Sunday, December 23, 1917

Very cold. Had breakfast with the officers and went back to our rooms and made a fire in old fashioned grates. Then I made the beds and the men came and we had prayers and God came very near. The Col. came and told me to do my best and I will.

Could not attend meeting because my feet hurt too bad. It’s very cold here and it is a very bad and unclean place. The cabinet is a hole in the ground and water is terrible. Our bed was wet and cold. But that song rings in my ears, “God will take care of you,” and He will.

Had supper at the Madame’s, and I had coffee and bread and one egg. I had a nice time. Some (three) of the neighbors came in to see the Mademoiselle from America and such a wonderful lady. My so much fuss, to see us. This village has no kind of a hut and no store, or room for the men. They surely are glad to see us and it’s good to be here, even under such trying and hard conditions. But God is good to us and all will be well.

Went to a church that is 1,000 years old and it was built before the town. Called Bonna. Where The Salvation Army is the building is six hundred years old.

Nine men were taken prison from the 26th. They cut one man’s throat and turned gas fire on the rest and torched them to death. A terrible death.

More Information

The following section provides historical context and is not part of the original diary entry.

Likely location: Bure / Meuse department, France

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December 1917 brought harsh winter conditions to northeastern France. Margaret celebrated Christmas at Bure in the Meuse department, providing holiday cheer to soldiers far from home during their first winter overseas.

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