A native of Brussels, I found myself at Ostend when the war broke out. Being exempt from military service, I did not go to war, but my brothers went, and in October, after two months of waiting, I had to flee. Arriving at Dunkirk, I hoped to have a chance to rest, but it was necessary to continue on what seemed an endless journey beyond Boulogne, after I had already walked one hundred and thirty-two kilometers. I was so exhausted that for three days I remained without moving. With the little money I had I decided to go to Paris—another forty-eight hours of difficult journeying without food—and arrived there worn out. What was I to do? Where could I go without resources, without friends? Having wandered about aimlessly for quite a while, I decided to take a room, thinking that at last I might have a rest. It was then that I got to know what it means to be in the depths of discouragement.
I hesitated a long while before asking for aid, but finally applied to a committe for the relief of refugees, and was sent to a family which had registered as willing to take a homeless person. I was received like a brother, the kindliest interest was shown me, and after having been questioned with the utmost delicacy received their comfort. I felt at once that I was with people of extreme good nature. During several weeks I enjoyed the rest so generously provided, and then felt that I must seek employment. Despite my efforts, however, I seemed unable to find anything, and more than once returned home in a state of discouragement; but my hosts, who took an interest in my efforts, encouraged me to keep on, as they felt sure that I would find something. I did not share their confidence, but several days later did find work through their recommendation of me to one of their friends.
A few weeks afterward I took leave of my benefactors, carrying with me in everlasting gratitude the memory of the hospitality offered with such kindness of heart. A little later, suffering from a physical trouble which was causing me great anxiety but which I had not mentioned to my new friends, I thought it wise to consult a physician. As his opinion was not at all reassuring, I agian felt a sense of discouragement getting hold of me. I thought of my parents, of whom I had no news, of my brothers who were in the midst of the conflict, and feeling that I needed comfort, I went to see these friends and told them of my cares and fears. They spoke to me of Christian Science, of which I had known nothing up to that time, as they had refrained from speaking to me about it out of consideration for my religious beliefs. I had had opportunity to appreciate the lofty character of these people, their unvarying kindness, and the profound peace prevailing in their home. Now I understood whence they derived these qualities.
