October 18, 1940: Turn the Light On!

Letter from Ella to Opa

Translation:

Berlin, Charlottenburg October 18^th 1940

My very dear boy, For so long I have not heard from you. Please Hunschen write to me more often. Today I will send only a short note to let you know I am well. I hope, on Sunday I can write more in detail, and answer several of your questions. 

Your eye matter has me worried. Why did you not wear your glasses? When you were here, you always did. I did not know that you don’t use them anymore. Make sure, that you always have good light for reading and working. That is so important. You will need your eyes a lot later on, so treat them with as much care as you can. It made me very happy to hear that the Shelley’s are so nice to you. It is always a comfort that there are people like them. I wish I could one day thank them myself. That they can have my boy with them, has to be a great joy for them.  

Let me end for today, my beloved boy.

I kiss you much,

Your Mama

Ella sends a short note to let Opa know that she is alright- and to remind him to write her. I'm sure he is writing her- I hope enough because she really does depend on his letters for her sanity at this point. 

Why on earth is Opa not wearing his glasses? Surely he's not trying to be cool or something? He wore glasses as long as I knew him. No one in my Dad's family could see- and I'm lucky that so far I still don't need glasses. Just hearing aids. But that's another set of genes.

Opa not wearing his glasses prompts Ella to say something that I have heard my dad say multiple times throughout my life- so Opa must have heard it multiple times from Ella and repeated it to my Dad: "make sure you always have good light for reading and working." My Dad was constantly turning on lamps, overhead lights, etc. for me when I was reading or working on homework. I love light- but natural sunlight- and so it's not intuitive for me to turn on a light. So I admit that I would be reading by a dull light many days, and my Dad would just flip the light switch and remind me that I needed to have good lighting so I don't wear my eyes out. He would tell me how he didn't do it and he started losing his sight in college. I'm not sure that story is true- but he's sticking to it. Either way- it's a Doeppner thing to nag about lighting. 

Ella is so appreciative of the Shelley family who shows Opa such hospitality and kindness. She then says the sweetest thing: "that they can have my boy with them, has to be a great joy for them." Ella's love is so full. I love how kind and sweet she is to her children.

October 15, 1940: Refugees in Shanghai

Letter from Patti to Opa

Transcription:

Grenoble, 10.15.40

My dear Hunschenboy,

As I am going to pick up my English this year, I’ll write you an English letter and you must give your opinion about it. You can’t imagine how much I have been glad with your dear long letter this time. It is not longer than formerly, but it so much more heartily, more personal notwithstanding a certain lack of personal news. I find my dear little brother in this letter and not a foreign student. I’m glad you give me an answer to all my questions and I appreciate so much your having got up earlier in the morning in order to write me. My dear, I always fear you over-drive your forces by all your work. Do you feel as well as formerly, do you really? How can you manage it? I fear I couldn’t. But you are much stronger than I and I hope you’ll get through all difficulties without illness, without any loss of power. And you will do, won’t you? I am sorry you can’t make a close friendship over there and I would you felt not too lonely. Do you really imagine the unsteadiness of your life, the uncertainty of future to be an impediment for a real friendship? I don’t. But another question is your work that takes so much time and makes a rich personal life quite impossible. I know you appreciate also true comradeship and you surely have lots of good fellows in the college. I also felt very lonely during my first time here, not at the very beginning but soon afterwards, then I knew Emma and we became excellent friends in spite of two long separations (the last one a whole year).

The visa matter is rather troublesome, isn’t it? Why don’t they wish to give you the extension you applied for? I think they finally will as there is no other way for you. And now let us speak about Putschi. Do you know that she can write me now? I have a new girl friend in Switzerland who passes her letters and mine. You may imagine how much we enjoy it both of us. She doesn’t write anything about the situation there nor about her health. She spoke of having still lots of lessons and of her wish to go to Shanghai, should she not depend on Martha and Erich. For the time being they are both living with her as they could not go away yet. Poor Putschi! You certainly read the last news concerning the treatment of foreigners in Shanghai and I think we have to wait and see. In the principle we should try to get her over there and afterwards she must join you or me. We must not play with hypothesises as for the conditions of emigrating in the future, but for the time being life would be impossible for her in Shanghai. 

