.

2011-05-22T21:02:00.004-04:00

This morning as we were driving to church, I was again struck by the beauty of God's Creation - it is spring here again, and the trees are just now starting to bud, the lawns are a luscious, healthy green (undamaged by insects and wind). All plants have started to grow and their leaves and foliage are dressed in greens from the whole range of a green color scheme, from light green hues to dark green shades and everything in between. It is one of my favorite times of the year.
It made me think of a discussion we had earlier this week.

It was about the color of a certain dress - we could not decide whether it was maroon, fuchsia or another color. We asked our son for his opinion, he said it was red and he pulled up the following chart -
This little chart says it all. The woman on the left sees so many different and interesting colors in the color scheme... however, the man sees the the colors of the rainbow... blue, yellow, green. That's it.
When my younger children see the pictures of our ancestors, they are under the assumption that our forefathers lived in a dreary, sad and colorless world. I also have never never seen an old family portrait where any of them are smiling, they all look so somber and detached from one another even the children. Their facial expressions are rigid, serious and seemingly void of happiness and joy - probably due to the fact that the cameras back then actually took a minute or more before they actually took the picture. Holding a smile for such a long time would have been extremely painful. It was just a better option to stay in one position or pose - or the picture would be blurred.
Our youngest son actually thought for a while that people lived in a black and white world - that there were no colors, because all pictures from that time era are in black and white or sepia colors.

A Piece of my History

2010-08-30T19:25:00.005-04:00

Living across the ocean from where my history is sometimes difficult. I sometimes long to see the places where my ancestors lived, made their home, the churches where they were married, had their children baptized and buried their dead. It is so much more than just names and dates, to actually walk where they walked and see what they saw.
Because of the internet searching for your ancestors has become much easier - especially sharing and using the information that others have already done.
I too have all of my family tree online as well -
Today I received an e-mail from Hendrik Heerschop from Tjalhuizum in Friesland. He happened to come upon my family tree and found some names that were familiar to him. He had worked on the restoration of a gravestone of one of my ancestors, and wondered if I would like some pictures of it.

Here they are:

Thank you very much Hendrik Heerschop

A Visit to Pier 21

2009-07-21T21:23:00.000-04:00

We recently traveled to Halifax, Nova Scotia and visited Pier 21 - Canada"s Immigration Museum.
Between 1928 and 1971 1.5 million immigrants - war brides, displaced people, evacuee children and Canadian military personnel who passed through Pier 21 , among them my father in law on his first visit to Canada in the early 50's.
For those that consider visiting pier 21, I would highly suggest the guided tour. It is very informative and it takes you through all the stages that the immigrants to Canada would have gone through. Don't forget to take in the movie - it is very well done and it portrays all the different immigrant groups that came through this immigration port. If You have ancestors or family members that came to Canada via Pier 21 you might want to do some research at the Scotiabank Research Centre. Additional information on topics of migration, nautical history, waves of immigration to Canada, ethnic groups and genealogy can be found. Now a thriving and growing collection, the centre first opened with a handful of donated books and a few stories, artifacts and pictures. Since 1999 they have been collecting books, immigration and WWII stories, photographs, immigration-related documentation, ship memorabilia and oral history interviews.
The Passport (which needs to be stamped at different stations in the museum) is a great activity for the kids. Just make sure that they take part in the tour and watch the movie first. That way they will not just be focused on getting the stamps.
To me the giftshop was somewhat disappointing. I was hoping to find some genealogy charts, genealogy books, and family history kits for kids to encourage the next generation to find out about their history and their ancestors. It was just another Maritime gift shop - which included books about Anne of Green Gables and Anne memorabilia (which is really great - I love the books - but here on Prince Edward Island we certainly get enough of that already
But all in all Pier 21 was well worth the visit.

I did contact Pier 21 regarding the gift shop. This is the message I received back from them, which made a lot of sense to me.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Good Morning Ms. Niewhof,

Your message regarding your visit to Pier 21 has been forwarded to me. As Manager of the Pier 21 Museum Gift Shop I am sorry you were disappointed in what you found here. Our Gift Shop has two mandates – one is to represent products from the many countries who have contributed immigrants to Canada. As such, at any given time we have products from up to 40 countries from around the world. Though we have limited space, we also have a varied book selection which includes a series called People of the Maritimes, which includes approximately 10 different books outlining the immigrant experience of people from countries including the UK, France, Germany, Holland, Italy, etc. We also carry a number of books specific to searching genealogy from a variety of countries (example: Searching your Scottish roots). We stock such books as they are brought to our attention – they are not always easy to find. We carry three full book shelves of assorted books related to the topic of Canadian immigration and the immigrant experience. We also carry approximately 15 products which are specifically “branded” with the Pier 21 logo, as requested by our museum visitors.
Our second mandate is to raise funds for the continued operation and growth of the Pier 21 Museum. As such, we do carry a wide variety of “souvenir” products which are requested by our customers – both museum guests and tourists, including the 200,000 cruise passengers who land on our doorstep each year.
We continue to strive to improve our product selection, and appreciate you taking the time to let us know how you feel we could improve our Gift Shop.

