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| 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.
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| 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.
I’ll bet that was an overwhelming experience. I can’t imagine.
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
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
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!
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.
An incredible experience, no doubt. I hope to someday visit those places. It is true how incredibly blessed by God we are.