Congo (170) Luebo, Congo 11/22/1927 [BMS]

Luebo, Nov. 22, 1927

Dear Folks:

It has been a few weeks since I have written you, as Dorothy generally gives you all the eventful news, at least I often take that as an excuse. I don't always add a few lines.

Dorothy is no doubt writing to you about our plans for going to Lake Nkamba. I will not dwell at length on that. The main reason for our going at this time is that I am going with Dr. King over to Wembo Nyama to see the eye specialist who is there, and the Shives want to go on a vacation, had so planned, and it will be quite convenient for Dorothy to go along. We will probably not be away more than ten days, or two weeks. You will remember that we were out at Nkarnba (Mu Nkamba, the natives call the Lake) just a year ago. We will know for certain after this trip, as to whether we will be coming home in the near future or not. My own opinion is that it would hardly be advisable for me to stay much longer than we have been planning, that is, some time in February. However, we hope to be able to write you more definitely in a couple of weeks, which is by the next air mail after this one.

I have been passing through a little difficulty with one of my teeth which decided to grow an abscess at the root. Mr. Wilds treated it, that is, opened it through the nerve root, on Sunday afternoon, and yesterday, it pained me considerably all day. He drained it again last night, so today it is considerably better, and I feel it scarcely at all, except that my face is a bit swollen. So the worst is no doubt ever. I have had such good health out here, both this term, and the previous ones, that I certainly can't complain along that line; of course, excepting my eyes. In fact, all three of us have been in good health.

The Mission Meeting has now been a thing of the past so long that it hardly seems important enough to write you about. The most important actions taken were those in regard to Self-government and Self-support of the Native Church. This is with the aim of placing in the hands of the native leaders, and of the Native Church, as much responsibility as they are capable of assuming. This will not be done by one step, but will be undertaken gradually. First, a group of native congregations that will assume the responsibility of expenses, will be enabled to call their native pastor, and elect their elders, deacons, etc. (It is seldom that anyone native Village has the Christian population or the means to support a pastor, so it will be done by a grup (or a section, we call it). Of course, all this is under the superintendence of the Mission. Then when two or more of these groups have taken this step, they will be able to form their Presbytery. Of course, this sounds very small to you folks who are used to all these things, but it means a big advance to us. Then other things in connection with this are along the following lines; No native pastor is to be ordained in the future, except as he is called by a group of native churches; the same with native elders. Heretofore we have ordained these officers on the various stations as they were found to be capable of holding the position. You will note the matter of self-support included in the condition when a church calls its pastor. This, as you can readily see, will mean a great step forward, and we believe will be the means of increasing our native gifts many-fold.

The missionaries' furloughs are nine months from the time they land in New York till they are to sail from that place.

Another matter was the placing of the "Central School" for missionary children at Lubondai. A teacher from the States is on the way out, at Kinshasa now, we presume. Miss Mclaren, the nurse at Lubondai, is to be temporary matron. Lubondai is supposed to be the most central point This is quite a serious question out here, as there are a number of the children of school age, and more coming to that stage before long.

I can't think of anything else of importance that would interest you, but will be able to give more details when the minutes are printed.

Dr. King has just returned from Bulape, where they rejoiced over the arrival of the latest Member of the Mission, young James Allen Wharton; all doing well. This is their seventh child, two having died out here. Mr. Wharton had a right serious spell just as Dr. King was leaving, some intestinal trouble, but he is quite well again. I don't remember whether I wrote you about it, but in April, 1925, at the Ad Interim Meeting at Mutato, he had a similar spell.

I have been reading the "Life of David Livingston," by Blaikie, and it has made quite an impression on me. A remarkable story of a remarkable life. Also the life of William Carey, first English missionary to India. it is unfortunate that more of us don't read these biographies, as they are inspiring. We just don't have time these days to do "anything" as the saying is (that, or like, we should).

With love to all.

As ever,

B.M.