By the same friend in Switzerland, I got a letter from Austi yesterday! What do you say now? I yet gave up all hope in this regard and was awfully glad on receiving it. He writes that he is alright and that he has still his job, only a reduced one and he doesn’t know for how much time he may conserve it. He is learning professional photography in order to do it afterwards should there be a possibility. May-be he has already something in view. He hopes to see Pinkley in the near future and in that case he could discuss everything with him. But his visit is not sure yet. He begs me to give him news of you but only the important facts you write me. I think he avoids to write you (or he cannot) and doesn’t like for many details concerning your situation to be mentioned in our letters. It must be the same reasons for which he doesn’t write to Putschi in a direct way. He received my letter of June with my present address and did not answer me, neither did Putschi, I think they are not allowed to, both of them. So, I think it would be better if you tried not too much to write to Austi. I shall give you news of him if I receive a letter. Emma is not well and Aust will go to see a doctor with her. He hopes it will not be very serious, so do I. For the time being, Aust cannot be of any financial help for us, and I fear he troubles much about it. But I shall write him that we can do without it. 

As to your plan for Putschi, he thinks that your friends have got better information than he and I and that you inquired about it before you got anything settled. You see that we have much confidence in you and in your friends in this matter.

I am very sorry, two of your letters have been lost. I think you wrote me about your holiday work. May they still reach me? I got neither an answer from Lillie nor Hanna.

10.21th

I have to beg your pardon, for I left this letter for almost a week. Even now I am very tired and I shall not make it very long.l I was interrupted by a visit in the midst of my writing, we went all to the movings [movies?], and you know how dangerous it is to let a letter for to-morrow. The next day, I had lessons and shopping and other work and now we are preparing our removing, working from early in the morning until night. I don’t remember w[h]ether I told you that we are going to live with Emma now. Mrs. Herz will not return to Gr[enoble] this year and so she leaves her apartment. Her furniture is at our disposal in the meantime; so we have to do the removal of all her furniture, books, clothes, plates, etc., work on the attic level and in the cellar. Maurice shipped 40 sacks of coal yesterday and to-day. When we have finished her removal we have to do ours and Emma’s, for we shall live together in another apartment with Mrs. H’s furniture. So we shall have a real home with kitchen, and lots of room till next summer when we shall leave Gr. for a town where Maurice can prepare his last exam. Excuse me please if my English is very bad this evening. I am rather tired. I have been astonished myself when seeing that this letter was begun so long ago and I feel ashamed. Excuse me please for this time. I send you many prints to console you. You may keep them. I shall send others to Putschi.

My dear little one, good night, and write me very often. Even if I am a bad sister who keeps a letter to her brother for so long a time. I shall write you soon again.

Your sister kisses her little Tom.

Patti

[in French] My dear Tom,

I feel very [r/vasine? r/vaseur?] this evening, after the moving, but that is not a reason for me not to write you, you who works so much and who must often be even more tired! I truly admire you, my dear Tom, and I am sure that all this courage and perseverance will have something marvelous as recompense. We have been well favored by luck, Brigitte, you and I. Finally, after some long weeks of uncertainty, some good news of the whole family. Clearly the material situation of your father is less good than earlier, but that is nothing important, that that [?] livelihood. Don’t worry at all about the question of money on Brigitte’s behalf. My parents, without being rich, get enough for the moment. And as for you, if you have a hard moment, do not hesitate, do not stand on ceremony to ask us for what you need. Au revoir, my dear Tom, I embrace you very fraternally.  Maurice

Patti is pleased with Opa, he's written a more personal letter. Now that he is not solely responsible for all the information from Ella and August, I think Patti can relax her standards a little bit. 

I love how gifted Patti is with language. That genetic trait did not carry over to the rest of the family. We are fantastic over here with English - but that's about it. Patti just decides to practice her English and writes an entire letter in it. Although it isn't perfect- it's significantly better than what I could write in Spanish after many years of learning it. I bet Opa found it a little bit fun to be able to correct something of his sister's related to language. (Side note, Opa was the supreme editor in his later life- even of personal notes- he loved to make things grammatically correct.)

Once again everyone is worried about Opa working himself too hard. Little do they know it is the American Way to work hard. We could probably learn a little of the French lessons on leisure. 