Thank you for your interest,
Mary E. Stewart

Graftombe

2009-07-21T21:04:00.003-04:00

When I became infected with the genealogy bug, it was somewhat disheartening to research my roots from across the ocean. I did realize quickly, that there were a lot of resources available on the internet.
I would have loved to visit the cemeteries and take pictures of the final resting places of my ancestors, but that was impossible ( maybe someday). Than one day I came across the website of Graftombe
Graftombe's goal is to make as many cemeteries and graveyards in the North of the Netherlands digitally available to genealogists and others interested as possible.
To achieve this goal various volunteers have been (and are) busy indexing and photographing cemeteries and graveyards in the provinces of Groningen, Friesland and Drenthe.
To take advantage of this service you have to sign up for the forum first, which is just a formality, but it also gives you access to a lot of other websites.
Once on the site, you can either search by province and by cemetery.
If you do not have that information you can go to search (zoeken ) and fill in the form with the name you are looking for.
Once you found the name you were looking for, check the box in front of the name and click (plaats geselecteerde foto's in het opvraag mandje - place selected photos in the basket).
You can proceed to add more names, and once you are done click on Fotomandje at the top of the page and check out (no payment required)
In the next few days you find a photograph of the gravestone you are looking for.
This was a great service to me, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the volunteers who give of their time to make this service possible.
Click HERE to visit Graftombe.
Let me know, if you need any help.

2009-04-09T17:54:00.002-04:00

Heritage is Part of You

2008-11-01T11:52:00.012-04:00

I was recently talking to my sister who lives in Germany. They had just returned from a visit to Israel. She was telling me about the places and landmarks that had made the biggest impression on her. She described to me the The Church of the Pater Noster - (translated from Latin it means "Our Father")It stands on the traditional site in Jerusalem where Jesus taught his disciples how to pray. Constantine built a church over a cave here in 4th century, and this has been partially reconstructed. Plaques in the cloister bear the Lord's Prayer in 62 different languages (the history behind it may be questionable)
My sister told me, as she was walking through this church the came upon The lord's Prayer in English, German and Dutch. But what made the greatest impact on her, was when she found the Lord's Prayer in Friesian (Frisian, Frison), our mother tongue. She said:"As I stood there, reading these precious words in the language I grew up with, I was overcome with the feeling of a deep homesickness, a nostalgic feeling and I started to cry right there". Even though we always spoke Frisian when we grew up, my father always said the Lord's prayer in Dutch.
I guess our roots run deeper than we think, our heritage is part of us and defines who we are.

Jesus taught us all how to pray, and what a great comfort it is, to know that He understands every language.
Click HERE to hear some the Frisian language, as well as the Lord's prayer spoken in the Frisian and the Dutch language.

Leaving it Behind

2008-03-24T15:13:00.005-04:00

Arrival Of Immigrants - Ellis Island 1906
Depicts scenes at the Immigration Depot and a nearby dock on Ellis Island.

This is the scene of thousands of Europeans immigrating into America at Ellis Island in 1906. All these people left behind their home, their country and often family.
In those days that was quite a big step, a time when there were no phones, no e-mail, no air travel. Once you left, you left for good, leaving everything - with the hope for a better future.
What really struck me, when I was watching this short video clip, is the size suitcase or bag everyone was carrying.
One small suitcase, or a little bundle with all of their belongings.
I was thinking about myself, if I had to travel like that, leave everything behind, what would I take.
If I look at all our stuff, our overabundance of material wealth and things we claim ownership to, how hard would it be to leave all that behind.
"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:21

So the question is, if you had just that one little suitcase, what would you take ?