Congo (169) Luebo, Congo 11/3/1927 [DCS]

Luebo

Nov. 3, 1927

Dearest homefolks:

The mission left it up to the doctors about B.M.'s eyes and whether we go home in Feb., so you see it is uncertain. It looks to me as if they are trying to keep us from going. B.M. is sure his eyes can't stand it, but he has such a strong conviction about resigning, I don't know what we will do. B.M. has had trouble with his eyes for over 1 1/2 years now, and I was anxious for us to go home several months ago. The mission says if the doctors think 2 or 3 months rest would do any good, to take it, preferably away from Luebo. I can't imagine any place out here I would enjoy staying 2 or 3 months and I will not be happy if I have to stay over. Of course, the doctors have not had any meeting yet. Dr. King is at Bulape and wants B.M. to go back with them to Mutoto and from there to the M.E.C.M. to a lady occulist. We don't know a thing about her, only she had not brought her outfit saying she wanted to look conditions over first. It is certainly a suspense to me. I have everything I need for going home and most of Max's clothes made. Even a few months would make a difference in my outfit. However I am still planning on Feb. until I hear otherwise.

I bought a white wool chambray dress trimmed in red buttons from a woman across the river who is outgrowing her clothes. It's a beauty, almost new, for about $5, and I bought a cape from Mrs. Dax this A.M. for $5.50. It's also pretty, a light gray trimmed in orange braid, the very thing I need for a spring wrap and on the boat. I notice from my McCall's Oct. issue that capes are in again.

I just can't write any more. I am all upset as I always am when I have to buy clothes.

I love you,

Dot

Congo (168) Luebo, Congo 10/18/1927 [DCS]

Luebo

Oct. 18, 1927

Dearest homefolks:

Your two long letters were a joy after not having any from you last mail. I understand why, since your letters last night. I am so glad you took that trip and had such a good time. Hope we can make a trip of some kind in a car next summer, for I have never made one any distance. Wish we could plan one with Hickman, Nettie & James. But that's too far ahead yet. You don't tell me about them any more. I would like to know if Hickman is still working at Snelling's. Nettie hasn't written me for a long time, either. Hasn't written a word about the toys' price or anything. I am glad you have hopes of better roads. If we don't have to go after the mail anymore, I guess we will go to Livingston a lot.

B.M. will take care of his eyes, I think. I wanted to go before the winter months; now it's too late. We don't think Feb. too early to leave here. That puts us in Belgium about the last of March. I have been thinking along the lines of B.M.'s teaching French for some time. He does not think he could spend two years in study at this time in his life. Of course we will have to see later.

Lucille wrote me she was going to Terrell to be treated. I do not believe from what Lucille wrote me in her last letter that they are in bad circumstances. Of course Mr. R. could have lost in some way. But Lucille wrote that Mr. R. had built her a nice house in a nice section near a good school. That was several months ago, though. Some way, I got it into my mind that Mr. White was dead. Isn't that awful, and when you wrote of Mr. & Mrs. White, I certainly had a funny feeling. I thought Mrs. White was in Fla. with Aunt Lottie. I suppose you wrote if Mr. W. died she would go there, and I took it for granted! !

Mother, Aunt Lutie wrote how sorry she was that she had not been able to see us when we were home last time and asked us to come. You see, I know how Uncle Kent does when he goes to see her. We would only be there a day or two and we would go to a hotel. You need not worry about that. I am just as welcome at Lex. even if she has no home to entertain us in as at Aunt Hons. She knows I understand that. If we were to be there a week or more, it would be different. As to K.C., I agree with you heartily. We will manage not to spend a night, but hurriedly pass through. We will go up to Uncle Jim's office and for a few minutes call at the house, if convenient. B.M. is much interested in pigeons, and that is one of the biggest centers in the south. We must spend some of our time seeing them, I am sure.

[Evidently the rest of this letter is missing.]

Congo (167) Luebo, Congo 10/16/1927 [DCS]

Oct. 16, 1927 8:30 A.M.

Dearest homefolks:

I am a bad hand for a pen, but I want to write to Nettie and Rubye today and I have a lot to write you, too, so excuse me this time.

