Congo (153) Luebo, Congo 9/21/1926 [DCS]

Luebo Sept 21, 1926

Dearest homefolks:

Things are going extra well with us of late. Max has whooping cough but so far has had a pretty light case. Every child on the station and four grown people have it. Max has had it for almost a month and while he coughs mighty hard and whoops, he has not choked and vomited his food yet. They say it lasts generally three or four months. It is certainly a distressing disease and especially for babies. Some of them are losing nearly everything they eat. I hope you won't worry about Max for it seems that most all children have it and how much better now when we are settled on a station with a doctor than when we are en route and perhaps quarantined for several months abroad. The doctor says measles is often followed by whooping cough and while I tried my best to keep him from having it, it must be very contagious. Some of the grown people seem to be having it the second time, while I understood one would not have it twice. I am inclined to believe some of them are mistaken.

Well, we have gotten in a grocery order the last few days and it's the bests one we have ever gotten. I mean more extras. The things that I enjoy most are candy (several kinds), post toasties, puffed wheat, almonds, etc. I hadn't had any pork and beans for several months and I am so fond of them. My garden is just coming up fine and being the first one I ever raised, I am "thrilled to a peanut." I visit them several times a day and imagine I can see them growing. They don't have a garden at the farm any more so we have to raise vegetables or do without.

I sold my wheel for I did not like it and it would just go bad standing around. It did not hurt me to ride, but made me nervous, and I had much rather walk. We have another car, rather a truck, on Luebo now and it won't be so hard to get around, perhaps.

Rowena and Kemp came in today after a pleasant stay at the lake. Kemp is going back to Bulape this P. M. to help Mr. Smith with the car. He has to take Miss Mclaren home. She went to Mutoto to take Nina's place while she was at the pool with Gilliams. (Nina is Miss Farmer.)

The great problem of education of missionary children which was to be brought up at Mission Meeting has for the time at least been settled by Mutoto station ladies. Miss Miller is to be matron, Mrs. Crane head teacher, a highly educated lady, and Mrs. Smith to help with teaching with Miss Edwards to teach sewing. It seems like a fine thing, but I don't think it will mean much for anyone except Mutoto station. Some say they will send their children, but knowing missionaries as I do, it's got to be proved first.

I can't even decide what I would do. I hope I shall never have to decide for myself.

Sept. 22. Your letters Aug 1st and 8th came last night after I was in bed. Was sorry to hear of Mike's death, and I know this kind of thing does make you somewhat discouraged, but you must remember Mike has always been rather a sorry fellow and marrying Tone Johnson's daughter and leaving the village was not good for him. They generally get into trouble when they leave that way. It seems to me that tuberculosis has lost its hold to some extent in the Village, for which you should be thankful, but I suppose there always will be some.

Was so glad to hear that Stella and John had bought the McKee place. I do hope they will be living there when we come back home. Oh! I know you will enjoy having Stella there--how much much better than the other folks. But I guess I should not express how glad I am that they are gone.

It seems a pity to me that you had to go back to Kerrville rather than to Abilene with the folks where you haven't been for years. I can't remember if you ever lived there or not. Of course I, am glad that folks want to hear you and of course it will be good for your work. I'd love to go with you, but I'm mighty glad I haven't your job. I read this pamphlet that was printed for Home Mission Sunday at our last ladies meeting. They all seemed to enjoy it and have read the newspaper clippings, too. That is some have. Have you duplicates of these clippings, for I fear I have lost one. The one that has Celice's picture on it. I don't see how you can be discouraged about your work when others see the grand work you are doing. All one can do is to teach them the best one can, then if they fail, it could not be your fault, but as you say, the Father's will.

The package Crane's brought will not likely reach me for 2 or 3 months. I could just cry, for I must go to work at once and make Max some clothes, suits this time. I have gotten a pattern from Marietta that fits him. I don't mind it so much for I have already made one nice suit and the start is all I needed, still to think those people went to work and made them for me and I'll not be able to use them. I'll have no trouble getting rid of them, however.

Where do Watson and Cullen live? and has Cassie any more children? Do Zinnias seed, if so send me a few in a little envelope next time you write. I mean off yours, just to see if they will come up out here.

I had a list of people for you to send pictures to. I kind of hate to ask you but I know no other way unless you send them to me and by the time they got back to them, they would be out of date terribly. Did you send a picture to the people who sent us that box? If not, please send one. I'll find the address and send it to you.

