't write out on the path; there is too much noise. Can't think of anything more that would be interesting to you, only B. M. killed four guineas, four monkeys, and four

hawks. He certainly does like to hunt, and we enjoyed the guinea meat so much as food is rather scarce on the path.

I was powerful glad to get back to Luebo again. The Lapsley is in and the Whartons and Miss Larson are here ready to start for home. Surely makes me homesick to see them leaving.

I got your two letters, one written before and one after Christmas yesterday and did enjoy them so much, but will have to answer them later. Want to write a few other letters tonight, haven't written to anyone but you in such a long time.

We tried the "backward" party over at Rowena's the other night and I think it proved a success. Rowena and I dressed backward and we played some real cute games. Rowena is the best friend I have had in the Congo now and I can't see why we shouldn't stay so. For this I am thankful. I made up my mind when she came to Luebo that I was going to like her and so I do.

Lovingly,

Dorothy

Congo (91) Bakua Mukamba, Congo 2/9/23 [DCS]

Bakua Mukamba

Feb. 9, 1923

Dearest homefolks:

Here we are on our first itinerating trip at last, left day before yesterday and have been having a very nice trip. So far, we are only about two hours from Luebo, but in villages that we have never been to before, staying a day and a half or two days in each Village.

I suppose we have told you many times that we do not drink water out here unless it has been boiled. Once in a long while, they fail to boil it and then that boy gets in a palaver for in this part of the country we are afraid of dysentery. Well, this morning I took my first drink of unboiled water. My! but it was good. T’was something I had been longing for a long time. B. M. thinks I've gotten so used to boiled water that plain water would not be so much different, but I certainly can! I have said that two things that I'm looking forward to most when I come home are being able to go without my helmet without having a headache and some real good spring water. Like we get at George Henry's spring, for instance. But I have gotten off the subject somewhat. While B. M. was busy this morning, I took some boys with me and went down the longest, steepest hill I most ever have seen to a place where the water flows out of a huge rock. It was not only a beautiful place, but the water was so good and cool, and I just drank and drank until I could drink any more. I filled my water bottle and after a short rest started back to the village. I had a hard time getting back for t'was about a mile uphill all the way. After I got here and had a rest, I was far from sorry that I had gone. I wonder if you would not have liked to have been with me.

I'm so glad that I am on the trail! for B. M. says it's perfectly all right to use a pencil on the path and I do hate to fool with a pen when I'm writing to you.

It's hard to know just what is of interest to you at home, for after one stays out here for a while, the same things are not as interesting when we first came.

We reached this Village about four thirty yesterday afternoon, and found a well made mud house had been cleaned and made ready for us. It was larger than we usually find so I took a great interest in fixing it up. Our box men soon came consisting of chop box, utensil box, trunk, bath tub trunk with bed clothes, etc., medicines and kodaking outfit and last but not least, my organ.

Not only I but the natives enjoy the organ so much I play for the services and often between times, but can't play long at a time; for some reason it is very hard to pump. It's not often we find an organ hard for me to pump as pumping does not hurt me, but there must be a small leak in the bellows or something wrong. I believe I told you Steg gave this organ to me.

I leave all the real evangelistic work to B. M. for I have never learned to do that, but there are lots of little things I can do. Such as treating sick people by playing the organ and showing picture rolls to the children. We brought some medicines of the common kind and those we know how to use. I often wish that I might have gone more with daddy and learned more even about the simple remedies. But even with our small knowledge, we can do a lot. Just to think when a person gets very sick, they are absolutely helpless and resort to all kinds of heathen customs that instead of helping, often bring death to some.

