NIENEVE KEIZERSGRACHT 52
AMSTERDAM
Dear Mies and Toon
As you can see from the above address, I have moved temporarily owing to the cold and lack of food, to a married daughter of Mariane Bos, who has an eight month old baby. Her husband was picked up by the Germans and sent to Germany, but by all reports he was able to escape and is now in safe hands with the underground movement. She doesn't know where. Because she has to be out a lot, getting food from the central kitchen, getting food coupons and running after the milkman, the baker and the greengrocer, she has to leave the baby alone in the house a lot, so she asked if I would come and look after it. I agreed eagerly. Here I can be a little warmer, and the food situation is a bit better. During the last few months the ovens were out of action at St Bernardus, and we were getting less and less food. We were constantly hungry. Although it is certainly not luxurious here, I am able to contribute, and also from 12 mid-day to 6 in the evening we have some heating. Then we go to bed with a hot water bottle, and sleep the clock round. When you are asleep you don't need to eat. Whether we like it or not, we have to fetch our food each day from the central kitchen. Mostly we don't even know what we are eating, but food is food. To-day we had tulip bulb soup, completely tasteless and horribly thick. We pep it up a bit with some mustard, salt and a bouillon block, and then, Oh what a feast boys! But all that is nothing. If only we know how much longer we have to wait for the war to end.
There has been a slight improvement at St Bernardus. They now have three large stoves. It was my suggestion. Together with six others from the home, we went to complain to the Governers about the excessive cold and shortage of food. It seemed to help a little, but they should have seen to it earlier as it is impossibly expensive now.
Some of the Nuns have been able to buy food secretly from the farmers, the head of the home, the Rector, was also able to buy a few things from them. He even managed somehow to have them delivered; there are no facilities for delivering anymore. Boys! it is going well. A Russian division has entered Belgium, and they are not letting the grass grow under their feet. Who knows how long now?
Since January 1st, twenty five people have died at St Bernardus, due to the cold and lack of nourishing food. If Ria v.d. Rijl can get other help, then I shall return to St Bernardus. I have been here a fortnight already.
Now Mies and Toon, have courage and keep Faith. God's help is near at hand. All the best, also for the children.
With a big kiss
from your loving Mother
