The Beginning

The city of Vienna sits in the northeast corner of Austria where two mountain ranges of the Alps form a basin which is home to both a large forested area and the most famous river in the world, the Danube.

The beautiful blue Danube River flows past a knoll of rolling hills where the river is so bright and blue it almost blends with the blue of the sky. Many people come to these hills to take in the scene as did a young university student.

The young woman was prepared for the summer sun with her wide-brimmed straw hat. She also carried her faithful companion, a guitar. She hurried across the foot bridge and climbed to the top of one of the larger hills.

From here she could see across the river towards a town where the sun reflected off of a large structure which the young woman knew to be a castle which had once been the home of an empress of Austria.

The young woman had been here before; she went directly to a large rock whose top had been worn smooth by the elements; it made a perfect seat. It was perfect for sitting and singing.

The young woman removed her guitar from its case. She carefully plucked the strings to be sure it was tuned correctly. Once she was satisfied, she began to warm up her voice with a simple scale. Her voice drew some animals from their hiding places, a couple of field mice and two chipmunks stood still to listen. They were joined by a songbird which seemed to whistle along with her scale.

The old empress's castle was now home to large family. A governess caring for several children who lived there had decided to enjoy the beautiful day. They headed for the same destination.

As the group climbed the hill, the children's governess heard the strains of the song which the young woman was singing. As they came closer, the governess recognized the young woman and immediately called to her.

"Maria, Maria, it's me, Helena."

The young woman stopped and looked in her direction. She heard. "I didn't know you sang so well. You sound like a trained singer."

Immediately, the young woman responded. "Hello Helena, thank you. What brings you to the hills?"

"I decided the children needed some fresh air after almost a week of rainy afternoons. Children, don't be shy; tell Maria hello."

Maria heard seven children say "hello, Fräulein Maria," almost in unison. Standing before her were seven children in a formal line from oldest to youngest like descending pipes of an organ. All except the oldest girl had similar haircuts. Their dark brown hair was short; it was parted down the middle with bangs covering their foreheads. The oldest girl's hair was shoulder-length and was held away from her face by a bow; her bangs were curly and fluffy. The youngest boy's hair looked wind-blown. The oldest boy's was neat and tidy; he looked like a young man.

"Good day to you too. You look so nice in your sailor suits. And I've never seen five sisters who look so much alike; you boys must look like your father."

The older boy responded. "We're told that a lot, Fräulein. Do you come here often?"

"Not during the school year, today was my first opportunity."

A soft spoken little girl asked a question. "What was that song you were singing? It was really pretty."

"I like it too. These hills are like a sacred summit; they almost help give meaning to your life. I feel God's power and wisdom when I come here. Often singing is mentioned in the same breath as prayer. That song was my prayer to help me look for my life.

"Your Fräulein and I attend the same Bible class. We recently read a verse from scripture where it tells us God had known us since before we were born. And that he has prepared our path in life. Did you know that?"

Maria saw seven children shake their heads. "It's 's one of my favorite songs. Do you sing?"

The oldest girl spoke. "Not anymore, Fräulein, our papa doesn't allow it. Our singing reminds him of all the fun times we had when mama was alive."

"She's right, Maria. I feel sorry for my employer. You see, first the Austria's navy was dissolved by the treaty which ended the Great War and then he lost his wife to the ravages of Scarlet Fever. He's never been able to overcome his grief."

"That is so sad. I suppose all this talk from Germany's new leader doesn't help either."

"It probably doesn't. He's a very loyal Austrian."

"All we can do is pray, Helena."

"You're right, Maria, we better get home."

"Yes, me too."

They walked off the hill together; all the way to a fork in the road where they separated. Maria really felt sad for the children, not only because they couldn't sing anymore but the way they walked. Their straight line was impeccable. It was almost like they really were sailors. She would pray for both the children and their father.

In two weeks the Bible class resumed. Helena spoke to Maria when the class was over. "I need your help, Maria. I received word that my brother has taken ill while working in Munich. He's going to need surgery on his kidneys. I need to go to him. I must find someone to take care of the children through the summer. I'm hoping you can take my place."

"Helena, I've never been a governess."

"Maria, I'm sure you would do fine. The children aren't difficult to care for; you're almost finished with your university classes to become a certified teacher. They already know you, please Maria."

"Do you think their father would approve? I'm only a few years older than his oldest daughter."

"I'm sure he would. He knows I want to be with my brother."

"Okay, where is their house?"

"It's the old castle, Maria. I'll meet you there at ten tomorrow morning."

"How interesting, they live in the old castle. I'll be there Helena. You can make your travel plans."

"Thank you, you're a dear."

The two women left the home where the class was held. They walked towards the university, where they parted.