More thoughts............

Guten Tag,

It was so fun to shop for polish pottery in the place where it is made. I would love one of these giant replicas to put in a garden at home, ha! I love buying fun things for those who I know love polish pottery as much as I do. You know when we were first in the military, and I first learned abou polish pottery, I really did not like it. As the years went on and I had friends who used it in entertaining and decorating I began to find the warmth and versitility in it. It has its own personality that either you like or dislike. I am a person who loves to mix and match china patterns one of the reasons I also love Fiestaware. What is so wonderful I can mix my polish pottery and Fiestware together with such ease. That funny thing....I created a the same fettish in both of my daughters....we all love dishes! And what does Casey do, she marrys a guy whose mom is as bad as us when it comes to dishes. Hey we all have our passions! So as I was saying it was really fun to shop in Boleslawiec, but there are a couple of things Lennie and I thought interesting.

First, of all, I am convienced the Amercian military wife has made polish pottery what is is today in America. Interestingly enough we did not find we were treated with much kindness. I do not expect anyone to speak Engish to me if they are not American, but we thought it interesting, that they did not even try to speak English to us, or try to engage in conversation with us....they seemed to just want our money. Now, the prices were amazing and now that I am back in Germany I wish I had bought more pieces but you live and learn. Most of the patterns I was familiar with but there a few new ones and a couple of new concept pieces that I found very interesting. I still love polish pottery but I wonder if we love it more than the pottery people love us...or is it just our money they love? Secondly, and I am serious, if you have any extra cash setting around I would say invest in Poland....we could not believe all the new everything going up around us everywhere we went. Roads, houses, new houses everywhere, apartment buildings, railroads, businesses...it really was evident this is a country that has found its freedom and expanding in every element that freedom brings. Thirdly, and this is what really touched our hearts...every time we went into a town or village...people of ALL ages were coming and going from the churches. It totally amazed us. It was heart warming to hear the bells peeling all hours of the day!

Well, the week-end is almost upon us again. Tomorrow we are going to go to the Mosel. Sunday we are going to go downtown and enjoy our favorite Italian resturant and hang out at the Christmas Market. So until Monday or Tuesday...ciao .....and have a blessed week-end!

Tschuss,
Debby

Our trip into Dresden was hilarious. Now most of you know Lennie can fly millions of dollars worth of jets but even with a GPS we could not find our hotel. We were laughing so hard by the time we got there we were ready to pee our pants. The darn thing kept telling us to turn ...ready....down the railroad tracks! It would not change no matter what direction we were coming from and believe me we tried every direction. Now, if we could have gone down the train tracks without getting killed it would have gotten us there but there was no way. At first I was ready to kill Lennie because he would NOT stop and ask for any help...hey he had the GPS, ha! He was bound and deteremined he was going to win this battle! I finally just decided to relax and see how this all went down. One hour after we arrived in Dresden, less than 1/2 mile from our hotel we finally arrived! Modern gadgets still are not perfect, ha! Maybe there is something to walking, taking a bus and a train! :)

THIS CANNOT HAPPEN AGAIN...CAN IT?

Guten Tag,

Where do I begin? I have so many thoughts going around in my brain. Must admit I would like to just forget but I cannot and I will not! I have been to Dachau and it was bad enough but I was not ready to SEE what they have preserved here so we SHALL never forget. What was really curious to Lennie and I was a young woman, in her mid to late 20's, from England, who had so many questions? Starting out with, "I never realized this all happened?" Coming to realize that in many schools today the Holocaust is just skimmed over unless you have a teacher who refuses to let it be forgotten.

I will never forget the one glassed in 25 foot wall that was nothing but hair! Hair that was shaved off as they entered the camp to stay or die, and than sent off to be used for rugs, clothing, fertilizer you name it they had a use for this hair. More glassed in walls filled with 1,000's of hairbrushes, toothbrushes, bottle brushes and being sent off to be "used" in other camps! Another glassed in wall of nothing but shoes, thousands and thousands of shoes! Eerily many matched sets together and all styles, sizes and for all ages! Another....full of kitchen things, mostly enamelware from canisters to cooking pots you think of it it was inside this glassed wall. Display cases full of beautiful handmade children's clothes and baby buntings, blankets...many taken and used by the SS families. Their one stop shopping! Adolph Hess, the commandant, said he and his family lived in an almost paradise conditions! You see his mansion across the street and outside the gates of the Camp it is 3 stories high with fine manicured gardens, the finest of food, the most expensive of shoes.........all thanks to the Jews who worked for them and so they could have this "paradise!"

