Last week, I didnt even know I was going to end up in Poland, let alone wind up in three Unesco World Heritage sites in one day. I can barely move my left leg due to a muscle pull (over 700 stairs later), there are blisters on the toes of my right foot (walked at least five miles), and my feet look like sausages (unshaded, intense heat). I tell you all this just to relay this point: I would pull myself out of my chair right now to do it all over again if I could. Actually, I feel ashamed to even complain. Todays first two visits were to Auschwitz and Birkenau (and then later way down low into the earth in a salt mine). I am overwhelmed, humbled, sad, inspired, and so thankful (and feel so blessed) to have been able to visit these historic sites. I have studied the Holocaust for years and use many novels with students based upon it, so Im hoping all of this can filter down in the name of education for them and for me (and continue on with their own children some day). The museum and the concentration camps both encourage photos (so the world can know), so I will share some of those with you later if you want to see them. I just really cant take it all in right now. I learned so much today. I have so many notes. I took so many photos. I fought back so many tears. And before I walked out of one of the real barracks that real Jewish souls lived and suffered in, I didnt leave without bending down into the dirt floor to pick up two stones to take home: one for my dear Jewish friend and one for me. Indeed, may we never forget.
Posted on: Sun, 29 Jun 2014 16:12:15 +0000
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