Foreword
Chapter III
Chapter IV
Chapter V
Chapter VI
Chapter VIII
I have worked for several days to find photos and other visuals to illustrate this section of my letters and diaries, which I am calling Chapter vii. It covers September 11th through 24th, 1961. Rita has helped proofread, but there are probably still typos, misspelled names, and other flawed text. If you see anything I should correct, please e-mail me.
In this section, you will see that I am settling down into a pattern at KLS: teaching on weekdays, directing choir and teaching piano in the afternoons and evenings, and doing lesson plans on the weekends. This may be dull and boring for some, but note that I have mentioned many individual children, staff, and guests. So, if this story features you, then perhaps you will find it interesting.
I will reiterate that I was an immature twenty-one year old, obviously homesick, and struggling to adjust. I have edited very little, as I see no value in making myself appear more wise or capable than I was. If you must think less of me for presenting the real me, then so be it.
My hope is that you will enjoy this snapshot of life as it was at KLS in 1961!
December 27, 2005: One of my sharp-eyed former KLS students, Marilyn “Maggie” Tuff, noticed that I have often changed tenses in the body of the text. This, therefore, leads me to add this explanation. I have transcribed my diaries and letters verbatim, and that is what you will see here for the most part. I was writing in my diary each night after the day's events; consequently, some of the text may be in the past tense (as, Today we hiked up the mountain), and in the very same entry, I may switch to present tense (as, Rita is not cooking tomorrow). When I include editorial notes and memoir stories, I use brackets and date the passage with a 2005 (now 2006) date. I hope this will not cause too much confusion. My hope is that you all can enjoy reading about yourselves without the mechanics causing distractions. In any case, I welcome your comments. Thank you, Marilyn, for pointing out this situation to me.
Last, if you haven't already read the Foreword, please do so in order to get in on the secret of who I was and why I decided to share these journals and photos with you in this public venue. KPMH
[Monday, September 11]
Ha! Was as warm as toast during the night! I even wrapped my feet up in my sweatshirt sweater, and believe it or not, they got warm! It was REALLY cold!
We had three Cessnas today, and did they buzz us! The kids ran out every time, disrupted classes.
I had the older kids for evening recreation, and rode herd while they played a paper game in the rec. hall around the ping pong table.
Went home, wrapped up in blankets, and listened to the news in Rita’s room. Then I fell into bed. Hurricane reports are worse. The storm, which has been named “Carla,” is hitting Texas and Louisiana. Pres. Kennedy has declared a disaster area, and they’re sending in the Red Cross, etc. People are evacuating the coastal towns. Many people didn’t get out of Galveston and will have to weather the storm. Hope my people are Ok. My home town is just a few miles from Port Lavaca, and I'm very worried.
Hurricane warnings were issued along the entire Texas coast on the 9th prompting immediate evacuation of all islands just offshore and low coastal areas. The wind, not the rain, became the major weather factor for the Coastal Bend area. Preliminary wind reports from locations hit hardest by Carla indicated sustained wind speeds of 115 mph in Matagorda…110 mph in Victoria…and 88 mph in Galveston. Peak wind gusts were estimated at 150 mph in Victoria and 170 mph at Port Lavaca! Average wind gusts of 80 to 90 mph were reported across Corpus Christi, with a peak wind of 81 mph recorded at the tower of the Weather Bureau Office, before failure of the instrument.]
[Tuesday, September 12]
Went to sleep immediately last night at 9:30--in my slacks and housecoat, with my feet wrapped up--slept till almost seven. Feel really good today. I was very nearly sick last night!
Normal teaching day. Piano lessons this afternoon. No choir tonight--we watched a New Guinea film strip that Rev. Diemer had.
Came back to the room and listened to the new report. The hurricane is getting worse--they said it would hit Austin for the first time in history. One hundred fifteen mile-per-hour winds along the coast. A half-million people evacuated. Tornadoes have killed two people--one hit Galveston . All roads to Galveston are blocked.
It’s not quite so cold tonight, goody goody! Maybe I’ll rest in peace.
[Wednesday, September 13]
Deer Log:
Today has been a pretty good ole day, and I feel wunnerful tonite! For some reason, I have had more energy today and have felt better all day than I have since coming to Wau! Usually, I poop out about 1:00 p.m. and am good for nothing (work, that is) the rest of the afternoon and evening.
In the first place, I feel good because I got up a little earlier than usual and cleaned up my room as slick as a whistle. Then before school started, I cleaned up my desk and straightened my books.
During noon rest, I corrected all the exercise books that had been turned in yesterday and today, and I had time while the fourth graders were doing their Bible study to finish writing out the parts for the song which we were to sing in choir tonight. I harmonized “Christ We Do All Adore Thee” from “The Seven Last Words” in three parts. Even split tenor in some places.
Then I had a good science lesson for the first time. I haven’t been doing much with science, because we’re on electricity, and I don’t know anything about it; nor especially, how to go about teaching it.
After science, the kids talked me out of remedial reading and into art, which is the first real art we’ve done since I got here.
We took the pastels and pastel books and went outside and did scenery, and I did one myself that’s not too bad; and all the kids in the school informed me a hundred times over that, “IT’S FLASHY.” Do I ever love the way they bolster a guy’s ego! If I listened to them, I’d be the most conceited wretch in N G! Some of these kiddos aren’t bad in art, either. I know some of them have real talent.
