AMSTERDAM
Dear Mies and Toon,
Yes, the invasion began on June 6th; is this the beginning of the end? But even so, how much longer? It looks as if Holland will not be included in the invasion, although one cannot be sure, things turn out so unpredictably sometimes. Massive defence barricades have been put up all along the coast, and large areas of land have been flooded, so that any attempt at landings would be extremely difficult. All our most fertile countryside under water. The cows have been moved, I think to Drente, so they are not able to feed on natural fodder. The artificial foods are very scarce, so there is as good as no butter, milk or meat available, for which we all long so much, especially a well-seasoned piece of meat; the very thought makes the mouth water.
Are you also having such bleak weather? The summer just won't come and in a little over a week it will be the longest day of the year again. And then the winter has to be faced, and there is already such misery, and coal is unobtainable. Oh God, please do help us in these stricken times, that we may be delivered from the claws of this terrible war. Everyday we pray with absolute faith that we wil be heard.
I have just read in The Telegraph of June 17th about the pilotless German aircraft (doodle bugs) over South England and according to the reconnaissance pilots (German) a thick veil of smoke now hangs over large areas of South East England, particularly South London, and it stretches unbroken from Kingston to Bromley. Also an impenetrable smoke cloud is suspended over Sevenoaks and Sutton areas. Oh children, if this is true, that it is that close to you, it frightened me so much, my heart missed a beat.
We have just completed three days penance this week; the whole world was asked to participate, that peace may be restored.
Owing to the fact that we only have German papers to read, and knowing how the Germans tend to boast about everything, and hearing the news only from their side, makes us feel so discouraged and despondent. They tell us one thing one day, and next day it is denied. And yet in spite of this, we still believe that things are going well for our side.
All private telephones have been cut off; only the large business firms connected with the war, have been allowed to retain them, and so we can no longer contact each other. It is becoming unbearable.
Since the news of the birth of Peggy's second son, I have heard nothing, although I have written myself a few times, and also via Switzerland. But Och! even if we do hear from each other, the news is already three months old, and so many things could have happened in between.
Now children, let us keep praying, trusting that our prayers will be heard. If I did not believe in anything, I would have lost courage long ago, and so I ask God to give me the strength to keep my faith.
Until we meet again then, I hope it won't be too long now.
With a big kiss for everyone, and especially for you Mies,
from your loving Mother.
