Time of Waiting

Sunday morning again came early for Maria. She tried to get out of bed without waking Georg but it wasn't to be. He reached for her as she lay down again.

"Are you ready for more questions today, darling?"

"I think they may be minimal. All of them are really excited about school. And Kurt will complain of not having breakfast before we go to church."

"I suppose. Let's take advantage of being awake early."

The couple lay together but only for a short while. They heard people in the hall and knew it was time to dress. And the first question was from Kurt.

"When do we go to church? My stomach is already making noises."

"We don't leave here for another forty-five minutes. You can drink some water to quell your hunger."

And Father Wasner added. "You can sing to help the time pass."

"Peace in the Valley, Father?"

"Good choice Liesl."

The time had passed. Maria went to the bathroom again and they were ready to leave. They met several neighbors who were returning from the seven-forty-five Mass.

One of the men spoke to Georg. "The news out of Europe isn't good. Hitler's on the move."

"I'm not surprised. His evil intent defies description. You know I was almost one of his prizes."

"Yes, I do. Nothing that tyrant will do surprises me; it will only disgust me."

"My sentiments are the same. I better catch up to my family."

For now Georg would keep that conversation to himself. He heard Maria's suggestion.

"Let's look for an empty pew near the front so Marta and Gretl can see the altar."

And then there was Kurt's response. "I hope Father Joseph won't hear my stomach."

"We won't be that close Kurt." Liesl told him. And Kurt glared at her. As if to say, how do you know? And Maria ignored them as she led them down the aisle.

As soon as they sat the altar boys lit the candles. And now the organist was playing the music to the first hymn the congregation would sing. As the bell in the tower clanged to announce the nine o'clock hour had arrived, the organist began the hymn again, this time louder. And the congregation stood and began to sing as the cross bearer led Father Joseph down the aisle.

He began the Mass with a greeting of welcome. And then began to say the Mass prayers. The congregation heard a reading from the Old Testament; they recited a Psalm together and stood to hear the Gospel.

It was the inspiration of Father's homily. "My friends, Jesus was telling his disciples to be humble. They should never look down on an outcast of society. When you give a party, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame and the blind. God will shower you with blessings because these people can never repay your kindness.

"You will receive your reward at the resurrection. Amen."

As the altar was prepared for communion, the choir began to sing a slow rather somber song. It began this way. Blest are the pure in heart. For they shall see our God. And the last verse ended with; Give us a pure and lowly heart. A temple meet for Thee.

Father Joseph distributed communion; said the final prayers and then waited for the cross bearer to lead him to the rear of the church as the congregation stood to sing the recessional hymn. From there Father spoke the final words of blessing. And the people began to exit the church.

And now Kurt wished they hadn't sat in the front; they had to wait for everyone to leave the church. Father spoke to Georg and Maria.

"It was so nice to see you and the children sit in the front pews. At some Masses two or three are left vacant."

"Maria wanted Marta and Gretl to be able to see the altar. This may have been the first time they attended Sunday Mass."

"And now you will hurry home to have breakfast."

"Yes, that's the plan."

Father Joseph watched them leave the church and had this silent prayer. Thank you God for giving the Pope the wisdom to include the captain and his extended family in his plan to help many leave Germany and Austria. Amen.

Meanwhile Kurt had almost run home. He smelled the breakfast casserole the moment he entered the house. And Katia wasn't far behind him.

"It smells good. Is it ready to eat?"

"I believe it is. Why don't you wash your hands and you can help me get everything on the table."

Kurt followed her directions and helped with placing the biscuits, butter, jams and jellies on the dining room table. She carried the casserole there.

They both heard. "Something smells good," as the others entered the house.

"It's our breakfast, Louisa. Go wash up. I'm sure you are as hungry as Kurt."

"I am."

Everyone quickly washed up and took their places. Kurt said the blessing. And Franz served him and then Louisa. Georg didn't care; he and Maria did exchange smiles.

The meal was almost over when the telephone rang. Franz hurried to answer it and returned quickly.

"Georg, it's for you. It's Charlie."

He hurried from the dining room. And after words of greeting, Georg listened intently.

"Did I hear correctly? This Wednesday the submarine arrives. And she leaves in the afternoon for North Carolina."

He heard an affirmative reply and responded. "I'll be ready and waiting for you." Then the call was disconnected. Georg went to tell the family.

"Children, I have a chance to help the United States Navy. I'm going to travel south in one of their modern submarines to observe the coastline. The submarine will leave the Navy Yard on Wednesday afternoon."

"That's the same day we start school."

"Yes, I know it is."

Maria answered before Georg had a chance.

"Children, it's important for your father to do what he can to help our new country. He'll be home on Friday and you can tell him all about your schools."

Maria's response settled the children. And Georg reminded them. "I will be able to see each of you leave for school. Do my youngest know which dress they will wear?"

"We do Father, one of our new American dresses." Marta answered.

And Sunday afternoon was occupied with reading, playing quiet games and later, after dinner, singing.

On Monday, Labor Day, they joined their neighbors as they watched the marching bands, platoons of military men and big platforms on wheels pulled by a truck go by their house. On the platform were displays about different kinds of jobs. It was the first parade the children and Maria had ever seen.

After the parade ended, Friedrich asked. "Uncle Max, how do they play an instrument and march at the same time?"

"And keep a straight line." Louisa added.

"It takes practice, lots of practice. I know your high school band has been practicing. I heard them one morning when I was out walking. I also saw boys playing a game; a strange game with an oval ball.

"And on the school's sign was written, First football game, Saturday September 9 at one o'clock."

"Father, can I go to this game?"

"Of course you can Son; it's all part of living in America."

And on Tuesday the entire family walked to the high school and saw and heard the band practicing. They also saw girls there; they were jumping up and down while yelling.

Louisa asked. "Father, what are those girls doing?"

"I'm not sure. Max, do you know?"

"They're called cheerleaders. I've heard them practicing too. They say things to encourage the crowd to yell cheers of encouragement to the players. And they're always waving two fluffy balls while they yell."

"Yes, I see them. Mother, do you think I could be a cheerleader?"

"You're very athletic, Louisa. I'm sure you would learn easily."

The excitement of all the children about attending a real school really pleased Georg and Maria. And Georg was looking forward to sailing on an American submarine.