Patti's mention of how Opa feels lonely, like he can't find a true friend - reminds me that Opa is still a German boy in a foreign country. Few speak his language, fewer still (if any) can understand his situation. I can't imagine how isolating that must have been to be the only refugee for miles. No one really has an understanding of what he is going through. Opa has lost contact with many of his friends, he does not hear from his father, his mother is in danger every day she remains in Berlin. His sister's safety is marginal. He hasn't seen his family for at least a year, more like two or three for his sister and mother. He has no guarantee of ever seeing them again. His culture and world-understanding is completely foreign to everyone around him. On top of that- he's in Kansas, a landscape and culture further removed from his own than perhaps a town on the north east coast would be. I have these moments when I feel alone because of how I see the world and what I care about- it's hard to find friends as an adult who you can truly connect with. It's hard enough within your own culture. I imagine Opa's loneliness weighed on him- who can he tell about his fears and worries?

Patti doesn't seem to be overly worried about Opa's visa- like everyone else. I think he isn't convinced or he wouldn't have shown concern to Patti. She's most concerned about Ella (Putschi) and whether or not she should go to Shanghai. Apparently the foreigners aren't being treated well there. However, I did little searching, and though that might have been the case at some point- here is a link to an article on the Holocaust Museum website. There you can read a little bit about why Shanghai actually became one of the only valid locations to emigrate to from Germany. When other countries where closing their borders, Shanghai remained open. The article is really interesting- don't forget to read it!

Now we have more information on August's situation, but it isn't helpful in any way. All we know is that somehow he's managed to write to Patti and Ella, but not to Opa - and not directly to anyone. I'm really confused about all of this. Patti also says he still has his job- but not the full job. I wonder if this is right, or if the information is old and Ella was right when she said he lost his job.  He is learning professional photography- so hopefully that is helpful to him. How entrepreneurial everyone had to be when their options were slowly stripped away. 

August and Patti both approve of whatever plan Opa has for Ella- they talk about friends having better information. That may have been intended to be code- but it really is likely the "Friends" or Quakers that they are referring to. I'm confused though, because last time we checked- the Quakers basically told Opa that there was no hope for Ella. Maybe something has opened up? Patti and August trust him - what responsibility!

Patti leaves her letter and comes back to it a week later- she and Maurice are moving in with their friend Emma. I'm sure that wasn't the plan- but she's being positive about it. They have a place to live and furniture- that's good! Patti then hands the letter over to Maurice, who writes a nice note. He reassures Opa of their situation, and reminds Opa to ask if he needs anything. It's funny because it's kind of like Maurice is taking the big brother role- but he's exactly the same age as Opa. He is being sweet though- which I appreciate. He calls Patti by her real name "Brigitte" which reminds me that likely she is only known as Patti to her family. 

This was a good letter! So now- go read that article on the refugees in Shanghai.

October 11, 1940: Prepare, Read, Discuss

Article about International Relations Club in the Spectator by Opa

Transcription:

Henry Speaks for I.R.C.

By Thomas Doeppner

Discuss Minority Problem

Trying to make Macoleg students familiar with some the the so-called undiscussed causes of war, the I.R.C. will have for its topic this and the following week, the "Minority problem." It is going to be discussed as thoroughly as possible in two weeks' time.

Robert Nance and Dale Stucky are going to give short lectures, the one dealing with the history of the minorities, the other one with the question of how the minority problem has been an influence in the present conflict. A week from today, there will be a discussion about the problem.

Let us make this discussion a real success by being prepared for it. On the I-shelf in the library, a small number of books and magazines is to be found which deal with the problem. Come to this and all other discussions of the I.R.C. as well prepared as possible, today and every Friday at 4 o'clock in the 8. U.R.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, October 22 and 23, Mr. Henry Wheeler, the field secretary of the American Friends Service committee for the Kansas area, will be on the campus to discuss the problem of conscription. Definite programs have not been made yet, but he is going to give talks in chapel before a general 8. C.M. meeting.

He will give personal conferences with men and women who have personal problems about the conscription. The I.R.C. will have a special meeting for a discussion under his direction. Watch the Spectator for further announcements concerning this program. Be sure not to miss the opportunity of hearing this outstanding speaker.

**Missing section**

...ill-employed young men that our decadent profiteering system let loose in the world. 

During the last week, the Soviet press showed a friendly attitude toward England by showing the influence which the British trade unions and the working class are having in the defense of Britain. Although this does not necessarily mean that the long expected change of Russia has arrived, it is at least a statement that Russia is not in favor with the present policies of Germany and Japan.

