In Denmark with the Hawkes

I am on a four day trip in Denmark with Jan and Jim Hawkes and Haley. Yesterday we visited the small town where my Dad's grandfather and great-grandfather were born. It is Lendum, Denmark. We had a remarkable experience.

About 20 years ago my father's cousin, Clem Jensen, came to search his roots in the towns that his grandfather came from. Jan has a copy of some of the photos he took on that trip. That was our starting point.

We found the little grocery store in one of the photos. Out front were two old men visiting and having a relaxed conversation. We interrupted and showed them our photos. They spoke no English, but took us inside where the cashier could be our translator. The cashier recognized one photo of the former owners of this market. Another photo was a sign for an Archive in Lendum. Turns out that the wife of one of these old men was the keeper of the Lendum Archive. But he made it clear that the Archive was only open on Tuesday, no exceptions. He started for home and Jim walked with him. At the house Jim met the wife, Elsa, the Lendum Archivist working in her garden. She was much more enthusiastic about sharing her Archive. She offered to go over there with us.

While Jim was on his errand, Jan, Haley and I had gone across the street from the market to visit the old church. Jim was very relieved when he and Elsa were able to find us. The Archive was a couple of rooms in the Lendum elementary school basement. Elsa didn't speak English either, so she called the retired principal and English teacher. They then called an old man in town who had a remarkable memory of everyone who had lived in Lendum for a long time. He was probably the age of my father and Clem Jensen, maybe a little older.

He recognized the people in the photos and the farm they lived on. That made a big connection for him. He then realized the family we came from. He asked a few questions like did your gg-grandfather go to America, and his wife didn't? Jan recognized what he was asking. In the family history, Jens Christiansen Jensen went to America first with the intention of sending for his wife and two sons when he was set up. Unfortunately he never did, instead making a new marriage in America. When each boy turned 16, the father sent money for them to join him. Finally when the boys were able, they sent for their mother. Our oral historian knew about this saga.

To be continued...

What would you do with two days in Valencia Spain?

I think we will start with the Valencia Bus Turistic! I'll keep you posted.

John has meetings Friday (tomorrow) with Regional (State) authorities who have responsibilities involving immigrants and cultural organizations. He says, they want to have an Agreement. It is their job to develop relationships and conduct activities with groups like us who are multicultural. They want to work with us on things like Helping Hands and humanitarian projects. They add their name and then can claim involvement. We are happy to have a general Agreement with one of the States (Regions) in Spain that recognizes the Church and its important role and value in Spanish society. I wanted to be here in person to demonstrate that we think it is all valuable and important.