After school, I began working out my schedule for next week--only four days next week! Monday is New Guinea Day--a holiday! I even wrote spelling lesson plans for next week. Man, would I ever love to get most of my plans done before the weekend!
Also, I discovered that a beautiful little varnished frame, which I had found on my desk a day or so ago, was meant for me. I hadn’t paid too much attention, as the kids are always leaving their belongings for me to look at. But Heidi Baer squealed. Told me that Traugott had made it for me. So Now I have a PICTURE on my wall! He has a little picture of a deer in it--you can change pictures if you want to. It’s a tiny thing, only about two-and-a-half by four inches; but really well made. Traugott--have I mentioned him? He was the only seventh grade boy until Vance Brandt came. He is slender and blonde with a very handsome face and terribly expressive blue eyes. He stands like a soldier, and Doris seems to think he’s a little too full of his own importance. But intelligent and an avid reader. His name is Traugott (which means “Trust God”) Jaeschke. His father is a German missionary. He has no accent, speaks English like an American. He has a kind of grainy voice, and I love to hear him talk. He is a real man’s man, too, and is always into something.
[Karen’s note, July 2005: I remember thinking how amazing it was that Traugott depicted Fidel Castro in a skit, during one of the first weeks that I was at KLS. At the time, I wondered how many American boys that age even knew who Fidel Castro was, let alone had the knowledge and skill to portray him and to depict his persona.]
Did I tell about the book ends which David Nagel and Hansi made for me?
The pair David made is varnished and the ends are made like pine trees--with my initials painted in red. Hansi’s are blue and really sturdier. Nicely made. With my initials.
I led devotions both this morning at breakfast and tonight at 7:00. Sat by some of my little girls this evening for the first time in a long time. I don’t know why, but they are forever around me, and I would so much rather sit with either some of my little boys or the older kids. After the way I have to fuss at mine, I’ll never know why they still like me the way they do. I’m such a grouch most of the time. I nearly go mad trying to keep the little ones in their seats and busy!
Anyway, tonight was choir. I could have gone to the movies down town with some of the other adults and “maski” to the choir, but I feel like this choir is more fun for me than any old movie. Maybe I’ll feel differently after I’ve been here awhile longer. [“Maski” is a Pidgin word meaning, loosely, never mind.]
In any case, we had choir--until 8:20. We worked hard on “Christ We Do All Adore Thee.” I started to quit it about 8:00 and go on to something else, but they wanted to learn it first. So, we just about got it learned a capella.
Then I went back to the school and the boys all came in--Vance claimed he had to finish some corrections.
How I love these guys! This is really my favorite age group--I know that. It’s the group I trained for, and the ones I feel most comfortable with. Maybe it’s really better that I’m not teaching these, though, as I’d never be able to cut up with them this way if I had to have them in class the next day!
I missed the news, tonight, so I don’t know how the hurricane is coming. Sure wish I would hear something from the family!
Ted was sick today.
Well, my fourth week of teaching is almost over--have been here four weeks today, almost a whole month!
Hooray! I even have some of my lesson plans done for next week--and it isn’t even a Sunday night! I’ve done Spelling and some Reading plans. Also have set up my week’s schedule.
Today was another nice day. It was much warmer last night than it has been. I got up at 6:30 and went to the school for a few minutes before breakfast. I like getting up earlier. I have a better lease on life and an overview of the whole day.
Nothing unusual happened today; I taught poetry this afternoon and enjoyed reading two sections of “Hiawatha.” to the kids. They were good as gold. We even memorized part of “By the shores of Gitche Gumee.” I have never read all of “Hiawatha,” and I’m certainly enjoying this.
In reading, third grade is starting on a unit of American Colonial times, and it’s shocking to me how little the kiddos know about early America and American history. I think that SOME effort should be made for instructing the American children, at least. So we are taking time out first for a short overview of Colonial life. I think that it will help these kids comprehend more that we read--or at least, will help make the stories more meaningful. They ate it up, today.
Taught piano lessons this afternoon. Some of these kids I really enjoy teaching. I found a third grade book and have decided to learn my way through it. One of my students will be ready for it before too long; and I’m having much fun practicing. I’m really glad I had those organ lessons--I think my technique has definitely improved--carried over to piano. I’m really excited about piano, now. Wish I had my music.
At supper, the two big boys who are sitting at my table (David Nagel and Jonathan Frerichs) wanted to know what I was doing tonight.
The big girls were to have Girl Guides (the Australian version of Girl Scouts), and the big boys have no planned entertainment on Thursday nights. So, I invited them to my room. After devotions, I ran and straightened it up a little, and they came over--all six together, bounding up the steps and pounding on the door.
We played cards, and did we ever have fun! We played Cheat--or what Lois [my girlhood friend] and I used to call, “I Doubt It,” and I laughed until my sides ached! Those guys are really funny! Sent them home at 8:20.
By the way, I have another grand case of conjunctivitis. It has really been bad, today. Drew is sick today with diarrhea. And Ted is still sick; my third grade is about dead without them. And it really reduces my whole class, too, as they are two of my really bright ones.
Drew is such a handsome little tyke! Dark complexion and hair and beautiful blue eyes.