I have found that the children this far from civilization do not care much for pictures; they do not know what the pictures are and cannot understand them. At Luebo, the children will sit for hours looking at a picture book. So this did away with my plan of entertaining the children that come in swarms around our house. They are so bad this morning that I can hardly write and this will explain all scratches and mistakes. They stand around us until we can hardly get our breath. Understand we correct them and have them sit down, but they are so interested that they are soon back making as much noise as ever. It's not that they are bad and mean to annoy us for they mind when spoken to, but only excited. In some places the grown people are as bad as the children. Our caravan consists of 10 box men, hammock men, 2 wheel men for B. M., one more for salt used for trading purposes and rationing men, and one man caries the medicine and kodak, one man with gun and ammunition. Then our person boys are house boy, stable boy and cook. All these groups of boys have different whistles that we call them by and I carry the whistle around my neck. If I need any of them and they are in the village, all we have to do is call them and they come at once. I think it best not to tell people about our boys--how many, etc., for it is mighty easy to falsely accuse a missionary, for people at home jump at conclusions too easy. Even you show that you do not understand about this business of paying our boys. Perhaps we have not explained fully. I asked B. M. to explain this to you just lately, but I'm not sure whether he has or not. I can assure you they get all that they are due and is right. The mission pays for all our boys and help and if any change it would have to be a mission action, not anyone individual. We pay what times and prices require no matter how small it seems to us.

I wonder if you have ever used a table like we use on the road. It has folding legs and the table part is the top of our bath tub trunk. We have two tables so all we had to do was bring an extra top. Our chairs and beds fold up until you would hardly know what they were and are as comfortable as can be. There is a basket inside the bath tab and all we have to do when we want a bath is to remove the basket.

B. M. is examining the Christians this morning. So many have palavers and have to have their names taken off the roll. So far we have had only 10 to come and say they wanted "the palaver of God." I mean 10 who had never come before.

We will be on the road about two weeks and we have nine villages to visit. I'm rather anxious to return, for I've been waiting for Sarah's machine a long time and my underclothes are in rather an "embarrassing" condition, especially teds. Then I have lots of other sewing to do, too. Two dresses are already cut out ready to make.

I'm so glad, though, that B. M. can have this trip; he has so little change in his work at Luebo for real work among the natives and he seems to be really enjoying it.

Tis getting late and I'm sleepy.

Goodnight mother, daddy, and all,

Dorothy

Congo (90) Luebo, Congo 1/16/23 [DCS]

"Luebo"

Jan. 16, 1923

My dearest homefolks:

I'm writing a little more regular now, as I have more time. I'm not teaching this term because we are going on an evangelistic trip in February and I would not have anymore than gotten started in school than I'd have had to leave. I certainly am putting in my time to good advantage for I had put off so many things while I was teaching. Sarah leaves in about two weeks for home; she is leaving me her machine and I hope to get some sadly needed clothes made after we return from our trip.

They are also leaving their five R.I.R. [Rhode Island Red] chickens in our care; it's quite a responsibility, but someone has to do it. There are about forty baby chicks and they are so hard to raise out here in large bunches. Their victrola also is to be here. We have certainly been flooded with musical instruments since we have been here. I had Mr. Martin's organ first, then got the piano, and about a month ago, I pulled an old broken organ that no one knew was there out of the industrial school, got Mr. McKinnon to fix it up and now it plays very well and I'm going to take it on our trip to help us in our work. Steg gave it to me. I have offered the piano to Mrs. McKinnon and I think she is going to take it. It's not because I don't want it, for I like to play on it and can keep in practice, but you see, Mrs. McKinnon cannot pump an organ at all; she had one and sold hers to Mary just for that reason. She loves music and I think it would seem mighty selfish of me to have a piano, an organ, and a victrola all in my house and she have nothing.

As far as I'm concerned, I too would rather have the piano. I wish it were possible for me to bring my piano out with me next term, but it would be out of the question. I am crazy about my linen dress with the black ribbon. I think it looks better and I like it better than any dress I ever had, unless it was the pink sleeveless blouse. I still wear it sometimes!! ! Nearly every thing I have in the way of clothes will be worn out by the time I come home. Yes we will know much better how to plan for clothes when we come out next time.

I was so glad to hear that Livingston is to have a nice Presbyterian Church. They have needed it so long. B. M. and I have decided to put some of our tithe money in it. Oh! I'm so ashamed because I haven't written Mrs. Miller, but I haven't written to anyone lately but you, and you know how often that has been. Perhaps someday I'll begin writing again.

