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A description of the story
of the unsuccessful emigration attempt was
written by P.J. Wierstra, a native Marrumer, who taught theology in
Amsterdam,
in his booklet "Home for Christmas" (published by Amsterdam D.B.
Centen,
1919).
A married couple, a house
and a problem.
"What do think, husband?"
"I don't know".
"What do you think, wife? "
"I don't know either"
And we, that read this,
know even less. We haven't a clue as to what
the conversation is about. But the man and woman know very well what
they
are talking about. Every single day, for weeks on end, they converse
about
the same subject. But I'm getting ahead of myself. First I should tell
everyone where we are and who we are speaking of.
The man is Foeke Regnera, the woman is Grietje Vlug. They
have been
married for twenty-one years, have eight children, an old-fashioned
large
family. Peace reigns in this household, they say that you're much
better
off having ten peace-loving people in a small area than two in a castle
arguing all the time.
Regnera is a farmhand,
has been that all his life, well most of his
life, not counting the few years he spent going to school. He was a
tall
man, very healthy and being outdoors all the time gave him a
healthy
tanned face which made him look younger than a man nearing his fiftieth
birthday. His hair and beard were still black, not a hint of gray.
Working
outdoors in God's fresh air did not age the skin as much as modern
people
think. Another contributing factor to Foeke's youthful appearance was
that
he was content, even tempered, not a great talker and friendly to
everyone.
That, in a nutshell, is Foeke. People in the small town say Foeke
is
a "well balanced character", that's what they called people that are
true
to themselves. Without complaining, Foeke worked hard for farmer
Oostenga for many years.
Foeke's wife, Grietje Vlug (Vlug means quick, fast) lives up
to
her name. In every way she was quick. She takes care of her large
family,
manages them with a swift mind and sure hand . She hadn't learned much
growing up, but these two assets and a healthy attitude to life gave
her
the ability to correctly assess people and respect them. She is also
very
adamant in her daily routine. Maybe she can't correctly describe what
humour
is, but saying humorous things comes naturally to her. Her children are
crazy about her.
Seven of them are still
at home, the eldest, now nineteen, is serving
his term in the army. The second son works for the same farmer as his
father.
The eldest girl in the family, helps mother at home as soon as she is
old
enough to leave school. As soon as the second daughter is old enough
she
will help mum and the older girl will leave home to serve as a maid for
one of the richer farmer's wives. What the rest of the children -they
came
in sets of two boys, two girls- would do later in life was not yet a
concern,
they are still in school and will be for a few years. The
youngest
pair ( five and three) are still too young for school.
Okay, now we know who and
what we're talking about.
Now let me tell you where this takes place. Foeke and
Grietje's
home is in the northern part of the Netherlands, in the province of
Friesland,
about three hours from Leeuwarden (then, it's about half and hour
nowadays).
Now there is a preventive wall built around the sea perimeter of
Friesland,
but before 1600 there were no barriers to keep out the sea water during
the heavy storms the North sea could produce. Especially the north or
westerly
storms would reek havoc in the little towns and people would flee to
the
"terpen"and "wieren" The Spaniard Caspar de Robles gave the Frisians
the
"Golden Hoop". The dike to Harlingen boasts the only statue of a
Spanish
person in the Netherlands and is called "The Stone Man", a memorial to
the man who delivered tons of gold to Friesland and thereby avoided a
lot
of pain and suffering for the locals. Many family names are derived
from
these plateau names, think of Terpstra, Wierstra etc.
The tiny Regnera house stands against the dike, safe from
water
and wind. It's a very plain little home, with only one small window in
the dike side wall to let in some light, but there is no view anyway,
one
side is the dike and the other is a wall. The one advantage is that
this
little home will remain standing if the water does break the dike.
