In ‘Harmony with Nature’ in the Interlake

harebell

woodland sunflowers

“If you live in harmony with nature you will never be poor…         The day has already begun to lessen. It has shrunk considerably, but yet will still allow a goodly space of time if one rises, so to speak, with the day itself. We are more industrious, and we are better men if we anticipate the day and welcome the dawn.” - Seneca, Letters from a Stoic

Part of my summer was spent taking a philosophy course. These classes took place at two different colonies, one of which was Netley Colony in the Interlake. I’d never been there before, so I enjoyed meeting new people and seeing this part of Manitoba. Of the four days we spent at Netley, one was particularly hot and muggy. Even though I was fascinated with philosophy, sitting in the classroom that day drained much of my energy. I can never fall asleep during the day, no matter how tired I am, but around five, I had a strong urge to lie down under a fan and close my eyes. As soon as I got to my host family’s home, I did just that. However, after just lying there for half an hour, with sleep as elusive as a cool breeze, I decided to get some of our assigned reading done instead - may as well get acquainted with the Stoics. 

In the evening it was still very muggy, when my friend and host, Jennifer suggested, “Linda, let’s go for a ride.” We got on to a Kubota and took off down a gravel road. “We’ll go to the gravel pit a few miles from here.” Jennifer continued. “We don’t own it, but the people who do, allow us to ride the trails and swim there.” 

Our vehicle didn’t have a wind shield, and the wind in my face felt heavenly. There’s no fan like the one nature provides; cool, refreshing and wholesome – a blissfully natural way to conquer heat and humidity.  I was reminded of the song, Wenn der Sommer Kommt, by Heintje, a Dutch Singer. And we’ll sing a song with the birdies there, and the wind sings too, tossing up your hair. When the summer comes with its fields so green, all the days will then be fair. 

Soon we bumped our way onto the gravel pit trail. It was narrow and wound its way through a wooded area; and at times was rather rugged. We paused at the swimming hole, soaking up the serenity of this beautiful tree-surrounded emerald lake. Birds sweetly serenaded us with their cheery evening song. As we continued along the trail, huge trees provided a lush green canopy. Hugging the trail were a variety of berry shrubs, wild flowers and grasses, creating an enchanting woodland. Jennifer pointed out different wild flowers still in bloom; asters, common tansy, Canada goldenrod, sow thistle, harebell, woodland sunflowers and wild roses. 

Canada goldenrod

Seeing this wildflower haven up close, and having an enthusiastic friend pointing out the various species, gave me a new appreciation for these exquisite plants. We came across the last pin cherries of the season, and almost-ripe rosehips. Every so often, a strong breeze brought a sweet scent, causing me to breathe in deeply, savouring the moment. “Is it wild honey or flowers?” I wondered out loud. Jennifer wasn’t sure either.

common tansy

All too soon we headed unto the gravel road and back home. With the wind whipping my Tiechl, (head covering) and hair about, I was totally rejuvenated and grateful for the wild beauty of the prairies. Stepping from the Kubota a few minutes later, I was abruptly reminded that the stifling conditions still lingered. However, it didn’t dampen my spirits; I had been energized by the gifts of nature and camaraderie, and was ready for a long walk with my friend, Dora, who was also taking the course.

Five kilometers later, a fog-blanket had covered the harvest-ready fields; like the dampness of the day was being laid to rest. This unique spectacle was an appropriate exclamation mark for this enchanted evening. I limped home, feeling hot and tired, but “my heart soared”.

 When through the woods, 

and forest glades I wander,
And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees.
When I look down, from 

lofty mountain grandeur
And see the brook, and feel the gentle breeze.

  
Then sings my soul, My Savior God, to Thee, how great thou art! how great thou art!

More on the Huttererpark Opening in Innsbruck, Austria

From all accounts the Huttererpark Opening I wrote about in an earlier post went very well. It took place on the 16th of October and there were other related events scheduled as well. Like I said before, it was a week-long celebration, honouring Anabaptists who died for their faith. Two Hutterite couples I know very well, took part in these festivities; which included placing memorial plaques at historic sites and giving presentations in schools.

I've been to Innsbruck and the Huttererpark, when they were still working on it, so I was very excited when a friend of mine from Austria sent me links to newspaper article and pictures, some of which I'd like to share here. The newspaper articles are naturally all in German, but there are pictures that can give you a glimpse of the events, if you can't read German.

Steinernes Monument als Zeichen der Versoehnung (Stone Monunment as a symbol of reconciliation)

Hutterer: Die Vorbilder von Gestern (Hutterites the role models from yesteryear)

Hutterer - Gedenken im Zeichen Religioeser Toleranz (Symbol on Commemorating Religious Tolerance)

Gedenken an Wiedertaeufer (Commemorations of Anabaptists)

At the Goldene Dachl in Innsbruck, where Jakob Hutter was burned at the stake

Huttererpark Opening, Eduard Geissler at the mike.

