Hawaii

14 March 1945

Sarah, My Darling:

We are still waiting, we decided to write again this evening. Paul is writing to his wife also. After finishing your letter this morning, the head chaplain of my former outfit came to see me and expressed his gratitude for my good work in the short time I was with them. He said he did everything to keep me but I had been picked by the Chief of the Pacific Ocean areas and there was nothing he could do about it. Someday I’ll tell you all about it.

This afternoon I did some reading in my Bible as well as catching up on my devotional material. I had missed two days. I sent my copy of “My Utmost” home for I had to get rid of some more things. After eating this evening Paul and I came back here and did some more talking.

Dear, I’m going to start with your letter of February 28^th. I know I’m going to miss hearing from you for sometime. Your work in Church History was very good, Dear. I’m certainly proud of you, everything about you makes me love you more all the time.

The statement Mrs. Henry’s brother made about closed communion is very good. Knowing Mrs. Henry, I’m sure he must be a very fine man. I’m glad you get to see Paul and Gen so often. I will certainly be glad when we can all be together again and visit as we used to do so, Dear. Your last session with Dr. Richardson sounded very interesting. I also think they should have more Bible study. Christian education is woefully neglected. I was interested to hear what Dr. Richardson said about the new Roman Catholic Bible and the fact that indulgences are granted for the reading of it.

I’m glad to know you took Dr. and Mrs. Mantey’s picture. I will be glad to see it when the pictures arrives. They are wonderful people and I shall never be able to forget their wonderful kindness to me. When you see Vernon Ritter be sure to greet him for me. And tell him I certainly appreciate his prayer. The prayer of all our friends certainly means everything. Where I’m going we will certainly need their prayer. I realize to be fully used I must be in the center of God’s will. Dear, you certainly got a fine grade in Christian Education. Dear, if you can take your last quarter of Evangelism by correspondence I would, and get it over with. I had it under Dr. Whitesell and I know you will get more out of it by taking it by correspondence if you are going to take Greek this fall. I certainly wouldn’t fool around with a course under Whitesell. You will have to finish your third quarter of the Evangelism before you will have the required courses for your master’s degree, won’t you? I think it was sweet the way you showed Dale and Dukie the map. I’m glad he liked his birthday letter.

I was glad you got to see Charlie Burton and the Good News set up. It is good to know he has a better job. I was surprised to hear that Marian’s father died last winter. I’m glad her mother is better. I’m sorry to know that Don and Rachel haven’t done anything about Donnie’s eye. Is it very bad, Dear? I hope they don’t neglect it too long. 

Dear, when I said I was willing to go anywhere provided you were along, I didn’t mean it as it sounded-that is, conditioning my obedience. But Dear, I cannot possibly describe the aching feeling I have in my heart because of living separated from you. I do want above all else to do God’s will but I do hope I don’t have to be separated from you too much longer. For honestly there is within my breast a constant ache.

Well Dear, I’m tired so I think I will close for tonight. God bless you, and remember, I love you more than words can ever tell.

Yours alone in the 

Love of our Lord

Jesus Christ,

Willis

Colossians 3:3

14 March 1945

Sarah, My Dearest Darling:

I feel much better this morning, although my joints ache a little. Paul and I have just had our breakfast and I thought I would take advantage of the few moments which are ours. The letter I wrote you last night did not please me because I was feeling so miserable. I’ll try and make up for it this morning by writing you another letter.

After finishing your letter last evening I ran into Chaplain Wells on my way to my quarters. We visited for a while and decided to go to bed and get up early this morning. It really means a lot to have a friend like Paul. So many you run into have no convictions and live so much like those who claim nothing.

Darling, I have your last letters here before me and in that I have the time I’m going to answer as many of your questions as possible. I will start with yours of February 26^th. Dear, your letters are such a blessing to my heart. I’ve read them many times and will probably read them many times more before I receive letters from you. I know it will be quite some time for your letters reach me. The program of MacArthur turning the government of the Philippines over to Osmenas must have been very interesting. As you said, radio is a wonderful thing. I didn’t hear the program. You are absolutely correct when you say the true power is in God’s hands.

