What I Learned in School

The longer we homeschool, the more I wonder how I've gotten by with such little knowledge of history?! Reading historical fiction last month, I had to turn to Ric for a quick lesson on the Japanese involvement in WWII, the internment camps, what happened during which years. It's actually downright embarrassing to be learning history along with your elementary aged children; fortunately for me, it's way more interesting the second time around.

Last week we got a visit from this lady, Mercedes Wild:



She was a child during WWII and was personally affected by the amazingly giving spirit of the Americans to their German enemies in a time of dire need. Americans donated thousands of tons of candy to the children of Berlin, along with food, coal, and supplies, while they were blockaded in by the Russians. We had just fought Germany to the death (literally) and then turned around and helped them from the threat of starvation during what was the Berlin Airlift.

I quickly ordered the children's book about her story, "Mercedes and the Chocolate Pilot" and read it with the kids. Then realizing it was so compelling a story, started reading the adult version of "The Candy Bombers." Finally, after moving half way around the world to get interested in history, I'm getting my re-education of WWII!

Visiting these historic sites, standing on the shore, imagining the sea filled with American and British ships, having come to liberate Europe from Germany; it's literally breathe-taking. All the soldiers and seamen who gave their lives here; the eyes of the world were truly upon them. And they were courageous beyond measure.

I am so thankful for this awesome opportunity to witness history, learn it again, and see it in a context that makes sense now.

Evelyn, making a replica of a candy parachute, like those dropped by American pilots during the Berlin Airlift.