 1934 Ak-Mechet, Photo from author Robert Friesen In 1934, 10 “kulak” families were named in a thorough Russian investigation of the Mennonites of Ak-Mechet, Khiva. The report by the NKVD (precursor to the KGB) names all residents, their ages, what they owned and did, a treasure for genealogical research — although the purpose was to punish the most successful. The investigation is below, with Robert Friesen’s insightful analysis, “What is a ‘kulak’?”
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Ak-Metschet, Khiva, 1934, Foto vom Autor Robert Friesen 1934 wurden in einer gründlichen russischen Untersuchung der Mennoniten von Ak-Metschet, Chiwa, 10 "Kulaken"-Familien genannt. Der Bericht des NKWD (Vorläufer des KGB) nennt alle Einwohner, ihr Alter, ihren Besitz und ihre Tätigkeiten, einen Schatz für die Ahnenforschung — obwohl es darum ging, die erfolgreichsten zu bestrafen. Die Untersuchung mit der aufschlussreichen Analyse von Robert Friesen, "Was ist ein ‘Kulak’?", finden Sie weiter unten.  John F. Harms (1855-1945; Photo: GAMEO) John F. Harms, editor of the Mennonitische Rundschau, wrote a passionate call for help in 1884. The circumstances of the migrants to Central Asia had become desperate, and a small group decided to join their fellow believers in our continent; they couldn’t do it without help. The response was remarkable, swift and effective.  John F. Harms (1855-1945; Foto: GAMEO) John F. Harms, Editor der Mennonitischen Rundschau, schrieb 1884 einen eindringlichen Aufruf zur Hilfe. Die Lage der Migranten in Zentralasien war verzweifelt, und eine kleine Gruppe beschloss, sich ihren Glaubensbrüdern auf unserem Kontinent anzuschließen; ohne Hilfe konnten sie es nicht tun. Die Reaktion war bemerkenswert, schnell und wirksam.  Brothers Rudolf, Jakob and Peter Plett are reunited, ca. 1992 My uncle Rudolf Plett was a child survivor of a Soviet slave labour camp. His story follows.
 Brüder Rudolf, Jakob und Peter Plett sind wiedervereint, ca. 1992 Mein Onkel Rudolf Plett war ein Kind, das ein sowjetisches Sklavenarbeitslager überlebte. Seine Geschichte folgt.
 Errol Chenery with wife Lila in 1962 William Errol Chenery (1899-1968) was a Canadian mechanic who remarkably chose to serve in both world wars. His family kindly allowed me to share his story for Remembrance Day.  Queen Elizabeth graces my historic Canadian $1 bill Today we mourn and remember a great Queen. My late friend, Dr. Valerie Giles, researched the Queen in Canada and shared personal memories that I believe she would have been pleased to share here. We learn about Princess Elizabeth’s first visit to Canada in 1951, her 1953 coronation, and her 1994 visit to open the new University of Northern British Columbia in Prince George, B.C.  The Mennonite Centre serves people in need in Ukraine Since the horrific invasion by Russia in February, the Canadian-based Mennonite Centre in Ukraine has increased relief work while providing near-daily war updates. These gripping accounts provided the opportunity for me to extract the found poem below (slightly treated).  Valerie serves up tasty food for me and my sister My writer friend Valerie Giles was a woman of faith. She shared pivotal moments about her road to Roman Catholicism in her history column in the Prince George Citizen. Her stories about serving with food were mouthwatering! |
WriterIrene Plett is a writer, poet and animal lover living in South Surrey, British Columbia, Canada. Categories
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