The Missionary Journal of O. Rudeen Allred (Rutena)
L.D.S. Missionary, Tahitian Mission

Ocean

The rest of this is copied from my Black Book.

Sunday, December 25, 1938
Christmas morning and I don't feel as if Santy Claus has been around; Pereti feels worse. I haven't been sick yet though I've been lying down all the time. Pereti has heaved at three different intervals and feels tough.

Our bed is made up of our four boxes side by side. I'm surely glad I made a sleeping mat. It's swell.

Passed Naraiki this morning. For food we've eaten crackers, sweet bread, and cookies. Sea very high, but we're making good time.

Monday, December 26, 1938
Stopped at Anaa at this time. Arrived here a little after sun-up. Pereti was sick once again before we left ship.

Anaa is very pretty. I went ashore on first boat and walked around with Tearii and Poni. Tearii and I met the Governor. He treated us to a pape haari  and invited us in for a talk. While we were thus occupied, Pereti came ashore looking for us. We walked around just looking thing over. Very pretty place.

Just about ready to leave. We have been treated pretty well here in pape haari  line. The Gov. gave us 16 before leaving, to take on ship. 400 people here and all Catholics but one. (Now)

Pereti fell off his box this morning. We all surely laughed. He was asleep, the ship rolled and he rolled too. We laughed but wouldn't have if the rail hadn't stopped him.

Tuesday, December 27, 1938
This tub is really loaded. Every now and then a wave washes the deck every so often. I stood at the rail this morning and surely got my feet wet as a wave came in.

Just received bill for passage... 375 F apiece. Robbers!!! No food, sleeping on pufa , ... what Chinamen!

Moving right along; feeling fine.

Tahiti

Wednesday, December 28, 1938
Sighted Tahiti this morning at 7:30. Soon be in. This smoke is hitting me squarely now that we've turned into the wind. Won't be long until I'll be sick at this rate. My head really aches.

Finally landed, after Pereti & I finally cleaned all up and ready to meet our reception committee. A big chance we took the last stretch, but we made it O.K. Surely felt good to be clean once again.

Setephano e to'na hoa i Fautaua Park Dec. 28, "38" During "Elders Conference"

At the dock we were met by... a truck to take our baggage. We went to the home... were met by... no Elders or Pres. We wondered if they were all kicked out. Learned they had had two big days of meetings and had taken a day off for exercise. We met 16 Elders that evening when they returned. Nice to be back.

Received mail from 1 Mother 1 Vern &, 1 Edetu's pal, 1 Grandma Allred, 3 Bobby plus birthday card, & 2 from Takaroa and one from Pete. Read mail after meeting Wednesday nite.

Pereti and I couldn't sleep so we got up at 11:00 P.M. and went downstairs without disturbing anyone. I cut my fruitcake expecting to eat a good piece of something we hadn't tasted in a long time. It was moldy. Guess our feelings. At 1:00 A.M. we returned and tried to sleep.

Thursday, December 29, 1938
What a mad rush around here! At 5:00 A.M. I was awakened to go practice basketball. They insist I play for the Elders even though I haven't practiced for months. We play the championship Tahitian Team tomorrow in a big game. A charge gate, one quarter of the money going for the Elders fund. Pres. says, "Play to win."

After practice, about 7:30, we began a trip around the Island in a bus. Eighteen Elders and Presidency. Really, I won't attempt to describe the place. It's Beautiful. It took all day to go around besides eating, stopping for pape haari , pictures, etc. Everything imaginable.

Upon returning home we listened to the recordings of the electric phonograph. Following the story from the original history of the Church down. B. of M. Shucks! I'm so darned busy, rushed, on edge, etc. I can't think. More later.

This day is the 31st and I'm still trying to catch up.

Yesterday we held two meetings with Elders discussing certain topics. They were very interesting.

The First organized Mormon ball team in Tahiti. First row: Doyle L. Green, Eldon Mortensen, Wiley H. Miller. Second row: President Kenneth R. Stevens, O. Rudeen Allred, Howard L. Randall, Ray O. McEntire, E. Taft Benson, Jr., J. Golden Stevens

A mail boat came in bringing us all mail. I received 2 Mother, 1 Owen, 1 Pete, 1 Rema, 1 Miss Nelson, 1 Eldon, 1 Bishop Compton, 1 Dale Wall, 1 Edith & class, 1 Verba, and a swell book from the Bishopric. Not a sign of a note or card from Bobby. Too bad! In these letters I received 7 dollars.

In the afternoon we played the champs of Tahiti in a game of basketball. They licked us good, but we put up a good game for a bunch of punks just in fresh from the Tuomotus. 55-33 was the score. The crowd liked it however.

Received an assignment to labor with Elder Hunting in the Leeward Islands! I couldn't have picked a better place if I'd have had my choice. Gee, I'm pleased. Huahine will be our first. Pres. also said I am to be a senior in March. Aue! Faaitoito Rutena s, haapii maitui i teie nei reo .

Went to bed again but can't sleep. I wish we wouldn't have to have nights until I get all my work finished around here. I have so much to do. 15 letters to write, things to buy, others to pack away, laundry to get out, and a million others.

Saturday, December 31, 1938
And the year closes on a big New Year's Party. This past year has been more eventful than all my others put together. I'm very glad to be starting out the New Year in this Mission Field.

Today I finished getting my things packed away upstairs, and took a walk to town to get a few things. My poor feet! This is the first time I ever had trouble like that. My toe-nails are driven back into the flesh, due to the little shoes I wore at that game. How grateful I am I'm not home dancing now. I'd surely not have gone out. I limped around town until I couldn't take it anymore.

In Elder's Mtg. this morning a discussion of assignments came up. Pres. finally said, "I think I'll send Elder Machen out to Hikueru with Elder Allred." I wasn't scared, but I'll bet my heart turned over. As it is I have the best assignment, and to go back to Hikueru would be tough. Finally he said, "As you were." Whew...

Tonight the Branch here threw a party. We watched a few plays, ate all we could hold of ice cream & cake and as the N. Y. came in "ia orana oe i te matahiti Api. " Retired... tired, happy.

Anederea, Pereti, Levi, Iosepha, Totare, Nile, Eletona, Haurat, Uela. Machen, Asay, Leatham, Stevens, Chugg, Mortenson, Heusser, and Hunting. Oh yes—Green. The Senior Elders, New Year's Day 1939

Sunday, January 1, 1939
New Year's day, and it has been a big one. I'll start from the first: Wrote letters this morning while waiting. Then I dressed for meetings. Priesthood was used in expressing mana'os .

After Priesthood Elders Randal, Benson and I began freezing the ice cream for dinner today. We missed half of Sunday School but it was worth it.

Before we knew it Fast Mtg. was on. I was one of two Elders to express gratitude no te mau haamaitairaa ta te atua i horoa mai ia'u i ta'u pue mahana i mairi a'enei . Revi was the other.

For our big New Years Dinner we had equivalent to half a chicken apiece, gravy, mashed potatoes, creamed peas & carrots, fresh lettuce, radishes, dressing, pickles, etc., besides lots of ice cream and cake. At our plates Pres had left each of us a parau  letter opener with our initials on it. Very nice. We Elders in turn gave them a beautiful bed-cover of silk.

During the afternoon Ani ma  brought us over each a little parau  souvenir. Pres called on a few of us to express thoughts. I was one he picked on. He surely gets me to say all I can in this language. Maybe he's testing me for that March companion.

Tonight was meeting and afterwards Pres ran Elder Asay's movie film through his projector; quite nice.

I'm last up again tonight so I'll just mention that I'm still floundering over answering letters. We aren't going out Tuesday so that will give me time. The end of a perfect year or day, and the beginning of lots that is ahead of me.

Monday, January 2, 1939
Pereti and I got breakfast this ;morning for the gang. It seems a pleasure to prepare a meal when there is something to prepare... but there are still 23 to feed.

I filled Nohorai's order of eight prints of each marriage picture I took; they were all good.

During the morning we held a debate, some Elders defending Catholicism, Protestantism, Seventh Day Adventist and Reorganites, and others Mormonism. It was pretty good.

Shucks! I've lost all desire to eat bananas, etc. Ripe stalks even go to waste in the shed. Weighed again today and am up to 167 again. Holding my own I guess.

Spent the afternoon looking over some souvenirs Elders had; I still have the prettiest tihiko .

Beginning at 5:00 P.M. we listened to the transcription of History of B. of M. until 9:30 P.M. Then a bunch of us went to the kitchen to pick the ham, etc.

Wasn't last in bed tonight; I decided to let my letters go.. some of them... until later this week. Fifteen still left to go.

Tuesday, January 3, 1939
A big day for pictures today as Elder Chugg is going out along with Elder Braegger tomorrow which begins the exodus of the mau Mitionaries atoa . I got three films from Ah Yoo at a "deal" so I used a full one. Also Du Pont came and took pictures of the group. And while I'm talking about it, the Pres took motion pictures of the team and so did Du Pont.

After the "picture taking" the team went over to play a little; we had to see who were champions among us. Elders Benson, Mortensen and Miller Played McEntire, Randall and myself; we meat two out of three games.

Got my passport resigned today, and walked around town. My poor "dogs" are sore. The large toe nail on each foot are black and sore. Never again for little shoes.

Wednesday, January 4, 1939
The Exodus started today... Elders Chugg and Braeggar left today for Marokau aboard the Gisborne; I don't envy them a bit. We all went to the wharf to see them off. Wonder how they feel now?

Uela and I looked around to try to find a watch apiece; it seems we have lots to get. Unsuccessful.

Tonight was a haapuraa  which I followed better than I ever have before. Elder Richards, Miller, Randall and I sang a quartette for our part of it. I sit and translate for Rui now and enjoy it. I imagine how helpless he feels.

Te Mau Orometua no te Misioni Tahiti "39 – 40"
Back Row: Nile [Nile R. Chugg], Petarona [Yale Peterson], Etera [Ezra T. Benson], Viriamu [Raymond Young], Melavina, Ri, Jane, Rutena [O. Rudeen Allred], Uela [Uel C. Hunting], Lui, Ioane [Ralph J. Richards], e Eledona [Eldon A. Mortensen]. Middle Row: Pereti [Percy B. Asay], Re [Ray O. McEntire], Vira [Vera Stevens], Aiona [Sister Iona Brimhall Stevens], aiu [K.R. Stevens, Jr.], Setephano [Pres. Kenneth R. Stevens], Katorina [Catherine Stevens], Mareva [Marva Stevens], Viri [Wiley H. Miller], e Iosepha [J. Golden Stevens]. Front Row: Noromana [Norman Price], Tere [Delmer W. Braegger], Farane [Frank D. Sanford], Haurata [Howard Heusser], Horate, Teina [Dean Haslem], e Ravora [LaVor C. Chapman]. Te Amuiraa rahi teie no te mau orometua i Papeete, Tahiti i te tau Noela i te Matahiti 1939 e no te farereiraa it e Matahiti Api, 1940. Ua rahi atu teie pupu orometua i te mau pupu orometua o tei vai i te Misioni mai te haamataraa mai â.
Ia Ora na !

