Poland trip...Day 2

A few more pictures from around town before we drove close to the Poland border to spend the second night.
Having fun in front of these statues...ladies protesting paying taxes

A unique door handle
A touch of spring
We spent the first night on the road with German friends/relatives near the town where my grandpa was from. These kids loved the John Deer books my Aunt brought them from Canada.
Annelisa(playing the harp)and A Louise singing a few old hymns

A sweet couple...they know several members of our family

Trip to Poland...Day 1

I had the privilege of taking a trip to Poland with my Aunt Louise, Cousin Clint and his daughter, Christina. Aunt Louise fled from Poland during WW2 with her Mom and three brothers, traveling by horse and wagon. We had the privilege to walk through this amazing story of survival with her this past week. Throughout the next few days I will post pictures and comments and try to relate the story as best as I can remember it. I thank God that Aunt Louise and her family lived to tell the story. She has lived with her family in Canada since 1948. Coming back to what use to be her home and country was truly a bitter-sweet experience.

Clint our safe and gracious driver

Christina was our navigator...she learned how to program the built in GPS quickly. We do not know how we would have managed without her and the GPS! Both made the trip so much more pleasant and enjoyable. We never really got lost...which is quite amazing for traveling the approx 3,200 k's on unknown roads and autobahns.
No comment~
Our first stop was the village where my grandpa once lived. Aunt Louise lived there for a couple of years after fleeing from Poland and before they immigrated to Canada. This is the house my Grandpa lived in for awhile. In 1890 his family moved to Poland (he was 4) and then in 1911 Grandpa immigrated to Canada where he homesteaded in Saskatchewan.
The following are all original pieces. The stone fireplace...
I love this picture. It was hanging on the wall in the living room.
The buffet...
The couch which was home-made by a friend of the family.
This old tree stump was used to shape collars for oxen and horses. My great-grandpa was a harness maker.
The front door...

This building that was the school when my aunt lived here. (It is a private home now.)
This was her house...it is now a restaurant.

Praying for the people of Japan...

Psalm 46: 1-3 (ESV)
God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble at its swelling.

From The Message
God is a safe place to hide, ready to help when we need him.
We stand fearless at the cliff-edge of doom,
courageous in sea storm and earthquake,
Before the rush and roar of oceans,
the tremors that shift mountains.

Colors of spring...

I bought these pansies yesterday at the grocery store and since the daffodils in the yard are blooming I thought I would plant them in the flower boxes. I know it is early but our yard is coming to life! I love it!

Kindertag!!

For approximately 35 years, Janz Team (Germany) has been hosting 'Kindertag', an alternative to the Fasching celebrations that take place during the month of February and into March. Today was the day! 240 children registered and had a great day of stories, food and fun.






The kids are fed a fun lunch at noon followed by homemade snacks in the afternoon!


Great program!





Jesse bought the food for the lunch and then helped in the kitchen all day. Ladies from the community made the wonderful snacks and here Jesse is cleaning up what remains...crumbs!

Out for tea...

Special ladies...my Bible study group

I was out for a long walk today and was hoping to find some baby lambs. I did enjoy watching these guys for awhile. They were quite content with a pasture of green grass! (The guy with the black head on the title page is sticking his tongue out at me...naughty sheep!)