Emotional Rollercoaster

From somber to exhuberant joy! Talk about an emotional rollercoaster day where our day began in Auschwitz to see the total disgust of what took place 65-70 years ago to 'new life' happening in Poland. God is preparing this land for a revival. We witnessed first hand what He is doing here. (more in a minute)

First, let me step back and explain Auschwitz. I have heard about this place most of my life but it's not until you step foot on the soil that your heart beats 1000/beats per second of what transpired here. I have never felt like this before, your gut is totally wrenched by the sights and stories of decades gone by, but it still is very much a reality today as you step foot on these concentration camps. They have held the history here and the story is told very well, no holds barred as it is very descriptive. I bought a video today that was shown on our bus trip where that was enough to convince me I wasn't ready to see this place of HELL. Wow, what an eye opener and heart-breaking compelling story. Thinking of what took place here is like comparing all of Saskatchewan's people murdered. 1.1 Million were either gassed, hanged, flogged, starved to death and countless other ways. It was not a pleasant morning for me.

We were then brought back to Krakow where we had lunch (authentic Polish food), cabbage, pork and potatoe soup. It was truly awesome!!

Our afternoon was spent quickly doing some brief shopping as I began my search for Amber jewelry. Endless choices and overwhelming styles and selections. Where do I begin? I may be broke when I get back but my wife will be very rich in jewelry. Buying begins tomorrow I think. Can anyone say 'charge it'?

After the morning downer, we all wondered how the day would end. We caught a late day bus to the other side of Krakow to 'Graceland Ministries'. Wow, this is exactly what I needed . . . an uplifting experience to know there is life! Poland is an exciting and wonderful place where God is at work. We had a visit to this cafe / english school / church / bible study / small -group . . . you name it . . . they did it. A middle-class to upper-class neighborhood where young early middle-aged people come to learn english. But it's not just english, it is english taught with the bible and it's learnings throughout various means. We met with some wonderful Polish people who are vibrant and very alive in their Christian beginnings. We know God is awesome and this just proves how incredible He is in this country. I could go on and on, but there are many stories to share when I'm back.

Tomorrow we will be visiting a castle and doing some shopping in our last full day in Krakow before heading back to Warsaw.

Thank you God for teaching me that through death, life is worth living!