Heard the news tonight again. I guess the hurricane is about played out, but many coastal cities are still closed to returning “refugees.” The only cities mentioned were Texas City and Angleton. I’d give anything to hear some news about El Campo or some of our neighbors.
Tasol! [Em tasol is Pidgin for That's all.]
[September 14, Excerpts from Letter to Parents]
I have been very worried about how you are faring in that hurricane. Really would have appreciated a telegram. Send me some news clippings, please; am dying for details.
In answer to your questions:
Everything in Wau is about 25 per cent more expensive than we could buy it for at home, because it has to be flown or transported up into these mountains. The stores have few clothes to sell--only fabric and a few essentials.
Yes, I have plenty of blankets in my room, but blankets don’t do much good when you’re wearing low cut, shortie p j’s. I finally started wearing my housecoat and slacks to bed when we have a terribly cold night. That included Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday.
I don’t know how I’ll be able to send snapshots, as I have no snapshot camera. However, I’ll send slides some time. If I ever get my film developed.
No, our rooms are not heated at all! There’s no heat whatsoever, except in the cook stoves in the kitchen!
There is no Rotary Club here. I cannot answer your question about how these people feel about the world situation. Most of the people I’ve met (mission staff and others) are people just like us. They aren't some odd animals. They have the same hopes and fears and feelings that we do. All I know is that Lissie, the German matron, is terribly upset about the Berlin crisis, and is deathly afraid of Communists, as she has visited relatives in the Eastern zone.
All radios here are short wave. No regular-length stations. Transistor sets work fairly well. I may buy Lissie’s radio when she leaves this December; she said I might have it.
Let me know if my journal got there intact. It went second class because Gil said the lady at the post office thought it wasn’t sealed; but I had stuck some glue under the flap. Didn’t mean to cheat the mails. Anyway, it only cost 12 shilling six pence, about $1.38. Not bad, huh? Here’s hoping you can make heads or tails out of it--it’s really a jumble, and quite unliterary. I wouldn’t mind having the Wau part back some day, as it is the only record I have of my children, incidents in school, etc. [Karen's note, January 1, 2006: As you have guessed, my parents saved all my journals, my letters, articles, and other memorabilia.]
[Friday, September 15, Journal Entries]
Hiya! Time for bed, but time out first for m’ dear ole log.
Has been a good day, in the first place, because TGIF!
Had a pleasant surprise this noon when Mrs. Scherle arrived, bringing Jimmy up to enroll him in KLS. [Karen's note, 2006: The Scherles were missionaries who spent a year on furlough in the States, then joined our traveling group when returning to New Guinea.]
I had just about given them up, but sure enough, here they are! Fred is on a talking trip through Australia, and Mrs. F. will spend two weeks here, then go back to Malalo and prepare for the Jabim District Conference, which is to be at her home. It was terrific to see her again!
Friday is a great day--I only have two hours of real class; then the German children have German from 11:00 to 12:00; after dinner we have handcrafts or art (today it was puppets and singing). Then following afternoon tea we have sports. And tasol!
Mrs. Scherle came in for our puppets this afternoon. I had the fourth graders clean the room during their Bible Study period, so it was decent when she came.
Then during sports, the girls went to town shopping--and I drove the Bedford!
Rita went along with me to show me the ropes (five forward gears, double clutching, etc.) It’s sorta like a fuel injection.
After supper, I talked to Mrs. Scherle awhile, then went up to put the big boys to bed. Had devotions with them, then told another ghost story. They sure do eat that junk up! Oh, to be young, again!
[Saturday, September 16, Journal Entries]
Well, another day, another 5 shillings (5 shillings, about 55 cents--that’s what I’m making as a volunteer teacher in New Guinea!)
This morning, I got really industrious and put out a big hand washing before morning tea. All my underclothes, my two sweaters, a blouse, p j’s, etc. Feels good to have it done. After tea I went up to the school and completed my lesson planning for next week - a short week because of New Guinea Day on Monday.
Went back up again after lunch and made out some tests--found out how to work the typewriter in the library--a little different from American typewriters, except for letters and numbers being in the same positions.
Today, we had an epidemic of sickness. It started this morning, and by six o’clock tea (supper), TEN of our children were in bed! Three, including my Ted and Adelheid, and Adelheid’s big brother, Wally (one of the big boys) have chicken pox.
The rest have stomach flu. Two of the big boys, two of the big girls, and three of the middle girls are sick. I know I’ll probably get it, as if that intestinal flu I had two weeks ago wasn’t enough! I’ve been around those big boys so much. Oh, well, maski! Se la guerre, as Duch [high school friend] used to say.
Anyway, before afternoon tea, I ran up to see how Shaggy (Traugott Jaeschke) and Hosa (Jonathan Frerichs) were doing. Karin has put all the stomach flu kids on glucose, and oh! are they griping! They won’t be able to eat anything for another whole day. Hosa is worse off than Traugott.
After tea, I came to the room and stitched up my skirt; hemmed it and did the waistband. (Of course, after I ironed it and put it on, the darn thing is about an inch and a half too big around. I’m so sick of messing with it, I think I’ll forget about it! Maski!
Ate supper, and then organized another game of Crush. This time, Nigsy hid, and not a soul found him. He was sitting under a bush by the dorm, the stinker.
