The Port of Philadelphia
Upon seeing all the battleships in the port, Georg asked. "Mike, is your government building ships to go to war?"
"We hope not. Have you followed Hitler's rise to power?"
"As best as I could by reading the newspaper. I knew that he took over Czechoslovakia without a fight. And I also knew about the demands Hitler placed on the chancellor of Austria. Sadly, many Austrians feel uniting with Germany isn't a bad thing to do. But I'm not one of them. I was not about to serve in the German Navy."
"America's free press carried those stories too. In fact we have seen a rise in German-speaking immigrants coming to America. These people have always been attracted to America. Early on, as my country was settled, German-speaking immigrants came to America. They're probably the largest immigrant population in America.
"America has a new president, Franklin D. Roosevelt. He's very knowledgeable of the frail peace agreement which ended the Great War. And he isn't naïve to what is happening in the rest of the world.
"He has no interest in going to war again. So he's helping by building ships, submarines, tank and all kinds of guns and ammunition. Most of it will be given to Britain in an agreement that the United States will be paid for the money spent sometime in the future. It has also helped our people get back to work. The yoke of the Great Depression has finally been broken.
"How the plan for your travel to America was concocted, I don't know. All the members of the crew were told about meeting the British ship after we sailed from port. And I learned my assignment. Most all American sailors know the early history of America; I was eager to share my knowledge with you.
"You heard me recite part of what is written on the base of the Statute of Liberty."
"Yes, and I remember the first line of verse. Give me your tired and poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.
"By being free, everyone who comes here will be able to live the life they were destined to live."
Maria, who had been standing beside her husband the entire time, spoke. "America is where we will find our destinies. This country fulfills this phrase.
"When the Lord closes a door, somewhere He opens a window.
"Our open window is America. And the Bishop added to that phase when he told us about one of his favorite songs.
"It speaks of climbing mountains, searching everywhere and following every rainbow until you find that life.
"And that will also be our guide as we search everywhere, follow every rainbow to find God's plans for us here in America."
"Well said Maria. And all that will begin as soon as Davy docks the ship and you set foot on American soil."
And Father Wasner who had been listening, smiled. He believed the same.
All the time Mike was talking, Captain Davy was maneuvering the bow of the ship closer and closer to an empty dock. He had the engine crew cut the engines. The forward speed of the ship caused it to drift to a stop. Now it was close enough to the dock so a sailor on board the ship could toss a piece of rope with a weight attached to it to a dockhand. Once it was grabbed; the sailor pulled in on board. On the other end of this rope was the heavy rope which would be used to tie the ship to a docking post.
Several more ropes were used to secure the ship to the dock before two anchors were dropped in the water off the rear of the ship. Then the ship's horn sounded to tell the crew the ship was ready for deboarding. And Captain Davy made his way to where the family was gathered.
"Georg, I've come to personally escort you off the ship. My crew has been directed to obtain all your personal bags from your quarters. They, along with several trunks and Maria's guitar, will be taken to the bus which will transport you to your home. Please tell everyone to follow us."
Everyone was talking among themselves. Georg quieted them with his finger whistle.
"Everyone, it's time to leave the ship. Captain Davy will lead us."
Georg held Maria's hand as they followed behind Davy. The others followed them.
Georg reminded the children. "No need to push and shove to be the first to step on American soil."
"I still can't believe where we are. Father, you keep surprises well."
"I know. I didn't want to worry any of you, Louisa."
After walking a short distance, Georg laid eyes on the government official at the end of the ship's docking bridge. Before him was a United States military man. Georg assumed he was a navy man.
This officer began to walk towards him. Georg saw his very broad smile. He spoke immediately.
"Welcome to America, Captain. When I received my orders to greet you I was stunned. In Officer's School we learn about you, sir. I never dreamed I would have the opportunity to meet the decorated Austrian Captain from the Great War."
"You're very kind. My wife and I are anxious to be settled. I want to help any way I can to defeat this man Hitler and his evil ideas."
"There are no plans now to send American sailors and soldiers to Europe. Only God knows what the future holds.
"Right now I need to get you to your home. In this envelope are immigration papers for all the adults. Your children don't need papers. You can tell your family they need to board a bus to travel to your home."
Everyone had been listening to this conversation; they didn't need to be told about the bus; they saw it. Franz took charge.
