23 Nov 1942, Barbara Anslow's diary

Had tooth ('upper left 8') taken out.

We had a letter from Father Moore ((still in Hong Kong)):

''Received  your card yesterday – probably held up a month. Since in it you mention the beginning of October devotions.  Heard our contact was still around, so thought I'd run off this note.

Glad to hear about parcels from England.  Should be some help. Hope to send you something before Christmas. May it be a happy day for you all, if not quite so merry.  Maybe the usual 'Merry Christmas' is not too far off.

'The news has been very good. The second front is going nicely; in Africa, and the Germans have been pushed back 150 miles beyond Tobruk.  Americans still holding the Solomons (3 of them) and sank 12 transports and 11 warships in latest battle.  Five years ago I had a New Year plum pudding with the Rear Admiral Norman Scott, who was killed in the Nov. 12 engagement.

'We have received definite word we cannot go to Kwangchowan; so we are here for the duration, I guess.  However, I've sent a letter via Chungking air mail home, and asked the folks to send your message to Mrs Hall in Australia.  Studying Chinese full tilt now.  Health generally good – flu or ?? once.  Prices terrific, but some things reasonable.  Japs expect more bombings. Understand 500  ((?)) books to camp.  Hope you find some good reading.  Take it easy.  Good health to you all, and God's blessing, John D. Moore.'

'Maryknoll now has new missions in many South American countries – and Mexico.  We have been ordered home ((USA)), but repatriation even from Shanghai is now very doubtful.'

I took 'Limelight' to Mrs Lewis Block A1 for her daughters to read.

Mabel and I to music at St Stephens tonight.  She was dizzy yesterday.