These days, as our thoughts go out to Ukraine and Russia, I was looking up the map of where my grandparents came from and I came across this photo that I posted as part of my grandmother's story a number of years ago. This photo has always struck me as beautiful and sad at the same time. My Omi and my dad, facing a life I just could never imagine. In about 1943 they fled Memrik (Ukraine) under the threat of the Russian army. By this time her husband had been executed and two other children had died, likely because they were not able to get medical attention. Together they faced the war torn landscapes, settling in Poland and later in Germany.
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I looked up the location of Mennonite communities, too, when this latest war began. Like you, my mind travels back in time to our grandparents and their journeys. Such a tragic time then, and now. All the mothers and children who are fleeing. And the fathers, sons, and husbands staying behind to fight. Lord, have mercy.
I'm so far behind on blog reading. Just getting to your last few posts today. My daughter has a friend whose family is in Lviv Ukraine. I have had "Lviv" written on my reminder blackboard for a few weeks now. Ukraine (and indeed the Russians) are in my mind and in my prayers constantly throughout the day. I never thought I'd see this type of invasion in Europe in my life. Still, I know God knows the outcome. He is watching over both sides in the conflict. He hears all prayers.
I'm glad you were able to get away for a time. What a beautiful location you visited.
Time with Grands are so healing, aren't they?
Thank you for your post about what you're feeling. I know that feeling is headed my way at warp speed as my parents continue to decline. Right now all I feel is tired. It's so difficult to make decisions in the best of times, but when there's a fight every step of the way it is wearisome.
It hits close to home for sure. May God save, redeem and restore.
I've also been drawn to learning more about where my grandparents immigrated from. The other day, my father told me about my grandmother who was about 23 years old when the Russian soldiers would come and demand a meal - she would hide in the fields for fear of being raped. In my grandmother's later years she was plagued by fears of men hiding in the seniors complex, ready to pounce and destroy. Who knows what secrets she kept to herself? It's very sad, frustrating, unbelievable to hear and see reports of this innocent loss of life, hopes and dreams. I am grateful - as I benefit from my grandparent's courage to rebuild and recreate their lives.
It is just all so hard to believe and to imagine!!! What an incredible picture and story of your Omi and Dad! These are heavy days. There really are no words ... just prayers for the innocents and prayers for peace.
Anneliese - I wonder what is happening to the children and their caregivers in the orphanage so generously assisted by the MGCC?
RW - good question. The children of the Good Shepherd Orphanage were moved to Kiev quite some time ago due to unrest where they were. It was sad. We have no way of knowing how they are doing now. Book Royalties have been going to help widows who were personally known to Music Mission Kiev workers. But these royalites have been diminishing the past few years and our main contact is no longer there. All we can gather is that the widows have been put in hiding, even more in need at this time.
It’s so sad to see history repeat itself. And I am so grateful for the sacrifices that our Omi and dad made for us.
Thanks Anneliese for posting your reflections. I noticed that a number of people are responding with a desire to learn more about their own ancestry in Ukraine (South Russia). My own forefathers came to Canada in the mid 1870s, so they missed they really horrific years following. But the decisions of the early Mennonite to immigrate to North America, actually made it possible to establish the Mennonite Central Committee, sending urgent supplies and farming equipment to Ukraine in the 1920s. Thus, the Mennonites (your own grandparents/great grandparents) were some of the first "modern mechanized" farmers in Ukraine. Your grandparents, along with the help of MCC, helped to build up the country of Ukraine! Honestly, I vacillate between extreme sadness and a deep anger, by how people are being victimized and a country is being destroyed by the evil desires of one man and his enablers. If some of your readers are interested in learning more about their own Mennonite heritage, here is a link to an amazing group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/MennoniteGenealogyHistory). This is a great place to ask questions and get really great information. Blessings on your day!
Thank you, Betty! I wish that I could visit the places my grandparents lived in and the factories my great-grandfather owned - inventing and making farm machinery. But sadly, whatever was not destroyed earlier, most likely is now! It is, as you say, very sad and hard to believe what one corrupt leader can do with no bad feelings. History is repeating itself and the world is still afraid to step in.
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