Across
from the back wall is a wall with two windows in the one room the
cottage
has. The room includes two "bedsteden" (enclosed beds built into the
wall)
and a closet. Not very large nor high. If one stood up straight, one
could
easily touch the ceiling. Between the windows is the hearth (fireplace)
with a cauldron. The fire burned constantly, except in the summer
months
when it would be moved to the outhouse behind the back wall.
In the outhouse (a work and storage place) is a ladder
to
reach the attic. The attic is used to store peat, hay, potatoes, old
tools
and whatever else needed to be kept. A small sheltered corner
would
serve as a bed for one of the children, Beside the house they built a
lean-to
to store various fruits and vegetables and to house the livestock .
Regnera's
entire herd was a few sheep, a few goats and one pig that was kept for
the sole purpose of having a meat supply for the coming winter. Their
dream
of owning their own cow was still only a dream.
Now you can picture the
situation the family lived in and you're
probably thinking that it really wasn't much to write home about and
you're
right. The closest neighbors live about a ten minute walk from them.
Days
would pass by without seeing another human being besides their own
family
because not too many people walked by the house especially during
the fall and winter. City folks would have a tough time and
wouldn't
last too long in such an isolated spot. They would get bored very
quickly. But the dike dwellers are different. They love the dike, their
livestock and the isolation so much that they would not be willing to
trade
this for any place in a city or town.
The Regnera's are really attached to their little home. Not
only
because their lives flow gently and they earn a modest living, they
enjoy
a luxury in the spring and especially in the summer that city folks
will
seldom or never see. Whoever sits inside the little room or sits
outdoors
will witness the most beautiful scenery there is. The shiny cattle in
the
meadow, a mixture of colorful wild flowers and grasses, the rapeseed,
pastel
and white flax flowers, the corn fields and so much more to enjoy. A
site
that one cannot get enough of. As usual, people who see this daily are
not too impressed with it anymore. It is however true, that being so
close
to nature is much better for the soul than all the hustle and bustle
that
factories in the city produce. Even the heavens at night proclaim the
wonders
of nature and their Maker. In the country God is great, but the cities
are trying to make man great and God small.
The Regnera's are
content, at least they have been up 'til now. Whatever
happened outside their little circle didn't concern them at all. But,
suddenly,
one afternoon a strange gentleman came calling. He was Mr. Lagendijk.
Mother
Grietje was startled by the appearance of this well-mannered person. He
introduced himself as an agent for a large company whose goal was to
get
farmers interested in developing land in South America, mostly
Argentina.
He was interested in getting farmers and carpenters to emigrate. The
reason
he wanted to see the Regnera's was that they were indeed a large
family,
with boys who were capable of hard work. Joining the company would make
them prosperous and the company would pay the sea fare and give them
land
to work on, land which at a later date would have to be reimbursed.
Even
a simple farmhand could become a farm owner and South America would
soon
become a second home to them, as much as North America was to many
Dutch
and Frisian settlers. This was an offer that really was too good to
refuse
and all one needed was courage and the ability to take this chance. The
Regnera's had that for sure. Mr. Lagendijk, in good character, did not
make things seem better than they really were, all he did was repeat
what
others had told him. He, too, had never been in Argentina. He therefore
did not expect Regnera to answer him immediately, that would have been
unfair. The family Regnera should discuss this with each other and the
rest of the extended family. Mr. Lagendijk gave them two weeks to think
this through and then he would be back for an answer.
When Lagendijk left Foeke
en Grietje sat and stared at each other
in silence. Finally Grietje broke that silence by saying, "Now we are
like
the children of Israel who dreamt that they may be allowed to return to
their homeland, and we have been made a offer to go to a new country.
Gerrit
(second son) said: "The guy sure could talk". Father answers: "That's
his
job and he has plenty of experience". Gerrit replies: "If what he says
is true, it might be worth thinking seriously about this". Father says:
"We have lots of time and we had better get some more information about
this to find out if it's all that Lagendijk claims it is. I don't even
know where that country is". Mother didn't think that that was too
important
and said that if you follow a trail you don't always know where it
ends.