Thursday, January 5, 1939
At a bargain this morning I bought ten film for 60 F. If they keep good, I'll have enough to last the whole year. If they aren't good, Ah Yoo says I won't have to pay for them. The last roll I tried was swell.

Today we played another game of ball. Despite my very sore turning-black feet, I stayed the whole game. We lost once again by 19-32 but showed an immense improvement from the last game. The score was something like 20 to 17 at one time.

I'm very tired tonight even though have done nothing I feel something is going to happen very unpleasant due to my toes. They feel terrible.

Friday, January 6, 1939
This morning I limped to town with Elder Miller, got some pictures and limped back. Upon arriving at the house I got some hot water and soaked the sore toes. After the soaking, I cut the toe-nail, drained out the festering substance, dropped merthiolate into it, which burned plenty. Now they are bandaged and aching plenty.

Elders Benson and Leatham left today for Tubuai. We all went to bid them farewell. The fellows are starting out in a sail vessel only; it hasn't a motor. There isn't a bit of shade anywhere on the ship, so I guess they will meet with a new condition. The wind is their hope.

At night Rui and I sat in the kitchen reading Tahitian. After we read three chapters, we went in and folded tracts for an hour or so and then retired.

Saturday, January 7, 1939
Today I wrote to Bishop and Bob Long today. Gradually I am trying to catch up. My feet won't allow me to do much more than sit around and write or read.

This afternoon Elders Chapman, Asay, Miller and Wilde were to leave for Rauraka but after their boxes and everything were loaded on, they couldn't get the Aito started. They had to come back, and will stay now over the week-end. Once more we are at mercy of ships.

Tonight we held another reading class. Uela, Rui, Horate and I. Following that it was bedtime.

Sunday, January 8, 1939
Arose this morning, took a shower, bandaged my foot, tucked it into shoes for the first time in a week and prepared for church.

The expected talk I was to give didn't come today; I was given the Sacrament instead. Pereti had the report to make. Following meeting we lined up some of the best looking girls in the branch. Boy, and have we got them here. Teumera, Roti (te nehenehe ) Yoyo, Matira, Roti and Nina; they sho' got it! About four kodaks were busy including the President's movie. Quite the popular girls around the Missionaries.

I wrote Elden a long letter today, and with that and looking through a year book, the day was easily used up. Tapitapi to'u mana'o .

Monday, January 9, 1939
Uela and I walked around to the dry-docks to see when our ship would get off. From all indications we will leave the 11th. We also spent quite sometime in town.

The few that are left went to see the four going to Raraka off. They finally left in a light rainstorm and heavy seas. Poor fellows.

In the evening I sat in the office and talked over shark stories, etc. with Haurata. Then I went to bed and Ray and I lay and talked for quite sometime.

Tuesday, January 10, 1939
Surely spent time in town today. Uela and I bought our tickets on the Potiiraiatea , got our passports signed, and then I bought twenty balls of twine for the bed-spread Heia asked about. Also I bought a bamboo satchel for camping purposes in the Lee-wards. Besides that, a pape haari , ruler (2), shaving soap, etc.

We folded a few tracts, about a thousand apiece, this afternoon. After that we ate and then got Sister Stevens to play the piano while we all sang.

I'm already to go out now, and according to all reports we leave tomorrow. A great adventure ahead of us.

Ocean

Wednesday, January 11, 1939
About 5:30 we left Papeete on board ship Potiiraiatea . Never have I ridden on such a crowded ship or in such a smoky place. Uela and I have a space about two feet wide in which to lay. Our heads are right beside the open hatch to the engine. Noisy, smoky and as hot as Hades.

I have been sitting up all evening... taking the trip better than any I have ever taken. I'm sleepy now so I'll turn in. (Copied from Black Book).

The gang & Pres. ma  came to see us off.

Tahaa

Thursday, January 12, 1939
After a long night, I awoke and looked out. There right close at hand was Huahine. An hour or so later we pulled into their pretty harbor. We went ashore, bought us a can of meat and a loaf of bread, and returned to the ship to eat.

The people didn't act very friendly at all toward us. I may have quite a task when I get over there. After an hour's stay in Huahine we pulled out, heading for the Island of Raiatea which could be seen in the distance.

It took just three hours for the crossing. Upon arriving a beautiful sight met our eyes. Two small Islands just inside the reef, just like the one at Papeete, the large beautiful lagoon, and the high mountainous Island of Raiatea and directly across the lagoon a few miles could be seen the large peaks of Tahaa. Looking westward, over the lagoon and a stretch of ocean, could be seen the Island of Bora Bora with her lofty peaks. We've certainly hit beautiful country this trip.

As we docked, a fellow came aboard, asked us a few questions, found out who we were, and then directed us to a hotel. We rented a small room and prepared to spend the day and evening there. Below the room is the town's bar. Quite the "joint" I must say. a little "Oui Oui Mousier"  gal runs it. I suppose if we rented a room in Tahiti like that, we certainly would be talked about.

Then began the business of seeing if we could stay or not. We looked up the big Governor, a Frenchman, and by means of an interpreter, we talked for a half hour. The result is: we have access to go and come as we like to any of the Islands around, providing we don't stir the people into riots with our preaching. I can imagine me talking Tahitian fast enough to stir them up.

Upon returning to the hotel we learned a boat was leaving for Tahaa, just the Island we want to start on. We paid the French gal for the night's lodging which we did not take and she thought we were pretty square guys. Next was to get boxes loaded, also ourselves, and start out. Not once have we been at loss as what to do, and the way has certainly been opened for us.

Our arrival has turned out so much better than we expected. Here are the facts now: We are well situated in a Protestant couple's home, having been given the complete use of the upstairs of their house. It is our privilege to come and go as we like. So far they have cooked for us, (two meals), but we are going to try to wait on ourselves to a certain extent.

There are flowers of every description surrounding our "Home". Directly behind the house begins the slope of a high mountain. Coconut trees, lime trees, vis , bananas, and others surround the hillside and house. We can eat like kings.

Our upstairs quarters are two bedrooms and one long front porch room. All told there are eight beds. Four longing, or lounging, couches on the front room and two big double beds in each bedroom. It's all ours as long as we care to stay. There is even a large clock on the wall and a swell little study table. I've never expected to rough it quite as much as I expected to here and yet look what we have been given.

Monday we may begin our walk around the Island, but that will come later.

Friday, January 13, 1939
This is going to be quite an adventure I'm beginning to think. We have spent most of the day getting a little acquainted with our surroundings. They are continuing to treat us swell. Three good meals have been prepared for us, and all the assistance we could receive in getting a few things from our boxes to the house we are staying in. We separated our tracts and what things we shall start our trek with.

This morning, early, we dashed off a letter to the President. I suppose it will catch Poturaiatea  before she returns back to Papeete.

Most of the evening we have been drawing up plans on how to go about this work. I have, I'm afraid, two cases to work out Dale Carnegies solutions upon. Uela has to be handled just so, and then also this new work we are beginning. I surely am finding out that it's best to agree with him, and then in my own wise (?) way go back over slowly and thrash it out to the best ravea . Not that we haven't got along fine, Shucks, we haven't crossed on a thing yet, because I've agreed, and I'm sure we can continue this way. My patience is surely better than usual. Even a bunch of noisy kids don't bother me... much. Just a little.

In line of fruits today I have eaten one half a big pineapple, a good big half of a large iita , limes in water, big piece of watermelon, tomatoes, and a dozen bananas. That has been between meals and for dessert. We surely live!

Saturday, January 14, 1939
We started working on a chart this morning... showing the Phylosophy of Life. We began after breakfast, and when ten o'clock P.M. came around, we put up the brushes, having taken only an hour off for lunch. Our time sheets read 12 hours work, 1 hour Gospel conversation.

Still we have a day left before ever it will be done. Uela gave me the measurements and I used the pencil and ruler. Not a bad job either, I must say. We didn't get much painting done; just a good start. Have been in the house all day.

Sunday, January 15, 1939
Surely had a day of rest today. We didn't even put on our whites today to go out. I read a few tracts and looked at a couple of books, and wrote the beginning of a letter to Mother.

In the afternoon we took a little stroll around the little mountain to the east of here. My! The Island is beautiful. We sat by the water awhile to see if we could get our voices to blend in song. Uela isn't a bad singer and it keeps me going to fill in alto or bass or all three.

This evening we had the people from downstairs and a few of their friends up to look over the chart we drew Saturday. Uela did a good preaching job explaining it. We were up until eleven, and with a big day ahead tomorrow.

Monday, January 16, 1939
In five minutes we'll be on our way. I shall carry a little note-book so when I get back, it shall be used as a duplicate to copy from. We're off!!

Home once again, and here is the continuation of Jan. 16. We left Poutoru on our first tracting trip around the Island about 8:30. The very first house we stopped at was a Chink's. He spoke Tahitian but when a tract was offered he refused it because he couldn't read. He in turn gave us three vis  apiece to help us on our way.

The next group of houses were thickly clustered together. We were well met and treated rather friendly by different groups to whom we gave tracts to.

After leaving that place we had quite a stretch to go before meeting any other houses. The trail was plenty narrow and difficult to follow in various places.

The next house we stopped at I asked for a drink and we were each given a good pape haari . From that house we had to go around the coastline inland quite aways as the sea had cut just a bay there. The fellow offered to row us across to the other shore, but due to the few houses in the extra miles walk, we declined.

The very next house I sold a ve'a  subscription for a year, the first I have sold. That alone made what we went through worthwhile. Jungle, mud, etc. We lost the trail from that house for aways but we managed to push through.

After touching a few houses we reached as far as we could go without swimming in mud. The last house the fellow offered to row us across to the first house on the other side. He wouldn't take money for his trouble so we gave him a year's subscription to the ve'a  at our expense.

