31. Terrible storm all day. About five inches of snow fell. Drifted much.
Apr. 2, 1875. Sister Sarah Anderson, our girl, became home-sick and would stay no longer. Could not leave to fill appointments in York and Polk Counties. Deeply regretted that I could not be with the dear brethren, but could get no one to take care of Wife and child; besides, the roads were almost impassable.
3. Pitched into housework as usual. Did the cooking and washed dishes. Sarah quite sick this A. M.
4. Sabbath. Did up the work this morn, and though late I started for prayer-meeting, thinking I could get there in time to have at least one prayer with the dear brethren. Found they had just closed their prayer-meeting. I read a chapter, talked some, and sang and prayed with them. My heart was full. Having been kept at home from public worship for some weeks, I felt as a bird set at liberty. Bless God for the privilege of appearing in his courts to offer our sacrifice of praise! Returned home. Found dear Wife and child asleep, both feeling very well. The little creature slept right on till night. Sarah and I spent the time pleasantly reading and talking of our blessed hope of glory. My heart was light and happy. Bro. David Figard today kindly invited me to move into his house. Thank God for this kindness. The brethren know that we have not a very pleasant place to live, yet I have no room for complaints, but much occasion for thanks.
7. P. M., heavy rains. About a mile to the southeast of Seward there was a great waterspout extending from a black cloud to the earth. It was a grand and sublime sight. As it followed a high ridge on the opposite side of the Blue River valley from us we had a beautiful view of it. We could see the water strike the ground and a dense spray arise around it resembling smoke. I have learned that it tore one house and a wagon to pieces.
9. Drove to Brother Figard's via Seward. Our ride of about seven miles was the first for our dear little Levilla Modest.
12. About one last night I took quite sick with, I suppose, cholera morbus. Sick all day. Sorry I could not go to Polk County, but it is necessary that blessings disguised in affliction come at times as well as the almost constant blessing of health. Tonight, I think, is the third appointment in eight years that I have missed through my physical disability.
13. Drove to York County. Called at Father Fenton's, a United Brethren preacher, who is poorly. Found also another aged pilgrim in the family, who desired me to bring him some good books to read. Being anxious to bestow some kindness on this good old Methodist father, I left a book with him that I was taking home, having had it lent for some time. Had a season of prayer and then some conversation on the hope of the saints.
14. Found that my appointment which I had failed to reach had proved a blessing after all, for they had a good prayer-meeting. Appointed another for the following Sabbath eve, which was a success also and resulted in the organization of a Sabbath-school, which is under the officership of those who hold with the church of God. Prospects are good here. A railroad-station is expected close by. P. M., drove to Fillmore County. How beautiful and pleasing, yea, charming, even to making happy, the day and the landscape!
17. Brothers Figard and J. H. Anderson moved us today to Brother F's.