Dear Folks:
Here it is Sunday again and even over here that means some respite even if it isn’t much. This morning the protestant chaplain had communion services. The chapel is a squad tent and the dirt floor comprises the seats. The altar is a homemade wooden affair while on either side are candles set in candlesticks made from shell cases. A small portable organ adds a slight civilian touch to the scenery but the crowd doesn’t sing out too much, most of the songs are in too high a key. I’ve seen services held in many places and under varying circumstances and I’m sure that if you could have seen a few of them it would have struck a sentimental note within you. The one I remember most was a service I saw here on the island. We were riding in trucks when I saw a long line of infantry men who looked as though they were waiting for (a) show. They were still in combat (clothing) and of course were very dirty and tired. Their rifles were on their backs, as well as some other equipment. They were lined up beside a gutted, blackened shack that perhaps they themselves had fired and destroyed only a short time ago. Around the corner, offering a slight bit of privacy, was a Catholic priest dressed in his white robes hearing confessions. The priest had a small wooden box with a cross on it and the men knelt before it. There was many men there and too (many) have wanted church under those conditions they surely must have felt a great need for help and prayer. Quite a paradoxical situation. That was just one scene and more are going on everywhere. Well so much for church.
I mailed the bolo (knife) and sandals today and I hope it has more luck in reaching you than yours to me. Be careful when you open it, the scabbard is off and the blade is exposed and it’s sharp as a razor.
Most of the afternoon I took it easy and read a little and later two Filipinos came around trying to trade off a bolo so we haggled about that awhile. They try to jew you out of all they can, and at first they got away with it.
Dan Gettman was over for a while yesterday but only a few minutes.
Had a letter from Dad today – your layout of the town is darn good. It sounds like plenty of changes have taken place.
As far as news goes, there isn’t much to relate, so I’ll wind up here.
Love,
