OUR TRIP TO LITHUANIA

We flew out of Yekaterinberg to Moscow four days after our arrival and headed to Vilnius Lithuania. After our arrival at the airport, a bus picked us up, along with several other missionary couples heading for the same CES conference in Kanaus. It was about an hours drive to get to the city of Kanaus and we passed Rumsiskes like this one above. The countryside was beautiful and a lush green --forests and rolling hills. We got to know many of these seniors over the course of a few days and were grateful for their enthusiasm and wisdom-- we were the 'greenies', with only 4 days under our belts.

Kanaus is the second largest city in Lithuania and was a former temporary capital. Between the world wars industry prospered in Kanaus and at one time it was the largest city in Lithuania. During the inter-war period, Kanaus had a Jewish population of 35,000-40,000, about one forth of the citys total population. Jews were concentrated in the citys commerical, artisian, and professional sectors. ( a little history lesson)

There are two large rivers that run through the town and merge. They are called the Nemienas and the Neres.

Ron holds on the the railing because he is afraid he might fall in.

We know nothing about this church, except I got the name off the internet -- Vytautas church.

On our lunch breaks, we journeyed out and walked around the town. Here Rone stops in the shade of a watch tower.

This is Hotel Daugirdas -- I know it looks lovely, and it was, but we really did spend the better parts of three days in class. The first night we were so tired and class lasted so long that neither of us could hardly stay awake. We were still reeling from jet lag (12 hour difference from home) and then a three hour difference between Yekaterinburg and Kanaus.

Looking up from the lobby of the first floor where we sent many emails while were were staying here

We had delicious meals in this lovely little dining hall. Breakfasts were the best -- a buffet with a large choice of whatever you might like (with the exception of many fish items that I would'nt even try).

This was a former Presidential home/palace.

Ron and took walks around town whenever we had the opportunity, but we really didn't have any information about the buildings. It was a quaint, little town filled with much history.

This beautiful church stands in the city center, surrounded by a large cobblestone square. They don't hold services here, only weddings

We took a walk early one morning and found the town quiet -- in the afternoon and evening it is filled with busy tourists and cars crowded together in the narrow streets.

The CES Director for this part of the world, Henry Kosak rented a bus for us, so we traveled comfortably. Away we go into the country.

This is a picture of the church I shot earlier, called the Vytautas church - shot from across the river and in a moving bus. Pretty good, huh?

It was a beautiful day -- and nice to get away from the classroom and breathe some fresh air.

In June of 1940 the Soviet Union occupied the city and a series of arrests, confiscations, and the elimination of all free institutions began. Soviet authorities confiscated the property of many Jews, while hundreds were exiled to Siberia. Germany invaded the town in June 1941 and Soviet forces fled. The anti-communist German organized insurgents began to attack the Jewish people blaming them for Soviet repressions. Of the 37,000 Jews in Kaunas only 3,000 survived the war.

One of the death camps where the Jewish people and others were exterminated. We took a tour, but came away feeling very sad.

This is a picture of the massive memorial they built to the holocaust victims. A beautiful memorial to a horrific part of history. I came away feeling very greatful for my heritage.

I hope you can see how impressive this massive memorial is.

After our return to the city we shared a good meal and held a testamony meeting on the top of our hotel. They even had an ice cream birthday cake and sang 'Happy Birthday to me. It was very memorable.

And so we say goodbye to Kanaus, and all the lovely people we met. But we will have many fond memories of an enjoyable trip to a beautiful county.