    Edward and Judy Kleinsasser, Jack and Margaret (Manitoba) walking around the stones

   commemorating twelve Anabaptist martyrs.

Each stone represents a different Anabaptist who was martyred for his/her faith. Each stone has a word from Zechariah 9:16 carved into it.

Like the jewels of a crown they shall shine on his land.

Denn Steine an Gottes Diadem sind sie, die über seinem Land funkeln

Edward Kleinsasser giving a speech at the Opening

Gertrude Geissler, presenting "Auf der Flucht" a drama,
representing Anabaptists "On the Run".

At the end of the Huttererpark Opening representatives from various churches, including Edward Kleinsasser, read very fitting passages from Psalm 22, after which a moment of silence was observe in memory of those who gave their life for their faith.

⁴ In you our ancestors put their trust;
    they trusted and you delivered them.
⁵ To you they cried out and were saved;
    in you they trusted and were not put to shame.

²³ You who fear the Lord, praise him!
    All you descendants of Jacob, honor him!
    Revere him, all you descendants of Israel!
²⁴ For he has not despised or scorned
    the suffering of the afflicted one;
he has not hidden his face from him
    but has listened to his cry for help.

²⁵ From you comes the theme of my praise in the great assembly;
    before those who fear you I will fulfill my vows.
²⁶ The poor will eat and be satisfied;
    those who seek the Lord will praise him—
    may your hearts live forever!

²⁷ All the ends of the earth
    will remember and turn to the Lord,
and all the families of the nations
    will bow down before him,
²⁸ for dominion belongs to the Lord
    and he rules over the nations.

²⁹ All the rich of the earth will feast and worship;
    all who go down to the dust will kneel before him—
    those who cannot keep themselves alive.

My Sheep Know My Voice

Earlier this week I was traveling in the Brandon, Manitoba area - a gorgeous drive this time of year, with the last traces of autumn colours decorating the rolling hills!

As we (my brother and I) got to the top of one of those hills, we were taken by surprise and had to stop abruptly. Right in front of us were Hutterite boys happily herding their sheep.  This is a sight I don't see every day, so I savoured the moment, as we slowly followed behind them, till they allowed us to pass, after a few minutes. We stopped to talk with the shepherds and they told us that the sheep had been out in 'greener pastures' for the summer and they were bringing them home for the winter.

I found it amusing that the guy on the four-wheeler in the front had a pail of grain and was scattering it on the road, in the hopes the sheep would follow him. In the few minutes I had to take in this scene, most of the sheep didn't seem to notice, or care about this follow-me-trick-and-treat. The two boys behind were busy trying to keep the sheep on the road, as they were more interested in the last blades of green grass of the season in the ditch. I wondered what happened to the age old 'my sheep know my voice' technique. Do these Hutterite shepherds even know that sheep follow the voice of their shepherd? Or perhaps the shepherd hadn't been talking... or singing to his sheep. In any case, their sheep herding technique worked, too. About fifteen minutes later, while visiting at their colony, I saw the sheep scampering to their shed in the valley.


I was reminded of this song, "My Sheep Know My Voice'.

Huttererpark Official Opening in Innsbruck

The “Übrige Brocken” Memorial in Huttererpark - These twelve stones invite you to linger, contemplate, read and understand. They were erected in memory of Tyrol’s persecuted Anabaptists. This park is a place where we can reflect on how we treat dissenters. It stands for religious diversity in urban areas.

The City of Innsbruck 

An initiative of the Hutterite Working Committee Tyrol & South Tyrol with the support of the Region of the Tyrol and the Autonomous Province of South Tyrol, the Dioceses of Innsbruck and Bozen-Brixen, the Lutheran Diocese Salzburg and Tyrol and of the Free Churches in Austria. 

Artistic design: Verena Paula Simeoni, Innsbruck.

October 16, 2015 will mark a special celebration in Innsbruck, Austria. It's the official opening of the Huttererpark, created to commemorate Anabaptists who were tortured/killed for their faith in the Greater Innsbruck area. As part of the park opening there will be other events/presentations taking place in schools and other places in Tyrol - a week long celebration. 

When I visited Innsbruck, they were still working on the park, but I was grateful to see it and hear all the plans. It's a beautiful park, along the Inn River. As much as I would love to take in this special celebration in person, this time I will have to be content to hear reports and hopefully see pictures and possibly videos someday soon. I'm sure many Hutterites, especially those who've toured the area, will find their thoughts turning to Innsbruck during this week of festivities; I know I will. It's exciting to know that four Manitoba Hutterites, Edward and Judy Kleinsasser and Jack and Margaret Waldner, who I know very well, will be there to represent all of us. They'll take part in the festivities and will be doing presentations as well. 

