Beautiful Krakow

Today we were able to sleep in before we start our marathon ministry for the next week and a half.  So after breakfast we decided to take the city tour so we could get an overview of the city and make some memories.  We visited the main market square in Old Town, the Jewish quarter, the Ghetto and Schindler's factory.  It was a surprise to see how many ancient buildings are still standing that survived WW2 and also sad to see the Ghetto where so many lost their lives.  The Ghetto buildings were for the most part destroyed during the war but a small section of the wall still stands that surrounded the area and kept the Jews prisoners until their deaths in the concentration camps.  We visited a few of the old Churches also.  The architecture always captures us since in our country so few old buildings remain.

Here are a few pictures for you to enjoy.  

 Schindler factory has a wall of those Jews he saved in windows on the outside. Here are some.

 Schindler's factory. Today it is a museum . 

 The only portion of wall that remains that surrounded the Jewish Ghetto.  The plaque is in remembrance of those who lost their lives during the holocaust.  It is sobering.  The wall shape is that of the Jewish graves which the Nazis made deliberately to tell them they were going to die.

 The inside of one of the Churches. This is pure gold and is on the walls surrounding this altar as well. Can you imagine the financial sacrifice the people made to provide this opulence.

 Look at the beautiful arched ceiling.  The Church was huge and the whole ceiling was like this.

 The square at sunset.

 The oldest Jewish synagogue in Poland.  The Germans occupied it during the war and kept their ammunition inside.  

 One has to visit the American consultant in every city.  Here is the plaque on the outside. 

 In the Jewish quarter. Charming little restaurants and shops .

Churches are everywhere. There are 90 Catholic Churches in the city and 10 synagogues.  At least that is what the guide told us.  Catholicism is the predominant religion in Poland. Today shops were closed as they celebrated All Saints day and decorated graves with flowers.

Please keep us in prayer starting tomorrow as we begin ministry at 6 pm.  We are excited but also aware of the awesome privilege God has given us to speak into lives.

Much love to you all,
PW and Sherry