It was terrible at supper--they didn’t even set one of the tables, and the dining room looked so bare. There’s an epidemic of the stomach flu in town and some natives have died of it, they say. They’re scared that there will be a chicken pox epidemic, too, so our kids are quarantined here on the hill until it’s all over. That means no sports carnival next Sunday. Our kids are so terribly disappointed. They’ve really been running and practicing high jumping, hoping for a win.
At devotions tonight, Drew asked me if I would come and put the little boys to bed; this is the first time I’ve been asked, and I was glad to do it. We had devotions in the middle boys’ room, then I told them a short, short story and tucked them into bed. Drew asked me to rub his back, which I enjoyed doing for him.
Drew said that his sister Roxanne always rubbed it for him. She’s at St. Peter’s College now (the Lutheran high school in Brisbane.)
Then I went into the big boys’ room and had devotions with them and tickled David N’s back for him. Boy, this is getting to be a habit! They pleaded for a story, but they have to be in bed early on Saturday nights, so no such luck, tonight.
[Sunday, September 17]
Well, my fifth Sunday at Wau is now at an end. Quite different from the previous Sundays in many respects, I must admit.
We added a couple more to the sick list during the night--Hansi became very ill, bless his heart, and Elinor felt ill this morning. We had only nineteen children at church today. Danny managed to get another nasty bump this morning, and he was really bad off.
As soon as breakfast was over, I went up to the dorms to see the boys. Hansi was in bed and didn’t look any too well...he swore he wouldn’t get sick, and sure enough, he’s on glucose, too. I also visited the little girls.
I didn’t feel like going to the compound church, and I had to dream up some kind of scheme to stay here, so I asked Lissie if I could have Sunday School with the sick children. I read over her material and borrowed Hansi’s Bible, and we congregated in the little girls’ room (everyone in p j’s) and had Sunday School while the others had their regular Sunday School class. I had about eleven children--everyone except the Hertles.
Afterwards, I went back to the big boys’ room, played cards with Hansi for a while, then taught Traugott a couple of solitaire games. Then to dinner.
This afternoon, I had a “noonrest.” From about 12:30 to 2:30, I slept. Got up for tea, and afterwards stayed and practiced the piano until 5:00. About 5:00, David Nagel came and brought me a lovely bouquet of miniature orchids to replace my dried-out ones from last week. He and I have a big bet on...he claims he won’t get sick, and I say he will. If he doesn’t, I throw a party next Thursday or Friday.
While I was dressing for supper, Rita came in with the news that there were seven unattached boys who had driven over for supper and church. Four or five are Namasu boys, and the others are friends of theirs. They are all spending a weekend holiday about forty miles away. Three of them I had met in Lae: Alf Somebody, Ian Somebody, and Arthur Somebody. Ian and Art are the guys who had asked Marilyn and Jeanette out. They are all really nice guys. [Karen's note, 2006: Rita gives two of the names as Art Goward and Alf Stephan.]
After supper and church, we had refreshments (or “supper”), and then sat around and talked until after 10:00. They are real cutups--I was talking to Ian and a boy from Moresby named Ross Butler. They really teased me about being from Texas--and from America.
We tried to get them to “stop the night”--as they are sleeping on the floor of an unfinished house, but they said no thanks. We sent some blankets down with them, because it’s cold tonight, and some of them didn’t even have jackets. They really are a bunch of wisecrackers. All Aussies, too.
Never did get back up to the dorm to see my boys; funny, but I miss them, too.
[Monday, September 18]
Deer Loggie,
Ho hum! End of a VERY full day! (Time for it to end, too.)
Breakfast was late this morning because of the holiday (7:45). Hooray! After breakfast, I took Jimmy Scherle over to the school and tried him out in reading and arithmetic. I’m afraid I WILL have to keep him in the third grade for the rest of this term. He’s just not good enough to skip to the end of the fourth grade.
After he left, I sat and wrote on my missionary letter until almost 11:15. During that time, we had a pretty good little earthquake--must have lasted a half minute or more. Even shook the windows a little.
About 11:15, I went and got my camera and headed down the hill to the swimming pool, where everyone was congregated. (All the sick kids are out of bed, now, and only have to watch their diets--except, of course, Wally and Adelheid.) Some were playing tennis, but most were across the road in the oval playing a game with Lissie and Karin. As I walked down, Hansi came up to meet me, and we sat together in the sunshine watching the little waterfall in the stream behind the pool for quite some time.
Finally, the food came, and we fell to. Wieners and muli water. Good enough. Vance and Drew ate with me, and while we were eating, our friends of the night before drove up.
They ate, and Ross came and listened while I read to the kids in noon rest. then he swam for a while and invited himself back. Finally, we went across to the oval and started a game of soft ball. I started out as the umpire, but gave up after a while, as the sun was murder. I had already begun getting a good ole super duper McCann headache, and I am not over it yet, even.
I sat with Jonathan F. until the game was over. We then had tea by the pool, and afterwards the big boys and Ross and I and Jonathan Nagel took off up the hill to explore the cave which the big boys had industriously been digging in most of the morning. They said that the big boys in 1956 started it, but no one had been going there anymore because they were afraid of scorpions. It is dug into the middle of a sort of arm, which extends from the hill behind the dorms. It has three entrances and is just high enough to crawl into on hands and knees. We all crawled in, and I really thought it was neat. Really cool and damp--and dirty.