Finding Treasures on the World Wide Web

2008-03-16T11:52:00.010-04:00

While doing research on the branches of my family tree, sometimes I come across a little bit of
"treasure". Not a real treasure, but some interesting information or sometimes even a picture.
Recently I was doing some searching on a Klaas Jansen Heixan (my mothers great - great- great - great - great -great grandfather) and came upon the following
This particular branch of the family tree were Silversmiths.
Klaas Jansen Heixan was born on August 11, 1678 in Dokkum, Friesland, and like his father also became a silversmith. Every silversmith in those days had his own sign, or seal, to mark his work.
I found his sign, the KH monogram, at
Meestertekens van Friese goud- en zilversmeden, werkzaam in de periode van ca. 1700 tot 1812
(Masterseals from Friesian gold- and silversmiths that were working between 1700 to1812)
Not only did I find his 'signature', a sign that he placed on every piece of silverware he created, I also found a picture of a piece he made.
At the following site,
Botma Genealogy
I found the family crest of a family Botma, at the bottom of a seal, which is part of a pipe stamper and other helpful tools.
The initials G.G.B, are that of the owner. Upon closer inspection you can see the silver mark of the maker.
On this website you can read the following: "Gezien het zilvermerk is het werktuig gemaakt door de Dokkumer Klaas Heixan. Deze stond ingeschreven in het gildeboek van 1704 tot 1738'.

So, to think that one of my ancestors (even though it was long ago), created this piece from silver, somewhere in the 1700's. It is like finding a little piece of my history.
When looking for my ancestors, sometimes I rely on the research some others have done on that same branch.
Just 'google' the name you are looking for and add a bit of information while you are surfing, like;
'Heixan, Klaas ,silversmith '
that is how I found this picture and some more information to help me on my search.
Do not forget to credit the site where you got your information.

Belonging

2008-03-09T14:57:00.003-04:00

No matter how old we are, we all need a sense of belonging, to be a part of something.
We all are branches, belonging to the trunks of our family trees.
However we sometimes feel disconnected from families. A sense of not belonging, of being forgotten.
Most my brothers and sister live far away, so even though we belong to the same branch, the connection is lost and often broken.
We count on our families, because blood is supposed to be thicker than water.
But we find ourselves being let down.
So for those who do not have a family, no connections, rely on those around that care for you the most.
Even though my branches are disconnected, the leaves are flourishing.
I am thankful for my husband and children, who love me no matter what.
And above all, I always remember that my heavenly Father loves me so much, that He was willing to send His one and only Son into this world, to die for my sins.

See, I have written your name on the palms of my hands.

Isaiah 49: 16

(If you look at the large image of our family picture taken Christmas 2007, you will be able to see our family tree in the background)

Finding Ancestors

2007-08-28T23:28:00.000-04:00

Dear Ancestor

Your tombstone stands among the rest
Neglected and alone.
The name and date are chiseled out
On polished, marble stone.
It reaches out to all who care
It is too late to mourn.
You did not know that I exist
You died and I was born.
Yet each of us are cells of you
In flesh, in blood, in bone.
Our blood contracts and beats a pulse
Entirely not our own.
Dear Ancestor, the place you filled
One hundred years ago
Spread out among the ones you left
Who would have loved you so.
I wonder if you lived and loved, I wonder if you knew
That someday I would find this spot,
And come to visit you.

Author Unknown

Our Roots & Our Branches

2007-08-26T17:43:00.000-04:00

I had some fun today, creating this slide show of our Ancestors (actually only from the ones that we have photographs of)
It was actually quite easy, and it was free. After all we are Dutch, and we like free things.
Just upload your pictures from your computer, add some captions and chose from a lot of cool and different effects.
And that's all, if I can do it. so can you.

A Family Portrait

2007-08-25T13:39:00.000-04:00

I am what I am because of

~ My Family ~

Do you ever wonder from whom of your ancestors you

inherited your looks?
Create a 'Family Portrait', and you may just see

some familiar characteristics.

You may find out which side of the family you really look like.

I created the portrait from old photos, just scanned them in the computer and started cropping and resizing them all to the same dimensions. (I used Microsoft Picture Manager,which is part of Microsoft Office)
I then printed them out on photopaper, cut and adhered them to 'My Family Portrait' chart with double sided tape.

A Common Future

2007-07-19T20:30:00.000-04:00

I Can Only Imagine
As I research all my ancestors, I realize how different the lifes of each of my forefathers were.

Life has changed so much through the last centuries, especially the last 50 years.

Just have a look at our clothes ( even though some fashions are back in style ), our homes, the way we spend our time and money, and even the food we eat.

To think, that with all our differences, we will all have the same future. For all those who believed in the saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ there is a place called Heaven, where Jesus Himself is preparing a place for those who put their trust in Him.

A beautiful place, that we can only imagine.
The lyrics from the song :"I can only imagine", by Mercy Me really speak to me about life in heaven.

I can only imagine
What it will be like when I walk
By Your side
I can only imagine
What my eyes will see
When Your face
Is before me
I can only imagine
{Chorus}:

Surrounded by Your glory, what will my heart feel
Will I dance for You Jesus or in awe of You be still
Will I stand in Your presence or to my knees will I fall
Will I sing hallelujah, will I be able to speak at all
I can only imagine

I can only imagine
When that day comes
And I find myself
Standing in the Son
I can only imagine
When all I will do
Is forever
Forever worship You
I can only imagine

As I look at the video here, I see before me all the portraits of my ancestors and forebearers, an endless gallery of real people, that I hope to meet someday.

