Streets of Vienna

Walking through the streets of Vienna last night, on an impromptu dinner date with my Chris, I was struck by the way the city has been transformed. We’ve been here long enough to see and expect certain changes in the climate. It’s always fascinating to see the “mood” change as well.

One of the most endearing things about the city is the transient phases of everyday life. When it’s pumpkin season, every café and Gasthaus serves up its own unique recipe of pumpkin soup, pumpkin schnitzel, and pumpkin ___________. And then, just as quick as the season opens, it closes. The same scenario is created with sekt, asparagus, rhubarb, ice cream, and September wine.

Right now we are seeing a new chapter and a new “mood” change. This is our first spring/summer in our new place. We are nestled right on the edge of the city center. We are only a 2 minutes’ walk from the Donau Kanal were we are privy to summer stage performances, outdoor cafes, night life full of bars, clubs and outdoor volleyball courts that are open into the wee hours of the night. After our long walk out and about last night, let me tell you … it’s a jungle out there! But, I love it!

After an adventurous diner of falafel and babaganash (my new favorite word), Chris and I just walked through the city where tourists are still in awe of the architecture and ambience that we now call “home”. As we promenaded through the masses of people, we got a kick out of the men dressed up in Mozart costumes trying to sell the unsuspecting tourist concert tickets. We chuckled (not in a condescending way but in a “that’s so typical” and “isn’t that so cute” way) at the Asian tourists posing by every statue making peace signs. We shook our heads at the young girls bopping about in 6 inch heels and shorts. How do they do that?


As we passed stores that sell shoes more expensive than the total of all my monthly bills combined, I brought up the topic of having plenty. I sometimes feel tension about all the plenty that surrounds us. As a follower of Jesus, I read that true religion comes from helping the poor, the orphans and widows. There are very few poor in these streets and orphans and widows are hidden. I don’t have an answer for that.

Anyway, we heard singing on the Graben (a walkway that strolls through the inner city that is unapproachable by cars). This has become a familiar voice to us. We first heard this voice one Christmas. We were drawn by the depth and volume … thinking the voice was amplified only to find out it came from a sole woman, blind, and singing the most glorious opera from her heart. Holding a plastic bucket to receive coins from those passing by, we were pulled into her space by … the voice. Chris went up to her and thanked her for sharing her gift, left a business card and a few euro.

This past Christmas, as we walked the Graben, we heard the voice again. This time, Chris was eager to find out more about the person who possessed such a gift. Armed with more German and a greater interest, he proceeded to find out that she and her husband both sing. They come to Vienna from Bratislava to “work the seasons” and earn extra money. Again, Chris affirmed her gift and shared his faith in a Creator God with this beautiful woman possessing such a wonderful voice.

So last night as we heard the singing, we instantly recognized it and followed her melody until we found her. As she sang, she held her plastic bucket in one hand and her cane to help her navigate the streets in the other. Again, we were drawn in.

We decided to just take a seat on a bench and listen … and pray. At the closing on her song, Chris approached her with another business card and more euros. We wanted to bless her. As Chris entered into conversation with her, he found out that she and her husband both studied Opera. They come to Vienna during peak tourist season to work the streets. Her husband has performed on several stages and she has a website displaying her talent. A year and a half ago, they lost a 17 year old daughter to a childhood heart disorder. In her words, they have their music, each other, and the knowledge that their beloved daughter is in a better place.

Chris once again shared his faith … and the hope he has that he will see loved ones again in a place called heaven. That’s a promise that comes through an authentic faith in Jesus Christ. She concurred his believe, saying that God is all she has … I hope that to be true and have no reason to believe it is not.

We walked away from our encounter speechless … and grateful that our “troubles” are just light and momentary afflictions in comparison to what our new friend, the voice … Alexandra has experienced.

Just moments later, making our way in silence through the mass of people, we pass a young man sitting on the sidewalk. He is unkempt, has a face full of hair, and locks that are tied back in a pony tail. He keeps a firm stare on the pavement and a tight grip on a paper cup that longs to be filled with coins. We pass him.

I feel that lightening in my spirit that tells me I am being called to action. I am somewhat hesitant because of his looks, but he is such a young man … barely 20. I grab a coin and march back toward him. As I drop my coin in the paper cup, I tell him that I am giving him this in the name of Jesus. Then, feeling in my head that I simply want to walk away, I know in my heart that Jesus is telling me to sit next to him and ask him if I can pray for him. This is when he looks up from the cold stare with eyes fixed to the ground. He looks at me and I see someone’s son … he is not much older than my Addy. He pauses for a minute, and when I ask him again if I can pray for him he nods yes. Feeling overcome with emotion, all I can pray is that he will know how very much Jesus loves him. My prayer was short. Afterwards, I feel the need to touch his dirty face. I do, and he grabs my hand in such a tender way I shed tears. I get up, walk away, and return to Chris.

God is so gracious. In the middle of much, he showed us the poor, the orphans … those who needed to see Jesus. However, perhaps the most powerful thing was that he used us. I believe in my spirit that when God chooses to act, it is always about obedience above our own logic. Why do we always think those orphans and poor are lacking. More and more I realize it is I … in my plenty … that is often more lacking. What I lack in compassion and ability to see past the reality of appearances, God see’s the total picture. When I choose to elevate myself above the one on the street, it is I who am poor. Who, last night, was the one in need?