I have Nettie's baby book. I did not realize I had it.

If there are any of those people you would not send to, scratch them off and if there are others that you think would like one, by all means put them on--but please send me the number of people you sent to.

I got me some beautiful white shoes at the pool. They are high heeled and B.M. doesn't much like that but we are both pleased with them, for they are so much better than we had expected to get.

My rose voile is very becoming and I like it better the more I wear it. The dress that everyone likes best on the station and brags on every time I wear it is the white dress with ruffles that Mrs. Tucker made. Ruffles and fussy dresses are certainly my type. The very idea of my being out with you about the dresses you send. I can't get over it. Please tell me a single dress that you have made or had made for me that I have not liked.

Lots of love,

Dorothy

Congo (152) Luebo, Congo 9/5/1926 [DCS]

Luebo

Sept. 5, 1926

Dear homefolks:

Your last two letters written at Kerrville and one after your return home reached us yesterday. They were so interesting and made me long to be with you. I was so sorry to hear Daddy was not well. I can hardly remember Daddy's ever being sick. I am so glad he is not going to try to keep his other appointments this winter. I do hope he will try to take care of himself. I love my daddy more every day I live and realize what a really good man he is. Mrs. Vinson wrote a letter to Mr. Craig and said to tell me that they thought so much of you both and what charming, consecrated people you were. Well! of course I knew that before, but it's nice to have folks tell you so. I had said to B. M. when I heard the Vinsons were in Kerrville that I wondered how you would like each other, for knowing Mrs. Vinson better than you, I know she can be a snob when she wants to and can also be the most pleasant person I ever met. That runs in their family. Do you remember how the Whartons acted the year we were in Kerrville together? They had a tent very near to ours and hardly even spoke to us. They are just as nice to us now that you can be. I believe I could have been good friends to Mrs. V. if it hadn't been for Mrs. Stixrud, or if things had been as they are now. I am very sorry you didn't get to know Mr. Allen better. He is more my idea of what a real missionary should be in every respect than most any man I know out here. There is something abbut him that reminds me of daddy, perhaps it's only because he is little.

I have just mailed you a long letter, but I wanted to write you while your letters are new. I will likely get the package from Cranes tomorrow. Georgia got me a pair of white shoes at the pool that I needed badly. I was not able to get any white dress shoes at the time I left America. She says they are very pretty, but I have not seen them yet. With so

Many pretty dresses now, I had to have shoes to match. I am liking my dress we got in New York much better than I did. I got turned against it some way, one thing was I feared it was too dressy for a missionary. At the time I bought it they were not wearing sleeves and I couldn't get a thing with sleeves along the line I wanted so I bought some net and lace to match my dress and had some puff sleeves made in Brussels. It cost about $35.00. It was a georgette with pink flowers and a dark pink slip under with hooped skirts. It took on the Belgium boat, but when I got to Kinshasa at the Mission house, I wore it one evening when I was invited out to dinner and as I came through the dining room, Mrs. Stonelake exclaimed, "My word, are you going to a dance?" If you could see the way she dressed you would not be surprised that puffed net sleeves and hooped skirts would shock her. Anyway, it got my goat. I was miserable all evening and didn't wear that dress for six months, I reckon. When I did wear it again, I was back at Luebo and even Mrs. Stixrud who very seldom says anything about people's clothes said it was one of the prettiest dresses she ever saw, and Rowena thinks Lucille tried to copy it to some extent. I shortened it yesterday and it looks much better. I got lots of compliments on it last night at a dinner Marietts S. gave for the Cranes and Worths. There were about 33 there. Several from the other stations are here. Some on visit, some have come to get the ones off the Lapsley and some after their cars. There were 3 Fords, 1 Dodge, and 2 trucks (Fords) on the Lapsley for the station this time, only one for Luebo, a truck for Stegall. I let Sankie have my "Uke." It came unglued like my other one did and besides it had that big hole on the side. I will get me another, perhaps, sometime. Steg has fixed it up for her and I am going to teach her to play it.

I was glad to hear from Aunt Lutie. I wrote to her in the last mail.

