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Living God’s Word One Step at a Time

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You are here: Home / faith / A Day of Stories

August 9, 2012 by Tricia Goyer 6 Comments

A Day of Stories

Auschwitz

Today was a day of stories. We traveled to Poland to see Auschwitz-Birkenau. I’ve read many books about Auschwitz. Part of my novel Night Song took place there, and being there was surreal. More than 1.4 million people visit Auschwitz every year, and the place was packed with people from around the world. As we walked, we heard facts about the locations, and in my mind I scrolled through the stories I read of those who’d been there.


As I walked through the barracks, I considered those who’d walked the same path. I looked at prisoners’ photographs, and I wished I could hear the story of each one. My heart broke the most when I saw the suitcases stacked with names and birth dates of those who’d traveled by train not knowing what awaited them at the last stop. Parents were scared and worried about their children. They most likely guessed that hard days lie ahead, but no one could imagine that death waited, that only those capable of work would live more than twenty-four hours within the barbed wire.

I also teared up to see the small sweaters, shoes, and dolls from the children. Lives cut short because of evil. Little Alyssa was with us through the tour. She rode on a backpack on her dad’s back. His smart phone played Barney and happy songs flowed through her earphones. She had no idea where we were or what that place represented. Her smiling face and plump arms and legs were such contrast to the skeletal photographs plastered on the walls.


I was amazed by the side of Birkenau. Brick chimneys stretched into the distance as far as I could see—the remnants of the barracks, each one holding between three hundred and five hundred prisoners. Yet in that place wildflowers now bloomed. Visitors came to weep and remember. The truth of what happened there can never be completely known. The tragedy won’t ever be understood completely by those who stroll alongside the railroad tracks, but we were there and were trying to understand. I think those lost would appreciate that—appreciate that we won’t forget their suffering.

Auschwitz barracks

The stories from within the camp weren’t the only ones I listened to. On the drive to and from the camp we had the chance to spend time with our Czech pastor friend, Petr. His family’s story moved me. Christians during WWI, during WWII, and during the Communist regime, his family served God and others during difficult times. I could almost picture the printed pages of a novel as I listened to him speak. About my age, Petr has experienced so much. Following Christ has been downright dangerous for his family, and that amazes me.


Where would we be without stories? Our view of the world is limited until we dare to step out. Dare to listen.

Listening makes me want to listen more. It makes me want to understand deeper. It makes me want to write a translation of my own—whether a blog or book—to help others understand, too.

Of course you don’t need to travel to foreign countries to experience such things. Stories are all around us; we just need to take time to focus on the words of another.

I’ve only been in the Czech Republic for a few days, and my heart is already full of thankfulness for all I’ve experienced. God never ceases to amaze me. I can’t wait to see what else is in store!

Filed Under: faith, God, mission trips, scripture, Service, study

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kelly Boyer Sagert says

    August 9, 2012 at 5:10 pm

    I’ll bet that was an overwhelming experience. I can’t imagine.

    Reply
  2. Women Living Well says

    August 9, 2012 at 5:27 pm

    So horrifying – I can’t imagine seeing it in person. But it truly is good to remember and be thankful. God has been so gracious to us.
    Blessings,
    Courtney

    Reply
  3. Betz says

    August 9, 2012 at 5:38 pm

    Thanks for sharing your thoughts! God has been so good to us, we need to be most grateful!
    May the Lord continue to bless your trip and your writing.
    Betti

    Reply
  4. Shelly says

    August 9, 2012 at 5:43 pm

    Wow. That must have been such an experience. I don’t think I could visit there without wanting to cry. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and safe travels on your trip!

    Reply
  5. Mary Lou says

    August 9, 2012 at 6:37 pm

    I was able to visit Dachau when I was a child…..suffice it to say it was over fifty years ago, but reading what you wrote brought the pictures all back to my mind. The ovens and the room where they gassed them. I do not remember if they saved any barracks at Dachau or any of the things that you saw. I do know that I will never forget what I did see. How any one could do to these people what was done is beyond my imagination. Oh, may we NEVER forget what was done, so that it may not be repeated. Blessing on the remainder of your trip. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

    Reply
  6. Jess says

    August 12, 2012 at 8:45 pm

    An incredible experience, no doubt. I hope to someday visit those places. It is true how incredibly blessed by God we are.

    Reply

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