But we're acting like we have to leave tomorrow, but we haven't decided
anything at all. There might be savages or wild animals and no one but
Bouke know how to uses a rifle and he's staying behind to finish his
stint
in the army! Another question we have to ask is how the climate is. For
the time being there is no better country in the world than Friesland,
we have a good life here. Why should we leave?
Much debating, but one
decision.
"What do think, husband?"
"I don't know".
"What do you think, wife?"
"I don't know either"
And we who read
this, know even less what went on in their
minds. But we know one thing for sure what this story is all about.
Whether
to go to Argentina or not is the important question which keeps the
Regnera
family busy day in and day out. There is not much time left for
debating
because as promised, 2 weeks after his first visit Lagendijk was back
to
see what their decision was. A load of questions were fired at him and
to their satisfaction he answered all of them. No, their decision
to emigrate to this new land could not be made easily, but the
questions
that were answered by the agent were quite positive. Lagendijk felt the
tension in the Regnera's home and tried his utmost to convince them to
put their signature on the contract. But they did not want to do this
as
yet. They knew what the consequences would be if they did sign the
contract,
and asked how long they could postpone the signing. Lagendijk realized
that he could not persuade them at this time and gave them another
seven
days to make up their minds. This was the limit and a decision
would
have to be made soon.
Everything seemed so
lucrative, but what if everything was too good
to be true. "Just imagine", Grietje said "you a farmer and me a
farmer's
wife with our own farm without having to pay one cent for it". How was
this possible. The other question is, is it the Lord's will? It says in
the scriptures that everyone should keep doing his own trade in which
he
was placed in .But I guess we will be doing this but then in
another
country and on a larger scale. The apostle Peter has instructed that we
should not reach for higher goals but we should stay humble. But I
suppose
a person can try to better himself, as far as humbleness goes a
poor
person can serve the Lord just as well as a rich person. And we must
not
forget that this opportunity was handed to us from above. Also this
could
interpreted as a sign from above, because the Lord works in mysteries
ways.
Whoever wants to become rich will most likely stumble, but if this is
not
our goal everything will work out well.
"I believe, Grietje, that you are quite positive about this
emigration.
But as for me I am quite reluctant to make this long and dangerous
journey.
If we decide to do this we will have to do this journey in the winter
and
it could be a very difficult one" said Foeke.
"No, Foeke, if you think that if this is what I want to do
you are
quite wrong. You know that I have a large family here and I would have
to leave my father and mother and my kin behind and I would
probably
miss them very much. But I also realize that there is probably
more
of a future for our children there then there is here" said Grietje.
"The
salaries that are paid here are very little" said Gerrit who thought it
was about time that he had his say seeing that his mother was talking
about
the future of the children. "I have known the salaries to be lower then
they are today and still we managed, if the salaries become higher the
cost of living will just go up and things will even out the same
as they are now" said Foeke.
"But father" said Reinder "I would rather be a farmer in
South America
than a farm hand in Friesland". "Yes son you might be right but I have
lived in this area my whole life and I am very attached to this area
and
our little house". Reinder interrupted the conversation by saying "I
don't
really care for all these things here, I'll be happy where ever I can
make
a decent living". "We'll just have to see first whether we can make a
decent
living in Argentina, there is no question about it that we
all have to work hard and seeing that we have our own farm we will be
working
twenty-four hours a day" said Foeke. "We'll just have to hire Spanish
farm
hands, I have been told that they live there" said Gerrit. "But
Spaniards
are lazy and we'll just wind up doing the work ourselves" said Grietje.
"If that huge ocean wasn't between the two countries I wouldn't
hesitate
to go, then a least we could easily go back if we wanted to" said
Foeke.