The dress I got in Terrell has lasted well. It is still pretty and I wear it when the weather is cool. I never got any good out of it much until I started to Congo. I never went anywhere to wear it hardly. I am certainly going to have a good time when I get home next time. I don't mean I did not have a good time; I enjoyed being at home,but I am going to dress up and go somewhere and perhaps I won't have to leave a crying baby behind. I never held Max when I wore that dress.

Some more dresses by Washborns!! I fear I put my need as being too great, but one can hardly get too many, I suppose. I thank you more than I can tell, but I know you are spending too much of your hard-earned money on us.

I shall write to Aunt Nannie thanking her for getting the toys for me and also the trousers for B. M.

You certainly were good about writing to me while you were in Kerrville. I know how hard it is to write letters at a place like that, at least I always get so interested in having a good time I don't like to write to anyone. You must not be forgetting me very much. I hope we can be at Kerrville with you in two years.

I'll write some more in the morning when I get my things. I had the Worths and Miss Liston for dinner. Miss Liston is here for a visit and rest.

B. M. ordered Max one of the Montgomery Wards Xmas stockings in their sale catalog. It won't likely get here for this Xmas, but we will have it for next year. Did you get a catalog? We thought it was a bargain.

Love to you all,

Dorothy

Dear Folks:

Crane's things did not all get here from Bene McKima, so now the box that has my things in it must first go to Mutato by caravan, and then come back to me. Am I not having a time getting them. I almost cried for I am sure Max won't be able to wear any of his rompers. I don't mind about the dresses so much for I can wear them no matter when they come. I have enough dresses to last me until I get ready to go home, thanks to you.

Love,

Dorothy

Congo (151) Luebo, Congo 8/16/1926 [DCS]

Luebo

Sun. Aug. 16, 1926

Dearest Mother and Daddy:

It's likely by the time this reaches you Aunt Nennie will be with you again so of course she is included when I write to homefolks.

I have been waiting to write as the plane came in yesterday and I have been expecting a letter from you every minute but the mail closes at noon so I must at least begin your letter.

Max has been standing by me as I write. He has in the last few days learned to call you grandmama with the same pronunciation on the mama as when Joe used to use it for Aunt Hon. I have told him that I am writing to you and he points to me and says mama and then to the paper and says grandmama. I am longing for the time when he shall know you are more than a piece of paper. He has had measles as I believe B. M. wrote you, while Dr. Stix said it was only a very light case, it was enough to bring him down considerably, but I weighed him yesterday and he has gained it all back with a little on top. He weighs very nearly 27 1/2 and his mother weighs 91 1/2. I am feeling fine, though, and as long as I feel well I do not worry. I believe about 89 must be my normal weight for Congo.

August, as you know, is a very eventful month with us. The station celebrated our wedding anniversary by bringing over supper on the evening of the third as a surprise to us. It was certainly a grand supper and delightful affair. Everyone seemed to have a good time. After eating we played and sang and then a few tricks from different people. The music wasn't much as I guess I told you that Miss Edwards could not fix the piano and I seldom try to play only to practice a little. The notes are so badly off that I can't tell if I am hitting the right note or not.

Rowena is to have a party for Max on his birthday down at her house.

I wonder if you and Daddy painted the house. That seems like a mighty big job for you two to attempt. How is Daddy? I do hope he will take care of himself this next winter. It's so hard for him to realize that he can't do the things he used to. Does he still go to Camden and Moscow?

I am interested in Camp Ruby. There are so many people there. Have they any kind of religious services and is it likely they will be out there long? The Indians must have lost a lot on cars. It's good that they can stay at home and don't have far to go to work. I am anxious to see more Louisiana Indians come in as that would likely stop some of your troubles among the boys and girls which certainly is a terrible one.

The ladies are having a tennis court of their own made out in front of our house just across the path and I am hoping to play more. I feel that tennis is a little too hard for me to play all the time but I am going to playa good deal.

We expect the Lapsley in about two weeks so the next time I write I hope to be able to tell you how everything fits.

I am trying to get a letter off to Aunt Lutie in this mail. I have put off answering her letter so long. I am telling her that if we can't get a boat straight from Europe to Galveston we are going to go by St. Louis to Lexington for a few days. I got to thinking the other day and I am anxious to visit Lexington and see my old acquaintances there. We have heard something about a route from Europe to Galveston and if we could make any kind of connections that way and if you all could come to Galveston to meet us, it would mean a lot to us. It's a mighty long time ahead to plan but we have stayed almost half our time already.

