The following pictures are from a DDR Museum we were able to tour. We were taken back to this time frame, and brought again to the reality of the hardships, pain, and loss of lives during this era. We have a sister in our gemeinde who thinks it was a better time than now! Her thoughts are around the financial hardship of today, where you need to fend for yourself. It seems she would rather be given everything, and let the government control it all. But she is not Jewish and didn't have to fight or hide just to stay alive.

This map is part of the Eastern sector. Nordhausen is just off to the right of the middle of this map where you see a large brown spot. This museum is near where the dark line is (or the past wall) at the top of this map, and extends to the left.

As I signed the guest registry my thoughts were: "Now my name will always be in Germany. I will remember the heartache and the stories of the past. The people who endured this time period here need to be remembered. It also reminds me of how much work there is yet to done in mending hearts, so they will trust once again. The people here are still living on the wings of that war.

This represents the

Grocery/supply store and some of the items they could buy during the DDR. Many of the items where of high quality, but few and far between. The saying goes: "If you see it, and need it, then buy it." That is mainly because it probably would not be re-stocked.

Deutsche Polizei:

...a section of the Deutsche Police. This sign states that this person is the one who is in authority at that section.

Elder Mason got into the act by using a Polizei phone.
We should have dressed him in a Nazi hat and mustache. He makes a better missionary than policeman.

These are some bunkers, and the East-West
wall is just beyond them.

This shows a small workshop behind a home where they would hide food. Sometimes Jewish people would also hide here to escape the inevitable death camps.

This Postal bike, and uniform look very olden
in comparison to the U.S. Postal in the USA.
Today they still use bikes for the mail delivery,
the uniforms have changed.

Living room and kitchen during DDR. Interestingly this living room looks much like they still do today. Don't you love the vacuum hanging on the wall.

They tie colored Easter eggs to the trees using blown out eggs and string. It's a great little activity for the kinder to do, and shows off their talent. These young men however, are not kinder, (children) but they are "our sons" of the Nordhausen Warriors. Elder Mason, and Elder Van den Berghe.

Our newest addition to the branch. Jonathan is one week old. Nein, this is not mine. Evelyn however is doing well, and we can hardly wait for her baptism, and a forever family tied together. They have two other adorable little girls.

We have a wonderful Zone. The sister by me and the sister on the front far left are REALLY sisters. These Elders would be crazy not to look just a "little bit" at the other 4 wonderful sister missionaries as well. Certainly for "future" reference. They are truly "daughters of God."