Dear, I think it was beautiful what you said the hymn writer said about the word “together”. I think that is so true. Darling, you and Christ have taught me so much about the beauty of that word. You are more precious to me than is possible for human beings to describe.

Dear, you really went to town on February 26^th. Doing all that studying and finishing three lessons in your correspondence course. I’m not at all worried about you and your work at Northern. I feel it will be outstanding. I’m most grateful to God that you are doing so well and learning so much. I can see that I’m going to have to do a lot to catch up with you. Darling, your life and love have always been a mighty challenge to me.

I was glad to hear that Mom got a letter from Bob. It was a surprise to me to hear they have been taking men out of his outfit for the infantry. For Bob’s sake I hope they don’t do it because it is so much tougher in the infantry that it is in the Air Corps. Since the first of the year we have really been going through tough training.

I’m really disappointed in Dr. Wilson. I think we ought to pray for him and NSBC. Do you think it is because he is afraid to go all out (that is, I mean is there some power in the church holding him or doesn’t he himself have strong enough convictions)? Perhaps Maurice and Edith can give you some idea about the situation. At any rate, I’m convinced that there must be a radical change in NSBC or it will die of spiritual malnutrition. Adding numbers doesn’t necessarily make for a strong church, the best churches are not necessarily large ones but ones where Christ is exalted above all else. It is certainly an indication of something when they have no more young men and women preparing for full-time Christian service than they do. Soule Chapman is the only fellow I have known from NSBC who went into full-time service from the church. All the others, Bill Hill, Ray Parry, John Groom, Bob Bathwell, Stan Beaumont made their decisions outside the influences of NSBC. Before I arrived there I had decided and felt called to full-time service. They certainly lack that which challenges you to follow Christ in full-time Christian service. I know any number of churches with a membership one fourth as large which have more than twice as many preparing for full-time service. NSBC certainly needs to remember Chronicles 7:14. That goes for me also. The more I study the word, the greater is the challenge. Isn’t it grand to be a Christian?

By the way Darling, after leaving here I will not be able to get a letter to you in time for Easter. So please buy yourself a nice corsage, one for Mom and a boutonniere for the Chief. Be sure they are nice Beloved, and remember, I’ll be loving you more than words can ever tell. And no matter where I am I’ll be thinking about you. When I arrive out there I hope I have an occasion to see Wayne or Joe. Things are so uncertain though. But if it’s possible I’m going to try.

Well Dear, I will close for now and if I have more time I’ll write later. God bless you Dear in all things. Give my love to the folks.

Yours alone in the love of Christ,

Willis

Colossians 3:3

Ruth 1:16, 17

13 March 1945

Sarah, My Dearest Darling:

Well, another day has slipped by and we haven’t left as yet. Early this morning I had my first medical clearance. They gave me three more shots and they have made me feel pretty miserable since. I’m not going to write you such a long letter tonight, I’m sure I’ll feel better after resting tonight. I’ve had about every kind of shot you can think of now.

While waiting here this morning I met another chaplain who is a fine fellow, he is from Louisiana and a graduate of Southwestern. We visited for sometime, then I found out that I would not leave today. As a result, I was given the rest the afternoon and evening off. Chaplain Lowe called Rev. and Mrs. Koon and so they asked us to come out and spend the afternoon with them. They drove me to several very beautiful spots, then brought me back to their home this evening. Mrs. Kuhn had a very nice dinner. You will remember they did the same thing for me when I flew up from down below last October. They are certainly doing a wonderful work over here among the people and children. It really reveals the fact that the gospel is what men want. They gave me a snapshot of themselves which I’ll send on to you. Be sure to show it to the Kollers. Koons also asked me to have you give their greetings to the Kollers. We had a good visit and I told them all about you Dear and what a wonderful sweetheart you are to me.