B. M. has been appointed to go to Mission Meeting at Bulape in Oct. and I may go with him, but have not decided yet.

Must close with lots of love,

Dorothy

Congo (150) Luebo, Congo 7/25/1926 [DCS]

Luebo

July 25, 1926

Dearest homefolks:

The long looked for package came at last. When one thing happens on Luebo station everything happens at once. This has been some upset station for the past two weeks. First Petis came in from Bilanga to meet the McKees, then Gilliams and Miss Farmer. Miss Farmer is to go as far as Matadi to take care of Mrs. G.; they never expect to return to Congo. Most of us have felt all along that Mrs. G. was most too rich and high society for a missionary; however, she is really very sick and had to go home. I don't know whether I told you, but she and Mr. G. are cousins and their baby has never been any too well. He looks much better than before, though. They only stayed a day or two and caught a state boat for the pool. Dr. King who brought them from Mutoto stayed to take Miss Edwards back as that is to be her station until Mission Meeting. Then we are expecting several changes in placing of missionaries. Miss Edwards is a Dallas girl and we like her very much. She did not bring much news as she has been away from Texas almost as long as we have, and has been studying French in Belgium. She was the one we were hoping could tune the piano, but she says there are parts worn that could not be easily gotten. Her father is a piano tuner.

Next came the Lapsley and the many preparations for the wedding. I was on the committee for church decorations. The wedding was in the unfinished church and much decoration was necessary to make it possible. But next I want to tell you about the things you sent, for they reached me before the wedding.

Only the package you sent by Ankers came, to my sorrow, for I fear the rompers will never fit Max when they arrive. We hope they are coming with the Cranes who are to come up on the next trip of the Lapsley about the first of Sept, but we have heard nothing to that effect. Such is Congo! I am sure the Allens did the best they could and we do feel so sorry for Mrs. A. I understand that they still hope to return to Congo after several years.

I have reread all your old letters for several months back this A. M. to find out all you said about the things that were in this package, but find that the main letter has gotten misplaced or destroyed. I remember all the main things, I think, except the price. I believe I have written you this before, but I am so distressed, but you know I never was good on remembering the price of anything. I believe you said Miss Cassie got the old rose voile in Houston. It is a beauty, I think, and just what I wanted. I wore it to the wedding and felt so dressed up. The scarf set me off, too, for it is a beauty. I happened to have a very sore throat that morning and it was cold and damp, so it certainly did come in fine. The dress Nettie made up is a little too small, but believe me, I can't let a pretty dress like that go to waste. I took the two pieces for belts that you sent and put them around the bottom to make it longer and I had some satin ribbon that I tipped with some of the dress material, (a small crap that was sent). It looks pretty well with the band around the bottom and I have sun dresses fixed that way in the Delineator. Everyone thinks it is pretty and looks we'll on me. The tie is so pretty, and it is not noticeable that it is small across the shoulders, unless one observes closely. It is just made beautifully. It certainly is good to get new dresses every now and then. I have been so fortunate, for I got those two white dresses for the wedding when I needed them so badly and then these two new for the wedding when others came out in new clothes and I still have two more to look forward to. As far as I personally am concerned, I am glad all four dresses didn't come together so as to divide the happiness.

I am crazy about the luncheon set and am going to use it for the first time down at Rowena's tomorrow evening. She is to have everyone down there to a dinner welcoming the bride and groom back from the lake house. The dinner is to be served on small tables, four at each table, and my set is just what she needs. I may let her use my other one, also.

We made cakes up here yesterday morning. Jean came down to help us. Then yesterday afternoon, I made what they call a "Tennis Lawn Cake"--it is something like the 1-2-3-4 cake--and iced it after supper. It just came out beautifully. I wish you could have a piece for I know you would be surprised that Dorothy could do so well. B. M. is so pleased that I am trying to cook more. I sent half of it to Jean, for she is always sending us something good to eat.

The rompers were just the right size for Max and he can still grow to them some. They looked practically new to me and I am sure he will wear them for several months. I have a pattern of romper or rather, a suspender suit. It fastens over the shoulders and is worn with a jumper underneath--I can't remember what we used to call them--that suits Max so well. I make all his everyday and Sunday clothes by it. It is easy to make, too.