The rest of the way was full of little details here and there. We picked a couple of limes for food.

We then passed through a "town" where we bought a melon for dinner, and I bought a pocket-knife.

We had traveled a long distance and natives were surprised at how far we had come. Anyway we were very tired and had no place to stay. We pushed on, tracting until dark, hoping someone would ask us to spend the night.

The last house we left a tract at we asked about a hotel or a place we could sleep. The fellow took us a half mile down the road to an old Sanito's house, and he took us in for the night, two tired, hungry, boys. We have a floor and peue  to sleep on and just plumb tired. 47 tracts today. Tuesday, January 17, ... We were so tired last night we went to sleep on the floor with people still sitting around staring at us. However, we rested fairly well and after eating our can of beans and a loaf of bread the old fellow bought us, we went on our way.

It wasn't long before we arrived in the next "city". There we contacted quite a number of people. Elephantisis & all.

We covered a big distance today but didn't deliver many tracts. In one place we bought a couple of cans of sardines and bread, and that along with vis  and a little melon we made out the meal for the day.

We surely are running onto lots of elephantisis cases. Boy. They're worth steering shy of yet we give each and every one a handshake and a tract.

At night we spread our peue  on the hard ground. No pillow, no blanket, no water, no food, so I reckon we qualify with the pioneers. During the night it rained it rained a little but not enough to hurt much. Lucky.

I delivered 30 tracts and sold another one year ve'a  subscription. One drunk got a little tough but he was easily handled. January 18, Wednesday... We arose pretty stiff after a restless night, and pursued our journey over the toughest part of the Island. I cleaned my white shoes up good in the morning and by noon they were dirtier than ever.

Almost the end of another day. We hired this little fellow to row us over a bad stretch. One of the rare cases when we "rated" a vaa to transport us across a place that would be a "bear" to go around. Behind us you will see about three houses. That is about the way we have to meet the people. Of course in some "cities" their houses are closer together.

For breakfast we were given two fried dough cakes apiece and a couple of glasses of water. That along with a few handout pape haaris we lived through the journey. One place we were invited to stay and eat rice, but we saw another case of fe'e' fe'e'  so on we went.

Around four in the afternoon we reached a little place we had to be rowed over in a vaa . Just a short stretch so we gave the kid that took us over a couple of francs. A little further on I sold my third ve'a  sub.

Five o'clock found us in Haamene. Just over the mountain was home and back around the point was ten miles.

We pondered upon it awhile and decided to go home, sleep in a good bed, rest a day and then, traveling light, we could cover the rest of the distance in a day and return home again for night. About two hours later, after dark, we wearily landed home. I was just so tired I could hardly drag my feet. If a place ever looked good to a person, this soft bed did last night. We probably sweat away 10 kilos apiece.

One tough place in our journey today was a slick log stretched across a part of the ocean. While attempting to ford that Uela slipped and went in. By use of a pole I made it, for which I feel very lucky, as my watch and kodak would be useless now. One journey over and wow! What a nightmare!

A slippery crossing. Elder Hunting just emerged after slipping on a slick log. This is one of the trails built across a piece of Lagoon. Uela (Elder Hunting) on attempting to cross this slick log, went in. He lit, straddling the log so he just got his legs wet. Further back the path was another place like this but no log. This kid took us across on his back. Here you also see what we carried around the island. A valise apiece and peue , with other things in it, between us. Some fun!

Thursday, January 19, 1939
Was I ever stiff this morning; still am in fact. Surely have been resting today. Wrote Mother's letter, one to Verb, one to Grandma and one to Mrs. Revell. About Barbara's... I still have it but I won't send it until I'm sure it's worthwhile. I believe it's all over between us but I'm not positive yet. Time will tell.

Uela and I painted more lines on the chart this evening. This day has gone speedily by but I don't know where. We talked over our work today and decided, as a time saver, not to go out tomorrow and tract the point but to leave that until we go clear around next week. A day may be saved by doing it that way, and time is precious to us.

Friday, January 20, 1939
I slept until six this morning; it seemed I just couldn't get awake. But now I feel fully recuperated from the last tiring trip and ready for the next.

Most of the day I have been studying, working a little on the dictionary and about four hours upon the chart. I am putting on the finishing touches of lettering now. We were informed tonight that quite a group are coming here for a meeting Sunday night so we are trying to finish that work.

Have certainly been indulging in food today. Oranges, vis , limes, pape haari , etc. Doing without on our trip around made us appreciate more fully what we have.

Sent mail off to Grandma, Mother, Sister Revell, but held on to Barbara's, which I started in October, until I find out what I want to know. I dream at night it's all over, so I have the last week or so, but I won't know until Pres. ships our mail out. I'm kinda anxious though I hate to admit it. Darn! I don't know what to think.

Saturday, January 21, 1939
Our chart is finally finished. We spent about three hours in putting on the finishing paint jobs. Not a bad job either.

I read all but one chapter to finish Helamana in the B. of M. and also my grammar for study today. Between the chart and reading the day has gone by but I don't know where.

From the things a few of the people around here say I guess we're going to hold meeting. Hey surely insist; we were going to anyway but if we let them think it their idea, we'll have a bigger turnout. And I have it in charge.

Sunday, January 22, 1939
We tried our luck at holding meetings today and were we ever pleased at the turnout. Both times the house was filled. In the morning I took charge and had the singing and closed with prayer. Uela gave a good lesson on our No 1 tract.

During the afternoon I read nineteen chapters of John and finished reading Helamana and almost finished my new book. We also took a walk for an hour or so.

In the evening I had meeting under my direction, and Uela quickly took the "full house" through Te Philosophia no te Oraraa o te Teia Mo'a i te Mau Mahana Hopea Ne i. It went over good even though not many were convinced.

After meeting nobody left so we started teaching them our songs. We sang for a long time then went in to supper and then upstairs to bed. We enjoyed the full day.

Monday, January 23, 1939
It's really January 25th today but I'm taking the past two days history as I think it now. This morning Elder H. and I started on our second trip around the Island. Although we knew it was a tough job, we jumped into it. We began, as usual, giving tracts. When we reached the last house back inland where the lagoon went way back, we found no one that could row us across to the other side, as we had previously done. So we began walking it. Talk about rough going! The jungle growths, and mud holes that we pushed through would have made a wiser man wait for a canoe, but not us. We each had the daring spirit and because natives had said we couldn't do it, we showed them. When we finally reached trail, on the other side, we washed off the mud from our shoes and pant legs and went on. Off to a dirty start alright.

Traveling lighter this time, with only our satchels, we arrived at the old Sanitos  house with a little time to spare but we slept on his floor again that night. A can of salmon and loaf of bread was food for the day. We got that from a Chinese store and fed ourselves.

I started out with a boil just coming to a head on the side of my knee. As long as I kept walking I wasn't bothered much by it, but upon stopping and giving it a chance to stiffen up my leg from the knee up, then it hurt until I could loosen up again. Slept, tired. Gave 49 tracts.

Tuesday, January 24, 1939
Up again about 5:30 A.M. and off before breakfast. We had lots of ground to cover so we jumped to it. My leg hurt plenty until loosened.

Nothing very eventful except for stopping at one place to show reverence at a funeral. We stopped until the services were over.

About two in the afternoon we passed the place we slept out the week before... making very good time. Then in Faaha we decided on a rather "nervy" plan. It was five o'clock then and we had no place to stay so we decided to go on home. A couple of boys guided us to a trail that led over the mountain and landed a few miles away from Haamene. We gave them a dollar between them for carrying our things to the top and then we lit out for the bottom. Meanwhile my shoes were ready to be thrown away, after wearing out and placing a couple of big blisters on my toes, and also the boil on my knee was full of fire, but over the hill we went.

At the bottom we found ourselves still a few miles from Haamene and as the Sun was already going behind the mountains, we knew we couldn't make it over that tough trail of broken bridges and mud in the dark. So the next we did was to hire a vaa . The fellow had a little sail on a narrow vaa  so away we went. It took about a half hour to get to Haa.

He said he only wanted a dollar for the rent of the vaa , but I gave him a year subscription to the ve'a  besides. He was well satisfied.

Then began a fast, heart-breaking trip. We reached the summit at dark but there was another long stretch before we ever got home. Some fun traveling down trails like that, lugging a suitcase, two worn-out shoes, blisters and a big swollen knee. Between the two of us we were just plain dead-tired when we got here. The distance we traveled today was the same as it took two days to travel before and for reference as how tired I was at the close of each of the other days, look back in this book a few pages.

Regardless of all the ground we covered in the one day I gave out 61 tracts and sold two ve'a . I guess we earned a good nights sleep.

The trip seemed to loosen my boil by the amount of stuff I'm getting out of it. Wow! But it's sore. I know what the expression "sore as a boil" means now.

Wednesday, January 25, 1939
Surely have taken it easy today. My leg is so stiff and sore and has drained a couple of big ounces of poison that I haven't been able to leave the house hardly. So I have been here all day reading, writing, studying, etc. I read Job to see how his boils affected him.

Uela went to see if our mail had arrived. It had, which was a very pleasant surprise. Even Barbara wrote, sending a letter, a book, two handkerchiefs, and a Xmas card with another short note in. That along with a family letter and one from the Stake Pres. was well worthwhile. I guess B. still loves me.

I retaliated by writing another full page on her letter which I started in October. Rather long but aita hoé ravea .

I completed reading the book she sent "Marcus King, Mormon". Makes the 2nd time I've read it but it's surely a swell book. Nane and Ern also sent a $ and news of Dale & also $ from Stake Pres. a mild surprise.

With a very sore leg and prospects of two more boils I can't help but see a dark week ahead of me this week. Can't walk due to the position if the others come on out so I'll be confined in. Well, I better retire.

Thursday, January 26, 1939
And today is no better. One more boil got a good start and now one on my wrist is beginning. My! They're misery! I haven't done much today but read, finish Barbara's, Verba's and write Edith's letters. I feel worse tonight than ever due to a little fever etc.

Not very much to write today but I don't feel like it either.

Friday, January 27, 1939
What a day this has been, and the end of it finds me in bed with a burning fever and very sore leg. Today I went to breakfast, ate a little and came back upstairs to lay down. Most of the morning I read and just lay quiet. At dinner time I walked across to the fare iti  and upon returning instead of going in to dinner I climbed the stairs. At the top I met Uela on his way to dinner. I said, "Do I look as pale as I feel?" and he replied, "Say, kid! What's wrong?" I never knew from then on if I'd make the bed before going under the cloud. Never have I came quite so close to passing out in my life. I hate to admit it, but for the first time in a great many years I dropped a few tears of physical pain. Gosh!