B. M. keeps well; he has had only two small attacks of indigestion since we got here. He isn't near so nervous as we once thought, perhaps that's the way love affected him at first! ! !

The last dress trimmed in blue that you sent me is so pretty and I have thought of saving that mostly for going home as I fear I shall be short dressed, but haven't decided. There isn't any danger of our having to stay over our term unless something very unusual happens. We will start in Jan. or Feb. 1924 if our health permits.

I am not a bit uneasy about my sugar and cream set, even if you should use it, for I know you would be much more careful of it than I would be. I think lots of it but I'm not always as careful as I should be, and out here, the boys are certainly "ruff" on dishes.

B. M. says tell you that there is very little danger in sending packages through the mail these days. I venture to say that not one in a hundred would get lost. We get more now than lots of folks and there is never anything wrong and they come in pretty good time also. Of course, I wouldn't send breakable things, though.

From Mr. Martin's letter of recent date, we are of the opinion that he may not come back for some time. It seems that he has some kind of throat or lung trouble. B. M. Says he has had a cough ever since he has known him. I would not repeat this outside the family. If this is true, it will be a mighty hard blow for us. Mr. Martin says also that

Mrs. Martin is just as nervous as she was when he saw her last and he is afraid she will not be able to return. Dr. Stixrud, though, doesn't seem to think it is very serious.

I do not agree with you that it will be especially nice to have electric lights out here. I suppose we will have them, too, but we have some such terrific storms out here until I hate to have my house wired. Just the other night, we awakened by a light and a strong clap of thunder--the nearest I have ever heard. I feared for a while it had struck out house, but found out next morning that it was a large tree in front of the McKinnons. Mrs. Mk. said she thought she must have been shocked a little as she was so unusually nervous for several days. It killed all of her flowers in front of the porch. Lightning has also struck a native house in the village behind us since we have been here.

I can't see how my being out here could change my attitude and love for my mother and father and my old home, even though Dr. Stixrud tries to make me think so. I believe about the maddest I have been at anyone since I've been out here was with him when he made the statement that home will not be the same when we go back. That everything will be so different now that I'm married. [Dorothy didn't understand just what Dr. Stixrud meant, I don't think. B.M.] Now I love my husband as well as any wife can, but I don't see why that should change my love for father and mother. I think I can explain about Dr. Stix. He hasn't had a home until he married since he was a child, I don't think, and she is the kind of woman who does not love her home, fusses when she is there and next term, she says she doesn't even want to go home, but wants to spend her vacation in Europe. She acknowledges all this. I believe I'd be ashamed to tell it.

We had such a nice time yesterday. B. M. and I went about an hour's ride away from Luebo to a stream in the forest and ate our dinner, lay down and had a rest, went wading in the stream and then B. M. went hunting for monkeys from about 3 o'clock until five. I tatted during that time, and almost finished it. I was working on some blue clover leaf tatting I'm making for Mary as her wedding present. B. M. killed one monkey and we got home in time to eat and go to the picture show that night. Don't you think it was a nice way to spend a holiday in the Congo? We had for our dinner, hard boiled eggs, canned sausages, pickles, peanuts, bread and butter sandwiches, jam sandwiches, hot cocoa we brought in a thermos bottle. I do love to eat in the woods, can eat twice as much. We carried the nicest kind of pineapple, but were so full we couldn't eat it, so gave it to the boys. Now wouldn't you have liked to have had it?

I am enclosing two pictures of myself; we all think them fine (as could be expected); we are getting other good pictures, and will likely send some negatives home before we come, as they go bad so quickly out here. One of these is taken in front of our house; the other to the side with two of our goats, and the sentry in the background.

Hope you are all well.

