Lance & Julie in Germany

My parents got the amazing opportuntity to travel to Germany and visit some of the sites where my Grandpa Jacob was born and raised until his family came to the United States.  I just received a cc of the following e-mail message and pictures that my dad sent to his brother Paul in California:

We arrived in Germany on Friday and promptly started sightseeing that same day with Dick (my dad's brother) driving after having only four hours sleep the previous two days. I didn't object because I had four less hours of sleep that he did. I forgot what it was like flying on long flights. It's been thirty years since I went to England. They need several fewer rows on a plane with more leg room for each seat and for each seat to recline with a foot rest. I can only dream...


Attached is a pic of the main reason I wanted to come. I finally got to see the house that Dad was born in. I told Dick that Grandpa was also born in the house and he disagreed. Today, we had an 80 year old second cousin explain to Dick that I was right. Dick didn't think the home was that old, but it is. Our great grandfather Karl August Jacob owned the home and his kids and some of the grandkids including Dad and his cousin Kurt were born in the home. I have finally made the pilgrimage and I feel fulfilled, that is until I go to where Mom was born since I didn't go out of my way when I was in England. I guess genealogists are that way.



We have been stuffed with good German food for the past few days. I hope I can fit into my assigned seat on the airplane when we fly home. With every meal comes hours of conversation with Dick talking and my nodding. We had a big meal today at lunch with Roast beef, potatoes, noodles with pork, peas, etc, etc, etc. We "rested" for an hour having more conversation and then we were ushered to the table again to stuff ourselves with three humungous torte cakes. We did a repeat performance at another relatives house this evening at 6 PM. They stuffed us with barbequed bratwurst, steak, meatballs stuffed with cheese, salads, etc. The only thing they lacked was ice. Nobody puts ice in their drinks. They think we're crazy because we don't drink beer, coffee, or tea and that we prefer regular tap water over their fizzy mineral water. However, they are very nice and giving. We have drunken lots of apple juice. I'm craving ice water. Room temerature water --- yeach!!!! Very good bread.

Later,
Lance

My Uncle Dick standing in front of the family home my Grandpa Jacob was born in.

(b. August 16, 1911 in Rodewisch, Zwickau, Germany)

The school my Grandpa Jacob attended.

The place where my Grandpa Jacob was christened.

Now I feel the need to locate the picture of the home where Grandpa Stephens was born and post it too.  I've been fortunate to see the home in Independence Missouri.

I hope everyone had a fabulous summer.  Love ya all.  Mandy