Georgia's wedding went off very smoothly. The day before they were married over here, they had the state wedding. They were married here at 7:30, had breakfast afterwards, composed of creamed chicken, rolls, coffee, and cake. Then Dr. Stix took them to the Bulape lake. A day or two after, they came back from the lake, Georgia got a wire telling of the death of her father. While she had been expecting this news for years, it was a great blow to her. We did not have the station supper for her planned by Rowena. She has a ham, and we are invited to help eat it tonight.

Now some good news for us. However, not very good for Mr. Priest at having to go home on account of the severe illness of his daughter's husband. His lungs were hurt during the war and is gradually dying from T. B. Mr. Priest has to go home to take care of his daughter and two small children, neither of which he has ever seen. Mr. Priest came out as we went home and is a businessman. He has been at Bibanga and I understand he only came to stay for one term and paid all his expenses. I never met him until yesterday, but got interested in him at once. He is a Texan, says he met Daddy at Kerrville and is from Austin and knows B. M.'s people there well. His grandfather was a Presbyterian preacher at Woodville forty years ago. Oh well, he is very interesting. He ate dinner with us today and is to take your beads to you. I am in a hurry, so goodbye.

Lots of love,

Dorothy

P. S. Air service is very irregular, so if you don't get letters when you think you should, that's the reason.--Dot

P. S. The "Lapsley" leaves on Friday and we are sending this down by that way, altho they expect the airplane this evening or tomorrow. As the air service is uncertain just now due to accidents, we are sending some mail down by the "Lapsley." But if the airplane comes on time, and we get mail out on that, it will reach you before this one. If your air service fails, you will then realize that there is considerable difference! There is a tremendous difference on this end.

Congo (149) Luebo, Congo 7/20/1926 [BMS]

Luebo, July 20, 1926

Dear Folks:

The airplane mail has been a matter of considerable uncertainty of late. It was due on Tuesday of this week, but did not arrive until yesterday afternoon. However, we were quite happy to see it, for our mail comes so much quicker that way. Max always enjoys looking at the plane as it passes, for the route is almost over our compound, generally it passes about a mile to the east of us, but often right over the station.

Max has had a little spell of sickness; he had fever for several days with all the symptoms of measles, and especially as they have been making the rounds of nearly all the missionary children on the station. Wednesday moming he had a rash on his body, which Dr. Stix pronounced measles. However, it certainly was an exceedingly light case, for it was barely perceptible. And the day he had this sign, he was better than he had been for several days, practically no fever and playing around on the porch all day! So there you are, take your choice. He is as well as ever now, and as happy and cheerful; he has a slight cold. There has been an epidemic of a strong cold amongst all of us. Most of the other children were quite sick with the measles; the Stegall and Stixrud babies especially.

Dorothy asks that you please send Eva Handley (that was) one of the best pictures of Max, the one you like, of Max in his chair with the tennis racket. The second set of those pictures, some taken at Lusambo, came in this mail. Will you please give us some idea of how many of these pictures you have had made for us. Also, please advise how much they cost per print. If we are not able to reimburse you for the pictures we send, we will not feel free to send them. Unfortunately we have lost count on this end.

I don't believe we wrote you about the Gilliams' departure (Dorothy says she wrote you). Mr. Priest is leaving us just now. She has also written you about that. Otherwise, life is moving along about as usual with us. The next big event to look forward to is the Mission Meeting at Bulape, the first part of October. As it is so close, no doubt several from Luebo will go up.

Our pigeons are still doing well, and we are beginning to enjoy some squabs. Besides the fruit, we enjoy working with them; they are very interesting, hardworking little creatures.

Mr. Savels and family will be Jeaving for furlough in November, so they have decided. Then the Stixruds will follow the first of the year, and the Stegalls , also, and Miss Headen.

Will try to write more news of interest another time, but folks had almost given up the plane this trip, so we sent you a letter by the "Lapsley," which is leaving Bana Makima posts one day down river, today, but will not reach Kin in time to get the mail off on the boat in just now, and which boat is due to leave Matadi Aug. 2nd.

With love to all.

B.M.

Congo (148) Luebo, Congo 6/20/1926 [DCS]

Luebo

June 20, 1926

Dear homefolks:

It’s time for the air mail again. but we hear that there is a possibility of its not coming on time this time, as we hear one fell on its way back to the pool. I'm hoping it will come in today, however.