We left the cave and went and sat under the bamboos on the hill. The boys brought forth their sleds, then, and showed us how they go sledding--down the hill on the kunai (bush grass). It’s really something--looks like real fun.
Vance even had his first turn at it, and enjoyed it immensely.
I had informed Vance that I wasn’t too keen on these Aussie characters, so he, agreeing with me, decided to hang around even when the others insisted that they go and “leave Miss McCann alone.”. So Ross and I had no peace. Thank goodness. I guess he’s a good enough guy, but rather young, I believe, and besides we argue constantly because he never ceases to tease me. And fool that I am, I never cease to defend myself!
I never realized how much of a PC (privileged character) I am until some of the older girls came and wanted to go down into the cave. The boys put their collective foot down and flatly refused to admit ANY girl! “Except Miss McCann. And she’s just as good as a boy.” Boy, did I feel as though I’d been paid the greatest compliment possible! How can I help but love these impossible scamps?
About 5:00, we wandered back to the playground area, and I asked Lissie if it would be all right for Ross to clean up in the boys’ dorm. While the water was getting hot again, we walked over to the school and went into my classroom so I could show him the view outside my windows.
Then I went and bathed and dressed for supper. After we ate, I walked back to the dorms to help brush teeth, and as I was walking back in the dusk, Ross called me from the swing. So I went and sat on the ground, and we talked until devotions. Sat with him at devotions. I’m sure I’ll never hear the end of this from those kids.
After devotions, Ross and I talked awhile, played a little ping pong, then went up at nine to put the Big Boys to bed. By the time we got back down, the other guys had already had their coffee and were ready to go. So, Ross and I went to the kitchen and squeezed the coffee pot and had coffee and cookies before he left.
I thought it was really funny--every last one of those guys (the Aussies) thought they had had a fantabulous weekend. Actually, I thought they must be awfully starved for social life around their place.
Oh, well, se la guerre!
[Tuesday, September 19]
Aloha! One more day of teaching down, down!
Not much of import happened today. I ate a lot of breakfast and a lot of dinner as usual. Or MORE than usual.
Mail came today; had a letter from my college friend, Becky.
Had a fairly well-ordered class for a change. It was Jimmy Scherle’s first day of school--he reported to his mother that he “likes this school,” although, WHY, I don’t know, after all the fussing I did, today.
Taught piano lessons this afternoon, and Mrs. Schulz (Ted’s mom) sat in and watched me give lessons for a while.
Am glad she did, as she is going to give me some pointers about teaching.
David Nagel suddenly had tears running down his cheeks during his lesson, and I was quite upset about it. I talked to him after supper, though, and he finally told me that it was because he couldn’t play his piece right. Thank Goodness! I was afraid he was mad at me, because Vance gave the rest of the guys a dressing down last night for teasing me so much. And I DO love David, very much. I don’t care a peanut about all the teasing.
Had choir tonight--we worked hard on “Christ We Do All Adore Thee” and worked on “Greensleeves,” again. I am quite pleased, really.
Guess what!! Bedford might come tomorrow with my trunks! The Simbang got to Lae today! Hooray, Hooray!
[Wednesday, September 20: MY TRUNKS CAME!]
Deer Loggie!
I have today been more excited than on any day since my arrival in N G. MY TRUNKS CAME!!!!
The Bedford [large supply truck] came up from Lae at about 10:30--later than usual. It brought all my junk, plus a letter from Mike (written August 22 and sent mission mail.)
We had tests in school today--more tomorrow and Friday.
Am tearing my hair trying to teach Eric two-number multiplication. I guess I’m too impatient with him. I had him in tears today. He just infuriates me, though, because he has a real brain, if only he would use it.
Ann, on the other hand, is just marking time. Gertraud has not only caught up, but has passed and left her behind. [To be fair, Ann was on target for her age. Gertraud had completed first grade in Germany and was a year older than Ann. Her parents put her back a year upon arrival in New Guinea; she and Ann were the only first graders when I arrived. But Gertraud learned English quickly, so she was able to go on to third grade at the beginning of the following year. They were both precious and sweet little girls. This photo shows Gertraud in 1962, after her long braids were cut off.]
I went to my room right after school, and one of the native boys came and broke the lock of my trunk for me. I then began the joyful job of unpacking. Boy, did I ever sing! AND jump up and down...and at MY age!
First, I unpacked the suitcase I had on the ship. After that was done, I felt as wealthy as a king! SURELY, there couldn’t be more!? But sure enough, my trunk was chock full...now I felt really greedy! Honestly, I don’t think I’ve ever appreciated my clothes until now. I never knew what it is like to have only a few.
Now that my closet is stuffed full, I feel like a cheater and a miserly "greedy-gut" for having so many. And not even enough room for everything! I put my slacks and several blouses on a shelf. (I have one whole closet full of shelves and one for hanging clothes.)
By the way, Daddy was sure right about that old blue footlocker. The army one came through like a champ, but the blue one was mutilated. If it hadn’t been banded by our shipping company, it would have fallen completely apart. One end was coming open, and a dusting powder box--brand new--was crushed to bits. Also, a hole was punched in that Trend bottle, and my precious White Rain Shampoo had leaked out all over the place. But, I’m just thankful no worse damage was done!