Darling, inb that I’m very tired I think I’ll close for tonight. I’ll write more to you tomorrow if God so wills. God bless Beloved in all things. I love you truly,

Yours forever in the love of Christ

Jesus our Lord.

Willis

Colossians 3:3

12 March 1945

Sarah, My Beloved Darling:

This has really been a lulu of a day. Since early this morning I have been on the go. I didn’t have much sleep last night. And besides that, the wind was really bad and the dirt really made everything a mess. It was really hard getting everything ready this morning, for there was a constant stream of men coming to bid me goodbye. For some reason or other the men were unusually kind in things they said. I don’t care to mention it in letters because it may sound egotistical. One soldier came to me this morning with tears in his eyes and said he wanted to let me know he thought I was a good chaplain. And to prove what he meant he gave me a beautiful Eversharp fountain pen. Dear, I shall never forget these men. It is certainly grand to be a Christian.

It was all I could do to get everything ready by noon. Chaplain Wells had dinner with our outfit. And Dear, you know what? The officers had gone to town, bought beef steak, mushrooms, olives, pickles, celery and lettuce. The mess Sgt. made a good cake and on such short notice as I had they gave such a dinner. Some of the things the different officers said to me brought tears to my eyes. I was so choked up that I can hardly respond after their testimonials. And before we ate our dinner Captain Mason led us in a prayer of thanks. Dear, that is one of the finest tributes to Christ I have ever known. As you know, it is nothing in me, it is only what Christ has done in and through me. It only proves to me more than ever men want Christ, as was proven by the marvelous response in nine short weeks with those men. Dear, you know how I feel and each day only makes me more than ever convinced that Christ is the only hope we have. Dear, you will also be interested to know that I received a rating of superior. I wish I had the time and space to tell you about those men. The Catholic men of the regiment got together and picked one of their first sergeants to extended to me a note of thanks because of all I did for men, regardless of their faith or background. It was hard to say goodbye but I feel that the Lord has a reason for me to go forward. Wherever I go, under whatever conditions, I intend on standing by the unsearchable riches of God’s word. God has been so good to us, hasn’t he Dear? I only wish I could talk to you for there are so many things on my heart.

I sent some more pictures home to you, I do hope they arrive okay. I also sent home a box of more clothes and miscellaneous things. That is, Tommy and Don helped me pack it and Don mailed it for me. I hope it arrives okay. When you fly, you are limited to such a great extent that I had to get rid of more things. Other chaplain equipment will follow me by ship. We took Chaplain Wells and my things down to the dock. And later Lieut. Arxton and Don, (my assistant), brought me to the airport. It was certainly hard to say goodbye to Don. He couldn’t talk, just shed tears and walked away. He is the finest assistant I have ever had and I know I’ll go a long time before I find another like him. His kind are very very few and far between. I shall long remember him. I’m only sorry that he has to stay in a regiment under such a poor chaplain as the other one. Dear, I have known most every kind of a man but he is the poorest I have ever known. Such a stumbling block to the cause of Christ. He made things absolutely miserable for me because of jealousy over the response of the men. A little rank in the Army makes fools out of a lot of men. Some men grow with responsibility, others just swell.

Just before leaving, the mail orderly brought me two letters, they were your letter of March 5^th and a very nice letter from Betty Weiskoph. As soon as I answer the letter I’ll send it on to you. Dear, your letter was beautiful and I cannot fully describe the joy which was mine after reading your sweet letter. Your life and love are a constant source of joy and inspiration to me. By the way, one of the men, ”Freddy Romer,” gave me his picture. I’ll mail them on to you. He was one of our old faithfuls.