The rest of the afternoon a fever burned my head and I just lay and sweat. I feel I'd passed through the worst by then so I'd take anything else that came. I even read (Tahitian grammar, Book of Mormon and Doc. & Cov. Both dinner and supper were served to me in bed. Uela had been gone most of the afternoon and evening so I had to do something to pass the time.

Results today show two full grown boils and three just getting started and a fever. Well, let them come darn 'em!

Saturday, January 28, 1939
This could almost be called the life of ease, but if that's the case, I'd hate to live one. Today I haven't even put on my pants but have stayed in bed all day. However the fever is the big cause now. I guess it's just a case of sickness that everyone has once in awhile and the boils just add insult to injury. I'm catching up good on studying though. Read Grammar and 27 pages of Tahitian B. of M.

Results today stand two boils on one knee, one on the muscle of my calf and one on my wrist with one young one still coming. Plus a headache, fever, chill and maumau .

Sunday, January 29, 1939
Mot much improvement today except I can flex my leg muscles back and forth and not feel so paralyzed. Have been lying down all day. Uela held one meeting but only four people came because of the stormy day. Surely has rained a lot the past two days.

Monday, January 30, 1939
At last I'm beginning to feel like my old self. I've moved around quite a bit today, and though rather painful still, my leg is on the road to improvement. The two boils on the knee have a hole the size of the end of my little finger (actually) and they are beginning now to heal. The one on the muscle hasn't given up its core and it's still sore. The one on the wrist is well on its way to recovery. Phew!

Have been studying and thinking all day... it's funny how my thoughts keep running back to the good times in Wyoming. I thought that was all forgotten, but apparently not. D. was a swell kid.

Tuesday, January 31, 1939
One more month gone by and it finds me well again. Today I began the big task of copying the dictionary, but it wasn't long before I'd caught up with Uela so I had to leave that awhile.

The rest of the day I have been reading. Finished my "Red Book" again and read T. B. of M. and Eng. Between my study of Tahitian and scripture I'm surely putting in the hours of reading. Finished Matthew in the Bible also.

No mail from Pres. again this week, the old sluffer!

Wednesday, February 1, 1939
Not a bit different today than yesterday except that I read Improvement Eras to use up the day.

During supper we surely had a laughing good time. I haven't laughed quite so hard since I've been down here. The French gal got remarking on how much mata'i  there was in the food we were eating. Mape, Vis, pipi, û, avota , etc. As I was putting away a very big share, she remarked to Uela, "Ua ati oe! " and that started the fireworks. One thing led to another and before long we were all splitting our sides laughing. And to top it off, after Uela and I had come up to settle down for the evening, Tare brought up a big plate of mape  and said fall too. Oh me!

Thursday, February 2, 1939
Been reading one again practically all day. My eyes rather feel the strain as that's all I've done for one week. Tonight, however, we are packing our valises and preparing for a hop over to Raiatea to spend the week-end, looking for a place we can stay when we go over soon and leave this Island for good.

They have surely been treating us swell here... Tare ma  but the other people are as cold and hard as ice. However we're on speaking terms with them all.

Friday, February 3, 1939
We were up early and caught the morning boat to Raiatea. There we made arrangements to rent a nice room in a good looking house for a month for only twenty five French dollars. We have to cook and supply our own food which is all right due to all the diseases and sickness in Raiatea.

We got our hair cut, bought something to eat, went to the post office and were surprised to find two packages of tracts and ve'as  for us besides a letter I received from Mapuhi and Haurata.

Then as we didn't have anything else to do, we changed our minds about staying over the week-end, and so caught the boat back home. The people here were very surprised when we walked in on them. After eating supper, we went to bed.

Saturday, February 4, 1939
Haven't done a thing today except make one trip to my box to straighten up things there and then back again for dinner and then another trip down there for a case of ma'i vahine  or ma'i ava'e  or what-so-ever it's called. Back here once again I began reading. Finished III Nephi in Tahitian B. of M. and then went on reading in Eng. until supper time. Uela has been painting on a chart and has been in quite an aggressive mood so we argued from native laziness to W.P.A. and from there to Pres. Roosevelt, his elections etc., farmers, follower-laborer, laborers, Communists, Reds, (ho'e â ), Borah of Idaho, Smith, (Coca colas) our own work, and in the end I still have (I'm afraid) the same opinion every Elder has... he's just as conceited as anyone I ever run up against. It's fun working D.C.'s methods on him and they surely work. A natural-born lover of disagreement and "I know best" that there ever was. We still get along though.

The people below have been drinking due to visitors all day. Due to that we got two one year subscriptions to the ve'a  and one three year sub. We were asked; we didn't have to sell.

Sunday, February 5, 1939
For about the first time I don't feel satisfied with this Sunday; it just doesn't seem to have been a Sunday at all. The people below each had a good hang-over all day and so they weren't very enthused about us holding a meeting in there house, so we didn't impose upon them. Therefore we have been in our room all day, dressed just in browns, and not feeling at all as though it were Sunday.

I read IV Nephi in Tahitian and 1st Nephi in English. That has constituted my study. Elder Hunting wrote letters to keep himself occupied.

The rainy season has struck, and by the looks of the weather tonight we can't start tomorrow, but I surely hope so. I'm dead tired of sticking to this house.

The Mr. & Mrs. and up here tonight and we have been entertaining them with song and "kiddings". The old lady is having hysterics due to my asking Tare to "himene tarava ".

Monday, February 6, 1939
After a little cheerful banter last night, I left the front room, put on my pareu  and went out into the rain for a bath. When it rains here it rains hard enough to make a person think he is standing under a regular shower. Soon after we all called it a day and went to bed.

And now at this time of writing it is Wednesday and we have not long since returned home from our third trip around Tahaa. The following is taken from a scratch paper I had to borrow from Uela last night:

Monday February 6, we started on another trip around Tahaa regardless of the fact the day looked very stormy. As this is the rainey season of the year, the going was very muddy; even the tide was in. It has been rainey almost steady for a week now.

We had unusual "luck" (?) at selling ve'a  subs. due to the fact we were pushing them hard. We each sold five for the day. Uela sold one three year, but mine were all ones.

We were very muddy due to the tough going and held up by selling ve'as , but nevertheless we arrived at the old fellow's house in Murifenua as usual and spent the night with him, having distributed 76 tracts and 5 ve'as .

Tonight (still from the scratch paper of last night) as I lay writing this, we find ourselves in quite a different situation than usual. I am writing upon this scratch paper as it is all I have except tracts.

It is raining a good steady rain outside and has been since we stopped at this place. We were pushing hard, after a good big day to arrive at Toae's in Faaha but this last place we were asked by the lady of the house to stop and eat a vi and also (after a little talk) to write her out a ve'a  sub. While doing these two things, the rain started so they insisted on us staying until it blew over. When the man came he insisted we eat supper and stay over night as the rain had set in for good.

We had a good supper of fried bread cakes, sardines, (tea & coffee), vis , scrambled eggs and bread... very good for the usual native supper... very good. Now we are resting, night is falling, and before long, after showing these people pictures of the origin and growth of the Church, we shall retire to a very clean looking, soft, mattressed bed.

For a review of today we each sold nine ve'as  (surprise) and I gave out an even 80 tracts. Though we lacked one each of arriving at our day's objective on ve'a  subs., we surely passed all expectations. Pres. ma  will be plenty pleased. (Unquote)

Wednesday Night. We arrived home once again after a walk up over a wet, slippery mountain. From a couple of miles from Haamene we rented a vaa  and by way of water transportation we arrived in Haamene. Today we just seemed guided. We started out the day in the teeth of an awful wind storm which threatened plenty of rain. Not once in the day did we get wet except up to our knees caused by pushing through wet grass. Each time a big flurry of rain hit it seemed a house was just in front that we could stop by. This is something just more than luck when you understand the distance and nature of these Islands, houses, and people... oh yes! And the rain. We had barely stepped off the vaa  after having been on for a half hour when a wind and rain hit like I've never seen before. All I can say is "Thank God we weren't on that vaa ."

After arriving here we found the old lady had gone to Kaiatea for the day so we had the house to ourselves. We bathed, cleaned up, bought a can of beef & loaf of bread and made out a meal. And now, I am just tired and weary enough to hang up my pen and drop in bed.

For today I gave 55 tracts and due to only a few contacts, I only sold three ve'a  sub., one being a three year. Now I am back home again and tomorrow we prepare for our transfer to Raiatea. Amene.

[The last word is written in a very sleepy hand.]

Thursday, February 9, 1939
Goodness! I was lazy this morning... never got up until 7:00 A.M., just an hour later than usual, but it just seemed I couldn't wake up. Maybe I didn't want to due to the fact I was dreaming of Dona ma  etc... again. Kinda sad dream it was too.

Today we have been preparing for our departure to Raiatea tomorrow: straightening up our boxes, books, tracts, clothes, etc. and in general a hukavinuhaga o te hagahaga, ea ore ra e faaneheneheraa o te mau taehaa .

Tonight Uela and I have been talking over rubberite, as gilsoninte, tabite, etc. Even got into tieing up a relationship through the people in Garden City but due to my not knowing any of them, I have to wait until I write home before we can tie any relationship.

Well, five A.M. will come pretty early so I am going under.

Raiatea

Friday, February 10, 1939
Five A.M. heck! 3:30 A.M. Darn natives must have stayed up all night but at an early hour they come to tell us they were all ready. The horn woke us up.

We boarded the boat and landed in Raiatea before daylight and then waited until 6:30 before we could see the woman about the room.

Well, we got the room, rented a truck to haul our boxes, and now we're settled. Not a bad place. We have access to a shower, have to buy & cook our own food, furnish firewood, etc. but all in all its O.K. We bought a little tea kettle, some food, and began the day out right.

Tonight I wrote to Mother ma . Very tired at 9:30 P.M.

Saturday, February 11, 1939
Not much today. Just a matter of preparation. We went to the post office this morning not expecting anything but sure enough there were two bundles of tracts (more tracts) for us. Also we received a report from Pres. saying we two lead the field in accomplishments since the first of the year; quite a compliment he handed us too.

We also received further instructions of time sheets, etc. Today I also read T. B. of M. and ate a big watermelon. Tirara .