One might consider it as a thread to the axis or better triangle powers, of the Russian secretary of war declared, "Russia does not consider itself free from any provocations that may threaten its border." It is not difficult to guess what provocation he is referring to.

Radio Programs of Interest

Tomorrow evening at 6:00 CBS will present People's Platform, a program containing a discussion of "Japan's Partnership in the Rome-Berlin Axis."

Once again, I miss college. And I did not take full advantage of my education. Sigh. I love that the International Relations Committee (I.R.C.) is fostering conversations that are informed with provided reading material (how fabulous is that?!). I wonder what minorities were being mentioned here? If they are discussing the war, were they speaking of the anti-semitic rhetoric found in Germany and everywhere? I wish I could have attended the discussion and read the materials! 

The reference to Russia reminds me that Russia is always a fickle friend or foe.

This calls me to do better with my self-education.  Prepare. Read. Discuss. 

October 4, 1940: Americans Eat Lots

Opa writes the latest "Henry Speaks" article from the International Relations Club 

for the Gospel Messenger

Transcription:

Henry Speaks For I.R.C.
By Thomas Doeppner

Horner Is Program Chairman

Don Newkirk, former chairman of the program committee, has resigned. His place has been taken by Lucile Horner, the black-haired, black-eyed Texas-girl. The committee consists of Lucile Horner, Wayne Crist, Robert Nance, and Thomas Doeppner.

This week's program is a book review about Muste's book, "Non-Violence in an Aggressive World," to be given by Esther Sherfy. After the book review, Esther will lead a discussion about the book and its problems.

A week from today, the club starts a s study about the minority problem. Two short lectures will be given by college students, and after that a discussion about the most important part of these lectures will be led by Dale Stucky. Everybody who is interested in this study, should be prepared by reading the study material about it, which is available on the I-shelf in the library.
**(missing section)**
action merely "publicly confirms a relationship already existing." But this need not hinder us from gaining a challenge or two from such a declaration.

We are astonished by the Axis powers' frequent use of the term "new order." But, I wonder if, by chance, we Americans were living, three hundred fifty people per square mile as in Italy and Germany, or nearly five hundred as in Japan, whether we also would demand a "new order."

Undoubtedly it is going to take much more than propaganda, politics, treaties, or even armaments to make the world a safer place to inhabit. With United States citizens enjoying over fifteen acres of land for each head or about fifty people for every square mile, with our lavish squandering of resources unknown to many Europeans and Orientals, and with our digestive capacities so crammed with food that doctors tell us we dig our graves with our teeth, dare we accuse those less fortunate for desiring a "new order?" Someday

**(missing section)**

First- sorry about the missing sections! I'll see if I can't find the rest of it. It's hard to copy all relevant material quickly- sometimes you miss some things!

Opa is writing a little update from the International Relations Club, first with logistics of leadership change and events/discussions and then some updates on the world events. 

I can't help but think that Opa is feeling very confident in his identity as a sort of adopted American. He speaks from the American perspective, although he is clearly pointing out some glaring faults - made more glaring by his own knowledge of life inside Nazi Germany. I'm kind of surprised that he isn't more hesitant to share these thoughts of almost sympathy for the people of the Axis powers. He makes a solid point, but he must have confidence that his readers will receive it well. I think his comment on how much land Americans have might be a little skewed by his time in Kansas vs Berlin (people in New York have a different experience, and people in Bavaria aren't cramped). However, his example of the lavish amounts of food is a solid one. Opa almost never knew a life with out rationing. There are likely some folks in Kansas who have just survived the dust bowl who would beg to differ on their food availability. Although maybe now that things were better, they were stuffing and hoarding food because they had gone through a time without. 

My favorite line: "doctors tell us we dig our graves with our teeth." That is an expression I had not heard and it is delightfully accurate and fabulous.

Opa might not be completely holistic in his thoughts on the world stage, but he definitely gives the well-fed Americans something to think about, and he does so daringly. I think the general consensus for people not from America is STILL that we eat a lot.