Lovingly,

Dorothy

Congo (89) Luebo, Congo 1/7/23

"Luebo"

January 7, 1923

Dear homefolks:

Your two nice letters of the 14th and 25th reached me day before yesterday and were certainly welcome. Also Aunt Ninnie's letter. It almost made me feel mean, such a sweet letter and I have hardly written the Terrell people at all, but it seems that I can't write to anyone but you anymore and even yours are pretty far between sometimes. I love all my kin folks and I hope they don't judge my love by the letters I write.

I am so glad you are better but I'm so afraid you will wear yourself out teaching school. It is certainly nice of Aunt Ninnie to stay with you. It just does me so much good to know she is there, for I have the blues awfully sometimes when I get to thinking of you out there by yourself. It seems so dangerous to me and you in your condition.

I was so glad to get the lace. I think it's mighty nice, but have decided to save it for my going home clothes and get some very plain stuff that is at a store across the river for the present ones. You see the boys are so hard on lace and I have my clothes washed so often out here.

You can't judge the time of my letters by the date on the letters, that is, as to its getting to you, for often I do not mail them for several days or perhaps weeks after I write them. I can't believe there is much the matter with our mail now. Everything is too regular.

It is certainly fine to get packages out here. We got one yesterday from Mt. Gomery Ward and it had in it things that we needed so badly. A pair of shoes for me, the first pair that have really fit me. The ones you sent are beautiful and of good quality, but are a tiny bit too small. I can wear them for dress up occasions. These I got yesterday are not especially good quality, but nice for everyday. I'm hoping these will last me until I get to New York. You see I still have two pair of good white shoes. Do you remember those high healed white oxfords I got when I was about eighteen or nineteen years old. We had nice heels put on them and they are as good as new.

The subject of clothes again. I'm afraid you are going to get tired of it. Mr. Martin has decided to stay over until fall and the Wilds will likely come about that time. If you can get in touch with them it will be much better to send my things by them for there is a possible chance of their not getting here in time and that would be terrible. When you are figuring always leave plenty of time for things to get here before the first of December. We leave in Jan. or Feb. Just One Year. Look at the date of my letter. Anything you think best to get will be alright with me, but please keep strict account.

P. S. Any package sent by Oct. 1st should reach us OK, but to be sure, make it not later than Sept 20th or thereabouts. B. M.

B. M. hates for me to send to you for things because he says you will insist on footing the bills, but you want me to feel free to call on you, don't you? Well, I don't know what I'd do if I couldn't, so please do this for me. If you can get hold of any fashion sheets or pretty patterns send them to me. I have two dresses to make here and I try to remember to put in samples so you can have an idea and tell me how to trim them. We still feel that there is no use to get wool underwear. It is so likely not to fit and its rather expensive to buy without being sure I can wear them. I can use my old ones and pile on clothes on top when it's cold. I wish you would order me some hair nets either from Livingston or somewhere and 2 doz. bone hair pins to come with the other things, please.

Who do you call the young people out at home now. Do you class Ruby and Dedye as young people? It would certainly insult me if anyone intimated that I was getting old. I expect I'll have to stand it when I come home for people out there think of people as being old as soon as they get married and you know I will have been married almost four years when I reach there. I'm just about as young as ever both in looks and wanting to have a good time. I think I have grown in responsibility and actions, in other words I'm not quite as "kidish" as I used to be. At our Christmas dinner, we all got caps along with our fortunes and me and my cap took the prize as looking the nicest, now wasn't that some compliment for an old married lady?

