Stationary: Heritage House Motor Inn
Sunday, September 9, 1979

Dearest Teri:

I'm writing this letter on our way home from the furniture market. It's a little bumpy so please excuse the writing. When we get home, we'll be packing your winter clothes so John P will bring it with him from I.R. to Tokyo. Then he'll have it mailed or brought over to you from the I.R. Tokyo office. In any case he will be calling you to let you know.

By this time you must have your feet pretty much on the ground and getting adjusted. Teri, like we told you, it will be difficult but with prayer and keeping busy, the homesickness will be eased and to repeat what you said, you can't afford to give up this experience. Don't worry, we're all praying for you. You'll make it. We have a lot of confidence in you. OK, now Teri, enough of the sob stuff. Let's get you updated. Your letters 1, 2 & 3 were great reading. I'm saving them. You're a great writer. Who knows you may want to write a book. Interesting enough! I brought the Rotary Club letter to Mr. R. Was that for the newspaper? He asked if you saw Heidi. Did you see her at orientation? Vince came home Friday nite. He went to Mr. Morris, N.Y. to race his car Sat. nite. He stayed overnite and racing again today. I hope we get home in time ot see him before he returns to school. Vince was up to 135 pounds. He's gained 20 pounds in once month. He sure needed it.

Jayvees played Towanda Thurs. nite. Sayre won. Varsity beat Towanda too. Ralph and Steve were busy last week building a fort in back of W's. Guess what! Ralph, Steve & JP got poison ivy. He's really been itchy. Hope its better by the time we get home. He stayed with Aunt Irene last night. That doesn't set too good with him. He'd rather stay home alone. I think now you  must realize that we really mean well even though you thought some of our ideas are strange. I know you are fully aware of how much our children mean to us despite you term are old fashioned ideas. We love and care for you. Last Friday was Aunt Hilda's birthday. Mary did my nails. Grandma & Grandpa were really pleased that you mentioned them in all your letters. They have been busy with harvesting the garden and are doing pretty good. They wish you a lot of good luck. Mr. D asked about you last week. He loves Japan & the people. He feels this is a great opportunity. We know that.

I just asked Dad if there's anything he'd like to add. He misses your piano playing. He even misses arguing with you. He really misses you. I think fathers are close their daughters. Ann called Friday nite. She was on her way to Hanover. Can you believe I was upset because she hadn't written to you yet but I guess she was busy with the house. She said it really looks like home now. It doesn't look like the same place. She often speaks of the time you spent with her. She really enjoyed you. Well, maybe next summer you might want to visit again & do more. I'll leve off now and maybe there might be some news I'll want to add when I get home.

Your things are all packed. Lisa got you the Cover stick for your eyes. The slides are in the suitcase- also candy- choc. chips ahoy cookies - Seventeen - Japanese books - and I also enclosed the mail you got from Hotchkiss. Don't forget- as soon as you are through with the winter clothers, you can return them the same way. I'll give you instructions. John P has the key to the suitcase and I am sure he will let you know how it's going to reach you. Hope you enjoy everything. Vince got home last night around 9:00 pm. He came in 7 out of 44. His car ran good. He thinks they held him back. It was an experience. Teri- we love you- Take care- God bless you-

Mom, Dad, Vince, Ralph

Vince was diabetic and was always very thin. Gaining weight was a good thing for him.