Beyrout, Syria

July 30",

12894

Dear Mother;

Your long and interesting letter stood several reflective readings. Was pleased you were all well. My health is still good and I am getting on nicely with my labors. In a few days six months will have passed since my leaving home, then of course I shall have to say "two years and a half". I won't have the language learned well if I do not hurry nor the people spoken to that I am expected to warn. I was glad my blessing came; while its fulfillment depends on me it was quite a comfort to read it. There is all I would ask, and no more than I am willing to strive for in it.

I am yet to visit many noted places too, but I wish to get started well in my mission being doing that. Only Damascus I must see that before I move south. I am expecting a letter from Father containing some money. Nothing came Sat. not even the news - this is more now. I suppose you people think I am lazy; you so busy and me expecting always letters and money. I guess you know I am nothing to do but study and talk. Yesterday afternoon I filled an appointment with a gentleman on whom I promised to called. Talked with him about an hour and a half on the Gospel. He speaks English and has been to America; his folks, however, can not, left a couple of Arabic printed tracts. They are very nice. people, by the way. My visit was quite refreshing serving as a sort of a meeting. I wonder if you all attend meeting home, those who do not don't appreciate the privilege. What few conversation we have constitutes our meeting save that we administer the sacrament to each other. And our listeners are so few and far between I feel like I should like to bring them together and teach them in a body, but may be I like to rush things. However, we have splendid opportunities to study; nothing to do but study and eat and sleep and have exercise and write and talk. The future looks bright when I look forward to the time when we can let ourselves loose, and with loosened tongues. You asked me how about the fleas. l've just been trying to catch one. They are not at all numerous and when one bathes often and changes his clothes they seldom bother. The mosquitoes are thick and treacherous too. The sleeping gown that Annie made is just the