Jitske Atsma

This is a rough translation of the writings of our Mother on the first day of boarding the ship Zuiderkruis, by me, Ben Atsma.

Tuesday March 4 1952

We finally got on board at 4:00 o’clock. Everything went fast. They had my passport ready for me, and I even got $120. to take along. Well once we got on-board we tried to find our cabin, but naturally everything is strange at first and then there you sit with all the children. We where not long in the same cabin for it was to small for us. We were lucky for they found a cabin close by with 8 beds and a crib for Arnold. Now it is a beautiful boat. The cabins have everything. Beautiful beds 1on top of another one and 2 sinks with hot and cold running water. A variety of beautiful saloons and you are free to sit anywhere. Plus there is wonderful furniture, and I am not overstating it when I say that it looks first class.