I got my package from the Allens about two weeks or more ago, but I kept waiting to write for I thought I'd get your package you said you were sending for Xmas. I got only the Xmas things from Nettie and there weren't any tree decorations. Now I have forgotten what I told Nettie about decorations. I thought I asked her to send them, but I may have written later and told her not to and intended to order them myself. Anyhow, I got mixed up, I reckon, and I'll have to do the best I can on nothing. The things she sent for the children were lovely and it was certainly sweet of her to take so much trouble. I will be sick if your package is lost. I have written the Allens about it and expect to hear in a few days. I waited too long to write about it, but I was afraid they had trunks they hadn't opened and I did not want to hurry them. She has been in bed once since they came. It seems foolish for her to come back to Congo to me, but she may get along all right. I did not get a letter in the last mail, the only real mail that has come since I have been in Congo without my getting at least one letter from you. I guess it was delayed some way and probably you told me about the package. You might try to trace it if you know nothing about it.

I have been doing an unusual amount of entertaining lately, and I am so tired of it. The Dr. Kings and five children are here now going through to Bulape. They are going to be with Mrs. Wharton at the birth of her baby. Mrs. Longenecker expects hers in January. You know she nearly died when her last baby came. Dr. King is one person I never mind entertaining. I'd entertain him every day to keep him here. Max is in excellent health at present. He passed a round worm yesterday, but the treatment for them is not bad, they say. I am surprised he hasn't gotten more worms. He talks about Grandmother and Granddaddy a lot, but the most interesting thing about you to him is that you have a car. I have told him that some day we are going on a boat to see you. A boat blew down at the river this A.M. and he asked if we were going to see you. I wish we were!! B.M.'s eyes are not any better, but we don't feel that we can go home in Mid-winter. We have written to mission meeting, which is in session now at Lubondai to go home in Feb. We are planning on leaving here about the middle of the month. Don't be uneasy if you hear we are coming sooner. We had intended to go to M.M., but for the last month or more, B.M. has been expecting to go to a lady oculist about a day from Lusambo in a car at the Methodist Mission at Wyimbo Nyama, but she has written that she is not prepared to fit lenses.

We have been asked to stay over this next year to take the Cleveland's place at Lubondai, but we could not think of it for more reasons than one. Don't mention this, please, to anyone. B.M. 's eyes are one reason, of course.

I don't know how things are going to be with you this winter. I hope I’m not asking too much, but I should certainly like to have about two dresses ready for me when I get out home. Some of the others said their people had them some dresses ready and it was such a pleasure to shed their old ones-and since I'm not planning to get anything new for the trip, I know it would be fine. Now all I want is for you to select the material and a way to make them. My idea is a rather nice dress (silk) to wear in the car when I go places, say to Livingston, Midway, or around in the neighborhood, and a gingham or two for around the house when I want to dress a little. Something like that olive gingham of yours with all-over embroidery you had when I was at home. Miss Cassie might be willing to select me the silk sometime when she goes to Houston and Mrs. Tucker said she would be glad to sew for me when I needed it. Of course, things may have changed with her. That was when I first came out, but you could perhaps get it made in Livingston. Mrs. Tucker certainly did my dresses reasonably when I came out, but I would like for you to select some way to make them, if you have time. Remember, I still like ruffles and frills, if they are wearing them. The dresses you have been sending me have fitted nicely, so you need not worry about that. I do not expect to be any bigger. Since I use a little coloring on my face, the color of the dress does not seem to make much difference.

I am anxious to know what you are going to do this winter. You know we may be home the last of March or the first of April if we make good connections. We still expect to go by to see Aunt Lutie, but that won't take but three or four days more. We have not decided just how much traveling we will do in Europe, either.

I guess we still have lots of time to write you things, but remember you can write us along the way at the Queen's Hotel, Antwerp, or Latham Hotel, New York. At the Latham especially I'd Iike to have a letter telling us where you think it best for us to come-to Warren, Woodville, or Livingston. Livingston is especially hard for us on account of changing trains with so much baggage. You could write this in your next letter and I think we would get it. If it makes any special difference, write it in the next two so we will be sure and get it. If we don't hear I think we will go on to Warren as the roads are always good that way. Of course, we can tell you on the wire we send from New York. Hope it gets to you straight this time.