By the way Dear, address all my mail as follows, until I notify you otherwise. Chaplain Willis A. Reed 0-529294, XXIV (24^th) Corps. APO 235 c/o Postmaster, San Francisco, California. You don’t have to write 24^th out, just XXIV Corps. As soon as I know any further change of address, I’ll let you know. At least your letters can be on their way to me. I will close for tonight because it’s late and I’m tired. We have a long flight ahead. God bless you Beloved in all things. Give the folks my love.

Yours alone, because we are forever one

In the love of Christ,

Willis

Colossians 3:3

11 March 1945

Sarah, My Dearest Darling:

Well, we got up early this morning and had our breakfast, left for Hilo and flew back here. We arrived here sometime this afternoon. It was a very lovely flight and we had a most unusual view of the Islands and the ocean along the way. Captain Wilson, Major Ender and I certainly had a good time together over there. They were fine officers to be with on such an occasion. The thing I was looking forward to the most when I arrived back here with your letters. And I was made very glad to find that there were six from you, they were for February 26^th and 28^th and March 1^st through the 4^th.

Darling, your letters were so very precious to me and you will never know how much they mean to me. However, I have not had a chance to read them very thoroughly, in fact, I have had to hurry through them because I have just received orders to go further west immediately. That is all I can tell you now. The time is short and I cannot tell you where I am going. But as soon as I can, rest assured that I’ll let you know. I’m I’m sorry that I won’t be able to give you my new address, but as it is, I don’t even know it myself. Chaplain Wells and I are going to go together. Darling, I can say no more now, but I’ll try and let you know later. I’m afraid it will take my mail a lot longer to reach you now, and I do know that your mail will be a long time in reaching me. Anyhow, I will be praying for you Darling and loving you more all the time. There were well over 80 in our evening service this evening, I didn’t find out from Don the exact number, but it was the largest evening service we have ever had since we started them. Someday I will tell you more about it, Darling.

I received several letters from other people also Dear, they were from the following people: Jack and Bertha, Nettie, Charlie, Laura, Calvin Lee, Hollys, and Captain Wilkinson. I haven’t had the time to read those letters. It will probably have to wait until I’m cleared of here.

Darling, I would like to write you a much longer letter, but I just don’t have the time now. I must get all my things ready. God bless you Beloved and be sure to give my love to the folks. I love you more than I ever have before. Isn’t it grand to be a Christian?

Yours alone in the love of our 

Lord Jesus Christ,

Willis

Colossians 3:3

Ruth 1:16, 17

10 March 1945

My Beloved Darling Sweetheart:

Well my Dear, this is the last day of our detached service. It is late now and I still have to pack but I want to write you. We are supposed to leave here early in the morning for the Hilo airport. It was really cold when we got up this morning. I got up and built a fire in the fireplace which certainly felt good.

We decided to go down to Hilo today. But before we left camp I used the time to write two letters while Captain Wilson and Major Ender played ping-pong. I wrote to Doug Powell and Bill Hill. We left here on the 10 o’clock o’clock bus.

We shopped around for some things, Captain Wilson and Major Ender bought some gifts for their wives. I saw one thing I would like to have bought for you but I didn’t have enough money, for I still have to settle up for these days over here. And of course, I want to keep a little until the end of the month for I may need it for some unexpected things. After having our dinner we bowled four games. Darling, I cannot explain it but for those four games I averaged 216 which is unusually high. My high game was 234 and my low 192. I have never bowled many games, but they are teasing me and calling me an expert and holding out on them. While looking around I found some more snapshots which are very very good. I know you will like them. I’ll send them to you in letters from time to time. It was certainly a beautiful day. It is cold again tonight.

A Chaplain who used to be in our division was here tonight and we had a good visit. Chaplain Kern also made a lot of trouble for him, he finally got out by going to higher authorities. He was a Catholic so it wasn’t as difficult for him. I’ll stand by my convictions and pray that something will happen. I don’t like to bother you with such things, but Dear I have never known such a double crossing individual. I never told you before, but last week I talked straight to him, and told him about himself. I didn’t get angry, but I meant every word I said. When I finished telling him about himself he was crying and ased me to forgive him and give him a chance to prove himself. That man has done more to hinder the Lord’s cause than you can imagine. I cannot go into details now. But when we are together I’ll tell you. 

