There are no family photographs, only memories. Memories of a five-year old imprisoned by Japanese soldiers. Memories of love, courage and most of all hope. Hope that there was a God who would walk through the valley of death, known as WWII, with her. And He did.

Thursday, July 26, 2007

Old Enough To Work

We have lived inside the factory for more than a week now. I know it must smell bad, but I just can't tell anymore. People are constantly coughing, sobbing, and some of them don't move at all. Sister is writing down the dates in her school book so we won't forget what day it is. She is so smart. She winks at me to let me know that everything will be all right soon. I pray to the Lord that the soldiers don't even look at her. We have to keep her safe.

Today, we found out that we are prisoners of both Japanese and Indonesian soldiers. They must be working together which is very confusing. Mammie says to pray for our president, Sukarno ,because he doesn't seem to be on our side. I really don't understand, but I will pray for him.

Greta was taken away later this day. She told me not to worry. The soldiers said that she was old enough to work. She will work in the kitchen. "Dear Jesus, keep her from all harm. Send your Angels to protect her and surround her every minute of every day that we are here."

Oh no, I have to go now. There is a young girl being dragged away. I have to find my Mammie and my brothers. Soon I will write again and hopefully with good news. Pray for that little girl. Her name is Becca.

20 comments:

Sharon Lynne said...

Your story is so interesting. I'm so glad you are sharing it!

In my opinion, it has strong potential as a book.

The Gatekeeper said...

Thanks, my friend.

Anonymous said...

I love this blog! Please keep it up. I know it must take time out of your many other activities (which surely pay better!), but there is great value in telling this story, especially while your mom is still alive to fill in the blanks. Thanks for honoring her this way.

The Gatekeeper said...

Thank you, Jane. Yes, I know it's important. And I can't begin to tell you how much quality time I have spent with my mom. I hope you visit again.

Rosemary said...

I agree 100%! This is VERY important, and would certainly make a good book. I'm pulled into all your lives every time I read a new post.

The Gatekeeper said...

Thanks, DB. I sure hope I can do my mother's story justice. Thanks for the encouragements.

Llama Momma said...

I have to chime in and agree -- this would make a fantastic book. I'm mesmerized by your Mother's story. ( I came over from seedlings...)

The Gatekeeper said...

Wow! Double thanks llama momma.

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L.L. Barkat said...

A remarkable story, yes.

The Gatekeeper said...

Thanks, L.L. It's a treat for me to write about this remarkable woman (my mom). Thanks for stopping by.

Anji said...

Thank you for sharing your mom's story.

Unknown said...

Always an engrossing story. I'm always anxious for the next installment!

The Gatekeeper said...

Thanks anji and jillbeth. The next installment is coming soon. I have to get a few facts straight. Again, thank you for the encouragement.

Willow said...

I found your blog via Yahweh's Retreat and California Breeze. I am glad you are writing these memoirs with your mother and sharing them. They are especially moving for me because I lived in Indonesia during the 1980s (in Bandung for one year and Irian Jaya the rest of the time) and visited Jogjakarta and Bali. And I speak and understand bahasa indonesia. Salam dalam Yesus, Ibu Willow

The Gatekeeper said...

Hi Willow, thanks for dropping by. My dad was born in Jogjakarta. His family had acres and acres of land. I'm trying to get some stories from him too. Oh, btw, maybe you can teach me a little Indonesian, mine's pretty rusty. Blessings, my friend and I hope you come back.

Willow said...

I would be happy to teach you some Indonesian--you probably would recall most of it if you used the language frequently. Does your ibu remember her bahasa Indonesia? I still have one copy of our language learning book that has conversations to memorize and then use to increase other vocabulary.

The Gatekeeper said...

Ibu saja sudah tua. lol. That's the extent of my Indonesian. And she's not really old, but she is feisty still.

Rosemary said...

OK, gatekeeper, I've waited long enough! I'm way ready for the next installment. LOL

The Gatekeeper said...

Okay, DB, you're right. I have a ton of excuses though. I know, never mind.