The thing I am most sorry about in not getting that package from you is the suit pattern for Max. I wanted to start making his suits and I wanted that pattern. The one I have is too small. I didn't thank you for the rompers. I got them and they were almost too small, so I traded them to Jean for some white material to make Max two suits. She is going to hem them around the bottom and make bloomer suits for her little girl. Mother, you do not realize how big Max is, and he does not wear rompers anymore, only in the mornings. He is still trying to wear out the ones your circle made for him. They are most too small, now, but have been very serviceable. I made Max a bath robe out of bath toweling I had and trimmed it in some cord I had on an old gown we made just before I went to the hospital with a cord around the waist to match. It certainly is cute. My latest in cooking is cream puffs. I made some beauties the other day, and they stood up at least four inches. Dr. King gave me a physical examination yesterday and found me in very good condition. I still have nettle rash nearly every day, occasionally, though--not bad.

Love to all,

Dorothy

Congo (166) Luebo, Congo 9/28/1927 [BMS]

Luebo, Sept. 28, 1927

Dear Folks:

This is the day for mail to close, only a half hour left now, but I wanted to send just a line. Dorothy hasn't had time to write today, as we have had company and interruptions many during the past few days.

Miss Virginia Allen is here on her way home; has been here since Saturday a week ago. Mr. Earl King and family came in last night to join them. They will be leaving tomorrow morning to catch the train at Mueka (about 34 miles from here), where they will be joined by Miss Frances Worth, of Bulape. From Mueka they go to Ilebo (now called Port Franqui), a distance of about 100 miles, a port on the river where they will catch a steamer for Kinshasa. This train business is new for us, and will be a help. It will not be long now till the railroad from Port Franqui to Bukama will be finished; at Bukama they connect with the railroad running to Capetown.

Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Anderson (the other Dorothy) came in Saturday, and will be leaving Thursday (tomorrow). We are always glad to see these folks; Dorothy Anderson is liked by everybody, and quite a friend of Dot's. She is the daughter of one of our missionaries to Korea (Rev. Hunt); I'm not sure just now whether they belong to the Northern or Southern Board; their home was in St. Louis.

The biggest thing in Max's life these days, and for some months past, is a car. He goes through the motions of driving a car, or cranking one, or honking, or some other part, most of the day, and often goes to sleep making a noise like one. He is doing fine, and learning to talk fast now.

What is Hickman doing these days? Haven't heard anything about him in a long time. Evidently he must be with the Snelling Grocery, as you haven't written of any change.

The folks will be leaving for the Mission Meeting soon. They leave here on the.11 th of October. The Hobsons will leave a week earlier, as he is to be at an Evangelistic Meeting of the Mission to be held a week in advance of the Mission Meeting. We had thought of going, but have decided not to.

With love to all.

B.M.

Congo (165) Luebo, Congo 9/11/1927 [DCS]

Luebo

Sept. 11, 1927

Dearest homefolks:

I made notes for your last letter but did not get to finish and now I have lost the notes and can't remember where I left off.

I do remember that I wanted to say that I was most sure Edd never burned my letters as he said he had done, but I can't see how he could hurt me with them. I am certainly surprised Dedye told you. Can you give any reason for her doing so? They may be trying to bring up something I said, perhaps about Kiam letter opening, but they have known for years we thought they did that. I told Douglas one time, I think. I am not worrying about it, you may be sure. Rubye has written me some very nice letters since I have been back this time, and I want to write her in this mail. I'm sorry I have not written since she was hurt.

I hate to think about having to learn to drive over again, but it seems that Fords will be very much out of style by the time we get home.

I am so glad Hickman and Nettie got that nice Radio. I know they will enjoy it. I never hear you speak of yours. Do you never use it?

Where is the grist mill to be, and do you mean it is to be run by water power?

Was so sorry to hear of the death of your friend, Mrs. Southern. It seems that they must be mighty close friends to have kept up with us for so many years. It hurts me to think of all the good friends I could have, too, if I would only write and keep up with them. I don't know anything I have enjoyed more lately than a letter from Miss Cassie from Kerrville.

I hope the visit from the senators will do good and I am looking forward to their articles.

I am waiting to write Nettie until the package comes, and I can write more specifically about things. I hope she has sent the bill with the things. If she made a trip to Houston to get them, I want to pay her fare, too, because it means so much to me to have them. I have made 2 large and about 6 small stars out of tin foil for decorations and they are so pretty.