I want to tell you about our dinner and then I must stop. I shall enclose my program for the evening. It was painted by Mrs. McKinnon and I prize it, so please keep it for me. There were twenty two place cards all painted beautifully and each one different, she is a regular artist. I believe I'll send them both as the roaches are after them and I want to keep them nice. Now to explain the Menu. A watermelon cocktail (we had two watermelons for Xmas day), pork, english peas, irish potatoes, sweet potatoes, third course tomato salad or aspic, fruit cake and something to eat with it, don't remember what it was. Last course coffee and candy. Entertainment. Snapdragon (raisons on fire). I will enclose my fortune and explain to you later. The Xmas rhyme, T'was the night before Xmas. A story about Gabrial Grub in Pickwick Papers on a Xmas night in a grave yard. “Holy Night”. Now about my fortune. I suppose you have heard about the Hostel at Kinshasa. They are building a union rest house there where our people and other missionaries may stay as they pass through; well someone must go to take charge of this when Mr. Stonelake goes home (he is in charge now.) This will likely be during our furlough home or about that time, so we would be out of the question, but some of them have been teasing me for they know I don't like Kin, or that kind of work. By matchmaker, they are talking about Marge and Mr. Morrison. They tell me I was the cause of their engagement just because it was during the mission meeting when most everyone was away and Mr. Morrison was staying at our house and Mary took a good many of her meals here.

I must close now, but so often wonder if I have said the things you would like to hear about, or if I've left off the most interesting things, for I can never tell everything. Sometimes I wonder if you don't expect me to talk more about B. M. and rave about him. But as I never was much on raving and you know it, I fear you might think I was putting on. You see you all saw so little of B. M. and we had been married such a short time when we left that you couldn't tell how he was going to be. Certainly we have our outs, I don't believe there are any couples who don't, but we are just as happy as can be, and I never dreamed I would be so happy. My lines (lives?) have fallen in pleasant all my life. don't believe it can always be so, though for everyone must have their troubles. My biggest worry now is about my mother, the next is that God has given me no children and possibly never will. Please don't let anyone read this letter. It's just for you.

Rowena and I have been planning for things to go home in, nothing special, but just talking, and I get so anxious sometimes I nearly die. I get to liking it better out here every day.

Don't forget to write me all you know about styles!! and what to get in New York for a traveling dress.

Lovingly,

Dorothy

Congo (88) Luebo, Congo 12/17/22

Luebo 12/17/22

Dear Mother & Daddy:

It is hard for us to realize out here that this is only a week from Christmas. While I think there are many pleasures of our Christmases there, still it brings a whole lot of burdens that we escape out here to some extent. I think I have already written you about how we observe the day--for that is about all we make of it. Our "present giving" in America has gone to such an extent that it sometimes makes lives miserable for a week or two trying to provide and improvise presents for all those whom we think expect them. Anyway, it is almost that time of the year here, but by the time this reaches you, it will no doubt well on in February of 1923, and just one year from the time we start home.

Luebo has been a place of interruptions, visitors and passers, for the past few months, and is likely to continue thus for some months. The Edmistons just passed thru on their way to Mutoto from Bulape last week, leaving Tuesday. The Andersons, W. J., from Lusambo are expected here next Saturday; Anderson is to relieve Stegall with the Industrial

School when Stegalls go on furlough, which is the first of February. Then in February the Clevelands are to be here till their time for furlough, which is about April; Cleveland and McKinnon are to make a tour of inspection of a certain territory where we expect, or hope, to place a new missionary station. Then the McElroys will be here early next month, to go home for furlough along with the Stegalls . Later on some of the Mutoto folks will be going thru here, too. Of course our own folks coming through doesn't cause such a great interruption, for we don't break into our work for that.

Things have been moving along fairly well at Luebo lately, except that we had an epidemic of the "flu" which struck several of our folks, none of which were serious. Dorothy is telling you of her spell, I believe. She had about a week of it; but she is normal again now, and I believe looking better than before she was sick, although perhaps not quite so strong, although even there she is gaining. However, don't imagine from this that she has had a terrible sick spell. Stegall, Miss Black, Mrs. McKinnon and Dorothy all seem to have had identical cases. They all got up right weak--Miss Black is recovering more slowly than the others. Stegall had a hard time recovering his normal strength; he's all right now.

In February we are planning to make an evangelistic itinerary to some of the outstations, which will take us about two weeks. The Hobsons are now out on a trip. Of course, here on the station we don't get much chance for doing what we call evangelistic work, and all of us on the station, including laymen, are going to try to get out into the outstations more, especially as some of them have not been visited for three years, and more. This is also a change for those of us who are tied down on the station so much. As I've done some work like this at Lusambo, I'm looking forward to it with a great deal of pleasure, for it is in the outstations where we find our big work and the greatest need.

