Early in 1895, after I had undergone the eighth operation, which left me a nervous wreck, Christian Science came to my attention, and I took three weeks' treatment in Kansas City. I then returned to Mexico, and not understanding how to go on in the Science alone, and with no one near to help me, we felt obliged to call in our old family physician when a seemingly dangerous condition appeared. He did all he could to help me, but I grew worse steadily, and this condition lasted for three years. Prior to this time I had had a number of physicians, all living and practising in this city, and they had told me that the operations which I underwent were absolutely necessary, and that I would never be healed without them. Later three physicians in San Antonio told me the same thing. I believed them all, and underwent the operations, but was not any better; and when I returned from Kansas City, after the last operation, I was more nervous and discouraged than ever before. All these physicians were sincere in their work, and did what they could to help me, but the last one who acted on the case gave me very little encouragement. During those three years, and just before coming into Christian Science, we had in our family several dangerous diseases, and although I was discouraged and disheartened, I was always able to hold to the thought that Christian Science, if properly administered, could heal all our diseases. I can see now that this constant hope was a result of the Christian Science treatments I had received in 1895. I held on to what little knowledge I had gained at that time, and never gave up the thought of permanent healing.
In July, 1898, two Christian Scientists came from Kansas City, and were at the Jardin Hotel. I was then seeking Christian Science, but did not know that God was going to answer my prayer so soon, although I did hope that among the hundreds of tourists visiting Mexico there would be some Christian Scientist who could help me and explain to me how to practise the truth. During these three years I had questioned every one I could as to Christian Science, but found no one who could help me, although many told me to leave it alone, that it was a dangerous thing, and some even laughed at me. One day, to my great delight, I met a lady who said that her mother and sisters were Christian Science practitioners in Beatrice, Neb. That afternoon the lady sent me a note, telling me to come up to the Hotel Jardin; that there were two practitioners from Kansas City who had just arrived, and I felt my prayer was at last answered. Early the next day I went with my husband, who thought I had a new fad, but encouraged it, thinking it could do me no harm.
I was almost afraid to ask these Scientists if Christian Science was all true, fearing it might not be, but I put question after question, and I found it to be just what I was looking for,—the whole garment of Christ, without seam or rent. I had married into an orthodox missionary family, and really would have liked to be a member of the church, but I could not subscribe to the creed. For fifteen years, although I attended the church and took as active part as I could, I remained outside its membership. This worried the good people, and they could not understand me any more than I could understand them. I had always believed that the Bible should be our only teacher, that its reading should heal, and that there should be no personal opinions given out from the pulpit. When I came to attend Christian Science services I found them free from this element of personality, and so broad that I was willing to work in the Christian Science Church, and found at last that it was just the place for me.