(To read about my visit to the Huttererpark and other historical sites in that area, click here.)

History:
The Hutterites were part of the Anabaptist movement, which emerged during the Reformation in the early 16th century as a reaction to political, ecclesiastical and social grievances. Hutterites practised adult baptism, rejected oaths and military service, withdrew their communities from supervision by regional political authorities and lived in a “community of goods”. In the early modern period they were in this way challenging the core principles of state, church and society, the consequence of which was severe persecution. One escape route for the Hutterites was to emigrate to Moravia, often along the River Inn. In Moravia, artisan Hutterite communities thrived until the early 17th century. In fact, their presence there was tolerated and encouraged by the local nobility. Later they were forced to emigrate to the USA and Canada via Slovakia, Romania and Ukraine. Around 50,000 of their descendants are still living there on communally-managed farms.

“Übrige Brocken”
The title of this installation, “Übrige Brocken” (“Remaining Fragments”), is taken from a Hutterite manuscript. Twelve naturally-formed boulders – arranged in a circle – symbolise the communal living of the Hutterites, past and present. The Bible forms the basis of their communal life. This close interdependence finds expression in the engraved Bible verse. Every stone bears one word. Only together do they form a sentence. These boulders, or glacial erratics, have a long history. They are stones which were carried along with glacial ice during the ice ages. They were shaped by a series of external factors – as were the Hutterites: outside influences over several centuries forced them to keep moving and to adapt until they finally found their present home.

“For they shall be as the stones of a crown, lifted up as an ensign upon his land.” This verse from the Bible (Zechariah 9:16), which is chiselled into the 12 stones, can also be applied to the Tyrolean Anabaptists. Their Christian faith, their pacifism and their commitment to freedom of thought, as well as their strong sense of community, can be seen as a guiding light for the Tyrolean people.
Representing many other persecuted Hutterites, the stones are a reminder of 12 men and women who were detained, tortured, and in some cases killed (+) in the Greater Innsbruck area:
+Michael Kürschner-Klesinger, +Anna Malerin, +Ursula Ochsentreiberin, +Jakob Huter, Ursula Hellrigl, Georg Libich, Michael Zeller and spouse, +Hans Mändel, +Eustachius Kotter, +Georg Mair-Rack, +Niclas Geyrsbühler
 
Encounter
The Hutterite Working Committee Tyrol & South Tyrol wishes to revisit this dark chapter in the history of the Tyrolean Hutterites in the 16th century and to promote encounters with the Hutterites of today. It is hoped that this will lead to greater understanding, respect and dialogue between Christian denominations and religious communities in Tyrol.

In 2008 the Roman Catholic Bishops of Innsbruck and Bozen-Brixen wrote to the Hutterite elders acknowledging the great injustice suffered by their forefathers which had been carried out in the name of the church. The State Governors of Tyrol and South Tyrol have expressed their profound sadness about what happened and emphasised the importance of learning from history.
 
My humble thanks to the Hutterer Arbeitskreis (Hutterite Working Committee Tyrol and South Tyrol) and the Hutterer Geschichtsverein Wien (Hutterite History Association in Vienna). Besides working diligently to ensure that the Anabaptists' stories are not forgotten, they graciously host any Hutterites visiting in this area; taking them on tours to historical sites for Hutterites. A few years ago I was fortunate enough to get to know most of the people in these committees and have stayed in contact with them. Special thanks to Dr. Eduard Geissler, Hutterite Working Committee, for sending me the information (in gray italics) included in this post.

To read about my visit, click on 'Europe Trip' on the tabs above this post.

An Apple a Day...

...makes German class real sweet.

Hutterite children have German lessons each day.  As part of an apple theme, grades 3-5 wrote an Apfel-Elfchen - an apple poem, using just eleven words.

My students really enjoyed working on this poem, especially seeing their basket full of apples on the bulletin board. Unfortunately, most are hard to read on this picture, so I'll print them here as well:

Lecker

Der Apfelsaft

Gelb und süβ

Ich trinke ihn gern

A-a-a-h

Joel Waldner

Heiβ

Der Apfelmost 

Er ist schmackhaft.

Ich mag würziger Apfelmost.

Toll!

Doreen Maendel 

Rot

Der Apfel

Auf dem Baum

Ich hätte ihn gern!

Essen!

 Jonathan Waldner

Hoch

Der Apfelbaum

Ich klettere ihn.

Ich will Äpfel pflücken.

Heute!

Hadassah Maendel

Süβ

Die Apfeltorte

Warm und schmackhaft

Ich esse ihn gern.

Mmmmm 

Serena Maendel