Sunday, February 12, 1939
A big day of nothing but reading and eating. In a place where we know no one so there is no chance of holding meetings. I read about the Great Apostasy and about thirty sections of the Doc. and Cov. and finished reading Mormon in Tahitian.

Ate two good-sized pineapples today besides nine bananas and regular two Sunday meals. We are living pretty good. For a change of subject matter Uela and I talked over a great number of subjects from Huey Long to gathering of Israel.

Monday, February 13, 1939
Off on another adventure of tackling a new Island. We got away this morning around nine o'clock and hadn't been gone a half hour when the rain drove us under a coconut tree for shelter. Soon we left that and started on. This morning, before leaving, I bought a pair of canvas shoes and am wearing them instead of my good white ones.

We were on a good auto road for about ten miles but when that ended we hit her tough. Around three o'clock we were asked to stop and spend the night in a clean home, but shucks! that was right during our working hours so we declined. We passed on fighting dogs, brush, etc. still giving tracts until sundown. Once again we were asked to stay at a house but it looked awfully dirty and we knew the old fellow was asking us just out of kindness and according to the bunch of kids he had, he had all he could take care of so we went on. Just before dark we thought we better be getting a place to stay so the next house we asked if they knew where we could stay. The fellow made it quite plain that he wouldn't take us in but he pointed out the trail and said there were lots of houses just ahead. We went on, dark overtook us, not a house in sight and us in a helluva mud hole. Then for the next half hour we played "heck" getting out, but soon after that we saw a light and headed for it. (We aren't mad, but we do hope the Lord (in his own quiet way) will "thank" that last fellow for his "helping" hand of direction, etc.

The people in the house seemed glad to take us in. They gave us a supper of beef and sauce, lime-leaf tea, bananas, and bread. Then we were given a peue  to sleep on and a cover, and we lay down and "died".

February 14
The next day we ate another meal prepared for us, and as they would accept money, we gave them a sub. to the ve'a , and went on. The canvas shoes proved to be the only thing; half our time was spent in wading through the miti , streams, and mud. The other shoes would have been ruined. Today we met an atheist who took one look at the heading of our tract "Te Atua ", and he threw it down, exclaiming "a big lie". Poor fellow; he wouldn't even talk about it.

Once again we went over a mountain pass (or over the mountain... not much pass to it.) We were informed that it would be a lot of time wasted to go way out around the point of the Island as there were only a very few houses. If we went over the mountain, we might arrive in Uturoa by night. So, over the mountain we went. Talk about getting lost! So many wild pigs had made trails through the mt. so we had a hard time following the right one. A great number of times we took the wrong one only to have to retrace our steps again. (Walking mountain trails during the rainy season in these Islands is no fun!) Once while crossing a stream my valise flew open... I caught my change of pants in mid-air; other things had to be picked out of the water.

Now for the closing of the day I'll say that the last eight miles... from the time we got off the mountain and onto the trail... was as long a time as I ever spent. Already the day had been a hard one but dark came just as we hit the road so we came on home. My feet in those canvas shoes felt as though they couldn't hold out after we had gone two of the eight miles, so the last six were made on "a stiff upper lip and grit." Once again I'm glad I'm with a companion that can take it. Elder Hunting holds up very good.

Upon arriving in town (the 8 miles took us 2:15) we bought our canned supper and an ice cream cone. After showering, eating, etc. we flopped! No kidding. Report shows 135 tracts del. and 1 3 yr. sub. sold. Sore feet and muscles. Cold.

Wednesday, February 15, 1939
Been inside most of the day except once we went to the wharf to see Potii ; she came in this afternoon. We received a few more old tracts for our mail today.

Quite a crowd in town today; practically the whole bunch drunk. We even were offered a glass of beer. Darn guys. We were in town just long enough to buy some "baby oranges", avocados, and bread. The rest of the time I spent in writing a letter to Bobby, finished Mother's. Sent a few pictures home. I got a good cold and am very stiff from our last journey. It seems I always end with something.

Thursday, February 16, 1939
Today an unexpected treat came our way. We witnessed a ceremony very few people get to see; the walking over red-hot stones in bare feet by natives dressed in ceremonial garb. Girls and fellows both dressed in hula skirts put on a show this evening for a boat load of Americans that dropped in unexpected today. Talk about your well-to-dos. We went for a little stroll this evening not expecting much, and the first thing we noticed was the town was full of Americans. We spoke to a few, but the majority rather shunned us. Mormons seemed to be something to be snubbed it seems, even by our own countrymen. Oh Well! We're better than they at that.

We did find one fellow, a sell-known Doctor from Philadelphia, who treated us very civilly. We got into a few nice Gospel conversations with him, he trying his best to tie us up. He declared he was highly in favor of polygamy and we talked that score awhile. He jumped me on the question so I had all the talking on that score to do. When he asked why we quit, I answered, and he jumped right in. According to him he had me tied up merely because I answered truthfully. He said the Lord didn't give a commandment and then not long after "call it off". Shucks! We finally had him seeing our points however due to law-abiding reasons.

We had quite a group around asking questions all the time we were waiting for the ceremony. Many of them admired us for the love we have in God for spending two and a half years down "in this damn country". One fellow's words. On the other hand they thought us crazy for what we were doing. One old fellow, however, had read the Life of Brigham Young, Book of Mormon, and other Church books. There was such a friendly, kindlier attitude about him that I couldn't help but like him. He had traveled over Utah, as the rest had, gone through the Temple Grounds and was an ardent admirer of Brigham Young. All he lacks is Baptism.

The earlier part of the day we spent in reading, getting things off to Pres. filling in reports, and I wrote Elder Asay a letter. Tonight we ate some cheese, and crackers, and studied, and talked over the day's (or evening's) happenings.

Friday, February 17, 1939
Hardly worth writing today as far as anything doing worth writing about. I have been reading practically the whole day and Uela has been writing dictionary. That's all. Oh yes! We bought a whole stalk of bananas to hang in our room. Cost 1F25 .... apiece. 2F50 all told.

Saturday, February 18, 1939
This morning Elder Hunting and I left for the district we passed over during the night on our last tracting tour; from the big oaoa  to Uturoa. It took us three hours getting out there, tracting and walking fast all the way. Coming back took us not quite two hours. I bought 6 beans of vanila for 3F.

Upon arriving at the house I felt another weak spell come on me. I sat down, changed pants, and as I was doing that, I noticed the condition of my legs. Big red blotches thickly covered from my ankles to my waist. I felt quite feverish so I lay down for a couple of hours.

Tonight the spots have lightened a little, my burning head is better, but all in all I'm a little worried about my condition. I really haven't felt up to normal since I came out here. All the sickness on this Island makes a fellow wonder.

Sunday, February 19, 1939
Been in house reading. Finished stalk of bananas. In evening sang, and that is just about all. Uela bought a harmonica and I got out the old guitar and knocked off a few tunes; knocked them somewhere, anyway. Read Program of the Church. 100 pg.

Monday, February 20, 1939
We began tracting this morning. After walking for an hour and having delivered only ten tracts, we figured the day could be put to more use at home, that we would leave the tracting until we hit around again. Uela still has "half my assignment is to get that dictionary completed" on his brain so he doesn't care too much about tracting. I have to read, etc. and try to get my dumb brain functioning. As for learning the language, I can't better myself at all under the facilities here. Uela figures it's too much bother to talk between us in Tahitian, although I've asked him to whether I can understand or talk back or not. As for the people here... we're still poisonous.

I read 120 pages in Hunting's An American Prophet. Surely a fine book! Finished Etera in B. of M. Tahitian.

Tuesday, February 21, 1939
Continued reading today until I reached 300rd page in An Am. Proph. Hunting worked on dictionary all day. As soon as he gets the pages he has written finished and checked by natives then I will begin work on it again. We will soon be leaving for Vaitoare so we may get it checked there. We bought a second big stock of bananas, as the first one we used up in two days. This time we got a bigger one for 4fr. Surely have the bananas of the Mission but the Tuomotus have the "sugar and cream." I wish I could get back out there for a while and not have to spend too much time here. I only hope, however, we can get what is expected of us done here before time to go in comes.

Tahaa

Wednesday, February 22, 1939
This morning we busied ourselves getting prepared to cross the lagoon and "work" Vaitoare. At two we went to the poti . Just as we arrived at the wharf we met Teatura. He had just come out from Tahiti on board Potii , bringing us mail. We inquired when our boat would be leaving, and then finding we had time to go back to the house, we hurried back and opened our box. Inside was ve'as , mail from the States and articles of literature. I received letters from Mother (2), Grandma 1, Fern 1, and an Xmas present and card from Verba and Clare and Glen; a little late but all right anyway. News of Uncle Orville's death was indeed a surprise. Rather "knocked" me for awhile. (Not a sign of a note from Barbara; If this keeps up and she doesn't end it, I'm going to. I can't waste or spare the time... writing that one letter every ship.)

Getting on with the story... we then returned to the poti  and sailed to Vaitoare. There we jumped into our tracting task and in less than an hour we had covered the town and were picking up the outlying houses on our way to Poutoru. I sold one ve'a . Night was falling fast and we had a big vo'a  to go around, and so, as there were only a half dozen houses, which we can hit when night isn't so close, we got a fellow who was rowing to Poutora to row us with him for a dollar. 5 F. Once again we were given a supper and bed at Utarii ma' s home. Swell darn people! 47 tracts. I ate 12 bananas immediately after dinner today, in the course of thirty minutes.

Raiatea

Thursday, February 23, 1939
Home once again after coming across this morning on a poti . There was a big French liner here loading copra when we arrived. I spent today straightening again. Seems like everything is always out of order. Uela was too tired to go mataitai  the big ship so I went aboard alone. Surely a nice tub.

Met a fellow in town today and he shoved a letter into my hands from Pres. Stevens and then he disappeared. Word was we would have Elder Haslem out net week. Uela is to work his dictionary, and I am to take H. and do the work. Oh Boy!!!

A day of rain that has kept us in all day except for the two ventures I made to town to buy bread, cookies, tomatoes and beef. The big part has been spent in reading as usual. Finished An American Prophet of 437 big pages. Read 40 in Joseph Smith's Teachings, and that is about all that has been accomplished. Hunting at dictionary work.

Saturday, February 25, 1939
Rain! Unable to go out tracting so once again we have been in all day. Today we prepared for the worst... we bought a big stock of green bananas that should ripen in a few days, eight oranges, eight pineapple, and our regular canned fare of pate and tomatoes. Bananas 2 1/2 F. Pineapple 3 F. Oranges 2 F.