On a trip of this kind, we travel slowly and take our time, so I believe it will do Dorothy good, besides getting to see what out evangelistic work in the outstations is like.

The Hobsons are set aside for evangelistic work, and specifically for itineration work in that department, which means that they will be out on the road a large part of the time. Mrs. Hobson expects to go as much as possible. She is out now. And I think they are a fine couple for that work; Mrs. Hobson will be a great help, as a woman can do a great many things to help out in this work. The Hobsons are perhaps our best friends on the station now; they are also our next door neighbors on one side, and the McKinnons on the other. Mrs. McKinnon was a frequent visitor of Dorothy's while she was sick, and now Dorothy has been returning these visits during Mrs. McKinnon's. attack of flu; Mrs.

McKinnon was sitting up today, so is almost well.

With all the best wishes and prayers for you both for the coming year; and with much love.

B. M.

Congo (87) Luebo, Congo 11/19/1922 [DCS] [BMS]

"Luebo"

Sunday, Nov. 19, 1922

Dearest homefolks:

No, I have not forgotten you, but love you just as I always have. I've never been so busy in all my life. As I told you in my last letter Georgia left me the school and she hasn't come back yet, and we have been having so much company and from all prospects we are going to have more. The Lapsley came back bringing some of our delegates from mission meeting, the others coming home by Mutoto by land. The coming of the Lapsley always means lots of entertaining. It is expected here again the first of December and Mr. Gilliam is to start on his trip home. The Lapsley is to make a trip to and from the pool as fast as it can and will take missionaries down every trip. So many missionaries go home in the next few months. Sarah & Steg and the McLaroys go in February, the Whartons in March or April and there will be a continual string. The Millers have already gone home, they are one of the few married couples that I have not met.

Talking of so many going home makes me long for my time to come, but I think that the time will pass fast now and February 1924 will soon be here. That is the time we are planning to start. That reminds me, if you see a pretty "dress up dress" anywhere and have any way to send it to me in time, it would certainly come in handy, but for anything, don't put yourself out as you have done so much for me already.

We at last got the package Carroll mailed from Terrell; we were so afraid it was lost but everything came in fine shape. The dress is a perfect fit and looks good on me. Besides coming in well now, it will give me a pattern for others as they have some pretty white heavy goods in the magazine that will make up pretty that way. I use the scarf so much and prize it highly for my own dear mother made it for me. I want to keep it always. It's so pretty and just the right weight for those cool mornings. I guess you think I'm crazy for using it every day, but I need everyday things more than things for dress up. The shoes are a little small, but I can wear them and B. M. is going to have them stretched for me in the Industrial School. They are just beautiful and I needed them so badly, because my last pair of black shoes are all out on the bottom.

Kemp and Rowena are with us and have been since Thursday; as I told you in our last letter, they came here and Allens go to Bulape. Kemp is to be a traveling evangelist and Rowena will go with him when she can. She has also been put in charge of the girl's home with Miss Black as helper. I was appointed in charge, but would not take it as I feel that I'm too young to take charge of 65 girls and do them justice. I feel that I'm nothing but a girl myself as yet and must take up difficult duties gradually. The Hobson's are proving to be fine missionaries and we are now the best of friends; they are staying with us until they start keeping house. I believe now it was as you said we were thrown too closely together, but I cannot tell you how it hurt me to think that I had started out my married life falling out with people. My! but that was awful. We are going to be near neighbors again, but things are entirely different.

Last week and the two following weeks are examination weeks with me and I am having so much less help than I had expected. Mrs. Allen is busy packing to leave for Bulape and Mrs. Vinson is sick. Sarah is helping a little, but as she is going home soon and has two children besides herself and husband to sew for its hard for her to give me much of her time. I'm going to try and get Rowena to help me some.

