22 Sept 1939
Empress of Russia
Dear Alma,
An ocean voyage is generally rather wearying, and after one has read until tired and slept on deck until cold, we begin to think of writing letters. Thank you so much for your letter which I believe met us at the boat, and thank you too for the congratulations although we have been married quite a while we have not as yet had opportunity to settle down. So we are looking forward to arrival in Japan and getting a little rest of our own.
We left as arranged on Aug. 26th but very late in the evening. So father and mother did not wait to see the boat sail. We actually left about 11.30 p.m. and after passing Cherbourg made off across the ocean. There were many rumours on board as to war or not but we had a safe journey arriving in Quebec on Sept 2nd, the day before war was declared. We were thankful to have crossed the Atlantic .
We went on to Toronto and stayed there for a few days with members of the Faith Mission, with which we both were connected in the "old country" as they term it in Canada. While in Toronto we had the privilege of a trip to mighty Niagara, which is certainly a wonderful sight. I suppose a trip in the boat that sails around the bottom of the Falls would give you a greater idea of the vastness of the cataract. Then from Toronto we went on West across the great Canadian continent, and had a couple of days up in the Rockies. We were able to make a trip to famous Lake Louise, a gem of scenic beauty. It is a small blue-green lake set between two dark, fir covered mountains, and backed by Mt Victoria which is glacier covered. We were favoured with a beautiful day and clear blue skies, so we saw the lake at its best. Incidentally we saw many fine peaks on the 40-mile drive from Banff where we were staying.
From Banff we travelled down to Vancouver, the railway going down through spiral tunnels and were in Vancouver for about five days, staying with two of our missionaries who are now working amongst Japanese settlers in British Columbia. While in Vancouver we spoke at three meetings in the interest of the work in Japan. One of the meeting was largely composed of Japanese young people born in Canada, and all speaking English. So there were no language difficulties.
Our departure from Vancouver was delayed a day for some reason which we were not told, and each night we are blacked out as we cross the ocean in our battleship gray liner. However, we are conscious that we are in God’s care and know that he will bring us safely to Japan. There are quite a number of missionaries aboard this ship, and about 20 Catholic priests. Some are going right on to West China to Chungking and Chengdu, to carry on work in the part of China still remaining.
How awful this war is! We do trust that you may be kept safe there in London. It seem that no place is particular can be regarded as absolutely safe. However, I’m sure you realise as we do that when we have committed our all into the Hands of the Lord. He will work out his own purpose in our lives for his glory. We get only a little news on the ship, and even when we get to Japan. I expect we shall have difficulty in getting definite news.
This letter will be posted in Japan, if all is well, and will be a token of a safe arrival. We are about half way across the Pacific now, and hope to be in Japan about the end of the month.
Mary has proved a pretty good sailor on the whole, once she had got her sea legs.
With much love from us both, yours
Eric and Mary.
Empress of Russia
Dear Alma,
An ocean voyage is generally rather wearying, and after one has read until tired and slept on deck until cold, we begin to think of writing letters. Thank you so much for your letter which I believe met us at the boat, and thank you too for the congratulations although we have been married quite a while we have not as yet had opportunity to settle down. So we are looking forward to arrival in Japan and getting a little rest of our own.
We left as arranged on Aug. 26th but very late in the evening. So father and mother did not wait to see the boat sail. We actually left about 11.30 p.m. and after passing Cherbourg made off across the ocean. There were many rumours on board as to war or not but we had a safe journey arriving in Quebec on Sept 2nd, the day before war was declared. We were thankful to have crossed the Atlantic .
We went on to Toronto and stayed there for a few days with members of the Faith Mission, with which we both were connected in the "old country" as they term it in Canada. While in Toronto we had the privilege of a trip to mighty Niagara, which is certainly a wonderful sight. I suppose a trip in the boat that sails around the bottom of the Falls would give you a greater idea of the vastness of the cataract. Then from Toronto we went on West across the great Canadian continent, and had a couple of days up in the Rockies. We were able to make a trip to famous Lake Louise, a gem of scenic beauty. It is a small blue-green lake set between two dark, fir covered mountains, and backed by Mt Victoria which is glacier covered. We were favoured with a beautiful day and clear blue skies, so we saw the lake at its best. Incidentally we saw many fine peaks on the 40-mile drive from Banff where we were staying.
From Banff we travelled down to Vancouver, the railway going down through spiral tunnels and were in Vancouver for about five days, staying with two of our missionaries who are now working amongst Japanese settlers in British Columbia. While in Vancouver we spoke at three meetings in the interest of the work in Japan. One of the meeting was largely composed of Japanese young people born in Canada, and all speaking English. So there were no language difficulties.
Our departure from Vancouver was delayed a day for some reason which we were not told, and each night we are blacked out as we cross the ocean in our battleship gray liner. However, we are conscious that we are in God’s care and know that he will bring us safely to Japan. There are quite a number of missionaries aboard this ship, and about 20 Catholic priests. Some are going right on to West China to Chungking and Chengdu, to carry on work in the part of China still remaining.
How awful this war is! We do trust that you may be kept safe there in London. It seem that no place is particular can be regarded as absolutely safe. However, I’m sure you realise as we do that when we have committed our all into the Hands of the Lord. He will work out his own purpose in our lives for his glory. We get only a little news on the ship, and even when we get to Japan. I expect we shall have difficulty in getting definite news.
This letter will be posted in Japan, if all is well, and will be a token of a safe arrival. We are about half way across the Pacific now, and hope to be in Japan about the end of the month.
Mary has proved a pretty good sailor on the whole, once she had got her sea legs.
With much love from us both, yours
Eric and Mary.
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