Day 26 - 7 Koscielna Street

We had a outstanding breakfast at the hotel and headed to Wawel Cathedral for mass to start our day.  The mass was in polish, but Fr. Brad gave an english homily, which was wonderful.  We again attended mass with people from all over the world.

They gave us a little bit of free time and then we were off to Wadowice.  Until this pilgrimage I never heard of Wadowice (pronounced Vadaveechay).  This is the birth place of John Paul  II and 7 Koscielna Street is his boyhood home which we had the opportunity to walk through.  It was like a shotgun house in south city, three rooms deep.  We saw his cradle, his blankie, his snow skiis and lots of other memorabelia.  What an incredible feeling to walk through the same space that such an awesome leader lived in.  Just across the street was the church, Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, in which JP II was baptised, confirmed and prayed daily in front of Our Lady of Perpetual Help.  We tasted "Pope cake", a delicous rich creamy dessert and wandered the town JP II grew up in.

By 4:00 we were back on the buses and on our way back to Gaming.

Off and on during this pilgrimage we watched a movie of the life of John Paul II.  It was viewed in short intervals and sometimes hard to follow, but after seeing it I now know why the youth loved him and so many people saw him as such a great leader.  I just never knew his story, especially during WW II.  What a powerful witness and leader!!!!!!!!  I definitely want to see it when I get home all in one sitting and I strongly recommend it to each of you.  You will not be disappointed.

On the way back, we shared "glory stories", how the trip impacted our lives.  Listening to the kids share how deeply they were touched by so many sites brought tears.  Heidi wanted me to share and at first I totally resisted, but the more I thought about it, I decided to.  Heidi announced I would share and the whole bus started chanting "Heidi's Mom".  I wanted to let the kids know how much I appreciated their fellowship and their faithfilled hearts.  I thanked them for allowing me to be a part of their pilgrimage and praised them for being such bold soldiers for Christ.  And of course before I could finish the tears started.  Their applause and encouragement was never to be forgotten!  These are our future church leaders and all I can say is THANK YOU GOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We actually arrived by 11 PM, instead of 2 AM, to everyone's delight.  It was bedtime for everyone.

This weekend could not have been a more perfect trip to leave Europe on.  I was abundantly blessed!

love ya,