I surely do wish I had known I would be at Wau. I would have packed fewer old dresses and more of my nice things and extras--like jewelry, sweaters, high heels, and a few other dresses. Also would have brought only one pair of summer p j’s--for use on holidays to the coast! Also would have brought my winter robe. And my Tigress perfume! And a few flower vases and some of my knick knacks. And some framed pictures.
I wore my green checked skirt and green flats to supper, and it goes without saying that I really enjoyed having something different to wear after all these weeks!
Tonight at school, I read “The Creation” and had the kids each act out a verse as I read it twice more. They were mad about it. We must do some more of this with them reading. It will be good for their oral interp and self-expression.
I led devotions again tonight. Then I came back and finished unpacking and putting away my clothes. I think I’ll wear my way through my closet--I counted 28 dresses, 23 blouses, and twelve skirts. I may put half of them away, once I wear them all a time or two, and get them out next year!
Vance
Changing the subject, Vance came to me this morning and told me that he had heard someone outside the dorms last night. Quite a coincidence that I heard something outside my window at about 11:00--right before I went to sleep. Vance said it was about 3:00 a.m., that he couldn’t sleep and was lying awake.
So, when he said that he and the boys planned to set an alarm for three tomorrow morning, I said, “Ok, but be careful.”
Anyway, Karin just came in and said that they finally told her, and that the girls in the sickhouse had heard it, too. Someone spilled to the little girls, and they are all frightened to death. Havoc reigns in the dorms! Anyway, I wonder what it’s all about? True?
[Thursday, September 21]
Charge!
I simply can’t believe that this week is almost over--almost the end of my fifth week of teaching!
An eventful day, today. Got a letter full of clippings from home; was great to read real newspapers again! There were articles about the hurricane damage, Little League team, etc.
I feel so self-conscious about wearing my clothes--the kids all ooh and aah so much, I feel terribly conspicuous.
We had more tests today--reading comprehension. I get so upset with those third graders. They simply cannot follow instructions. I’m so sick of saying, “Write in complete sentences.”
Gave piano lessons this afternoon--except that I only taught until 4:15, as Mrs. Croft, the Girl Guide leader, came this afternoon instead of tonight to take the girls for Guides. So I had two lessons tonight. Boy. I really gave them the works today. I’ve decided that it may as well be done right, now, rather than have to have it all corrected later on. Tonight, Angela Frerichs cried all the way through her lesson. She almost always sheds a few tears; and I have been very lenient with her for that reason. But I decided she might as well learn to play the piano. So I worked with her for a good half hour. Her mother is a terrific pianist--a St. Olaf grad.
I went over right before I came home tonight to tell the boys goodnight. We are having a party tomorrow night because I lost the bet with David N. He never got sick. I don’t know what I will do, yet, for the party.
[September 21, Excerpts from Letter to Parents]
Your envelope full of clippings arrived today, and I have pored over everything you sent. I think I’ll send some of it on to Mike Jenson; I got a letter from him today, and he asked if I knew anything about Hurricane Carla.
I am sitting here eating dried bananas. I have a “tin” full that one of the mothers sent. They are really delish! They are sort of like prunes. They are chewy like candy and really sweet.
Yesterday was a terrifically exciting one for me--my trunks arrived! I unpacked all my clothes right away, but my books are still there, in the trunks. Daddy was sure right about that old footlocker. It’s demolished! My Samsonite is about gone, too. But Daddy’s old suitcase and the Army trunk came through like a couple of champs! One whole side of the footlocker is falling apart.
Mike invited me to come visit him as soon as holidays start; then we could visit Madang and Finschhafen together and spend Christmas at Malalo with the Scherles before coming back to Wau for the annual Mission Conference. Of course, these are only wishful dreams for now.
We just got a new piano at KLS--now we have three, and the children will be able to practice more. I’m really enjoying teaching piano--never thought I would.
[Friday September 22, journal entries]
Another day down! And another teaching week. Gave more tests this morning, and we’re through now.
Boy, have I had it with S! I really sat down on her today. Either she’s going to work for me, or I’ll send her home! [In looking back, it is apparent that some children had more separation anxiety, as we would call it today, than others. Her mother had been worried about leaving her, and her inability to concentrate on her work was very likely caused by her problems adjusting to being apart from her family. At the time, I was unaware that many children were so drastically affected by their homesickness.]
For art this afternoon, I set up a still life consisting of a flower, a bell, and a sprig of leaves against a draped background of blue flannel. I know it’s against all principles of elementary school art, but maski! I really had fun working on it. We did pastels. I even “painted” some half-decent folds into the background. Man, do I ever wish I had had some formal art training in the last eight years. I might be able to turn out some acceptable work. I really love messing with it.
Doris worked with sports this afternoon, preparing for the sports carnival Sunday. We get to go to “Sports Day,” after all, because most of the kids are well. I helped Doris until my headache forced me in; although the sun was behind the clouds, the glare was ferocious. [Karen’s note, 2006: Although I didn’t realize it at the time, a pattern of Friday afternoon headaches had begun and was to last throughout the years I taught school.]