Standing at the shooting wall and walking inside the gates to where this gate was almost more than I could bear. Thinking how these people must of felt walking in knowing, unlike myself, would never walk out again. What was so "kind" of the SS, they boarded up the windows that saw out to this courtyard, so no one could see the atrocities that were going on here... so nice of them! Everything in these camps were based on lies and deceit! Everything! Now, we thought this was a bad place...Auschwitz number one...than we went on a short bus ride to Birkenau........now this WAS what I seen in the movies....but a 100 times worse. I think the first thing that came to mind........NO PRIVACY....I would have gone crazy just from that because I am an introvert and all those people all the time would have drove me insane! I was not ready to see what I did and the rainy, cold, foggy day just made it more real. We cannot imagine what it must have been with snow, and they get lots and lots of snow there, with below zero temps. The ladies had to go from their barracks to the shower, which they might get once a month...naked to the "sanitary" barracks no matter the temperature outside. I realized at this moment this had to be one of the most humbling experiences anyone would ever experience. I know for myself as a woman I would never want anyone to see me naked for vanity reasons more than anything....vanity I do believed had to to be thrown out survival was the focus and those who were vain certainly would NOT have survived!

I have always been intrigued in the Holocaust. I have read and seen everything I could get my hands on through the years. I have been to Dachau, Anne Frank's and Corrie ten Boom's homes and I my two favorite books are "Mila 18" about the ghetto in Warsaw by Leon Uris and "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom. Also the "Zion Chronicles" and "Zion Covenant" series but nothing prepared me for the reality of this place. What what really touched my heart how this place has become a place of "remembrance" for the Jewish people. There were 100's of people there on "pilgrimage" from Israel. Carrying Israeli flags and marching the Torah to the entrance of the "ovens!" It made it even more real, but I still felt I was experiencing a surreal moment until I saw where the ovens were. They have left the remains of the buildings so the EVIDENCE is still there. Another story of deceit the SS officers would have the "ovens" appear like cottages with flowers planted around them and well manicured gardens....with them being up kept by the Jewish prisoners! They thought they were offices or houses where the SS lived. One of the reasons they created Birkenau, they could kill more bodies a day there....up to 300 a day on some days! Than the ashes were used for numerous things....NOT buried...used.....God forbid if something was gone to waste!

The last thing I want to say before I close for the day. I do not want to make light of this it was horrific. My concern we say we never want this to happen again but since 1973 51 million babies have been aborted.........so it is still happening and the same deceit is going on. Human nature is to believe what we want to believe no matter the evidence or the remains of the atrocities. God says without His wisdom and knowledge we are fools. So my conclusions there are many many fools walking this earth today ........I use to be one but the TRUTH set me free and I pray I will never forget. If persecution comes to me I certainly was not the first and I will not be the last. Let us NEVER forget and take the blinders off of our eyes and heart because the world is still doing these same evils just have different names for them...and sadly to say some are legal....does that make it right?

Tschuss,

Debby

Another Rainy Monday and NOT Snow!

Guten Tag,

Well, the week-end is behind us and it was lovely. We got all of our errands done and always looking at the new things in the exchange. I always go to the books and magazines to see what is knew. Lennie goes straight to the electronics. We really did not get much of anything just a couple of needed things and a couple of magazines. Had our lunch of Pizza Hut pizza and finished it off with spaghetti eis! Came home and did the rest of the laundry and chilled out the rest of the day.

Yesterday Lennie had lots of work to do from home. His job always has one more thing for him to do. He really is going to miss it though. He really really like his job. I wrapped some boxes yesterday and read and watched a wonderful old German movie about a circus. it was so good. Could hardly understand a word but it was just a sweet movie from the 50's.

Snow is in the forecast for today but it has not happened yet. It is getting colder as the day goes on. Just got back from running over to the backeri to get brochen and had to pick up milk. I had a cup of coffee with my friend's who work in the backeri and they wanted to know about the awful shootings at Ft. Hood. I told them I had many friends there and they were so interested. Interestingly enough all but one is Muslim so they wanted to know how I felt about Muslims? The door is opening it really really is...please keep this in your prayers for me.

Yesterday I fixed a truly American Sunday dinner. Lennie had seconds and took all the rest with him to work this morning. We had meatloaf, and I make the best meatloaf in the whole world if I say so myself, garlic mashed potatoes and steamed broccoli. It was so so good. Sometimes you just need the "comfort" of home...ha!

We leave Wednesday morning very very early for our journey to Poland and Dresden on the way back. So this will probably be my last blog until we get back. I will have lots of pictures and stories I am sure. Now, pray we do not get into snow because it is in the forecast. I love going on these journeys. We are renting a car so we will be driving which means I can fill the car up with polish pottery if I want We shall see....I really need nothing unless I see something I just have to have! the biggest reason for our trip is to see Auschwitz as I have said before. We do not want to leave here without seeing it. We have been to Dachau but have been told this is way beyond Dachau, cannot imagine that, but we shall see.

May you all have a blessed week and I shall connect when we return.

