Grieving with Poland

Posted April 10th, 2010 by Jen in history, politics/world news

I’ve been emailing back and forth today with a friend in Poland. I’m hosting a young Polish girl this summer, the student of my friend who teaches English there. We went over the details of Julia’s itinerary and plans for her stay in the U.S.

Of course, we talked about the tragic plane crash today that killed the President of Poland, along with 96 other Polish political leaders and citizens. My friend emailed me:

“The plane crash is tragic for Poland–so many ‘officials’ lost at one time. Politically, it will have an impact because the presidential election is this year and some of the main opponents to the prime minister’s party were on board the plane–it looks like the party has lost any chance of competing in the election now–what a shame so many people were killed in the same place where 20,000 Polish soldiers were murdered 70 years ago.”

Please offer some prayers for our brothers and sisters in Poland. I was reminded this morning of reason #99 to host a foreign exchange student: as we connect with people around the globe, our capacity for understanding and love expands. I was riveted by the news of the devastating loss even more so because I feel a personal connection to at least two people in Poland.

God’s blessings on Poland. It is a very special place. The reform movement that began the dismantling of communism in east central Europe began in Poland. We have the Poles to thank in large part for the fall of the Berlin Wall. I pray that the new leaders of this significant nation will be bold freedom seekers and lovers of liberty.

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6 Responses

  1. Jen April 11th, 2010 at 8:59 am

    As I reflect on this today, I am realizing the gravity of this situation even more. It is so unthinkable on a raw personal level for the Polish people and the families directly at a loss. The only daughter of the president and his wife has lost both her parents. The twin brother of the president. The ailing mother of the president, now hospitalized. And hundreds of other stories of suffering. I’m thinking too how vulnerable the entire nation must feel. We can only pray for God to give his peace that passes all understanding, and for time to heal these deep wounds.

  2. e-Mom April 11th, 2010 at 12:35 pm

    Poland has suffered much… we were sad to learn of this tragic plane crash. I collected stamps as a girl, and Poland was my focus country… as a country it has a special place in my heart! :~D

  3. e-Mom April 11th, 2010 at 12:36 pm

    P.S. We hosted Japanese exchange students in our home for 3 years… a valuable learning experience for everyone. :~D

  4. halfmoon girl April 12th, 2010 at 12:38 pm

    It is very tragic. My understanding is the it has also brought back a lot of the horror of what happened many years ago in the area- so difficult on so many levels for the Polish people.

  5. Jen April 12th, 2010 at 4:21 pm

    e-Mom, I always wanted a stamp collection. Do you still have yours? I wonder what made you choose Poland as a child? Very neat comment. Also, do you still keep up with your Japanese students?

    halfmoon girl, thanks for checking in. Yes, difficult on many levels. If ever there was a reason to be superstitious, this would be it.

  6. Dana April 14th, 2010 at 9:50 am

    Hosting exchange students is a wonderful thing! And wow…that is devastating to Poland.

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