Still trying to digest...

Kristin and I met with Gerda last Thursday and I really feel like I'm still letting her story sink in. Kristin and I met at the Starbucks off of the 405 and we definitely hit lots of traffic on the way to Long Beach. We ended up being late, but I called Gerda to let her know. We made it to her street, but realized that the house number she gave us was nowhere to be found. I felt bad calling her again, but didn't know what else to do. She just laughed and apologized. It was so great to see her again, as it had been a LONG time since I saw her last.

She sat us down and asked us how we wanted to hear her story. We decided it would be easier for us to just tell it to us, and then we could ask questions if we had any. She gave us a ton of background information, which made me feel as if we were really getting the whole story. I am not sure I am ready to reflect on the story quite yet, but it was definitely very powerful. It also made me see Gerda in a completely different way. She is such an amazing woman and has so much to teach others. She was wise beyond her years during the war and that wisdom has only continued to flourish as the years have gone by.

More later!