Tshcuss,

Debby

Pondering with you.................

Guten Tag,

We went to bed last night seeing what had happened at Ft. Hood. The first thing we did was lift up prayers because we have so many friends who live and work there. Than I get up this morning and the postings had begun and it seems those we care about are all accounted for and safe. My first thoughts were these men and women come home from war to supposedly a safe environment and only come face to face with another war! When is this craziness going to stop?

 If I was not a Christian and did not have my hope in Jesus Christ I would be a total wreck about now. Thankfully, I know the whole story and most important I BELIEVE it as TRUTH. This is what gives me comfort on horrific days like yesterday. He is faithful and I know that from my own life. But the Lord does expect righteousness and justice from us all and right now that is not happening in not only the US but the whole world. We have selected to make everything but God our god(s)....our idols...I have been just as guilty. I am using this blog to vent this morning since I have no one else to vent to...I have already vented to God :)! I am praying today that this world would get off their self-righteous butts and turn around and look into the face of God and repent. It is the only way things are going to change or it will, I promise, only get worse!


I am so thankful my grandchildren are being raised with this hope and with this wisdom. They are going to continue to reap what we have sown for them if this repentance does not come. But in it all I also know that suffering and pain is part of the journey and God promised us that there would be persecution for the righteous. I look at Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, wow, these men did not have easy jobs as Prophets. Like us, they had a choice, and they continued to serve the Lord, even in the worse of times, because they knew that ultimately God was in charge of the battle! That there was victory, if not on earth than in heaven! Again, I am so thankful for Casey and Carrie who have chosen to raise their children with the ONLY truth that will keep them truly free. There is only one way and it is by the narrow gate NOT the wide gate! Today most churches have opened the gate wide and have decided that watering down the truth is the best way to get them into the pews! I am sorry friend....I am venting..........  You all know how much I love life, friends and family! Because of that love I do not want anyone that I love and cherish perish because they did not hear or know the truth from me. "God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son that whosoever believe in Him would not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16

The week-end is here and it is to rain all week-end so the zoo is probably out. So guess what I suppose we will be doing our "adventure" of banking, shopping and other errands  from one bus to another.....oh what fun! Well, at least I have my spiffy new cane to lean upon, ha! I can not express enough how much Lennie LOVES doing this! I think it is the difference between men and women. He said it like hunting for the kill! Thank you!.... I would rather get in a car and go directly to the kill! Since there is NO car he has me right where he wants me....going along, not always happily, looking for the kill. Men! You should see him researching on line all the bus and train lines...he has a notebook filled with schedules and times........that is my man...can't brief for flying so he briefs for what is at hand!

I am done for the day....I think. Nothing else to be said but continue to pray for this world and the families who lost loved ones yesterday. Pray for the shooter and his family and just keep remembering we cannot lean upon our own understanding because we could never figure it out...let us TRUST the Lord and know He is truly is in control even what seems the worse of times. 

Tschuss,

Debby

Thursday already!

Guten Tag,

My heart is so envious today knowing all my dear friends back in Leavenworth are on their way to the PWOC Fall Regional Retreat. I am praying that God will come down like a whirlwind and fill their hearts and souls with a renewed love and passion for Him and His truths.

It is chilly and cloudy here this morning. Just another German fall day. Maria is cleaning the apartment and I love listening to her hum as she works! She really is quite a lady. I am deciding that she should come home with me. There is no doubt she would have my house in order in real quick fashion, ha!

On Saturday I think Lennie and I are going to go check out the zoo. It was something we wanted to do when Carrie and family were here but there just was not enough hours in the days. It is suppose to be sunny and in the high 40's to low 50's so all the animals should be out in their splendor. It should be a nice relaxing way to spend a German Saturday and something we have not done yet. If not....we still must get to the Ritter Sport Museum. We keep saying we are going and never get there...maybe because we cannot leave with out buying alot of calories!

Speaking of calories I have started my strength exercises again and walking ....and doing core exercises. My good knee can handle almost anything but my bad knee....let us just say it is getting worse. So I must keep my body as strong as I can for the next operation and recuperation. Lennie and I are so thankful we have stayed healthy and the old flu has keep its distance. He has a couple of co-workers who have really had a go of it. One of the fellows just came back after a month. He just could not get over it. Again...thank you for good health!

Lennie had a dinner last night so he did not get home until quite late. My day yesterday was long and I was like a puppy dog by the time he arrived home. This apartment gets bigger and lonelier by the moment from one minute after 5:30PM week days! I remember when the girls were little and I could not wait until Lennie got home to help me with them, now I just want him home to entertain me, ha! I got the Christmas cards in the mail so I can start doing them, I have the letter ready to insert; books ready to mail to Amber, our niece, I give her all my good books. Plus two packages to mail to two special people. I have been spending time surfing the web looking for Christmas presents. As much as we would like to send gifts from Germany we will not. The things we do buy from Germany and other places for others will come home in our shipment and given to in person. It is just to hard for Lennie and I to mail presents when we only have a train and bus to carry us and the packages.....was that to much information....maybe it was...ha!