"If you have the money" said Grietje. " We'll probably become very rich
there and in a few years we can come back for a trip as big farmers,
and
everyone will look up to us" said Gerrit enthusiastically. At these
comments
everyone started to laugh even the little Beitske on mothers lap
started
to cheer as though she understood what everyone was talking about.
In the town of Marrum in
front of the black smith's place there was
a small square which is called "the Beurs" which means exchange, this
is
a popular gathering place in the town, here politics, religion and any
other news passes the review. Especially the local news is discussed
here.
The emigration plans of the Regnera family are of course the topic of
the
day.
"Do you think Foeke and Grietje will emigrate to South
America?"
asked Folkert Treklof, the man who's name can be spelled from front to
back or visa versa and still is the same.
"I don't think they are that stupid" commented Big Pieter.
"Do you think it is stupid? This is quite a lucrative
proposition
they have been offered" said Siebren Jilderts.
Anne Gosses, the carriage builder agreed with Big Pieter.
"All the
agents are recruiters for large companies and the more people they can
persuade to emigrate the more they make. You shouldn't believe all
these
stories. Once the emigrants are across the ocean the agents
wouldn't
care whether they were content or not. Yes you can travel down there
for
free, but if you wanted to go back you can forget it" said Anne Gosses.
It was quiet for a moment after the carriage builder had spoken because
he was considered to be a wise man, probably because he was a man of
few
words.
"Well Anne, do you really think the companies should give
them a
second pleasure trip" asked Ide de Roo, while he was filling his pipe.
"Would you call a boat trip across the ocean a pleasure
trip?" said
Jan van Dijk jokingly.
"How far is Argentina away from here" asked Meindert Winkel.
There
were a lot of different opinions concerning the length of this trip
some
said it would take up to three months to cross the ocean others said it
could be done in one month. Finally they decided that since they did
not
have a clue about what they were talking about they should ask the
school
principal if anyone should know it he would be the one. "Okay" said
Halma
"Even if the trip is one day I would not consider doing it. Once, when
I was in the army I was at sea for an hour and I was sicker than a dog.
I still shiver at the thought of it ".
Skipper van der Ley said if it was only the trip he would
have no
problem with it. But an uncertain future in a strange land that is
something
else. Foeke would be fifty years old soon and then to move to a
strange
country and live between total strangers and then to start all over
again
that was too big a risk as far as he was concerned .
"And what about the children?" asked Willem van der Zaag.
"Yes" commented van der Ley, for young people there is
probably
a future in America. But you have to be very careful. Money has been
given
to the railroads where no shovel has ever been put in the ground.
"But there probably is lots of land in South America" said
Hendrik
Post. The others agreed with him on that point.
The seven days that Foeke
was given to think things over were nearing
an end.
Everything had been thought over and over and debated for
days and
the finale decision was that they would go. When this finale decision
had
been made the whole family calmed down, everyone thought this was a
good
omen. The busy days that followed made them also forget what had taken
place in the last months, but also brought back many memories.
Furniture
and tools could not be taken along, and since there was no time for a
yard
sale things were given away.
The little house on the sea dike became emptier by the
day
but the hearts of those that still lived there beat faster as the days
passed and the time drew nearer to the departure date. They spent most
of the remaining time among their relatives and close friends.
They
did not look forward to the day that they had to leave, not that they
were
sorry for what they had decided to undertake. On the contrary their
faith
became stronger by the day believing that they had made the right
decision.
Only the journey across the ocean is something that they were not
looking
forward to. En then not to mention the fact that Bauke the oldest son
would
stay behind, this was for everyone, especially Grietje, the hardest
part.
But after Bauke had served his time in the army he would surely join
them.
But this was still a couple of months away, and he would have to make
ocean
trip by himself.
The closer the day came for leaving the more they realized
that
the town people were supporting the Regnera's. This became
especially
true on Sunday 8th of December when the family went to church, this was
the last Sunday they would spend in Friesland. In the coming week they
would leave. The first plans were that they were to leave on a earlier
boot, but this one was overfull and so they had to leave one sailing
later.