After talking to him I came to our quarters and wrote two letters, one to Marguerite Simonian of Tremont Temple and Mr. and Mrs. Powell. Dear, I must close for now and pack my val-pac. God bless you, Beloved. Give the folks my love.

Yours alone for the ages of the ages in

The love of Christ our Lord,

Willis

Colossians 3:3

P.S. Enclosed is the last letter I got from Marguerite Simonian and a cartoon.

9 March 1945

Sarah, My Darling:

Well, one more day of my detached service is passed. Tomorrow is the last day and early Sunday morning we are supposed to fly back to Oahu. Dear, I certainly miss your letters. I will be glad when we get back for there should be some letters waiting for us. Your letters mean more to me than you will ever know. I brought all of your old letters with me and have been reading them again. I got up early this morning and started the fire in the fireplace. As soon as Captain Wilson and I shaved we had our breakfast. Major Ender decided to sleep until later. Captain Wilson and I played three games of ping-pong.

We came back to our quarters and decided to rent three bikes and take a trip around the crater. All together we traveled about 20 miles. We got to see some beautiful plant life. And the different craters and lava tubes were very interesting. It took us a little over 3 1/2 hours hours to make the trip. It rained a couple of times and as a result we were pretty well soaked. As soon as we returned here we ate our dinner. After dinner, Captain Wilson and Major Ender played some ping-pong. In the meantime, I came over to our quarters and wrote a letter to my father. Later we played some horse shoe. And then we went to the library here at the camp. I looked at several of the latest magazines. After that, I came back to our quarters and answered two other letters from soldiers at my old assignment. By that time our evening meal was ready. So we had our dinner which was brown gravy, mashed potatoes, peas, turkey, cranberry sauce, vegetable salad, milk and raisin pie. It was very good.

They wanted me to go to the movie with them. I wasn’t too much interested. However, finally I went with them. The title of the picture was, ”The Master Race.” It was propaganda as far as I’m concerned. Of course, there were things in it which are undoubtedly true. But it behooves us as a free people to seek absolute truth. When you see a picture like that you can easily see the power it has on people as a whole. The only hope for this sin sick world is the salvation we have in Christ Jesus. Men cannot lift themselves by their bootstraps, neither can nations or civilizations. We ought to remember the admonition of the Psalmist, “Except God build the house, they that build in vain.” We have in the last decade or two seen firsthand the power of indoctrination. We who profess the name of Christ ought to catch the glory of what might be done if we yield our lives unreservedly to Christ. Our churches above all else need to educate and train our young people. I love the challenge of the BYF motto, “This generation with Christ can change the world.” Men who really love Christ out here are telling me that the church needs a real spiritual revival. And instead of trying to defend creeds and dogmas they are to go on the offensive with the marching orders of Our Souls Commander and Chief. His orders still stand (Matthew 28:18-20) and they will until He comes again. Dear, I have many more things on my heart. I only wish we could talk about them like we did when we were together.

Before starting this letter to you I wrote a short note to Harry Janisch. He is a very fine Christian young man.

I mailed the pictures of this Island to you this morning. You are to receive them in a week or so. It will probably be a while before we can get our snapshots developed. But as soon as I do, I will send them home to you, Darling.

It is late and I still have to read my devotional material so I think I will close for tonight. God bless you Beloved in all things. I love you more than ever before.

Yours alone because we are one

 in the love and salvation of Christ,

Willis

Colossians 3:3

8 March 1945

Sarah, My Beloved Darling:

It would be impossible to try and remember how many times I thought of you today. I will be so happy that we can be together again and not have to worry about seeing each other and talking as we used to do. Darling, those times we used to talk together mean so very much now.  Often I think of some occasion when we talked about things dear to our heart.

