Pvt. Oliver Bilhorn – 36722105 Box 3X

Co. D. 8th Tng Btn. Wheeling, Ill.         

Camp Wheeler, Georgia

 

 

643 Abbotsford Rd.

Kenilworth, Ill

Apr. 16 – 1943

 

Dear Ollie —

            This will probably be our last message from this address as we are scheduled to move to the “Country Gardens” home next Tuesday in the morning. Our renters (our next door neighbors) will not take possession until the following week, so mail will reach us here next week — though we advice using Box 3X Wheeling, Ill. from now on.

            I am very sorry that my thoughts of you didn’t find their way onto paper last week! I was just too busy between the farm and here and 1813, but I know that you were O.K. from your letter to Mom – and that you were busy with war games… and with the boys’ paper.

            I have, since, received your thoughtful letter and am glad to hear first-hand of your very interesting doings, and that you are well and cheerful, and not too disappointed should you not receive the appointment you so desire. That’s one of the finest assets of a Christian that we have the courage to view our disappointments rather as “His appointments!” However, the rumor you have heard may be without foundation and I understand that those appointments after do not come until the last minute and then, quite suddenly. We were entertained at Geppert’s new home in Wilmette Wednesday evening and then I learned, for the first time, that Otto Geppert’s job in World War I was that of assistant to the chaplain. He said that he had helped the chaplain (at Camp Wheeler) now and then, prepare programs for the boys who didn’t go out evenings, had fiddled a little (he plays the violin) etc… and yet he was ordered mobilized with his company had gone aboard ship, been assigned to, and settled in his allotted place (in the lowest hold of the ship) when, just as the boat was starting, orders came down for “Geppert” to report to the chaplain when he was given his appointment and assigned a cot on the upper deck in a stateroom opposite with the chaplain! He said that we wrote many letters for the chaplain, did typing, and assisted in many ways and went to France of course.  I am certain that if God wants you in that job, you will get it if not you’ll be where He does want you, but I’m glad you are doing what you can to receive “influence” not that I know you are the man for that kind of job and it will be hard for them to get one as well fitted as you are! Mr. Geppert said “yes, Oliver would be fine for that job... and you can be pretty sure that, sooner or later, they will make use of all the talents available.”

            I talked with Uncle Fred Roloff a few days ago and was told that Fred was leaving camp on the 15th for a furlough which he hoped would last for 15 days. He is expected on the 17th. (I was ordering low fencing for my little evergreens and gardens – Barkey and Prince are ruining unprotected places.)

            We’ve had another spurt of real winter snowstorms cold with winds but thunderstorms awakened us this morning and the day is springy. Let’s hope it will continue!

            Mom was fine when I saw her a few days ago, and when I talked with her today. Don’t worry about your room, Ollie, it won’t be disturbed, and I very much doubt that Mom will let me help her in the attic at all when it comes right down to it. She was worrying about it and I offered to help her clean it out. Have gone over, ready to go at it but so far either it’s been “too cold” or she wasn’t ready etc... I’d like to see her with her mind relieved of the worries about things! That may yet be accomplished. Easter is close at hand. We’ll miss you but know that you’ll find a blessing – and also bring one right where you are. I’m leaving now. Love and best of luck.

                                                            -Xenia