I went with Mrs. Schulz down to her cabin and visited Ted for a little while. He got the chicken pox last weekend, and I hadn’t been down to see him. He’s up and around but still has scabs. He never was really very sick.
I came in and lay down awhile before I bathed and dressed.
Well, since David Nagel never got sick, I lost the bet. I threw a party in my room for the Big Boys after devotions (my penalty for losing).
I had the room nice and straight, with blankets spread on the floor and my orange scarf hung over the lamp. Had the boys bring their pillows so we could get comfortable. I told them the story of Roodnay-Rodnay--after all these years. Think I even added a few minor points to make it more plausible. Good ole Camp Strake story. [Editor’s note: this was a ghost story told at Boy Scout camp, and my brother Michael says that it is set in the Louisiana swamps. Other than that, no one seems to recall the gist of the tale.]
After the story was over, I showed the boys some of my pictures and told them a few incidental tales. They don’t believe that I don’t have a boyfriend.
They are convinced I’ve got one hidden away somewhere like Charlotte did. They are a bunch of sweeties. I believe they’d share their last penny with me--not to mention their last dried banana or coconut slice.
[Saturday, September 23, Journal Entries]
It’s late because I just finished a letter to Mike, so must cut this short.
Very uneventful day. Worked on lesson plans all morning. Right after lunch, Mrs. Schulz and I had a long discussion and she gave me a bunch of tips on teaching piano. Then we looked through the piano and organ benches and straightened everything up. There was quite a bit of music I can use for supplementary work for the children; especially sheet music and finger exercises, not to mention other series besides Thompson and Schaum. I’m just really tickled. It’s bad here because everyone has the same pieces, and they all hear each other practice all the time. This leads into quite a few problems.
Worked throughout the afternoon, got ready for supper, ate, and went back to work. Tonight I wrote plans for a four-week science unit. Used one of the books Mrs. Allen [home town educator] gave me; it is by Scott-Foresman Publishing. It is an excellent text, much better than the ones the school has. This school certainly could stand to stress science a little more; it’s almost backwards! I think, too, that I’ll try to put my little ones in a book that’s on their level. WHEN is beyond me! I guess after school.
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My recollection is that I selected from the donated books those that I thought would be useable at Katharine Lehmann School and put them with our textbooks or in our library; then I set aside the others to be given to the teachers of native children. At some point, I spent several hours going through all the existing books in our KLS school library and setting aside those that were unsuitable for our children. This probably occurred after Doris Prenzler left and before Doug came.
I combined the two groups of books I thought unsuitable for our purposes and set them out on a table in the school, before the start of Mission Conference. When Conference began, I announced that the books were free to teachers of native children. My recollection is that all books were claimed within a short period of time. My guess is that there were at least two hundred books distributed in this way.]
[September 23, Journal Entries, Continued]
I came to my room about nine and made a card for Esther’s birthday, the custom here. [Since birthday cards were not readily available to purchase, the children and adults made cards for all birthday celebrations. Each child's birthday was celebrated.]
Then I wrote to Mike. And I’m sleepy.
[Sunday, September 24, journal entries]
Boy, this month is slightly zipping by, huh?
We had breakfast early this morning. Then Doris and I helped make sandwiches for the lunch, and at 9:00 we piled into the Bedford and headed for the sports oval down town. Of course, the thing was terribly disorganized, and we didn’t get started until almost 10:00.
I served as one of the four recorders and so sat in the tent (or stand) with the announcer and other recorders. Naturally, I ended up with a jolly good headache from the glare.
It was a long day. The thing lasted until 3:00 p.m. without a break, and we had the job of counting points and writing certificates.
The total points were divided by enrollment of your school, and at the end, KLS came out second, although we had fewest actual points. We would have won, had not Jimmy Schulz hurt his leg halfway through and had to drop out. He is really our best all-round athlete.
Walt Hertle
Doris said Walt Hertle, who has chicken pox, is also very good. Drew, bless his heart, took first in broad jump for his age group, and Jimmy took the trophy for high point man in ten-years-and-under. Hildegaard and Erika tied for first in girls open 100, which added seven beaut points. But we sure messed up in relays--our girls couldn’t do a thing.
As soon as it was over, I brought my headache home and washed my hair and rolled it before supper. I didn’t feel good all evening long; took two more aspirin right before church; went into the kitchen, and three of the kitchen boys were still working. I started to get a drink for my aspirin from the faucet, but one of them directed me toward the muli water (lemonade) in the icebox. Then they stood around and quite openly discussed me in Kate [one of the church languages, pronounced kah-teh]. I’d give anything to know what they were saying.
Surprisingly enough, he enjoyed it. Then I rubbed his back for a little while, and kissed him goodnight. He kept saying, “Miss McCann, please don’t go,” and he’d pull me back again. Oh! I’d give anything for about five of my own just like him. He is still young enough to be soft and cuddly and lovable. Oh, is he ever a looker. Dark hair and complexion, and wide, sparkly blue eyes; the kind that dolls always have, that have light streaks radiating from the pupil. He’s a little thing, too. I never thought I’d see the day when I liked little boys, but now I can’t figure out what I ever saw in little girls! (Truly, I’m madly in love with them all, boys and girls.)
