Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1919-06-19
NEWS FROM THE ORIENT.
CO. Yochow, Dec. Goth, 1918.

N6VO NV1U suuS Sssses
ca Yochow, Dec. goth, 1918.
Dear Folks
Such a week as this has been. We
had school on Monday and half day on
Tuesday. On Tuesday afternoon the
girls gave their play. We went directly
from that to the Christmas Eve service
at Hemrichsohns where the tree was
lighted and the missionary children had
a program. Of course there was lots
to do yet that night so it was almost
Xmas morning when went to bed. My
little tree from home is standing on my
table. 1t is decorated in the very best
clothes could find among other things
the picture of our last years 'home Xmas
tree" Early Xmas morning we got up
opened our gifts and had breakfast. The
dresses and couch cover are lovely.
cannot thank you enough. The dresses
fit perfectly and the couch cover is de-
light to my heart The Chinese think it
is beautiful but then so do the foreigners.
After breakfast saw Mrs. Hoy and
Gertrude to the train, they were going
to Changsha to be with Mabel. On our
return was with little Leah while and
then went over to Church to play for the
Male Quartette "Joy to the World." -
We practised for nearly an hour. came
home half frozen, warmed up and then
went back for the service. Right after
I Iinnnr of
Hemrichsohns. After dinner had one
grand rush changing my clothes and
rushing through the slush to the street
chapel.
After having rained for three weeks
few days before Xmas it had turned to
snow and we had slush in abundance.
At g 80 o. m. we had the Chldren's Ser
vice. Five hundred and ten packages of
candy and little cakes and two oranges
had been prepared, for we wanted to
treat all the children we could get to
come. A program and an interesting
talk had been prepared so we were de-
lighted to find the church packed. |
Immediately after the beautiful service
changed into my riding clothes as did
Alice and Helen and we started off for
the Port to spend Xmas night as guests
of the Commissioner of Customs and his
family | had not dressed warm enough
and when reached there was so numb
had to be helped off my horse into the
house. We had been riding along the
side of the lake and in the face of
strong north wind. In an hours time
was all right and able to enjoy all the
pleasures of the evening.
We awoke the next morning to find it
showing again. Our hostess piled clothes
on me and padded me with paper until l
felt like stove all the way home. The
horses came flying, the ride was delight
full and we reached home in fine time.
In the afternoon went to another play
at school, then to prayer meeting (for-
eign), after which | made out "exams"
for shool the next day. Friday after
school went for long horse back ride
and came home splashed with mud but
charmed with the scenery. On Saturday
afternoon we had tea with the Adams
family All the foreign women and all
lady Chinese workers were invited. At
o'clock the hospital boys nurses) gave
their play and this lasted until nine. So
feel that by no means have been lack
ing in Xmas excitement.
Now it is almost time for S. S. and
must bring this to close. | wonder if
you could feel on Xmas morning how
much | was thinking of all at home. And
Carl-how much ish he could be there.
Considering that this letter will not
reach you in three days it's rather late
to wish you Happy New Year, but I'll
do it anyway.
January IL, 1919.
Just little note to let you know your
letter of Nov. came today. 1t was
certainly real joy to hear from you for
you are in my mind all the time. Since
the sad news came from home there
seems to be part of me living with you
at home constantly.
1t has been a busy time. Gertrude
leaves for America today. am going
with her to the Port and come back on
my horse. Have been very busy at school.
Exams begin tomorrow and last two
weeks.
Am opening new school at Hsin-Chi-
ang. The amount of work connected
with it is great but l love the day school
work. told you about my trip to Hsin-
Chang, rs Ii away. so you know some
thing about the place.
On Friday night was Baptism, Seven
ty five new members were taken in. 1t
was a wonderfully impressive service
Today we had Communion. Can write
no more now. Boat is expected at any
time. M. p. +.
To Exforad Elonfn.in Ina