The voyage was one of discomfort and peril.  When they arrived at Rangoon, then the capital of Burma, Mrs. Judson was so weak that she had to be carried in an arm-chair from the landing.  Thankful to have at last found a resting-place, they as quickly as possible established themselves in the house they were to occupy.

As soon as Mrs. Judson’s health was sufficiently restored, they gave their attention to the study of the Burmese language.  It is worthy of remark, that although Mrs. Judson charged herself with the entire management of family affairs, in order that Mr. Judson might not be interrupted in prosecuting the study of the language, yet she made more rapid progress in acquiring it than he did.  Subsequently, she studied the Siamese language also, and translated a Catechism and one of the Gospels into that tongue.  As soon as she was able to make herself understood, she diligently endeavored to impart the knowledge of the truth, as it is in Jesus, to those who would listen to her instructions.  Though they were attentive and inquisitive, it was long before fruit appeared; but undiscouraged, she, with prayer and faith, continued to sow beside all waters.

Mrs. Judson was surprised at the native intelligence and reflecting minds possessed by some of the Burmese women.  The case of a woman named May-Meulah is given as an instance of this: 

“Previous to the arrival of the missionaries in her country, her active mind was led to inquire the origin of all things.  Who created all that her eyes beheld? she inquired of all she met, and visited priests and teachers in vain; and such was her anxiety, that her friends feared for her reason.  She resolved to learn to read, that she might consult the sacred books.  Her husband, willing to gratify her curiosity, taught her to read, himself.  In their sacred literature she found nothing satisfactory.  For ten years she prosecuted her inquiries, when God in his providence brought to her notice a tract written by Mr. Judson in the Burmese language, which so far solved her difficulties, that she was led to seek out its author.  From him she learned the truths of the Gospel, and, by the Holy Spirit, those truths were made the means of her conversion.”

Mrs. Judson’s politic mind seeing the probable importance to the mission of making friends in high places, she procured an introduction to the wife of the viceroy, and, while visiting her, met the viceroy also.  After giving an interesting account of the visit, she adds:  “My object in visiting her was, that if we should get into any difficulty with the Burmans, I could have access to her, when perhaps it would not be possible for Mr. Judson to have an audience with the viceroy.”

Thus studying, teaching, and planning; laboring with her hands, and enduring pain, sickness, and sorrow; unsolaced by Christian society, except her husband’s,—­three anxious years passed.

In their course, her first-born had come to warm her heart with a new love, and, for a few brief months, to delight them with the unfolding of his baby graces.  Then death entered, and bore away their darling, and left hearts and home more lonely than before.