We walked along a rolling field, taking in the homes - neat as a pin yards, flower boxes and whimsical bird houses, climbing vines and inviting trails. Frau Gleason (our American Landry project director - she teaches German online) beckoned us to come up a hill to a fenced in area enclosing a peaceful chapel and small graveyard. The graves were green and layered with flowers and new soil. On one grave were three names. Two died in 1945, a 26-year old mother and 5-year old child - obviously as a result of the war. The other name was an older woman, born in 1879 died in 1962. Most likely this was the mother and grandmother of the two killed in the war. Our imagination was spurred wondering about the untold story.
Frau Gleason explained to us that German people suffered untold torture and indignation at the hands of the liberators who took out their hatred of the Nazis on the people of Germany. It was a time of much hardship and desperation.
God had another surprise for us - just as we rounded the corner of the chapel a man was exiting with a key. He generously opened the door for us and gave us a tour. We got to see the inside with many paintings and sculptures and symbols of faith. He even ventured to ring the bell for us! It was a special unplanned moment to file away in our memories of this trip.
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