Rowena & Kemp started on a months trip to the out stations, but Rowena had to come in on account of a sprained ligament in her arm and has been having to wear her right arm in a sling. She is eating with us and I have been helping take care of her. I comb her hair and do the things that a native can't do. However, she is practically over it now and does most anything she wants to. I believe I told you how badly she wants a baby; well, she worries lots more about it this time than last, so the other day a baby came into the hospital whose mother had died-one of our elder's babies. so she took it to raise~ The child was nearly starved and looked awful, but seems to be doing better since it's getting food. I'm helping her with it some and have given her some of Max's old clothes for it.

We heard yesterday that Mrs. V. A. Anderson was not'expected to live at Bibanga and that Dr. Kelly had sent for Dr. Cousar. She has uremic poisoning and they had to take the baby one month early. The baby was still living and Mrs. McLeroy was nursing it and her baby too. but Mrs.' Anderson was unconscious the last time we heard. It seems the trouble had affected her heart. I think we have so little trouble of this kind to have so many babies. It's likely if she dies that some lady will have to go home with Andy and help him with the children-there are three. I think probably Miss Fontaine would offer; she is at Bibanga now, you know.

Later. The plane came in. The mail hasn't come across yet

I have been entertaining for supper at least once or twice a week. Generally Rowena, Jean, and I put our food together at least once a week and then I invite others on the station. I seem to be hearing from all sides what a good dinner I had the other evening when I invited all the club-Miss Black, Headen, McKay and Miss McLarren (nurse from Bulape), Mr. Craig, and McMurry. That made eight in all and I had a big dinner. I served hot biscuit, vegetable soup, prune salad-prunes stuffed with cheese and garnished with green pimentos and lettuce, and, of course. mayonnaise-I had a big duck and dressing arranged on a plate and garnished with parsley, macaroni and cheese, tinned English peas, sweet potatoes cooked in oven in round patties with meringue on top. My dessert was apricot gelatin, whipped cream, and cake (yellow cake with chocolate icing.) Jean's cook makes the cake. It was a good dinner and I seem to have made quite a reputation!! My table needs varnish so I am having to use my table doths at the present, but I am going to varnish it in a day or two, I hope. That night I used the linen one you crocheted for me when I married and a centerpiece I got in Tenerife as I came back. Another thing I have done lately was to make some delicious doughnuts and I sent a few to Jean and the club. Of course, I know people are nice to tell you things are good when you send them something, but I do think they were good. I have had three good messes of butter beans out of my garden the last week or two and we have enjoyed them so much. I have made me several pillow tops with colored thread and (?) Madibra(?)

I hope by the next time I write I can tell you about the things you sent me.

We are doing well in the squab business, but have not begun to eat them yet There are 50 grown birds. 12 almost grown that we have raised, and 24 squabs and 5 or 6 nests of eggs. I may write more when your letters come this evening.

Love to you all,

Dorothy

P.S.

Air mail came yesterday and one letter from you. The other with the pictures (registered) came this A.M. We think most of them good and it makes me want to take some more right away. The one on the step does not look a bit like Max. I believe your selections were mine and would be most peoples. I did not like the one in chair that looks so big at all. I came near discarding it before I sent neg. It looks ghostly to me. It is plain and shows his body well. B. M. likes it. The back views are precious. I am very much surprised at Fox Co. selection. They are not plain and the steps look hideous.

I still have the same nurse boy for Max and he is good to him. I am having to have someone watch him all the time now for he can open the gate and walk right out into the sun. He came clear around the house at 10:30 today to me on the back porch and nearly scared the gizzard out of me. It didn't seem to hurt him, and I don't think the sun hurts children as it does grown people.

I'd love to see your new dresses. I got a letter from Lucille Wilds at the pool saying they had a large package for us that the Ankers brought. I am still wondering what has become of my other things, but I believe Allens would have written you again if they didn't send them by the party they were to come with. This party reached Matadi on the boat that brought these last letters.

Yes, I got picture of Max with his nurse, but if that is the one you call good, I pity you. Surely you did not send that picture to all our·friends. If so, please send one of these last good ones to correct the error!!

I have already written thanking Nettie for James' picture.

Give my best wishes to Miss Foster and tell her that anyone that is my mother's friend is mine, too..

