A Companion to Anabaptism and Spiritualism, 1521-1700 Book

European fugitives of World War II come alive in these memories of a couple who served on the spot, starting in 1941. The first "spot" was in England, and I especially enjoy Peter's experience making decisions with The Friends (by consensus) p 28, and the description of taking afternoon walks with the children in his charge.

"Much of England's countryside is like a large park, and walking through it is sheer delight. Such walks also afforded another opportunity for learning: to appreciate nature, to enjoy the flight and song of birds, to respect the property of farmers." (p. 38)

Peter and Elfrieda then spend time with refugees in Holland and Berlin. I had no idea Russian officials tried so hard to get fleeing Mennonites back. What a miracle when the first train makes it through Russian zone of Berlin to the ship waiting to take the first wave of Europeans to South America. As soon as they are out, the entire train of refugees sing, "Nun danket alle Gott." (p 201) What a gift it is to be able to sing through suffering.

Peter and Elfrieda both spend time on the ships to South America and then getting to see the god forsaken places the new immigrants live. A driver agrees to take them 300 miles to one of the places:

"That afternoon we came to a river. There was no bridge. Off in the distance he spotted a railroad bridge. That was where we drew the line. It was a long way down to the water, and when he proceded to drive that jalopy onto the railroad tracks, we climbed out and walked across. To our amazement he actually managed the feat, straddling one of the rails and bouncing the wheels from one ties to the next." (p 243)

This book was written over 20 years ago, so it took it a while to find me, but I'm so glad it did. I am thankful for the way it has enlarged my picture of what was happening in the world the decade before I was born.