Sunday, February 26, 1939
Sunday once again sliding peacefully by. Nothing much today except I finished my Tahitian Book of Mormon! A big job reading and translating from the Eng. all these days I have spent on it. I feel I know my Book of Mormon better than the help I got on my grammar from the book. Bought another big stock of ripe bananas today to eat while we're waiting for the others to get ripe. Surely got a good reception waiting the arrival of Elder Haslam. Aita hoe parau api. 

Monday, February 27, 1939
Took another tracting trip eastward today. I was successful in selling another three year ve'a  sub. Besides that I gave out 36 tracts. Once again the red fever spots showed all over my body; darn miserable things.

From the time we got back until bed-time we were each busy at our respective works... Hunting on Dictionary and me reading.

Tuesday, February 28, 1939
The month of February gone by! Though we haven't been doing things that would cause it to go so fast, it seems only a short time ago since the month started.

Today I read thirty some odd sections of D. and C. and II Nephi and my grammar... which always needs studying. Rains every day these days... here and gone... here and gone!

Wednesday, March 1, 1939
We were expecting ship all day today, but about four o'clock, we were told a boat wouldn't be here until tomorrow. So, the day didn't see very much accomplished except I read quite a number of pages in the Way to Perfection and found out a great number of worthwhile things. Grammar in the morning... Way to Perfection later.

Thursday, March 2, 1939
After a long morning of unsettled ups and downs, going to town, waiting, expecting, etc., the ship finally came and dropped Elder Haslem with us. The result was we have been eating Samoan bananas, our own, candy, and Elder Hunting opened the cake he received a week ago and it was moldy. Due to his way of handling the situation, all I can say is kaitoa .

Elder Haslem seems to be a nice sort of fellow. (I don't believe his 'no girl' tale however.) We have been talking, showing pictures, drawing up tracting and time scheduals all afternoon. Ate a big watermelon and oranges between times.

A drunk applied for Baptism in all seriousness today but after I told him he would have to stop smoking and drinking, his pleas weren't quite so loud.

Friday, March 3, 1939
We launched off onto a time schedual today for the first time and from all appearances it's going to work swell. Just for a memory I shall write it in: Up by 5:30 A.M. Shower, shaving, etc. over by 7:00. 7:00 to 8:00 for breakfast. 8:00 to 9:00 Grammar class. 9:00 to 2:00 tracting, travel, etc. 2:00 to 3:00 P.M. dinner. 3:00 to 4:00 contact, tract, odds and ends. 4:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. Buying, relaxation, etc. 5:00 to 6:00 P.M. study of the Gospel. 6:30 to 7:00 discussing problems, etc. 7:00 to 8:00 Reading of Tahitian B. of M. (again) 8: to 9:P.M. Diary, reports, etc. And that is about what we did today. Elder Haslem and I struck out and tracted the east district alone. We sold a 3 yr. ve'a  and Elder Haslem wrote it up. That was the only one for today. We each gave 24 tracts. I seemed to have taken on Senior duties when we go out together. Elder Hunting stays at home and works on dictionary and Teina e o Rutena e rave i te ohipa rahi . Rather tired tonight so I shall be turning in. Five-thirty comes early.

Saturday, March 4, 1939
Well, it was hardly five-thirty but closer to six. Anyway we followed our regular schedual until after dinner and then the rest of the day was our own. Elder Haslem and I developed pictures, and due to the lighting facilities, we surely made a mess of the first ones. After we got on to it, we did a little better. Had a few good prints turn out.

In our tracting today he and I covered the west district, each giving 18 tracts. In the evening we sang and joked until after ten and then kicked the blanket off and went to bed. Hot!

Sunday, March 5, 1939
"Fast" Sunday today so ua na reira matou, ia tae i te hora ahuru ma piti râ, ua amu matou i te mau mei'a . And outside of eating fifteen bananas, an avota , taking a picture and posing alongside of a pig, reading Book of Mormon, finishing Way to Perfection, eating two meals, and talking, I feel as though a good day has passed. That really covers about all. Just for a reminder, here is what we have eaten in line of bananas: stocks.. 4. Cost 12F00. Amount on each 1-53, 2-60, 3-83 and 4-72 and 5-102. Uela and I alone put away the first three alone.

Monday, March 6, 1939
Monday morning and we began our second round trip of Raiatea. We left about nine in the morning and after walking for four hours, Elder Haslem found he had lost his pen so back went Elder hunting to look for it. Meanwhile Haslem and I sat around and ate vis  and read Tahitian. Soon Hunting appeared, but he had not found the pen; nothing to do but go on. Night came on us before we ever reached the desired distance, but it happened we were close to a lone Chink's house and he put us up for the night in a bamboo shack by the shore. We slept on our peue , spread on the split bamboo. For cover we used our paruis  and for a pillow, our pants. The night was plenty long, 'cause it was quite chilly sleeping almost naked. Before we retired a bunch of tau reareas  found us. Of course we had a pretty good time singing, mystifying them with match tricks, etc. One fellow, after the others had gone a little way off and into a gambling game, got interested in talking religion with Uela. I followed them through and must say Uela gave a good sermon. We retired about 9:30 P.M., hungry, tired, sleepy and the rest of a Missionarie's troubles over us.

Encircling the Island on foot. When we haven't a vaa  we use our legs to cross shallow places in the lagoon. March 8, "39".

March 7... Up at six, tracts counted and arranged and off again. Today we rode a vaa  across a stretch for a few miles. It cost us a dollar (5F) apiece but the swamps, mud and streams we saved having to ford was well worthwhile. On and on we went meeting nothing out of line from daily tracting trials until just about dark. One fellow had given us three pineapple and a 3 yr. Ve'a  sub. to hold up our appetites. Just before dark we had no idea where we would stay. We had hinted plenty strongly for a place, but the people just wouldn't welcome us. A big muddy ooa  before us and no dry ground so we must go on. The ocean or lagoon looked fairly shallow so we decided on an attempt to cross straight through, thereby saving us a mile's walk around. We could see a native out fishing and water only to his knees so we headed for him. He directed us to keep going straight and we would arrive O.K. Dark overtook us as we were still walking. We began getting a little nervous on account of the many sharks in the lagoon and the water was getting deeper. It was up to our waists and still going up. Our pants were soaked and coats just about under. We went here and there trying to find shallow water, always working toward the point. Only darn fools or protected Missionaries would have kept going but in the end we reached the shore. Natives would never venture out into water that deep only in daylight so I guess we were preserved again. I guess we were slowed up a bit by keeping a careful watch of the water behind us, but after a half hour's walking we landed on shore... what a relief!

On shore we came upon another lone Chink. At first he was cold & wanted us to go on but after a bit he warmed up, said we could spread our peue  in his smelly coprah shed. That was better than nothing so we decided to stay. After he found out who we were, about the news between Tapone & Tinito, he warmed even more and told us to spread our peue  upon his front porch. He swept it, brought us water and a stalk of ripe bananas. We each ate 10 bananas, lots of water and then curled up for to sleep. During the night it got chilly so I crawled into my pants; a few minutes later the other two did likewise. (We each had a clean pair along, still dry. The night was long.

March 8. On again and hitting new country on the far east end. This time we followed the shoreline rather than to go over the mountain. The day was long, needless to say, but the end of it found us home, tired out, half starved (I guess, according to the food we tucked away.) Anyway we were well satisfied and feel as thought we had done a good job. An incident of a gal doing a little gold-digging was quite humorous. We thought we had left that in the States. And to be told there weren't women around for three of us was something else.

For the trip my summary reads 4 ve'a  subs. 2 & 3 yr. ones, 181 tracts, 1 shirt and laundry bill of 8 F. Not so bad.

Opoa, Raiatea, as we saw it as we were walking around Raiatea. This is one of the most populated sections we have met in our travels around these Islands. March 9 "39".

Thursday, March 9, 1939
Another day of recuperation in which I wrote a letter to Mother ma . That, I guess, was all I accomplished except for getting my monthly time sheet up, diary caught up, accounts settled among us, and other odds and ends. The boys have both got sore feet and for once Hunting got the legs walked off him. He was the most tired of the three when we arrived at home. (He won't admit it though.) Letter from Pres. No news.

Friday, March 10, 1939
Elder Haslem and I took a late afternoon walk and covered our "East district". We ended our tracting just before dark, having each given 34 tracts, and with five miles ahead of us we turned around and started for home, having covered the five going out in two hours and a half, and our home stretch of five miles took us an hour and fifteen minutes. We were hot when we got home.

This afternoon as he and I were in town buying food a fellow came up and asked for a ve'a . After a few minutes talk, I sold him a 3 yr. subscription to the ve'a  and after a short while longer I soon gave him a Book of Mormon, with a promise of a good Gospel Conversation when we meet in Tahaa next week. He is a Mahana Hitu  and quite a sensible fellow.

We retired about ten o'clock feeling satisfied with the day.

Saturday, March 11, 1939
This Haslem guy is quite the laugh. I believe I've laughed more since he's been around than I have the whole past year put together. I tried to give him a grammar class but darned if either of us could act sober. His clean jokes are really good.

Today we studied grammar a while, got our negatives from the Chink, got a haircut, arranged for a place at Robierre's in Tahaa for next week, and tonight we have been checking time sheets and just sitting around in a pareue  enjoying the cool (?) evening breezes.

Sunday, March 12, 1939
Another one of those Sundays in which you stay at home and read the Book of Mormon. Along with that I wrote Ralepha a letter and a "finisher" (I think) to Barbara.

Tonight our laundress brought over a stalk of bananas, some uru , and fish along with clothes, and pillow cases that she wanted to sell. No soap, so far. Aita e parau api. 

Monday, March 13, 1939
Morning tracting again took Elder Haslem and me to the West district where we distributed tracts, sold two ve'a  subs, and got in a good talk with a fellow on the Word of Wisdom after he told us why he left the 7th Day Adventist Church. Couldn't eat pig.

Once again we followed the time schedual except when it took all three of us to cook the goolosh made of onions, beef, rice and sauce. Surely tasted good, nohow. (The cat ate our fish last nite.) Study of language and an hour on Gospel and Tahitian used up the evening for us.

Teina and I were side-tracked on one of our tracting tours to the east district in Raiatea.

Tuesday, March 14, 1939
Another crack at the East-10 mile District this morning and back by two P.M. We met quite a number home, delivered our message and on. Haslem and I once again working. Sold two ve'as  including a surprise... one to a Chink. Wow! A total of seventy tracts for the days labor. Took pictures in native pot.