October 4, 1940: Jesus Changed Literature

Article in Gospel Messenger about Dr. Naumann's talk

Transcription:

"Fate Need Not Correspond To Character"

Dr. W. A. Naumann Addresses Chapel On Interesting Theme

"Christ gave a consistent view of the relationship between destiny and personality." declared Prof. Walter A. Naumann, who spoke upon the influence of the Gospel on the presentation of man in literature during the chapel you Monday morning.

Three essentials of the novel are characters drawn from everyday life, incidents from history and daily events, and motivation which must harmonize with the character and his situation. 

The anthropomorphic qualities of ancient paganism contended that there must be a relationship between the personality and his fate - one's fate corresponded to his character. They separated fate from outside forces. Thus, the Stoics isolated themselves from the world by a false dignity. Early examples of literature manifest this fatalistic philosophy of the times.

"No correspondence exists necessarily between fate and character" is the teaching of Christ. The life and death of Christ teaches that men are not confined to an earthly existence but their lives reach out into the spiritual realm. The literature created after the advent of this new theory was profoundly influenced, as the student of literature may readily observe.

Professor Walter Naumann was another German refugee that McPherson College supported and rescued from the tight grip of the new, Nazi way. McPherson College was a small Church of the Brethren school, and therefore had regular chapel services and other religious activities. They encouraged outside voices, Dr. Naumann and Opa included. I don't know if Dr. Naumann shared the religious beliefs of the Brethren school, but he was able to present material that connected his literary background to the Gospel. Impressive!

I love this idea that prior to Jesus' philosophical break through, that the people felt very much like fate was connected to character. This makes sense- most people still thin this. You get what's coming to you, what comes around goes around, etc. 

Naumann's statement is that Jesus turned this philosophy on its head, saying that your character and personality actually did not necessarily affect your fate. Why do good things happen to bad people (and vice versa)? 

I love that Naumann connects these philosophical ideas to literature. So once a writer gets the idea that character does not affect fate, the storylines can shift significantly. I don't know enough about literature to know if this is true, or if this short recap of Naumann's presentation is accurate- but it's food for thought. I appreciate that the school encouraged critical thinking.

This article kind of makes me miss college. Where you can hear lectures and ideas from incredibly well-read experts about almost any topic. I should look into the local college and see if they have a lecture series!

September 27, October 5, 25, 1940: You're a Shoo-In!

Letter from Marjorie Schauffler to Opa

Transcription:

September 27, 1940

Mr. Thomas Doeppner,

McPherson College,

McPherson,

Kansas

My dear Mr. Doeppner:

You will undoubtedly be relieved to learn the report of a recent interview in Washington in regard to the extension of your visa. We are confident that you should expect the completed papers within a short time.

Sincerely yours,

(Mrs.) Marjorie Page Schauffler

Information from Conference with Department of Justice

Transcription:

Questions regarding Student Visas:

9-21-40

Conference with Department of Justice

Thomas Doeppner:

Q: Does the fact that Mr. Doeppner earned money during the summer for his Fall college expenses, depositing these as earned with the college constitute an infringement of his visitor's permit?

A: No. Mr. Salisbury was satisfied this his summer earnings were purely a matter of maintenance during that period and assurance for his expenses for his ensuing college year; as such they are entirely acceptable under the conditions of a visitor's permit.

Mr. Salisbury has no question but that Mr. Doeppner's student visa will be renewed as soon as it is possible for the Department to reach his case. The burden of work is particularly heavy at this time, but the case should be reached in a few days. The expiration of the passport does not constitute a difficulty. The extension of the visa granted by the Immigration Service will itself constitute evidence of the acceptance of Mr. Doeppner's nationality and status by the United States Government, inspite of the fact that his passport is no longer valid.

Letter from Opa to Marjorie Schauffler

Transcription:

Thomas Doeppner   McPherson, October 5, 1940.

McPherson College

Mrs. Marjorie P. Schauffler

American Friends Service Committee

20 S. 12th St.

Phiadelphia

Dear Mrs. Schauffler,

I thank you very much for your letter of September 27. I was much relieved to learn that things seem to work out all right. There  is just one thing which I am wondering about. In the copy of your conference with the Department of Justice, you mention that my student visa is likely to be renewed. The visa I have now, is not a student visa but a visitor's visa, thus the problem is not to get it renewed, but to get my visitor's visa changed into a student visa. It might be that I did not express myself clearly in recent letters, therefore I want to draw your attention to this.