The Edmistons are coming to Luebo on their way to take up their abode in Mutoto. They sent me some beautiful madiba cloth from the Bakuba country and I'm going to make me a pretty dress when I get home. It came this morning, also a piece of native dye. I'm gathering up as many curios as I can but there aren't many nice ones around here. We expect to take a trip around to the different stations before we come home, then will be our time to gather curios.

The mission meeting did away with Lusambo station except for a transport station. No one will live there except the Daumerys in dry season, when they can't make trips to Luebo. The Daumerys have a fine baby girl, just as pretty and sweet as she can be. I gave Mrs. Daumery the prettiest pair of baby booties in my baby set and two of the little dimity dresses. 'suppose you see from this that I've given up hopes until I get home anyway.

Mrs. McKinnon and Mr. Cleveland have been appointed to pick out a place for another mission station to take the place of Lusambo. Mrs. Cleveland is coming here to stay until he comes back, then they are going to start for home. Seems like everything centers around Luebo. The Andersons are coming in December to take Stegs place in the Industrial School. I'm hoping I'll like Dorothy Anderson better than I did before.

The bride and groom are expected here next Wednesday. They are on their way home from the lake at Bulape where they spent their honeymoon, and I must say that's a mighty fine place to spend one.

There is going to be another bride and groom around here soon as Mary and Mr. Morrison are fixing to be married as soon as their papers come and then make a visit to Scotland. We have gotten to like Mr. Morrison fine since he came and Mary is one of my best friends, in fact she did me the honor of telling me first of her engagement, but some people criticize her for engaging herself to a man when she had only known him six weeks, but they are neither one of them spring chickens so I think they ought to know their own minds. I am helping her make tatting for a dinner set.

We four & Mr. Craig took tea across the river yesterday afternoon and played tennis afterwards. The madam where we went does not speak English, at least only a few words, so it's mighty hard to make ourselves understood, for neither Mary nor I speak French. That's the biggest reason I have for not wanting to go over there very often, but they had some such lovely little cakes like we used to get in Brussells, perhaps you remember my speaking of them while I was there. I'm anxious to learn to make them myself.

We are so "city fied" in Luebo now besides electric lights in three houses we have a nice picture show and I am actually tired of going, can you imagine my turning down a date to go to a picture show? Well, I've done it several times. When I heard that we were to have a picture show, I imagined it would be some little sorry affair not worth going to, but this one is just as good as any you would want and has some such enlightening films. They haven't got it fixed up properly yet and everyone has to stand up and I get so tired, that's the reason I stay at home sometimes.

The best news I've heard lately is that the mission appointed Mr. Savels to take over B. M.'s extra work, so that he may put in almost his full time in the printing office. This is what both B. M. and I have wanted ever since we got here. Oh! if I could only tell you how glad I am because of that. The Savels will be back 'from their furlough soon but no one knows exactly when.

There is going to be a station dinner given tomorrow in honor of the Allens and Hobsons. Did you ever hear of quite so much entertaining? The Allens will eat a farewell dinner at my house tomorrow at noon.

I have my eye on an organ to keep, it's not in good fix at all now, but I'm hoping someone will come along who can fix it. Perhaps Mr. Daumery can. They are going to stay here several days between the next trip, and I guess they will stay with us.

Christmas will be here soon but I'm not intending to make much of Christmas this year, that is, in the way of giving and receiving presents. I have none to give and it's one sure thing I'm not going to have time to make anything. The only thing is that I'm hoping no one will feel it their duty to send me anything, for that wouldn't make me feel good.

I'm getting such nice tomatos out of my garden now, and it's mighty nice just now since we have a flood of company. But I must have put too much fertilizer on them as they are all dying and I can't imagine what else it could be. Are you trying to raise anything in your garden these days?

How is the phone? I haven't heard you say much about it lately. Can you phone to Livingston?

It's time to get ready for church, so farewell.

Love to all,

Dorothy

Dec. 2nd.

Dear Mother & Daddy--just a line to say that I haven't time to write now, as we have only a short notice that mail closes before breakfast this A. M••

With love,

B. M.