Friday's Extraordinary Activities

Much of the day today was spent doing ordinary things ... laundry, cooking, cleaning, shopping, etc. However, we had dinner with Marek & Patricia, which is always extraordinary.

Marek & Patricia live in a tenement building which was built by the Communist regime. There are many of these in Radom. Although the living space is small, Marek & Patricia have made their space a home. They cooked us a delicious meal of pork tenderloins, potatoes, vegetables & dip, perogi's, and lody (ice cream). Needless to say, the food was marvelous. The conversation was even more so.

We listened with intent while Steve Snyder graciously translated Marek's memories of living under Communism. Marek remembers, as a 14-year-old boy, standing in line with his mother for hours to wait for just one item of food (i.e. sugar). He specifically remembers standing in line once for the entire night just to get some meat.

Marek remembers how difficult it was for him as a young boy when his mother would come and pull him out of a soccer game. You see, food was allotted to each individual person who stood in line. Rather than Marek's mother standing alone, she would bring Marek along so the family could get an extra portion. When they reached the front of the line and obtained the food, Marek would ask, "May I go back and play with my friends?" His mother would say, "No ... we are going to do this all over again." And they would go to the back of the line to wait again.

Marek & Pataricia distinctly remember when freedom came to Poland. They had only known Communism, and the difference that came to their country following those days was unfathomable. In fact, many people hoarded food because they thought it would soon be scarce again.

On July 4, you will celebrate America's Independence Day. Freedom is a precious gift. Celebrate it with thanksgiving.