January 5, 1964

Warren had just arrived in Cabimas, Venezuela. This is his first writing about it.

Hi Baby, Donny & Mike,

I just found your note. I did'nt think I would hear from you so soon. (Note from Judy: I had hidden a note in his things in his suitcase telling him that we loved him).Well, here I am in Venezuela. The plane was two hours late and it took an hour and a half to go through customs. I finally got in bed at 3:00 a.m. this morning. We are 35 miles from Maracaibo at a place called Cabimas. The rooms are fair and air conditioned, the food is good, but the town is very, very dirty and so is most everything else. I have no hot water whatsoever, so I take cold showers from now on. I can't understand anything I hear so I am completely lost and feel out of place, which I am. I can't tell you about the job until after tomorrow. I think I am going to have a hard time getting comfortable, wouldn't you say so?We went to a chicken fight today, but I didn't find it very interesting. Rather sickening, I'd say.Tell Benjie that all of the Pontiacs have Chevrolet "6" s engines in them down here.Baby, I don't know a thing more to write about right now, so I'm gonna close. You haven't been out of my mind since I left you. I love you oh so much and miss you, but this is the way it has to be for now. I hope you understand what I'm trying to do. Tell both of my boys that I love and miss them very much and kiss them for me.Well, that is about it for now. I'll close loving and missing you. Remember you're the closest thing to me and that's the way it will always be.

With all my love, Warren.