Lots of love to all,

Dorothy

Congo (147) Luebo, Congo 5/31/1926 [DCS]

Luebo,

May 31,1926

My dear homefolks:

I can hardly believe that tomorrow is time to look for the mail again; it seems such a short time since last time. I know I am going to make a mess of this letter for I am full of quinine and as shaky as can be. You know I said I wasn't going to take quinine every day, but wait until I begin to feel bad , so night before last I had a slight chill and a little fever all night, so Dr. Stix has me on a course of quinine. I went to see him this A. M. and he took my blood and says I am normal. I mean by that not anemic, only a little malaria, he thinks. I am doing pretty well for Congo this time. One reason is that I am contented now and Max is so well.

Mary Morrison had an operation last Fri. She was very badly torn when Helen came and had never been repaired. She is getting along unusually well, they say. Dr. Stix is a splendid surgeon, we all think.

The Lapsley was delayed, so of course Georgia had to postpone her wedding. Her trousseau came the other day from home and it is a beauty.

Dry season is on in earnest and everything has to be watered that we want to live.

There have been several things that I wanted to write you about, but I forget to in every letter. I brought your powder puff away on purpose, but soon after I left home, I found I had both yours and mine. I had bought me a supply of powder puffs to bring with me and I was so sorry to find that I had brought yours, too. Also I have regretted many times bringing the oil cloth table set that was sent to you. I must have seemed a hog. Have you ever varnished your table on top? I should have been giving you some sets instead of taking yours. I realize things like that always after I have done them. The hair brush you gave me is splendid. It's the only brush I have that I can brush Max's hair well with. It’s so good and stiff. I use it on my own, too.

Did you find my glass candle sticks after I left? I got four for my stable when we have company and then forgot to pack them. At least I suppose we didn't lose them on the way.

Mrs. Cleveland, King, McElroy, Miller all have new boys. Those expecting: Dorothy A, Mrs. Earl King, Smith, Anderson (Bibanga). I suppose you have heard the sad news that Mrs. Allen has T. B. and they may never get to Congo again. I wonder if they sent my things by Longeneckers. I don't think you need fear to send small packages through the mail. Even Ga's expensive wedding things came through O. K. Don't send through Kiam. It pays to be safe.

I am writing congratulating the new mothers around Kiam. I hope you don't mind. Mother, unless they did you or your work harm, I don't feel like ignoring them for they have been good to me in the past and Ruby even came to see me several times when I was at home. They may have been egged on to saying things they should not. Please write me what you think.

I may have a chance to answer your letters when they come, but there isn't any more news for the time being.

Love to all,

Dot

Later. Your letter came and it's always a thrill to get one. Glad you are all well again and am wondering what your plans are for the summer. You didn't say a word about it. I'd love to be with you, but am not "hankering” after any more trips for a while. I imagine there will be a large party coming home in the spring (next), and if I get anemic and not feeling well, I may come with them, but I feel now as if I could stay three years.

I too am a strong believer in physical exercise, but it seems that I can never get started to doing them. I suppose I needn't to have said that though as I know you and B. M. both make fun of me for saying it. But I may fool you someday.

The Lapsley is again delayed as they are still on the slip. Longeneckers were delayed again on account of one of their children developing measles before they were supposed to sail. They came on the next boat and likely the Lapsley will wait for them at the pool. I do hope they are bringing the things you sent to Allens as all Max's clothes will be too small otherwise.

I am sorry Hickman could not stay at Gerlachs for I felt that he was somewhat settled there. Who is starting the wholesale house. Anyone I know?

As to the Ferguson brooch, I am sorry she lost it, but I never felt that concerned me personally.

I must write some more letters so goodbye. I want to tell you again how cute Max is. Your picture is on the piano and most every evening before I put him in bed, I show him that picture and try to get him to say "grandmother," so if he doesn't know about you; it won't be my fault. One of the cute things he does is when he hears anyone say "let's have the blessing, he pulls my hand over his eyes and says "head" then he keeps just as still while the blessing is being asked.

Love to you all,

Dorothy

Our vine is beginning to come over the frame on our porch. (It was cut down while we were away.) It makes an entirely different place to have it sheltered by the vine, as it is on the west side. The dry season will no doubt delay it some, but it is coming alone nicely.

We are just now beginning to get some results from our pigeons. They are improving rapidly now, and we hope to have some meat before long. We both enjoy watching and caring for them. They are interesting creatures.