"Children, follow me. You can board first."
They were greeted by the driver. "My name is Henry. I will have you home very soon."
Now the children hurried; no one fussed about where they sat. But they did save the seat behind the driver for Maria and Georg. Once everyone was on board Henry began to drive away from the Navy Yard. And in a very few minutes the bus was driving on a city street going west.
Brigitta asked. "Father, we'll we be living in the city?"
"I don't know."
"Sir, I'll answer your daughter."
"Brigitta, the bus driver will tell you."
Brigitta wasn't the only one who wanted to know; everyone did. Everyone, including those sitting in the back, heard Henry speak.
"No you won't. As soon as I turn off this road you will see something other than city streets."
It was Louisa who exclaimed. "America has trees."
"And hills and mountains too young lady."
"Mother, maybe we can find a picnic spot like we had in Austria."
"We can certainly look for one, Louisa."
"Maria, the bus is slowing."
"I feel it too, Georg."
"And now it has stopped among all these trees."
"I see them."
Again Henry spoke. "This is the town of Merion. And your home is situated behind the trees. This driveway leads to it."
Henry made the turn and parked the bus. He opened the door then stood and spoke to them.
"This house was built in 1901 as the second home of a famous lawyer from Philadelphia. It has six bedrooms with more than enough beds for all of you. Since this lawyer also loved music, the home has two pianos. And there's a room where musicians from all over America once performed."
"Father, this house seems perfect for us."
"I see your mother is smiling; she must think so too, Liesl."
"I do Georg. Maybe the piano bench will have sheet music for American Songs."
"That's a real possibility." Henry told them as they started to form a line to leave the bus. And Max was very eager to learn about American music.
Waiting for them was a priest who Father Wasner knew. He hurried past the others to be the first one off. This priest greeted him.
"I've been praying for you Richard. I have read some of your anti-Nazi articles; I wondered how long you could continue to write them."
"When my Bishop planned the escape for Georg, he included me. He knew I was probably next on their list to silence. Let me introduce you to everyone."
"Why don't we go to my church so we can offer prayers for your safe arrival? Then you can introduce me to everyone."
"Very well, let me tell Georg."
"Georg, Father Joseph has suggested we go to his church first."
Maria answered for him. "Yes we should. God expects us to thank Him for our safe travel. Let me ask if anyone needs to use the bathroom."
Maria heard a no from everyone including Marta and Gretl. Georg heard them too. So he told everyone.
"Children, please follow behind your mother and me. Father Joseph will lead us to his church."
All the adults followed behind Liesl and Friedrich. It wasn't a long walk on this tree lined street. Stefan commented to Phillip.
"Henry was correct; there are many trees."
"The area reminds me of Aigen."
"It certainly does. Look down the street Phillip, I see a church."
"It must be where we are going."
The church they saw was made from grey stones. Under a peaked roof with a cross was a large stained glass window. Stair steps led to its front door which was inset into a stone arch with another cross on it. On its left was a small spire and on the right was the bell tower. The entire property was filled with many trees and a short hedge lined its front and along the stairs.
As they came closer they could read the wooden sign. In bold letters was written St. Margaret Catholic Church. And Father Joseph opened the door with these instructions.
"Please have a seat on one of the pews in the very front of the sanctuary."
They entered this sanctuary, which could probably seat two hundred people, and Maria spoke for everyone.
"Father Joseph, your church is beautiful. I don't believe I've ever seen stained glass windows which only used blue glass; the circular one above the altar is spectacular."
"I came to this church long after it was built. I, too, was struck by the beauty of the blue glass windows. And every new parishioner always speaks of them. Now bow your heads in prayer.
"Heavenly Father, who is always with us, thank you for this group's safe arrival in a country whose document titled the Bill of Rights states that everyone can worship as they please, including those who do not believe in you. And that all people have the rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
"You have traveled with this group. Your holy angels have kept them safe. Grant that they will now carry out their life's plan for each of them. A plan You have known since they were in their mother's womb.
"Help them to see the beauty of creation and to comprehend the wonder of Your truth in all things. For You are the way, the truth and the life, and to You I give thanks, praise and glory forever. Amen."
And Father Wasner spoke his "Amen," before he asked each person to tell Father Joseph their name.