Refugee in search of a homeland

'T'is written: "In the Beginning was the Word." Here am I balked: who, now, can help afford? The Word? Ñ impossible so high to rate it; And otherwise must I translate it, If by the Spirit I am truly taught.

Then thus: "In the Beginning was the Thought." This first line let me weigh completely, Lest my impatient pen proceed too fleetly.

Is it the Thought which works, creates, indeed? "In the Beginning was the Power," I read.

Yet, as I write, a warning is suggested, That I the sense may not have fairly tested. The Spirit aids me: now I see the light!

"In the Beginning was the Deed," I write.

Couldn't this reflect also your development, from year one to 60? At first the Word you heard and spoke, then came the Thought, followed by Power of your strongest years, maturing into a fully thought-out Deed.

I wish you, dear Vater, that you may be able to do great deeds here in Braunschweig for a long time, that you may remain healthy, and that the future may be more stable for you. Happiness and blessings on all your ways! Please join me with these wishes by raising your glasses and drink a toast to you, dear Vater!"

Onkel Box had been able to give Vater a new job as a book-keeper in a book shop that was part of the Westermann business. My parents got a flat in Braunschweig and everything seemed to fall in place, none too soon for me.

The birthday party, which was also my farewell from the family, was wonderful. Onkel Werner and Tante Margaret were also able to come.

It wasn't easy to say good-bye to my parents, as I was going into an unknown future. Apart from Walter Grube, my friend from Berlin, who was now in Melbourne, I had no friends in Australia. I had booked to go to Sydney, as from my reading about Australia I felt a strong attraction to that city, but I had no address there, and no job lined up. And all this on the other side of the earth, five weeks away by ship.

Vater, who was always very cautious, never really approved of my going, but Mutter supported me wholeheartedly. I had a funny feeling in the pit of my stomach, but I was then 25 years old and adventure was a strong driving force.

On 5.4.54 I left Braunschweig by train. When would I see my parents and Gerda again?

There was a farewell party at the firm that afternoon. Next day all my luggage had to be delivered to the ship's agent, and on 7 April 1954 a bus

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