Sharing News

Georg's walk home was slowed by his thoughts. He knew Maria would ask him about his meeting. He had no idea that Maria had something to share too. And he was surprised to see her waiting outside for him.

They hurried to greet the other with a kiss, then Maria spoke. "Father Paul heard our children singing and now he wants me to begin a children's choir."

"That's wonderful and I'm sure the children will be pleased too."

"I am too. Did you learn anything new at your meeting?"

"Yes, a few things. Switzerland has many huge caves in their mountains. They will be made ready for the army and they will have powerful canons to use if the Germans do attack them.

"The General also has a plan to help Switzerland survive a war which would limit importing almost everything. The newspaper will soon publish a list of items which will be rationed. He's also suggesting every "Green Space" be used to grow vegetables"

"Georg we have the perfect backyard. It gets plenty of sun and rain. And I worked in the Abbey's garden; I know how to till the ground and plant the seeds."

"I'm sure the older children will help us too. We'll tell them the plan after dinner tonight."

When the children came home, they had things to share too. Brigitta spoke immediately. "I won the Spelling Bee. My teacher told me I'm eligible to represent our school in a contest held in Lucerne later this year."

"That's terrific. Does anyone else have news?"

"I do Father." What is it Friedrich?"

"My high score on the University's entrance examination allows me to enter the University as a second year student. I will start in January. That gives me time to finish all my classes I'm taking now. That will make me eligible to take all advanced classes at the University."

"Friedrich, I always felt you had a gift for the sciences. I'm sure you will do just as well at the University.

"Thank you, Mother." They exchanged smiles and Louisa had something to share too. "I received the highest grade on the story I wrote. I was also asked to read it to my class. I received many compliments."

Kurt was next. "I designed a tower to build with an erector set. It will be entered in the school's Science Fair."

"All of you have made us both very proud. Marta and Gretl do you have something to share?"

"We do." Marta continued. "I passed my reading class and now I'm in the second grade reading class." Gretl added. "I can write all the letters of the alphabet and I can write my name."

"Your mother and I are very proud of you. I learned something today as well. Switzerland is encouraging everyone to have vegetable gardens. Your mother told me she worked in the garden at the abbey. She can teach us how to grow all kinds of vegetables."

"That's right children. And Father Paul asked me to start a children's choir. He had heard you singing the hymns at church. And Liesl, I'd like you to play the piano for the choir."

"Oh yes, Mother, I'd love to."

"Dinner is ready. Your Father and I will bring everything to the table while you get cleaned up."

"Maria, it didn't happen exactly as we thought"

"No it didn't. I'm just glad they are so pleased school."

"I am too."

The evening concluded with singing. They sang both the Edelweiss song and the Hills are Alive. Both were like prayers for Austria.