People have been making pilgrimages (a journey to a sacred place) for a long time. In the Old Testament, we read about the Israelites making their pilgrimages (primarily to Jerusalem) at least three times a year. The early Christians traveled to the sites of Jesus’ birth, death and resurrection for their pilgrimages, and that practice continues today.
For as long as I can remember, I have been called to visit Poland and Germany and to stand on the sacred ground where those who suffered and died in World War II and the Shoah (Holocaust) stood. My mother instilled this passion in me, and we often talked about our dream of making this trip. Mom never made it to Poland or Germany but visited Anne Frank’s hiding place in Amsterdam. While there, she purchased a copy of the famous book at the gift shop and brought it back to me. It is one of my most treasured possessions.
My best friend recently asked me about my expectations for this journey, and I had no words to describe what I felt—just emotions, which are difficult to define. The closest way to express it is extreme gratitude. The significance of this opportunity is not lost on me. I am overwhelmingly grateful for the chance to fulfill this lifelong dream. I am trying to have no expectations and to be fully present in the experience. I know it will be emotionally draining but so worthwhile.
In the spirit of gratitude, I would be remiss if I didn’t thank Leroy. He’s the one making this trip possible. I don’t know many people who would volunteer to visit concentration camps or the sites of former Jewish ghettos (other than me.) But Leroy knows what this means to me, and he’s been all in since I asked to go. Pilgrimages always include an element of sacrifice, and Leroy has willingly agreed to make this meaningful journey by my side. We are scheduled to be at Auschwitz on his fifty-seventh birthday. Please keep us in your prayers as we prepare for this journey.