Bethlen Naptár, 1950 (Ligonier)
Paul Reid Pontius: My adopted family
BETHLEN NAPTÁR 247 gratitude that came from her to me I had never experienced. Enclosed with the letter of acknowledgment was the accompanying picture of the family. Mrs. Eleanor Pontius The children range in age from 3% to 9 years. Because the picture showed them wearing clothing which I had sent, I could form a better idea of their size and needs for subsequent gifts. Additional parcels of food and clothing were sent and all were promptly and thankfully acknowledged. Revealed in each letter I received from her was the deep abiding faith of our Christian religion. She thanked me, in behalf of her children, and told me how Lajos was overcome with joy when he beheld his new suit. He was unable to speak a word all the time he was admiring it, and remained silent while he was trying it on. Surprising joys were registered differently by little Zolti when he received his birthday card. He was in the garden when the postman gave him the letter. The dear little boy clutched it eagerly and said, “Dear God! For me?” He even refused to relinquish it to his mother to open. Erika and Irma shouted and danced for joy over the dresses, sweaters and dolls, while the mother and Louis cried. The children were delighted with the cheese, sugar, candy, dried fruit and other foods — luxuries to them, but staples to us! The Vanyis are an unusually industrious and courageous Christian family. The mother adds to her meager soldier’s pension by sewing at home on a rented machine. Lajos, who is