As I want to write some more letters, I will close.

Love to all,

Dot

Congo (164) Luebo, Congo 8/24/1927 [DCS]

Luebo

Aug. 24, 1927

Dearest homefolks:

Your two nice letters came last night. I want to write you this A.M. even if it won’t go off for about two weeks. We don't get to answer by the same mail any more. Paper mail used to come by plane, but the second plane does not come any more and therefore we have no chance to answer. I like to write as soon as your letters come, though.

Yes, time gets closer and closer for us to leave for home, but strange to say, even though I am wild to come home, I am more contented than I was several months ago. I have torn off all the months on my calender except four --up to January, which is not on mine. After Xmas all my time will be spent in packing and selling everything except the things I can't part with. I certainly hate to sell my dishes and tea set. They are so pretty and I am so afraid I can't get what I want for the money at home. However, we could not afford to bring them home. This is such an unsettled, discouraging life. We spent time, thought, energy and put our heart in things, and then have to sell them all when we go on furlough. Take our birds, for instance. They are just doing fine. We eat or sell 50 or more squabs a month. We know them (the grown ones) all apart. Half of them we raised ourselves. Now we must sell them; perhaps someone will take the whole bunch. If not we will have to sell here and there to be killed or perhaps not cared for. My garden will likely be just at its best. I will get some good from it, of course. My flowers I will give away to my friends. Think how discouraging this would be to have to start anew every time you came back from furlough.

I wonder in the ball game, which side you were for. I am sure I would have "rooted" for the older set because I know them best.

It's good that you may get the mail route by home, but where will we go when we can't go to the P.O.? !! I I think I'll go walking in the woods. I feel like now if I could get turned loose in those woods, I could wander for hours and not get tired. Why is it I love that place out there so, and long to stay there, when it's the strong desire of so many people to trot over the globe as I do and have to stay at home., I guess it's the unfortunate disposition of lots of people to be discontented wherever they are. I wonder if that's true! !

I think the saying "absence makes the heart grow fonder" is very true.

I certainly did enjoy and appreciate the music to that song. I shall write to John about it.

I wish I had some of those fig preserves. I am sure there would not be any left if we were there to eat them. I think often when we open this sorry tinned stuff out here of the lovely preserves we had when we were in Livingston staying at the Snelling's house. There is certainly one thing I enjoyed while there and that was eating. I guess you remember. I don't think I have ever enjoyed my food as I did there and then! I often think, too, of how I would have lived without that car. I have also worried a lot about your not going, too. I realize now why, I think. It's one of my failings to see things when it's too late.

Later. Sept. 4. Sunday-

Sewing makes my mind turn toward home more these days, as a lot of the things I am making are for going home and at home. But on Sunday, I write to you and have time to think. I am working hard. Harder than I have ever worked in my life. In fact, I feel that I am learning how to work. I am busy most of the day and the wonderful part is that I am not unusually tired when night comes. Lots of times I don't even take a rest at noon. My garden is beautiful; my flowers are most all taking a rest You can't expect them to keep on forever. I have zinnias all up and down my paths again. The ones you sent are about finished, but they certainly had their days. I had a bouquet on my table all during dry season when there was nothing else.

Now shall I tell you what I have in my garden, or are you tired of it? I don't seem to have much else to tell, though. About 150 celery plants started, 20 cabbage plants out in the ground with lots of young ones coming on in raised bed, 18 tomato plants blooming and 2 sizes of young ones corning on, 10 eggplants, lots of pepper plants, and I am getting peppers from old plants. I have pole string beans, pole limas, and bush butter beans, okra, turnips in ground and some planted in beds for greens, cucumbers, squash, spinach, about 100 onion plants and plenty of lettuce. I am getting only a few tomatoes, celery, lettuce, turnip greens and peppers from my garden now. In writing all of this to you, I have had an inspiration. I have wanted for a long time to write to the Enterprise. Perhaps I will write something on gardens in the Congo.

Sept 8.

The mail closes today, so I must mail this. Mr. Longenecker has gone to lIebo [?] to meet the Allens to take them to Bulape. I hope to get my package before long.

Dot