The elderly preacher in town had a appropriate sermon and in his
prayers he begged the Lord that he would guide them on their long ocean
journey and their uncertain future in that faraway land. At the end of
the service they sang Psalm 121:
Unto the hills I lift my
eyes.
Whence cometh all my aid
We wonder what went on in
the minds of everyone in this little congregation.
Everyone in the little community felt as one with the Regnera family.
This
was further felt when one by one they came by to say goodbye, many a
hug
was given and many tears were shed in the process.
On the evening of December 13th the family Regnera left the
little
house. The house was as good as empty except for a few odds and ends
and
sounded hollow as they closed the door behind them. Never the less to
say
goodbye was still difficult. They had lived there most of their lives
and
they left a lot of memories behind. Christmas was only another twelve
days
away. Grietje said "Who would have thought that last year was the last
Christmas we celebrated here in Friesland" "That is true" said Foeke
"But
do you realize that this year we will spend Christmas on the big ocean.
I wonder will there be a Christmas and New Year's service on board the
ship?"
The last night was spent
with family, and the next morning it was
time to say goodbye. This was a very difficult time and many tears were
shed. In the eyes of Grietje's parents it was like bringing their
children
to the grave, they realized that they would probably never see their
children
again. Foeke and Grietje were not the first to emigrate in the family,
a few years ago two of their daughters had made the step to cross the
ocean
to emigrate to North America. It seemed that one by one the children
were
leaving. Grietje, having the same sense of humour as her father, said
"Remember
father when I got married you said that the birds had to fly away and
leave
the nest, well now we are flying away a little further that's.all.
"Yeah,
Yeah" said the old man "Joke all you want" But Grietje’s joking
was
in such a manner that before she had finished say her last words she
burst
out in tears, and the handkerchief had to fulfil it's service.
"Children
and grand children" said the old man "God be with you" There was a
little
more hugging and waving and the Regnera's were out of sight.
The trip.
The Regnera's, just like
most people were not accustomed to travelling,
especially in the winter with small children and baggage. Hours on end
they had to travel, the first part of the trip was unbearable. But they
did not have any choice. Right after signing the contract a deadline
was
set, they had to be in Amsterdam by Saturday, because the following day
the Leerdam would depart from Amsterdam. When they arrived in
Leeuwarden
after a two hour journey in horse and buggy on a cobble stone
path,
mother and father Regnera were completely exhausted. Especially Grietje
had a very tough time, the small child she was carrying on her lap
suffered
from motion sickness and so did the two other girls. And then they
still
had to make the train trip from Leeuwarden to Amsterdam. When the
family
arrived in Amsterdam that evening completely exhausted, they were
confronted
with another surprise. They could not board the ship till the next day,
and so they were obligated to find a roof over their heads for
the
night in a strange city and where they did not know anyone. Here they
were,
on the cold streets in Amsterdam and not knowing where to go. What were
they to do? They had never felt so alone between hundreds of people
that
were walking the streets. Grietje thought of the words "Flying away a
little
further from the nest" and tears came to her eyes. Why didn't the agent
tell them about the boarding of the ship? He should have known that
they
could not get off the train and board the ship.
