At this time, it was unusual and controversial for American religious organizations to offer people of color missionary opportunities to serve in Africa. At the Palabala station, she taught kindergarten, administered medical treatment, and organized a sewing circle for the women of the village. She tried to teach women to sew, but in the culture of the Kongo people, men traditionally dominated this work. She gradually worked to change cultural taboos against women sewing. The women of the village called her "Mama Bunu".
