Koamalu : a story of pioneers on Kauai, and of what they built in that island garden / by Ethel M. Damon. [Vol. 1, no. 2]

752

K A M A L U

Mrs. Paul Isenberg spent some time in Honolulu while
he attended the first session of the Legislature after Kalakaua's accession. Letters from Mother Rice to one child
or another open the door of the old home.
Lihue, June 21st, 1874.
It has been a day of good things to us. Our new Minister
preached & the house was crowded. All our old Hawaiian friends
were there and a house full to overflowing. The most cordial
response was given to the enquiry if the Minister should remain.
We are all well satisfied with him, modest in appearance, grave
in manner and free from pride. He preached from 1st Corinthians
II, 1st verse, read the whole chapter and seemed so deeply to feel
llis dependence on God. He compared the Christian graces to a
wreath of flowers fastened in their places by a string which, if
broken, would scatter all, so all things excellent in the Christian
life would disappear if the bond of love to God did not sustain
them. We have at least reason to hope that we are to have a good
Minister, such a blessing. And then this is the day of prayer for
the descent of the Holy Spirit. I can but hope there is mercy even
for us in our low estate.
My thoughts have been with you, my dear ones, and I wish
I could know as much of your Sabbath as you will of mine.
June 26th, 1874.
Well, the old house is full again. Yesterday morning about
6 o' clock the poor seasick company arrived from the Moku, all
the Isenbergs, Mrs. Clara Dole and her baby. It was terribly
rough in the harbor, the sea washed over them in the boats. I had
given them up, did not think they could land here, but am thankful
all are safely home.
Paul R. seems much improved, had a prize at school for being
the best in his class, & is very happy about it. He seems more
than ever attached to his Mama, and she is devoted to the children...... I shall stay here at the old house until needed at
Willy's later after the nurse leaves. I have my sewing all done
quite fixed up, and can be with my grandchildren. It is such a
comfort to be with Dora again. I have both her and Paul in my
own room.