Kolo Mission, Basutoland, South Africa
By E. C. Silsber
We arrived at the Kolo Mission safely, and are now partly settled in the mission home. We reached Wepener by train about two weeks ago, and from there came the rest of the distance, about twenty-five or thirty miles, by ox-wagon, arriving at the mission late in the evening of the next day. We have spent a large part of the time in getting straightened out and squared up, until now, at the end of two weeks, we feel quite at home, though we have made only a beginning on the work that needs immediate attention. The mission home is beautifully situated, being on the side of the mountain, and affording a splendid view across a broad, level valley, which stretches away for miles to the westward. This whole valley is dotted with native villages, which constantly remind us of our business here and of the great work to be done in this field. A snow-storm, which lasted all day yesterday, greatly enhanced the beauty of the landscape for the time being. We have a nice little garden plot, a small orchard, and mountain spring-water piped right to our back door, as well as many other blessings and conveniences to enjoy; some inconveniences, of course, but then they are found everywhere. We have the garden partly plowed, and are busy now with the tree work and grape-vine pruning, trying in the meantime to get the rest of the plowing done. The natives here are the best class we have had to deal with, being cleaner in their home life, and more intelligent generally, as well as far in advance of other tribes in many other respects; they also have at least a little appreciation of what is being done for them in bringing them the light of the gospel. The people as a rule seem glad to have us here, and each Sabbath some from the outside villages may be seen attending the services. Peter and Lazarus, our native teachers, tell us that the people like the music from our little box organ, and that is one reason they come to Sabbath-school and church services. We organized a Sabbath-school last Sabbath, for which they all seemed glad. We have had one request for baptism; this is, of course, the result of previous work done, and not of our own. Nevertheless, we are glad to hear these reports. Pray for the work here. E. C. SILSBER.