On the 12th of September 1912 my Grandmother, Elsa Schaefer left Grossgartach.  She was only 17 years old.  Alone, she came to America.  She carried a small tan, cloth-covered diary with marbled page edges and a small pencil holder stitched into the back cover.  The inside cover has this inscription:  zum Andenken von Deiner Mutter.  S. Schafer.  (in memory of your mother, S[usanna] Schafer).  This diary is one of my treasures.  It speaks to me of courage and adventure and destiny.  Her destiny and mine.  When I was 17 I traveled alone to Germany to be an exchange student.  I was drawn there because Grandma was drawn here.  I knew our paths and lives were meant to come together and meant to understand each other.  Growing up on the farm next door to Grandma, I knew her well and loved her dearly.

This week I honor her and give thanks for her courage to find her destiny. The road she traveled has made all the difference.