| Vergelt's Gott |

On the second to last day in Vienna I paid a visit to Christa and Anton and the kids—a family that has shared so much with us (i.e. our first Christmas), helped us so much (finding donations for the apartment, connecting us to dear friends and among our first—Aberu, offering constant support and prayers) and taught me so much about faith, family, simplicity, humility. Yet, as I was leaving, Anton had one last lesson for me—a German one.


Vergelt’s Gott! It is used like “Thank You”, but does not share the traditional meaning. Rather it means, “May God bless and reward you!”...used in this sense ->  “Wow! Thank you so much! But you have done something for me that I could never repay you for so I pray to God that He will repay you in due measure and in due time.” 


In his explanation Anton said, “You know, its like this: I cannot be there when you have kids and need a babysitter because I’ll be an old man. So for something like that I cannot repay you for when you watched my kids because I was sick or had to work and couldn't afford a babysitter. I cannot show you my gratitude by giving you something in return.” 


Sometimes what people do for us incurs a debt that can never be satisfied, it can only be saturated with love and grace, by saying Vergelt’s Gott and praying to God to bless this person and to help them as they have helped you.

So to all of you, in the USA, in Austria, those whom I knew beforehand and those I met during, in every stage of life and in every manner of help and support, I say,

VERGELT’S GOTT!

its been quite the adventure. which I know doesn't end here. 

and I am thankful to have shared it with each one of you. 

you remain in my prayers, always. 

pax. 

Marylouise