I got up about 7 o’clock this morning and started a fire in the fireplace. It was really cold in here. Captain Wilson and Major Ender stayed in bed until the fire was going good, then they came out by the fireplace and dressed. As soon I shaved we went over and had our breakfast. I came back to the quarters for a while and later we played horseshoe. We took the bus from here at 10 o’clock for Hilo. We arrived down there at a little after 11 o’clock. We walked around for a while, then we went to an eating place and each of us had a nice Porterhouse steak. You know they have the famous Parker Ranch here on this island. The cattle they raise are excellent. (They raise Herfords or “white faces”.) We also had French fried potatoes and a nice large dish of lettuce and tomatoes. We also had nice fresh milk. It all cost $1.80 but it was worth it. I forgot to mention nice tomato soup with toasted bread squares and a chocolate sundae. The steak was really delicious. I only wish you could have had one with me.

As soon as we had dinner we went to a bowling alley. Captain Wilson and Major Ender are lovers of bowling and have bowled a lot. So they said they would teach me. I bowled a few games but not many. We bowled four games. My highest game was 182, and you know what? My average for the four games was higher than either of theirs. They have been teasing me since, accusing me of being a good bowler and just trying to lead them on. After we finished bowling we were going to look around some in Hilo but it was pouring down rain and we were unable to do much. However Captain Wilson and Major Ender got their hair cut while I stayed at the bus station. While reading, a soldier came up to me and introduced himself telling me he will never forget the impressive communion service I had at the P.O.E. before coming overseas. You know, it means a lot to have a man remember you that long and tell you that he likes to hear a chaplain with such convictions.

Eventually the bus arrived so we had our ride back here. It rained a good share of the way back here. As soon as we arrived here I brought wood in from our woodbox and fixed the fire in our fireplace. I also piled enough in here for tomorrow morning.

We had a good supper and while Captain Wilson in Major Ender played ping-pong, I came back to our quarters and did some reading. I also wrote a birthday letter to Dr. Mantey. His birthday is the 17^th of March. I also wrote a letter to the folks.

While downtown today I bought a set of 30 good snapshots. I will send them to you right away so you will have an idea what things look like out here. This morning I sent you a very nice book of Hawaiian flowers in natural color. It is really beautiful. Any one of them would be suitable for framing. Dear, I sent it to you by airmail. Hoping that it might receive better care that way. It cost $3.75 and $1.68 Air Mail postage. I hope you like it, Dear.

Darling, I love you so very very much. God bless you Dear in all things.

Only yours forever in the love of

Christ Jesus our Lord,

Willis

Colossians 3:3

P.S. By the way, the clouds cleared away from the summit of Mauna Kea, (13,825 feet) today and we could also see Mauna Loa (13,675) which is closer to our camp.

7 March 1945

Sarah, My Darling:

Since early this morning the three of us have been on the go.It was rather chilly this morning, being up so high you can expect to be a little cold. On our way back from breakfast, the clouds had cleared away from the peak of Mauna Loa and we could see the snow very clearly. Where we are located at the vegetation is about like you would see in our mountain country during the summer. And Hilo which is about 30 miles from here is definitely tropical, for everywhere you see palms and all kinds of beautiful flowers.

We spent the most of the morning viewing the mighty crater not far from our quarters. We took several pictures, I hope they turn out alright. I know you cannot imagine how very large this volcano is. Not more than 500 yards from our quarters there are tremendous cracks in the ground and they are pouring out steam all the time. We took a couple pictures of them. Just before dinner we played horseshoe. We had a good dinner. Believe it or not, a nice lettuce and tomato salad, boiled potatoes, gravy (brown), salmon patty and carrots. And fruit cocktail and a piece of cake for dessert. We also had a glass of milk, an item which cost us extra, but it was worth it.

