Day 14-18 in Slovakia with my family :) It is so hard for me to even put into words what I have been experiencing the past 5 days. When I decided to visit my roots in Slovakia and where my family originated generations ago - I had no idea how much it would change my life. Every single family member I have met has welcomed me into their homes, serving me delicious homemade food constantly and coffee and slippers and gifts etc etc! Yet these are only the details. What makes me so happy is to see how much they care for me and our family not even knowing us, but it is simply because we are family. When my great grandfather immigrated to Canada in 1927, he left behind 9 siblings, his parents, his land, his roots, traditions and all he ever knew - I see now how brave he was. Before it was only a thought of how it may be, but know I know how it may have felt for him. In the past 90 years he returned once to marry my great grandmother, and once more in 1972 with my amazing grandparents. It has been over 40 years since anyone has returned from Canada to visit Slovakia. Yet I was greeted like a day had not passed. They collected photos and memoirs and shared everything they knew, and wanted to know everything about our family in Canada. Since 1972 both my great grandfather and grandfather have passed, so there has been some overwhelming moments. There have been many happy tears. I felt like I was in the room with my grandfather as I sat next to his cousin who smiled and laughed and looked just the same, and for that reason alone, this trip was worth it. It brings tears to my eyes just knowing how happy I know grandpa is looking down today. Although not many speak english, they all tried very hard. I had my aunt Dagmar as my translater for the majority of the time and it was so wonderful. Many of the Benkos have the same personalities and it is hilarious adn somewhat surreal to see how alike we are in certain ways! Many of the family members are teachers and nurses and police officers and firefighters etc. All very driven and determined, and bossy and stubbourn. (Now I can blame my bloodline LOL!) I have to say that the most special part of being in the presence of people who do not speak your langauge, is that you get to look into thier eyes, feel their hearts, and read their body language before you understand the words. You remember only how people make you feel, and the words come secondary. On Sunday I attended the church that all of my family (going back to my great, great grandparents) attended for over 100 years. Although I did not understand the words, I felt the presence of God and also my passed on family members in the room. I have seen the beautiful land that they all grew up on, and most still live in the same homes. There has been family reunion, after family reunion, and many family members have traveled from all around the country just to come and meet me. They surround me in questions and love and want to know everything about our family in Canda. On Monday I spent the night at my great, great grand parents house built in the early 1900s. It is used now for family meetings and called the cottage. We even took a big group family photo in the same place that the whole family did 40 years ago in the last meeting! Also something very cool is that my great uncle was a professional photographer here in Slovakia, the best in the country I heard, and had a studio downtown. I can see where I may get my passion from! I had no idea what a huge family we had out here and how much they wondered about us. The stories I have heard are irreplacable and so special. I feel incredibly blessed to be passed on so much. I have grown some strong connections with a few family members that I know in my heart, will last a lifetime. Every moment has been precious here, moments that I will cherish for my lifetime. This trip has changed my life and my heart, and I know deep down that I will come home with a new perspective. Coming here has been the best decision I have made yet in my life. Family and a few good friends is all that matters. Let the memories and good times roll! One more day here, and then I am off to Prague, Czech tomorrow to meet my chickita for some more good times! Back in Kelowna on Saturday night And gosh do I miss you Kelowna, and everyone there!!
Posted on: Wed, 30 Apr 2014 13:50:01 +0000
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