Serving the Refugees

Saturday morning our family headed to Westbahnhof (train station) in Vienna to help the refugees who are currently staying in or passing through Austria hoping to get to Germany.  We joined a group from Couples for Christ in serving warm meals to those waiting by the trains on their way to Linz, Austria (nearing Germany).  They were all very grateful for the meal -- many said "thank you" in English :)  It felt great to see the children's faces as they waited to have their plates filled to the brim -- especially after seeing the devastating photos in the news of those who have not lived to make it this far.  After we served all of the food we had, we cleared out to make way for another group of 200 - 400 refugees who were just arriving.

We also saw a lot of volunteers from Caritas.  They are the main ones providing food, shelter, and care to the refugees in Vienna.

We then headed to the town of Traiskirchen, about 20 minutes from Vienna.  That is where the refugees who are seeking asylum in Austria are waiting until they are relocated in the country.  We parked our car (along with another van from Couples for Christ) outside of "tent city" -- to our left: a beautiful view of the vineyards and the foothills...to our right: the stone wall enclosing the tents where many of the men are staying, and the buildings where women, children, and the sick are staying.  

A glimpse into tent city (there was a guard inside the gate so I didn't get a good picture)

People were gathered on the street awaiting our arrival and delivery of goods that we knew they needed.  In particular they were awaiting suitcases - so they'll be able to transport what items they have left.  Thankfully, we had several suitcases to give away because we came over here with so many that we wouldn't have needed again until we move back to the States in however many years.  To see the families who quickly grabbed for our bags was saddening (to know their situation) and a bit gratifying (to know that in some LITTLE way we could help).  Clothes, shoes, and toiletries were also given away.  Again, the people were very grateful.  A few we talked to were from Afghanistan and have been at the camp for a month.  A little girl, a bit younger than Ellie, played near our car with her little toy car.  Another girl, probably 4 or 5 years old, ran over to Baby Francis and smiled and giggled as she played with him.  Francis definitely wins first place for making the most people smile.  :)   

How could this guy not brighten your day?! :)