I'm writing this basically to support Don's efforts. I've been blessed that, tho I started poor, I've been able to visit some absolutely wonderful places. I didn't add them as "Places I've Visited" before, as they are all places I have BEEN. I studied in Hamburg and the Goethe Institute in Bad Aibling Germany, my senior year at Purdue. That year opened up the world to me. Kristina and I then went on a Baltic Cruise after my dear, dear husband died of cancer and we visited London (and surroundings), Copenhagen, Talin, St. Petersberg, Helsinki, Stockholm and places in between in 2004. I was depressed the whole time, but I recommend such a trip in order to start healing. In 2009 I stayed in Hajen an der Weser with my fourth cousin, whom I had never met before, in the home village of the Ahlschwede line of my ancestors. It was probably the happiest time of my life. Especially hearing the Church bells chime twice every day. I now feel like I know who I am. I am SO thankful to my ancestors for all they went through, allowing me to be born.  They survived floods, famines, cholera, typhus and much more - and here I am! Search for and honor your ancestors. We have it so easy.

My mind has opened up so widely and I love and respect everyone in the world so much. I owe it to "visiting" Germany ( and living there one year) and other countries in Europe (hitch-hiking), living in Arizona and soaking in the American Indian culture, and living the rest of my life in Hawaii, where I love all ethnic groups to the max. When I've gone back to Indiana, I've felt strange and uncomfortable at (nearly) all the white and black faces. MY daughter felt that she was served last at the stores because of her mixed heritage. There's so much more to the world than that. I guess it's called "enrichment." I am so grateful for it. My daughters are of mixed heritage, and I think they are so much wiser and more aware than I ever was growing up. It makes absolutely no difference to them what race, religion, or ethnic group you are.  They accept every person who is honest and good and kind. I am SO thankful for all the opportunities and challenges God has blessed me with.