[January 2006 note: Actually, I had a soft spot in my heart for all the children in my class, my first year ever to teach. Although I didn't write as much about Jonathan N., Ted S., and David G., Markie B. and Danny D., I thought they were all precious. I also loved all the little girls: Gertraud and Ann, the second graders; and Sandra B., Christine S., Heidi S. and Heidi B., Adelheid H., Margaret T., and Elinor R., and they have never been far from my heart. Even today, I can look at a photo and recognize all of them from far away. Having had children of my own, I now understand how much a mother would be torn apart when her children were sent off at a vulnerable age.]
Right before I left, I popped into the Big Boys’ room to shake hands all around and have a fight or two. I act so much like a kid with them, I’m always afraid that Karin and Lissie are going to catch me and be angry with me for keeping them awake, or some such thing. I wonder when I’ll ever grow up? I’m beginning to think that the adult life is for the birds. I know I’m still a kid at heart!
I came back to the house and talked to Rita for a while. Am later to bed than I had hoped--need to get up early and do some work before school.
© Karen McCann Hett All Rights Reserved 2006-2011
To my friends and former students, January 8, 2006:
[From the website of the National Weather Service, 2006:
The most powerful tropical system to affect the Texas coast in over 40 years…Hurricane Carla made landfall between Port O’Connor and Port Lavaca on the day of September 11, 1961. In the open waters of the Gulf, a minimum central pressure of 931mb, or 27.50 inches along with maximum sustained wind speeds over 150 mph, made Carla a category 5 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale of hurricane intensity. When the "eye" or center of Hurricane Carla made landfall early in the morning of the 11th, the intensity had dropped off but the storm was still packing winds of 120 mph in areas from Port O’Connor up the coast to Galveston. The "eye" of the storm came within 65 miles to the east of Corpus Christi.
These Books Were Used in Place of Loose-Leaf Paper and Binders, One Book Per Subject
For on the holy cross hast Thou the world from sin redeemed.
Christ, we do all adore Thee, and we do praise Thee forever.
Photo Courtesy of Rita Jericho Jahnke, who got it from Adele Radke
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So I managed to have fights with the others until Karin came and got them. I worked awhile longer, waiting until they were dressed for bed, as I had been invited to come up and put them to bed. In about ten minutes they all came trooping over in their p j’s barefooted to get me. So I walked up and sat with them while we had devotions. Then they asked for ghost stories, so all the lights went off, and I stayed until 9:30 (for shame) telling ghost stories. Photo: Vance B.
His mother and little sister came for holidays (vacation) today, and Lissie carried Ted to her cottage--behind the teachers’ house. His mother seems to think he has malaria. Ted Schulz is a darling little blond, very smart and always good in class.
Ted, 1962
[Thursday, September 14]
By the shores of Gitchee Gumee,
By the shining Big Sea Water,
Stood the wigwam of Nokomis,
Daughter of the Moon, Nokomis
Dark before it rose the forest,
Rose the black and gloomy pine trees,
Rose the firs with cones upon them;
Bright before it beat the water,
Beat the clear and sunny water,
Beat the shining Big Sea Water. 
No spark plugs, and you have to pull a little knob out before you start it. It feels really funny to be driving a great big old truck. It’s about as big as an oversized pickup. I had no mishaps, except that I cut it too short and ran over the culvert as we were turning into our road. But I think I’ll manage it! Feels good to be driving again, you know? Photo of Rita at KLS, 1961
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I didn’t know what to say, as he didn’t want to tell Gil. 
[Karen’s notes: Shipped with my trunks was a large box full of textbooks that had been donated to the mission by Mrs. Velma Allen. She was a member of my home congregation and had been a long-time elementary school principal. The books she donated were texts that were out of date and were no longer being used in the El Campo school system. Unfortunately, I do not have any record in my journal of the full story of what happened to those books, nor did I mention them in letters to my parents. I recall writing directly to Mrs. Allen to thank her and to explain what I did with these books and what use was made of them. Mrs. Allen would have seen that my parents had a chance to read the letter, thus making it unnecessary for me to write the same story to them; therefore, the lack of a record in the letters to my parents.
Elinor
There are a whole bunch of kids staying here, tonight. They are Lae kids who came up for the sports carnival tomorrow and are from a Catholic school. They are mostly half-castes and a few Europeans. Because of the carnival, our kids had Sunday School tonight. Breakfast will be early in the morning. I may have to help judge or score, tomorrow. It will last until well into the afternoon. Gads, I need to do more work. I hate the wasted time. Our kids are determined to win, but three are still out with chicken pox, and Elinor, the best girl under ten, just tripped and hurt her ankle tonight, so she’s out.
Photo on Right: Jimmy at the Bulolo River, Easter 1962
Gil conducted the liturgy
and had a sermonette for
church, tonight, as we are
out of pastor-guests.
Afterwards, Drew asked if I would put the little boys to bed. So, I went up and messed around in the boys’ dorm while they were getting ready, and then tucked Drew in. He asked for a story, and I told him I didn’t know any that he’d be interested in, so he suggested a story about fairies and elves and “that kind of stuff.” Well, I was surprised, to say the least, because I expected him to come up with cowboys and Indians. So I searched through the channels of my mind until I came up with Rip Van Winkle. I thought it would be a good chance to imprint a little good literature appreciation.
Karen McCann Hett
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