What Are We Leaving Behind

2007-04-09T10:41:00.000-04:00

Today I was listening again to this song by Randy Travis.
As always it really makes me think about what we leave
behind. Often we are so concerned about our material
possessions, that we forget about the more important thing - eternity.
What are we passing on to our children and future
generations, to our neighbors and all the people that God places in our lives.

Three Wooden Crosses

A farmer and a teacher, a hooker and a preacher,

Ridin' on a midnight bus bound for Mexico.

One's headed for vacation, one for higher education,

An' two of them were searchin' for lost souls.

That driver never ever saw the stop sign.

An' eighteen wheelers can't stop on a dime.

.
There are three wooden crosses on the right side of the highway,

Why there's not four of them, Heaven only knows.

I guess it's not what you take when you leave this world behind you,

It's what you leave behind you when you go.
.
That farmer left a harvest, a home and eighty acres,

The faith an' love for growin' things in his young son's heart.

An' that teacher left her wisdom in the minds of lots of children:

Did her best to give 'em all a better start.

An' that preacher whispered: "Can't you see the Promised Land?"

As he laid his blood-stained bible in that hooker's hand.

There are three wooden crosses on the right side of the highway,

Why there's not four of them, Heaven only knows.

I guess it's not what you take when you leave this world behind you,

It's what you leave behind you when you go.

That's the story that our preacher told last Sunday.

As he held that blood-stained bible up,For all of us to see.

He said: "Bless the farmer, and the teacher, an' the preacher;"

Who gave this Bible to my mamma,

"Who read it to me."

There are three wooden crosses on the right side of the highway,

Why there's not four of them, now I guess we know.

It's not what you take when you leave this world behind you,

It's what you leave behind you when you go.

There are three wooden crosses on the right side of the highway.

.
Artist/Band: Travis Randy
Lyrics for Song: Three Wooden Crosses
Lyrics for Album: Rise and Shine

What are we leaving behind?

A Legacy of Faith

2007-04-07T12:37:00.000-04:00

As we celebrate this Easter Season, it is a time to reflect and

meditate on the fact that God loves each one of us.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3: 16

I often wonder how my ancestors celebrated Easter, I do know, that it was not commercialized as it is today. Was

their faith real, just traditions and religion? I also know that all my ancestors were churchgoing people, and were involved in the life of their churches. Yet I do not remember anyone

speaking of a personal faith, what iy meant to them personally that Jesus died for them.

I always wondered when I was young, if I was good enough to go to heaven.

I was not until I was in my twenties when I realized that I will never be good enough, but thanks be to God, that through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, I am saved through His Blood.

We as parents and granparents have the job to pass on that Legacy of Faith.

“Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to you children and to their children after them.” Deuteronomy 4:9

Our Roots are still Friesian

2007-04-01T09:55:00.000-04:00

Our Roots are in Friesland -
Our Branches grow in Canada and US

Our ancestors all originate from one small
province in the Netherlands, called Friesland.
As far back as we can go, we are both of pure
'Friesian stock'. We , my husband and I both
moved to Canada in our teenage years, and
we met here on Prince Edward Island,
in church ( what a good place to meet)
So all our roots are in Friesland, and our branches are spreading out, here in Canada and also into the United States. Our children are all Canadians ( well actually Friesian Canadians),
and our first grandchild, which is expected D.V.
in September of this year will be a US citizen,
(actually US- Friesian- Canadian). So much for 'pure Friesian Stock'.

Looking Back

2007-03-10T21:01:00.000-04:00

My name is Elisabeth Nieuwhof. I have been researching our family history for a while now and for a long time I wanted to put all my research on a website. I regret that I did not have an interest in genealogy earlier in my life. About 25 years ago when we were married all 4 of my grandparents and 2 of my husband’s grandparents were still alive. So were all of our parents. Within only a few years all the grandparents are gone, and so are 3 of our parents. Now in our mid-forties, we are the oldest generation. I am sorry for all the opportunities that we missed to find out, and record all the stories of how life used to be; what their lives were like; what was important to them and so many more questions I would want to ask them. So a few years back I started working on our genealogy. Since then I have spent many and many hours researching my family tree, and that of my husband.(It can be rather addicting) It is astounding how much information is available on the Internet. I want to encourage those that are interested in researching their family heritage and ancestors and pass all that knowledge on to the next generation, to start now, before it is too late.
Visit Our new store at:
http://www.howtofindyourroots.com