Upon returning to the house, we were surprised when Uela had a big pot of goolosh cooked again. After a cold shower, the dinner surely hit where it should. Once again the remainder of the day was spent according to time schedual.

Wednesday, March 15, 1939
The big town day today but instead of mingling with the crowds we three climbed the mountain in back and over Uturoa. From there we followed the ridge, climbing upwards, way into the interior, taking pictures all the way. I might say it was the most scenic, beautiful, dangerous, walk I have ever taken, but I'm not sure due to other scenes we have seen here. Just the same it was swell! We scaled mountains, climbed up and down places a native wouldn't go, saw wild goat and pig tracks, took quite a number of pictures, and fought jungle growths, picked fruit, and all in all surely enjoyed the day. The reefs, islands, mountains, flowers, and everything was unimaginable. I said dozens of times, "I only wish someone back home could see what I see now!"

In the evening we ate watermelon and sat around singing and enjoying life... as usual.

Thursday, March 16, 1939
Another day I used to dream about back home... just sitting around eating bananas any time I cared to. Today Teina and I ate thirty bananas apiece and stopped only because the stock ran dry... Uela assisted by eating twenty. During the past few days we have used stocks number 6-7-8 having a respective number of 63-80-87 bananas upon them. No 8 with 87 was bought this morning and tonight the stock with a few mashed ones were left. As Teina says, "Wow!"

Now for the serious side we studied away most of the day, me in Gospel Doctrine, Book of Mormon and etc. Schedual and Potii  arriving with no mail used the rest.

Tahaa

Friday, March 17, 1939
Tonight we find ourselves situated in Robert's house in Tahaa; once more in comfortable quarters. We took a boat over from Uturoa to Vaitoare, and then tracted that section. Uela and I each sold a ve'a  sub., and I gave 38 tracts. One more vaa  ride took us across the ooa  and we landed in Poutoru. Tehetu fed us and we sat around amusing the kids and talking most of the evening until ten o'clock.

This morning I pounded the dirt from five pairs of socks, two pair of garments and a towel... just a washer-woman.

Saturday, March 18, 1939
Quite a treat having a cook again. Tehetu is surely doing her best for us. We are just "sitting" waiting for Monday to start our long trek again, but today Elder Haslem and I kept the Missionary spirit by doing a little back tracting in the big o'o'a . We gave something like forty tracts, but only found three homes with people in them. Upon returning to the house we found the kids wanting to go to their farm and us with them, so, we turned around and went back again. Little Tehema climbed a tree and got us pape  and Teina and I picked the iitas  and carried them home. Tehetu had a supper of iitas , fish and mulligan when we got back.

Sunday, March 19, 1939
A long day it seemed with nothing to do but read Tahitian Book of Mormon and tracts. A little stroll around the point and up on the hill constituted our exercise. Sunday here is as long a day as they used to be. I wish we were holding meetings or could go to one!

Monday, March 20, 1939
Monday morning once again and we started on our fourth trip around Tahaa. Tracting, selling ve'as  and travel made the day a full one. At about three in the afternoon we reached old Riro's place where we have always stayed at night, but due to our pushing right along, we were much earlier. The day wasn't gone so we decided to try to reach way over to Patio and spend the night there. Just at sundown we walked into Patio. A fellow met us and his first words were, "a haere mai outou i roto i teii nei fare, a faaea ai ". Then he went on to say that was where all Missionaries of any denomination stay, we would have to get our own food as they didn't have any, and that we were to stay there until morning.

He took us into a very pretty place, showed Teina one room and said that was for him, took me to another stating the same, and Uela the third. Each room had a nice bed, table, chair and clean as clean. I asked if it was a hotel and the reply was it was built just for people like ourselves. The fellow (or the family) that owned it were of split religions. The one who was doing the leading was the policeman for all of Patio Mataiena. Never have we been treated to such a place before.

We went to the store and bought pork and beans, beef and bread for our supper. Upon returning to the house we found a washing place ready for us, and the table set. After eating we sat and talked with the few people that were there. Only two young fellows occupied one of the eight bed-rooms so we had plenty of privacy. After sitting up and talking on Gospel subjects until ten we turned in. What a wonderful feeling to know the Lord is opening the way.

Ioane Tamaiti. The product growing in the little bamboo shack off the trail.

Tuesday, March 21, 1939
Up once again and on our way after eating a breakfast prepared by the people around. Yesterday I gave 89 tracts and sold two ve'a  for myself and two for Teina... one of them was to a Catholic woman and what a job of talking I did have! Today we made it all the way from Patio home, having come over both mountains and not renting a vaa . This day I gave 35 tracts and sold five ve'as  for myself and four for Teina... one of them being to a Deacon of the Protestant Church. What a surprise that was to me when he decided to try it for a year! That was better than to the Catholic. Taero-vahine took us in and fed us oranges, bananas, vis , and a pape  haari  for dinner today. She wanted us to stay for dinner, but we had to go on. This Island is certainly opening to us finally. The people in Patio asked us to plan on stopping there again next Monday, and two others want us to talk Gospel next week. Great possibilities are ahead of us I'm sure.

Upon returning to the house we bathed, ate supper, and went to bed... needless to say, very tired again. Anyone who walks Tahaa in two days is bound to get tired.

Wednesday, March 22, 1939
Mail from Pres. today stating I am to take Elder Haslem and go to Huahine and take over work there... I'll bet I've aged three years since reading that letter. Not that I'm scared... just sobered up, knowing what responsibility is for a change. We have Tahaaa to finish up however before leaving. Elder Hunting will be with us until we sail for Huahine and then he goes on in to Tahiti. Haslem and I are to start the ball rolling in H. and then on to Tahiti, boxes and all, by May 27, for Conference. I find myself very enthused over the prospect of Senior duties. How will I feel three weeks from now?

Today I once again won the flip of the coin so I didn't have shopping to do. However my washing had to be done so I pounded into that. The rest of the time has been spent in recuperation.

Last nite I dreamed a dream that gave us something to talk about. Just in case anything turns up of it, I'm going to write it down:

"It seemed I was standing along shore in Tahiti with Pres, and we were discussing our work in the Leewards. I told him what we had done and the unlimited possibilities ahead, making special mention of our work in Patio. I told him I was enthused about Patio and would surely hate to miss our next trip around. He said, "You would rather go there this week than meet         ?"  I didn't catch his last word and I tried to get him to repeat. He, in his joking manner, passed it off by saying, "You have made your choice and I commend you for your Missionary Spirit." Just then I looked out across the sea and saw three mountainous waves come crashing in, very strong and large. Directly in their path were six coconut trees. Just as the three large waves hit, they fell over. I quickly drew the President's attention so that he might see them fall, but he turned only half around and said nothing... only a wise smile on his face." I awakened.

Thursday, March 23, 1939
Today I wrote to Elder Mortensen; I'm sorry to hear that he is going home. Also I wrote to Mother. A few hours in study and a couple on Tahiri's chart and the day went past. We bought a little fishing tackle to use in Poutoru next week.

Friday, March 24, 1939
Days are going by so fast I can't keep dates straight. Once again we prepared during the morning to leave for Tahaa again. During the preparation we heard a pu pu  so the three of us just out of curiosity trotted up the hill behind the house to see what we could see. It was just Potii  returning from Bora Bora. Uela went back down, but Teina and I climbed on up to where we could see the pass. Just as we reached the top we saw a wild storm coming a ripping over the miti  and up the hill. Ua turned and headed down but before we got a hundred feet we were overtaken by the torrents. We pulled up under a tree but before long it was like a sieve so we walked on down in a good old tropical rainstorm. Gee, this water is wet; first time I've been in a good one like that.

We pulled out from Uturoa and headed for Poutoru. I was able to make a ve'a  sale while on board. Surely got a laugh at a little pig that jumped overboard and headed for open sea. He was picked up by a fellow, riding an out-board.

A little trouble over here due to the drunken condition of all the people in town. We just about pulled out and headed for Pahure but due to Robert we didn't. Received a letter from Ioane today.

Saturday, March 25, 1939
Another day and another new experience called "Rama ". This evening Robert, Uela, Teina, I and a half dozen natives took big knives and lamps and went fishing. Walking along the shore, we would come upon the unsuspecting fish, and by a quick whack with the knife, the fish's head left it's body. Not only did we get good eating fish but also octopus, eels and many other odds and ends. The ocean is full of all types of dangerous fish and we certainly had to be warned where to step and which fish to hit and run if one blow didn't get him. More fun! Also today we took a good dip in the miti  with half the town's population watching. Poutoru is getting a little more friendly to we "furriners". For study today I read some Tahitian and finished "Memoirs of John R. Young" by Himself.

Sunday, March 26, 1939
Study of a little grammar and Liahona, two meals and two walks to the hill, two walks to the wharf and playing with the kids and the day is over.

Monday, March 27, 1939
This morning something quite unusual and new to me took place. Around five-thirty this morning Uela awakened Teina and me by saying, "I'm very sick... will you come and help me?" Immediately Elder Haslam and I were up, and seeing how weak he was, we each took his arm and went outside. Elder Hunting was very weak, swaying this way and that, mumbling something about being afraid it was his heart. Outside he purged and etc. but with no results. As we were walking him around, he insisting he wanted to walk, I particularly noticed how very damp with sweat his clothes were (pajamas). After a few minutes outside we returned; Uela acted just as a drunk would. He lay down once again and everything started to whirl. He said, very weakly, "Teina, you'll... find... some olive oil... in my valise..... You know what I want." We took the oil, blessed it and annointed him, offering the prayer. Upon completion we told him to sleep now and he would be all right. We returned to bed and lay there a few minutes. Soon we could tell by his even breathing that he was asleep. As it was nearing time to get up, Teina and I just grabbed a little cat nap before getting up. At seven o'clock we arose. Our movements awakened Elder Hunting, and he immediately got up, and prepared to start on the hard trip around Tahaa that morning. Nothing further was mentioned until we reached all the way to Patio Monday. There we asked him how he felt and what stock he took in the Administration. He said, "I feel just as well as ever." And then in all seriousness he said, "I wouldn't be here tonight with you if you hadn't of administered to me." Once more the Power of God has manifested itself... and I was a witness.