May you all have a blessed Thursday. Today is almost half over for me and the rest of you are sleeping away at least I hope so. If you are not you should be! The one thing I must say I do not have trouble sleeping, amen! I am off to the market to get brochen, cottage cheese and butter...the best butter in the world. Again...be blessed and never forget you are all loved and missed with and everlasting love!

Tshcuss,

Debby

Rainy Days and Monday!

Guten Tag,

Well, it is a rainy Monday in Germany and I have a headache that will not stop! What is new, ha! The kids are back on the buses this morning so it is back to normal when it comes to the noise factor outside my kitchen window! When I hear teen-agers talking, even in another language, and laughing, it brings back so many memories. Teens can be so dramatic and one minute so grown-up and the next minute so childlike. The hormones are wild and they are so often so uncomfortable in their  own bodies. I just wish they would realize that they do not need to grow up so fast it will all come in time but that is the nature of the beast ....I want to grow up NOW! God watch over them this is a really really crazy world out there today.

Lennie is going be so excited when he gets home and sees I have fixed his favorite, after pot roast, chicken tortilla casserole! I am going to make enough that he can eat it all week, if he desires, for lunch. He loves to have surprises when he walks up the stairs to the apartment door. He says he really get excited when he realizes the good smell is coming from our door! Does not take much to make Lennie happy. I am going to start doing holiday baking and making candy so I can send it with him to work. My oven is amazing...it has built in cook sheets and a roasting pan!

A friend sent me an e-mail through facebook that a friend of hers came up with 30 Days of Giving Thanks. I think this is a great idea and I plan to take some time each to reflect on the thing I am thankful for that particular day. Why don't you join in with us. God says we should all have grateful hearts and I have learned the more grateful I am the happier I am as a person. There truly is not one thing I need in this world at this point of my life but my relationship with the Lord, the love of my husband and family and good health...otherwise the rest is gravy...just rich wonderful gravy! I am blessed!

Today is Carrie and Matt's 4th anniversary. Now I am going to tell you these two have packed enough in 4 years to make me exhausted. They have lived in 5 or 6 places and have had two children and and Matt is getting ready to leave AGAIN! My children do not let grass grow under their feet or hearts....their lives makes our lives more exciting! Again....we are blessed!

Before I close I must ask for prayers for many. I just ask you pray for wisdom, courage and peace as they ride the storm of thier lives. This is happening to more than one family and person in our lives at the moment. I see old slew-foot trying to steal, kill and destroy but if I have anything to say about it.....GET OUT and leave these people alone! Let the BATTLE belong to the Lord. We must STOP giving into this awful world and all its enticements and get back to what is important living moral and Godly lives. ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE WITH CHRIST JESUS!

Love ya........

Tschuss,
Debby

Keeping Warm on A Sunday in Germany

Guten Tag,

Lennie said this time last year there had been snow already. No snow yet but quite chilly with a couple of very hard frosts already. I just wonder when it will finally arrive. Well, we are ready. I stocked-up on hot chocolate yesterday so now the snow may begin. Lennie still has to pick up marshmallows at the commissary...the German's don't seem to eat marshmallows? I wonder if they know what they missing?

Yesterday Lennie and I scoped out a new shopping area 4 bus stops away. Oh, what fun we did have. Found some really neat stores, grocery stores, backeris and cafes. My find of the day a cane fit for a queen! I remind myself of Thula Mae, Kevin's Grandma! It is a beautiful cane and it truly helps me to stay balanced. Ha...take that any way you want! It has a mother of pearl handle and it just makes me feel like Mrs Burnsides in "Auntie Mame"..ha!  We stopped for lunch and had Doner Kabobs...our fave....and than I found the find of the day. The most wonderful stationary and art supply store...ALL IN ONE! If I had to I could walk there...I spent a few bucks in there. I want to start doing  some pencil drawings so I got the right kind of pencils for this. My oh my this adventure will be over in 2 and  half months, I must make the most of each day!

The BEST part of today was ............we got to talk on Skype with the Hawaii Family!! Oh...how blessed we are to have these children in our quiver!  They all looked so good, so happy and so beautiful! Elijah just talked and talked and Rachel wanted to make sure we saw her bangs that "she" cut...ha! I just wanted to jump in and hug and kiss and kiss and hug...but it as the next best thing. Casey and Kevin looked great. We are so proud of them. Malia was asleep so we did not get to "talk" to her but that time will come soon...yea! Yes, it made for a good Sunday.

Tshcuss,

Debby