After discussing whether or not to create a blog for the trip, we decided that yes, we would create one. Pat Purcell asked about one and we said no, but after some thought, we changed our mind. That's just great Pat, see what you did!
We will try to post daily updates detailing our experiences and invite you to post comments.
We thank God for the opportunity to rediscover the past, reunite the present, and preserve all for the future. Many times during our 3,500 hours working on this project there seemed to be Divine guidance. No doubt God has also directed a a few people to help us. We would like to thank three of them now.
First there is
Sylvia from Winnipeg, Manitoba.
We found Sylvia by searching online for Ostritsa where our families came from.
Sylvia has helped numerous people in their search for information regarding their family.
Sylvia's family emigrated from Ivano-Frankivs'k, a few hours from Ostritsa and she has made many trips to
Ukraine.
As with so many other people she has helped, we cannot thank her enough.
We provided Sylvia with family surnames and she provided names and addresses for Naida (in Luzhany) and Purici and Lobodici (in Ostritsa and Mahala) individuals. The results were overwhelming. Now she is providing valuable travel tips too.
Sylvia who? A good question that we cannot answer right now, but hope to soon. We need to get her address so we can at least send her a fruit basket or something. OK Sylvia, send us the info.
Mom and Dad; i.e., Anne and Bill Naida. The journey back to our homeland became a reality through their generosity. Words cannot express the extent of our appreciation.
We close our first post now; welcome to our blog and hope you enjoy it.