Now to size up the day... we left Poutoru and arrived way around to Patio again. This time I gave 91 tracts sold one ve'a  for myself and one for Elder Haslam. In Patio we were once again welcomed into the beautiful home. (The cop has been appointed Governor now of Patio.) There, we held a cottage meeting and had a wonderful discussion of the rise and growth of the Church. I closed with prayer. The prospects look very bright.

March 28... On again on our journey. We tracted for about two hours and then met Ioane à Pura in Pahure. In his letter to us last week he mentioned he would have dinner prepared, and he wanted us to stay awhile with him. We met him all right and of all the native hospitality! He fed us and then we talked then we ate again and talked, and while talking we were constantly fed oranges, watermelon and pape haaris . A very choice bit of Gospel conversation came in also. He has just about completed reading the Book of Mormon I loaned him two weeks ago, and if I ever saw a man searching for truth, it is he. The day went on and we were asked if we wouldn't stay all night. Surely we accepted. In the evening, supper was served, a bottle of perfume was doused on us just to show how pleased he was. Following supper, a few more people came in thereby giving us a better chance to give out more pointers. Evening prayer was led by Ioane himself, a fellow just 23 years old.

March 29. This morning we said Ia orana  to Ioane ma.  He was very sorry to see us leave, and for a helping hand, he gave us each a dollar. Of course we didn't want to take his money, but what to do without hurting his feelings by refusing it? As we had been talking about Conf. in Papeete and how we wished he would go in for it, a bright idea struck me so I said (in Tahitian), "I'll receive this but now I'm giving it back to help you get to Tahiti for Con." The other two did likewise so the day was saved. In return I gave him the Book of Mormon I loaned him before. I honestly feel that book is going to be the means of Ioane joining the Church of Jesus Christ before many months pass. I hope and pray.

Now at this time we are back at home in Poutoru having come from Pahure this morning. Coming over the mountain, we each bought 20 beans of vanila. Results yesterday showed 23 tracts, no ve'as . Today- 68 tracts and 2 ve'a . Waiting for bedtime now.

Thursday, March 30, 1939
Today we came across the lagoon to Raiatea to spend the day and night and go back again tomorrow. We spent the morning getting across in Utarii's new, slow boat, and also in washing out our garments, socks and towels. Then this afternoon Uela went to the post-office to see if Potii brought us mail. She had, and I was indeed very glad to hear from Bobby again... eight letters in two... Mother... three letters, Fern two, Le Moyne one, Elder Asay one, Pou in Hikueru one, Eletona, and it was all great. When I receive mail, I always want to answer back immediately, but nothing doing... no ship fro the States for awhile.

Tonight I have been working at accounts. Oh me! What a mess.

Friday, March 31, 1939
It has been raining all day today e tae noatu i te ahiahi .

We left Uturoa for our last trip across to Tahaa. Upon arriving, we were met by the usual flock of kids. After a while we hung up a rope and began high jumping. As we suspected, a flock of people coon gathered around... Soon we were associating with them and competing with them in all manner of jumps, skill, energy and strength. We three held our own in all things against them. This is the first time we have cracked Poutoru into being friendly. How we are being spoke to and of by this people. Worthwhile.

Saturday, April 1, 1939
Not very much credited to accomplishments today. A walk over the point of the hill, study of tracts, throwing centimes for Tehena to dive for... he never missed..., eating peanuts and just gossiping. Surely anxious to be off again. Stiff as all hollow from the strenuous exercise of yesterday that I'm not used to doing. Climbing the mountain this morning was quite a task.

Sunday, April 2, 1939
One more Sunday but today was different. We actually took a Sunday afternoon ride that lasted over two hours in Utarii's new boat. They were going for a visit over to a Frenchman's house, and we were asked to go along. We enjoyed the diversion from our usual Sunday of "sitting around holding our hands" (or somebody's).

Peanuts and standing on the wharf used up the evening for us. This morning I learned six articles of faith in Tahitian. Tonight is our last night in Poutoru though very few people know it. I'm kinda nervous about next week's prospects, but ready for the worst!

Monday, April 3, 1939
Last evening Robert's wife asked us if we would administer to her little girl Magdalene. Uela asked her if she had faith to go along with ours that we could do it. She felt she had, but that she would rather wait until Robert came home and discussed it with him so their thoughts could be uniform. This morning they both expressed the wish that we would do it. We three Elders held a special prayer first and then according to the Spirit, we administered. I annointed and Uela gave a beautiful sealing prayer. If ever we felt humble it was then. With the hopes and faith of the Mother and Father in us who were officiating in the name of He who sent us, we prayed for the healing of the dreaded disease of elephantisis. If our prayers and faith will heal that child, she shall be healed before long.

After saying "goodbye" to all of them around there, we left on our trek. One ve'a  written by Teina was the best we could do on that line today, but we all three well passed the hundred mark on tracts delivered.

Once again we are resting and preparing for the evening in the swell house in Patio; arrived here at 4:30 this afternoon. They once again gave us a supper of beef, bread, jam and cocoa. One doesn't meet people who have treated us so kindly every day. They shall receive their reward I'm sure. Arrangements are already made for us to stay once again with Ioane tomorrow, eat dinner with him and then go on about our tracting and return to his house for supper and night's lodging. Quite tired tonight. (I noticed this morning after the Administration that I felt as though some of my strength had left me. If only the little girl will get well... what a testimony.

Tuesday, April 4, 1939
Just as we had expected today only better. We tracted until we arrived at Ioane's house. Between the two homes, however, we met up with a very nice circumstance and chance for acquaintances. We were invited into a house and while there, got in a swell hour of friendship making, by singing, talking, giving a song book, and selling two ve'a  subs. If ever we come back we have another place to be welcomed into.

At Ioane's, we ate a light lunch, listened to him play a guitar, then ate a big dinner. Following that we went on tracting, leaving our valises at Ioane's. We tracted for about five hours before returning.

Upon returning to the house, we were once again served a big dinner consisting of fresh pork, taro , potatoes, etc.

Tonight we have been sitting, just talking, singing and visiting, with quite a number of people in the house. Our shoes are off and ties also, and we are lying upon the bed... the floor... where we shall sleep tonight. That's something... walk through the mud to a man's house, take off our shoes and coats before entering, loosen our collars, and go in and walk and lie all over the bed, staying all day and night, having lunch spread down on the floor for you to eat anytime you care to. What a life!

Wednesday, April 5, 1939
We said goodbye to Ioane ma  this morning and left Pahure on a boat for Raiatea. Two hours it took for the crossing today and cost 5 francs. Upon arriving at "home" again, we proceeded to pack. I am only taking one box to Huahine so I have to sort what I don't want or need and send it in in my little box by way of Uela.

Tonight we spent the evening talking with two Englishmen that came out on Potii  today. Quite interesting chaps.

Bought a Book of Mormon from Uela today. The Chink surely turned out a messy bunch of pictures I had developed. Lousy!! Phew.

Raiatea

Thursday, April 6, 1939
Today we got our passports signed "out" and continued on with our preparation of leaving. For a little celebration we ate dinner at the Hotel, being served string beans, beef and bread on our order of plate lunch. Not half bad considering all things. We were very much surprised to pay only a dollar per plate. However, it's a good thing we didn't try it before or we would have eaten more meals there. At night a young mongrel pup howled half the night to keep us awake; my putting him off the porch didn't help.

Friday, April 7, 1939
Expecting Potii  today so we got everything ready to go on her. Ioane came this morning and brought us a big pute  of oranges and vis . I really believe that fellow is going to be baptized one of these weeks... I hope. He bought a couple more books from us, and he really seems sincere. I was met on the street today and asked for a 3 yr. ve'a  sub. Total reads 49 for me now. Our total now for the three of us runs 110. I reckon we've done a little.

On with the celebration tonight... we ate dinner in the hotel. This time a full plate of beef steak, lettuce salad, peas and bread all for one dollar per. As we reached the street a big "Bon Soaire"  met us and oh boy! If it wasn't the cute blond (?) with the flopping hips! Say! I'll bet she can hula. Anyway, we said Bon...  in the best French we could muster and hurried on. When we reached the house we flipped to see who would rate if we could; I won. What good does it do? I haven't lost the flip of the coin since Elder Haslem came out. Great life.

Saturday, April 8, 1939
And here I sit well located in a Mister Mervin's fine home, setting right alongside of the ocean. Gee, is it swell! Maybe I better start from the first. We arose this morning about six and showered, etc. and prepared to leave. Potii  was schedualed to pull out at 7:00 but as we suspected, she didn't get off in time. We had our boxes taken to the wharf and then we returned to the hotel and ate a breakfast of fried eggs, oranges, etc. all for 4 francs apiece. Potii  left at 10:30. On the three hour ride to Huahine I didn't feel so hot so I went below and layed on a bunk. A few minutes after I went below, Elder Haslem gave up his eggs. I almost did.

Upon landing at Huahine we were met by Mister Mervin and his daughters. As luck would have it, he was going to Tahiti so we were placed in custody of his two daughters... one catch... there was a husband of one of them in the crowd. they took us to their home a couple of miles out of town, after we had bid goodbye to Uela. The home is very nice! Right beside the big ocean with no reef to break the waves; the shore, though. Of all the conveniences... a flowing toilet, shower, wash basin, a cook stove... the one girl used to cook for the Miss. in Papeete and is she good! So far I have been able to carry on a good conversation. Teina and I are alone at last and I, as a Senior Elder should be scared, but I'm not... give me time.

This evening Sarah and Fanau played my guitar and uke. Elder Haslem and I leaned back against the wall and just sat listening; ocean waves on one side and Tahitian singing on the other. Mahia joined in the singing also. After an hour or two of that, we went to bed... each having a bed of our own. The girl, Sarah, slept in a different compartment, and Fanau ma  having a house off aways. (Upon learning we weren't married, Fanau, not knowing... thinking we were as other white men, asked if we wanted a couple of girls. Ai! Not that the atmosphere is all wrong... But...)

Sunday, April 9, 1939
Arising at six, we took a shower, ate breakfast and then took a good walk out along the shoreline... surely a honey of a place. We picked up a few odd shells here and there in our travels. All afternoon we spent in Gathering Israel, etc. Evening was much the same as yesterday. The cook today treated us to a swell chicken dinner. Really, this is the best I have lived away from Tahiti. Condensed milk, even, butter too. Surely a treat. And the people won't accept a penny. When I mentioned we were starting off tomorrow on our tracting and would be gone a few days, they seemed really sorry. Mahia said "Eiaha orua e haameoro i to orua haerea. " She needn't worry!

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