Thanking you for the help you are giving to me, I remain,

Sincerely yours,

Thomas Doeppner.

Letter from Opa to Kathleen Hanstein

Transcription:

Thomas Doeppner   McPherson, October 5, 1940.

McPherson College

Mrs. Kathleen Hambly Hanstein

American Friends Service Committee

20 S. 12th St.

Phiadelphia

Dear Mrs. Hanstein,

I have received word from Mrs. Schauffler regarding my visa; you probably know about this letter, it stated that the fact that I earned money during summer time, does not create difficulties about the extension of my staying.

The dean of McPherson College wrote to the U.S. Office of Education, asking how much credit should be given to me for the work I had in Germany. The answer was that I can get only six hours college credit, that means that I would have to go for another year and a summer after this year to McPherson College if I wanted to graduate here. During this year, however, I can take all the courses in Mathematics and Physics which are offered here, thus another year at McPherson would be lost for me, as far as my education as an engineer is concerned. Do you think there are possibilities of receiving either a scholarship or else some kind of support in a school which is specializing in engineer work? I thought about Kansas State College in Manhattan, Kansas, a college which has special engineer courses. Many students of McPherson College who want to become engineers have gone to that college. The expenses, however, are at least as high as in McPherson, because there will be many laboratory fees. What are the steps I should take to work out a plan to go either to Manhattan or to another school? I do not think that I shall be able to make much more money during summer time than I did last summer. Last summer I earned around $150.

I would like very much to get your advise about this.

Sincerely yours,

Thomas Doeppner.

So this is a bunch of letters- but they all go together and they are all really informative. Let's start with the first one. Opa hears from Mrs. Schauffler who basically gives him the cue to breathe a sigh of relief- she reports from her meeting with the folks in DC who have a say in his visa matter. Her final analysis: it's going to be ok! You're a shoo-in! 

Next we have the memo of information about Mrs. Schauffler's meeting in DC- where Opa can read plainly the moment when Mr. Salisbury basically guarantees Opa's successful visa renewal. I think it is odd that no one seems concerned about his lack of a passport. I am also a little troubled by the way that the memo of information on the conference uses the phrases "Student visa" and "visitor's visa" interchangeably- when I think they are very distinctly different visas. 

And.... that's what Opa says in his response to Mrs. Schauffler- basically "Thanks! Are you sure we're talking about my visitor's visa becoming a student visa?" I have no idea why everyone is so confused about this and yet some people seem to be very clear about how distinct the two visas are. Opa has to be frustrated by this- but at the same time- everybody seems to be confident that it is all going to work out just fine. 

Lastly- Opa writes to Mrs. Hanstein- shares the good news with her (which he rightfully assumes she already knows) and then begins asking questions about his next step. This sort of gets ahead of where he is by a whole year, but I think Opa has gotten wise about how much time it takes to work these matters out. He wants to go about continuing his education at a place like Kansas State, where he can continue on the engineering track. Opa realized that he wouldn't be getting as much college credit from his German arbitur that he hoped. The arbitur is about the equivalent of our Associates degree here in America- but done in High School- maybe it's more like taking very advance honors classes in High School that you get college credit for. The credits aren't transferring like Opa hoped. Isn't that always how it works out?! My special honors classes gave me far fewer college credits than were promised. So now Opa realizes he has about a year and a half left of school after this coming year and he's run out of engineering classes to take at McPherson. 

Poor guy- will he have to do this long process all over again in order to get into a school like Kansas State? Maybe it will be a little easier as a transfer from one American school to the other. Hopefully Mrs. Hanstein has some advice for him.

In the end though- there is hope for the future- hope for a visa- hope for another year on the free soil of America.

September 27, 1940: Slacker Ella

Letter from Ella to Opa

Translation:

Berlin Charlottenburg 4, 27^th of Sep. 1940

Droysenstrasse 14

My very beloved boy,

To my fright (Horror) I noticed that I have not written to you for 3 weeks. I don’t know how that was possible, but now I will write to my boy regularly every week. I just hope you will not punish me for this and continue to write regularly. Last week I heard from Patti again but I cannot reply because no mail goes from here to there. I don’t understand how Patti’s letter got here. I also heard from Emmy Stause, a friend of Patti’s. It is always a holiday Hunschen when mail from both of you arrives. The Shanghai situation cannot be settled as quickly as you think. I wrote to you as I recall, that I would send a cable, as soon as it is time. In the meantime Stiers have not left yet. Things are not going as smoothly as they thought. They gave up their flat and are living with me for 4 weeks already. Both are very considerate and attentive to me, but we do live in different worlds. You ask, where did I get the other money? I do not have it, but I can get a permit when the Stiers will be my guarantors, which means will be responsible for my living expenses. But for all that, they have to be there yet. And I don’t think I could bear it to be totally dependent on them. I don’t know if Papa can send me money to there. He absolutely does not let me hear from him. I don’t understand that, especially since Anchen and Hilda receive mail regularly. Aust has his job, he is healthy as well, and continues to live in his house. Even if he does not write to me, I could understand that, but that also both of you do not hear a word from him, is absolutely not understandable to me.  

Now back to another thing. When I do have an address send the money in a way, so you can have it sent back to you at any time, since everything does not appear so dependably to.

Thank you for the explanation about college and university. It has calmed me down, because now I know that your studies are secured for the next 2 years. Right now one cannot plan for now, for me only for 2 days. How happy I was to read the description of Patti’s birthday. I can see the two of them standing on the meadow in front of the burning candles, their whole life in front of them. They will work together to contribute their part for the good. And that you will always fight for Fairness, Truth, and Knowledge also and it comforts me. I wrote a few lines to the Shelley's, which will be sent alongside with your letter. How am I to send your letters now, not over Wichita? Do I have to show something else? This one will go just by airmail, North-America.

I am happy that your education is not one-sided, and I believe that the special education is very thorough. It is good for all fields to understand the connection with all other ones, which will give one an additional thorough insight. Too bad that your new room-mate is not quite the way you would like, perhaps he will develop, he must be much younger than Elmer.

I really liked the picture. By the way I had a photo made of me, but they turned out so badly, that the photographer won’t give them to me, but will make new ones. I just have to find the time to go back, which is not easy for me. Anchen is back already. She has recovered nicely, but I see her very seldom, only if I go to her between lessons. She never comes to see me, because in her free time she goes to see Heiner. I read your letters to her…. …… to telephone her.

Write soon and lots, my beloved boy.  

I kiss you much and with lots of love

Your Mama

Written in the side of the letter:

Should I travel to Jenny’s uncle with my students?

Can you stand in for your professor?

Write more about that.

Much luck with your “communication work”.

One can gain much valuable knowledge

Ella's slacking on the letter writing! This seems odd to me- very unlike her. I wonder if having the Stiers in her home makes her more distracted and busy - like she can't sit in quiet and write a letter with her sister and brother-in-law sitting there. I could see Ella not wanting to be rude and then realizing she hasn't found a time when they weren't there. The Stiers have been with her about a month now- they have invested everything into this Shanghai plan and it isn't going as smoothly as they hoped. I hate to sound pessimistic but this Shanghai plan never sounded all that solid to begin with. The current plan is that the Stiers will travel to Shanghai and establish some sort of residency- which will then allow them to be sponsors for Ella to come. This is similar to the longer plan that Opa has for his mother to hopefully come to him- but the fact is that even if he were able to secure an affidavit for her- she is still miserably far behind in the line to get a visa to travel to the US. Shanghai- as sketchy as it sounds- remains her only option at this point.

Ella wonders again why August doesn't write to her or to the kids- especially when it seems he is able to write to Annchen (his sister) and Hilda. I am just as dumbfounded. I just assumed that he had no communications with anybody. I could even understand him not writing to Ella (not kindly, but perhaps as protection for himself because she is Jewish). But not writing to his son in America seems really odd. Not writing to Patti might be a protective thing for Patti- so that she does not appear to be German, but instead blends in as French. Not writing to Opa is something I can't figure out. I don't really get it. I want to give August the benefit of the doubt and assume he has very valid reasons for not writing. As someone who was part of the news business- maybe he knows something we don't. August has lost his news job- but he still lives in his home. 

Ella seems to be happy with Opa's schooling- the fact that he gets to have varied courses that provide him a well-rounded education. Opa's freedom gives Ella so much hope. It's sweet to see how much faith she has in him.

The side note makes absolutely no sense so I can only imagine that it is code for something. What is she asking him? We know so much, and yet there are still so many names and riddles in these letters that we don't understand.