After dinner we rented a bicycle a piece and took a long ride. Captain Wilson and Major Ender got very tired and turned back but I wanted to see the main fire pit of the volcano and decided to go on alone. I was very tired after coming back up that long grade but it was worth it. I rode off in another direction for a while and finally decided to come back to the rest camp. Before I arrived here a rainstorm (cold) came up and I really got a good soaking. I turned the bike in and came right over to our quarters and took a good warm shower. (Notice, a treat – warm showers). By that time it was time to eat our evening meal. It was also very good, potatoes fried, corn niblets, a medium-sized piece of beef tenderloin (very good), nice hot biscuits, butter, milk and cherry pie. That is really class for us.

After supper I came back over to our quarters and read my Bible and devotional material. I wrote a letter to Paul and Gen before starting this letter to you. Monday a soldier gave me five dollars to invest in Christian work so I’m sending it to Paul and Gen. By the way, our sitting room has a nice fireplace in it, made of lava rock which has been painted black. It certainly makes it an attractive fireplace. There is a wood box right outside our door.  We have to keep the fire going all the time, otherwise it gets quite cold. When the sun comes out and you are out of the wind it isn’t so bad, but as soon as the sun goes down it becomes very cool.

Captain Wilson and Major Ender are about asleep so I will soon be going to bed for I’m tired also. I’m going to make a few comments on your letter for February 27^th. Don’t worry about your history exam, I’m sure you came through with flying colors. It is a blessing to my heart to hear about the fine work and response Stan and Lee are having in their church. As I have said before, they are extraordinary. The Lord needs many more like them and Paul and Gen. Dr. Lindsell’s message in chapel sounded very very good. Sorry to hear about Mr. Catheart. I shall make it a matter of prayer. I’m glad you have been able to help Mrs. Paul during this time of Mr. Paul’s serious illness. I’m glad to know he is improving so well.

Well Dear, it is time for me to go to bed so I will close for tonight. How happy I would be if only you could be here also and see the splendor of God. God bless you Beloved in all things. Give the folks my love. 

Always just yours Dear, 

because we are one in Christ.

Yours alone,

Willis

Colossians 3:3

P.S. I am enclosing Paul and Gen’s last letter to file away in our folder.

6 March 1945

Sarah, My Beloved Darling:

We are now over on the Island of Hawaii. Captain Wilson, Major Ender and I left early this morning. From the air we got a very good view of some of the islands in the Hawaiian chain. By air, it is about as far as from Chicago to Centralia, Illinois. We arrived at the Hilo Airport before dinner so we made arrangements to come out here. A little while later we went to a restaurant and had a good steak dinner. After we finished eating, we walked around in downtown Hilo for we had some time to pass by before we could get transportation out here. While walking around I saw some things I knew you would like so I bought four different things for you. I think you will like them, Dear. I will wait until you receive them and then I’ll tell you more about them. The place where I bought the things was owned and operated by a very lovely people. They packed it for me, then I had it censored and sent out right away. I sent it first class, so I hope you receive it in better timing than you did the last box. Now you will have another gift made right here on this island. I love you so much, Dear.

Shortly after I mailed the package our transportation arrived so we journeyed out here. This is an Army rest camp. If you look up in an encyclopedia you will find some interesting things about this Island. Tonight it is colder than I have experienced since seeing you last time. We are up pretty high here. We are not far from the volcano. In fact, just before we arrived here we could see steam coming up from the earth in places. One of the peaks not far from here is covered with snow. The whole thing wrong with this trip Dear is the fact that you are not here. I shall never fully enjoy or appreciate anything without your wonderful presence.

Darling, it isn’t so late, but I have a headache from not having enough sleep last night. I didn’t get to bed last night until after one, then we had aa terrible wind and dust storm which nearly wrecked our tent. It was still going on when we left this morning. Being so cool here and with been tired we ought to sleep like kittens tonight.

I shall try to write you a better letter tomorrow evening. God bless you my Dear in all things. Give the folks my love.

Yours forever in the love of Christ,

Willis

Colossians 3:3