Stepping Back in Time
Yesterday was our heritage day! We took the three vans and explored the country side and small towns in which may of us have historical ties. I think it’s safe to say that it was an enriching and enjoyable adventure to finally see the various places that we’ve heard about over the years. Here is one account of how the day touched the heart of one of our team members.
Waiting for us near the famous oak tree in Zaporozhye were my cousin AHans and his wife Katya. How would we be received? What words would we have for them? As they stepped out of their vehicle with tears in their eyes, we knew that no barriers existed and realized just how important this meeting was to them. My father and Hans’ mother were siblings and Hans and I had only met once in Ontario twenty-five years ago but we immediately yakked away in Plaut-Deutsch. Katya, her niece Lydia, and Anne filled the air with gleeful chatter while Mary Martz bridged the three or four languages being used.
We drove to Hans and Katya’s home and spent an hour exchanging news, photos, and gifts. What a blessed time this was! We just felt God’s love and His Spirit in the room. Thank you, Hungry for Life, for helping to make such a reunion possible; Thank you, Bethel, for supporting this team so loyally with your prayers. After parting, the team drove toward Bahurka (Burwalde) and we suddenly found ourselves on “the bridge”. Remember “the bridge of no return?” This bridge had been mentioned so many times by my parents as the route to their intended banishment, that I just had to get out right there and then and re-enact a walk to the freedom side of the Dnieper River. This for me is a dream fulfilled and a promise kept. By mid-afternoon Anne and I walked along the streets of Kronstal (Dolinskoye), my birthplace. With the help of interpreters we talked with everyone we met and by chance met a retired school-teacher who knew of the “Mennonite” landmarks. What had been faint memories and family legend, this man helped turn into reality as he guided us home one place to another.
We ended our tour at the school, built around 1903, and sat side by side in a classroom that may have once been filled by my father and his friends. Anne passed me a note when the teacher wasn’t watching and I drew a heart on the board complete with our initials. As we drove off, I glanced back at the lovely setting and thanked my parents for their love and sacrifice. Thank you, Lord, for the sacrifice of your Son for our sins, for his example of love and action toward those in need.
Frank
Bethel Team Member
3 Comments:
Dear Frank & Team,
Reading your posting was wonderfully encouraging and we could only imagine how incredibly moving this experience was. I am writing to you from LAX airport as Carole and I are returning from our short vacation this week. God has certainly used you all over these days and we look forward to seeing you all soon. Blessings,
Phil
Hi Frank & Anne,
Enjoyed reading your blog and viewing the photos of the village. You must have had an amazing time reconnecting with the past. Walking the bridge must have been awesome!
Love Kevin, Sherry, Morgan & Cole.
Dear Mom & Dad (Frank & Anne),
Sounds like your having an amazing time reconnecting with the past. Walking the bridge must have been awesome!
See you both soon.
Love Kevin, Sherry, Morgan & Cole.
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