Unexpectedly they were rescued by a police officer who
noticed
the family of nine and understood immediately that something was wrong
here. He was also from out side the city. He directed them to a cheap
hotel
that was close by. Silently they thanked the Lord. However tired they
were
they could not fall asleep The impressions they experienced that
day were too much to cope with. And then all those people on the
streets,
didn't these people ever sleep? At the crack of dawn the Regnera's were
awake, it was dead quiet in the house and now all they had to do was to
wait till the rest of the house awakened. After a simple breakfast and
after having received instructions of how to get to the Ruyterkade they
were sent on their way. After much walking and asking they finally
arrived
where the "Leerdam" was moored. It was nine o'clock in the morning,
normally
at this time they would have been in church in Marrum. But not here,
they
could not believe there eyes when they saw all the people shouting,
running
and shoving, and that on the Lord's day. Lieuwe and Grietje were
in anguish, was this the way to start the Lord's day of rest, could
there
be a blessing on the work they had to do today? But they had no choice
but to go along with all these people. Grietje was disgusted at a
beggar who was trying to sell them something. "How dare you sell things
on the Lord's day? You should be in church" she said. At the same time
she handed him thirty cents, the last money she had. Her hart spoke,
but
also mouth, and this she did in her native tong, Frisian. This was
heard
by other people from Friesland who were to make the same journey
on the Leerdam. People became acquainted with each other and soon a
group
of families had formed together from Friesland. In no time at all they
were so comfortable with each other as though they had know each other
years. One language, the same trip, and the same goal, everyone had the
same common feeling. There were some who thought the same as the
Regnera's
about how the Sunday rest was being disturbed, but they also didn't
have
any choice. Loading, running and shouting carried on for hours and the
line of passengers became longer and longer. And finally the sign was
given
that the Leerdam was to leave.
Everyone who was not crew
or passenger had to leave the ship. The
ropes were thrown loose and they were on their way. On the quay people
waved the last goodbyes, and the Leerdam was on her way through the
North
sea Canal towards IJmuiden. In the evening they arrived in
the last harbour that would take them to the North sea. Soon they were
heading towards open water, but they could not see anything because it
was already dark. But feel they did, luckily there was not much
wind
but the ship still shook and bobbed on the large ocean. Even though the
Regnera's went to their bunks early they had trouble trying to fall
asleep.
The pounding of the engines and the thought of only a thin
layer
of steel between them and the deep ocean was not too comforting.
Eventually around midnight they finally fell asleep. Because of the
commotion
of the day they were so tired that they fell in such a deep sleep that
they did not even notice a shock around two-thirty in the morning.
Minutes
later the alarm was sounded and the first and second class passengers
were
requested to go to the main deck because a small a accident had taken
place.
This small accident which had taken place was a collision with a
English
freighter. The captain of the Leerdam assured that there was no reason
to panic because nothing was wrong. On deck people walked around
to keep warm. Soon everyone realized that there was more wrong then
they
thought at first.
The English crew were jumping onto the Leerdam because the
engine
room of the English freighter was filling up with water so fast that
two
engine room crew members drowned. The collision had locked the two
vessels
together and the Leerdam with all her engines in reverse was trying to
undo the situation. But it was of no use, the two ships were so locked
together, and even though the Leerdam was not damaged too badly, but
that
in this situation both ships would sink. By this time the third class
passengers
were arriving on the main deck. Some half dressed others with
lifejackets
on and others with children in their arms. Everyone young and old, rich
and poor, all were now running to the main deck and were aware of the
predicament
they were in.
Again, this morning
everyone was running and shouting, but this time
in fear and agony. Some were screaming and crying others were quoting
bible
verses and still others were singing psalms. The confusion on the
main deck of the Leerdam was enormous, they all thought they were
a deaths door. And then to think that they were only half a day
at
sea. Light flares were fired in the air in all directions and distress
signals were sent out, but there was no sign of help. Finally the
captain
of the Leerdam gave the command to lower the lifeboats. The Leerdam had
seven lifeboats and the English freighter had two. The captain told the
passengers that there was no reason to panic because everything was
under
control, but he knew better. He gave the command to start evacuating
the
passengers to the lifeboats starting with the third class
passengers.
The panic and confusion was at this time enormous. With a revolver in
his
hand he held the passengers under control. Women and children were to
go
first, and he assured everyone that there was room enough for everyone
in the lifeboats. This strict and resolute attitude on the part
of
the captain did wonders. At this time many people thought that
the
Leerdam would be tugged to a nearby harbour, so that also the freight
and
personal belongings would be saved. But the command was given to also
evacuate
the second and first class passengers to the lifeboats. And when
the captain, the last person on the Leerdam jumped in the lifeboat,
everyone
understood that the Leerdam was a lost cause and would certainly sink.
The nine lifeboats were tied together with ropes so that they would not
drift apart and then tied to the Leerdam. Every lifeboat was supplied
with
bread, water, a little bit of cognac, biscuits and ham. At this time it
was eight o'clock in the morning. It had been an anguishing five hours.
Every once in awhile some crew members were sent back to the Leerdam to
pick up more food supplies and blankets. When going from cabin to
cabin for blankets they came across a Frenchman still fast asleep and
not
aware of what had taken place in the past hours. He had been on deck
but
when he heard the captain said that there was no danger he decided to
go
back to his cabin.. At the last moment he had been saved. At this
moment
450 passengers and crew were safe in the lifeboats. (Another
report
mentioned that 445 people were saved, also the writer was assured by
Grietje
Regnera that two people drowned. A drunk man and a small child hoe
drowned
because it was not caught when dropped in the lifeboat). But no one
knew
what was yet to come, all they could do was wait for help to come. It
was
very crowded and cold in the lifeboats. And because they had left in
such
a hurry most people had not put on or taken enough clothing with them.
Worse than the cold was the crowdedness in the lifeboats, and to top
this
off people became seasick in the bobbing boats. Every hope of being
rescued
was taken away when a heavy fog rolled in. It would be very difficult
if
not impossible to spot the lifeboats in heavy fog. In the next few hour
the inevitable happened the two ships that were locked together would
not
break loose and started to sink. The rope that fastened the lifeboats
to
the Leerdam snapped like a thread. The Leerdam started to keel over and
started to sink to the bottom of the ocean. Many people were crying as
they saw how the cattle which had managed to break loose swam around in
the cold water for a few minutes and sank out of sight. When distress
is
at it's peak rescue is near. This is what was experienced by the
survivors
when around three o'clock that afternoon a shout was heard "A
ship,
a ship" Everyone started shouting and screaming, everything that could
make noise including trumpets was used to catch the attention of the
passing
ship. Everyone started cheering when the ship set course toward the
lifeboats.
Saved at last. Tears of joy flowed when the passengers entered the
French
steamship the "Emma".
The "Emma" was a freight
ship that was on her way to Hamburg, Germany.
For the many passengers and crew was there was no comfortable room on
the
ship. But no one seemed to care, they were saved that was more
important
then anything else. The French captain made room for everyone as good
as
he could. He looked after the women and children very well. There
was
no end to the rejoicing when all the families were reunited. But the
anguish
and cold they had experienced in the past hours had exhausted many
people
so much that they could not even bite through the biscuits they were
given.
These people were given a piece of white bread and a glass of wine. The
captain of the Emma had taken some supplies out of the freight boxes to
give to the survivors. Everyone was very pleased with the
hospitality
the captain showed them even though the men and those who were strong
enough
had to settle with less food. There was no other option because the
freight
boat did not have enough supplies to feed the almost 500 people. But
the
people were saved, that was the main thing. All the other things were
inessential.
The Emma set her course for Hamburg. The objective was to reach Hamburg
by Tuesday, around four o'clock that afternoon a heavy fog rolled in.
The
fog was so thick that did not dare to go any farther. The next day
another
attempt was made. When they had sailed for several hours. The mouth of
the river Elbe came in sight. This again brought great joy to the
survivors.
At four o'clock that afternoon they arrived in the harbour in Cuxhaven.
Because of medical investigation they were not allowed to leave the
ship,
but fresh water and food supplies were brought onboard. Fresh water is
what they had needed most urgently. On Thursday the third class
passengers
were brought to Hamburg . Here they received all the attention they
needed,
clothing, food, blankets, lodging and all other needs were
generously
given. Especially the need for clothing was great, because they had
lost
everything.
Till Sunday morning they had to stay in Hamburg. Then they
were
given the go ahead to leave. Also the money for the train trip, and
that
was almost everyone, was given to those who did not have any. And even
though most of them could not communicate in the German and French
language
they made it clear that they were very thankful for everything
they
had received. On Sunday Evening the Regnera's and others arrived in
Groningen
the north of Holland. Here to they had to stay overnight. Last Sunday
in
Amsterdam and now in Groningen. A lot had happened in one week. It
seemed
like ages had past in one weeks time. On Monday the Regnera's went by
train
from Groningen to Leeuwarden. From there they travelled north to
Cornjum,
they again they had to stay overnight. The next day at day break they
travelled
to their old abandoned house in Marrum.
Home for Christmas
We do not have to
elaborate about the home coming. Everyone had read
about the sinking of the Leerdam in the news papers, and how all the
passengers
had been saved and brought to Hamburg. Everyone wondered how the future
would be for the family who had left only a little more then a week
ago.
No one stayed in uncertainty for long.
Mother Regnera found her house back the way she had left it
ten
days ago. Yes, it was empty and hollow but they were very thankful to
pass
through the door of their old home. Family, neighbours and friends
brought
everything they needed. Clothing and money they did not need because
the
survivors had been given this generously in Cuxhaven and
Hamburg
and on there way home. Not every piece of clothing fit like a glove and
the most colours clashed, but everything was given with love by
strangers
who had shown their Christianity. By Christmas eve the little house on
the sea dike had been modestly furnished. Grietje took out her psalm
book.
This is the only personal thing which she managed to save. All the
other
things, and they were quite numerous, lay at the bottom of the ocean.
She
had stuck this little book in her pocket this is how it was saved. She
had taken the book out of her pocket in the big warehouse in Cuxhaven,
and when opening it her eyes fell on psalm 61 "O God regard my humble
plea
I cannot be so far from thee. But thou wilt hear my cry. When I by
trouble
am distressed" It was a miracle that she was still able to read these
comforting
words. Tears welled up in her eyes as she thanked the Lord for all the
miracles and guidance that had been given to them. She had told
everyone
who would listen in her own Friesian native language every little
detail
of what had happened. And she had no doubt that is was her destiny that
they were saved.
The next day was Christmas day, The church bells were
ringing when
the Regnera's walked towards church. In church when Psalm 98 was being
sung, they thought of all the wonders the Lord had done and how His
right
hand had reached out to them. There was no Christmas tree in the little
Regnera house. As a matter of fact there were no Christmas trees in any
houses, it was just not the custom to have a Christmas tree in the
house
in those days. Never the less the Christmas joy and thankfulness was
there.
That evening in their little house enjoying a cup of chocolate milk
Foeke
said "Mother, remember you said a couple of days ago that we had
celebrated
our last Christmas here?" "Yes" said Grietje. "And do you remember what
you said then" said Foeke. "Yes and that was true" said Grietje.
"Looking
back everything was not as promising as we thought it would be, but one
thing we know for certain whatever is written in the scriptures is
true,
people might make the roads, the Lord paves the way" said Grietje.
Grietje's
father walked into the little house. On this day he felt the need to be
with his children. "Father" said Grietje, "I have always had the dream
to see the world, but this journey was not easy and I was disappointed
at what I saw". "Child" replied the old man. "The journey through this
world is never easy, whether you stay in one place or visit many
places.
But we have seen you return from the dead. Someday this weary journey
on
this world will be over, but this is only possible if we believe in the
Saviour who's birth we celebrated today" "Yes father" Grietje
said
"And then we will all rejoice with him like we now gratefully say: home
for Christmas".
When this story was
written, in August 1919 Foekje and Grietje and all
their children were still alive. Three sons and one daughter had
immigrated
to North America. The oldest son and three daughters stayed in their
place
of birth.
P.J. Wierstra
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