A Godly Inheritance Family histories, GEDCOMs, and treasures from a godly inheritance. Background - How I learned this translating skill

Ruth Marlene Friesen - Saskatoon, SK. Canada

I had four years of German classes in high school, but I really learned to read and translate it from my beloved Grosz'mama while I was caring for her in her old age. Then I was able to translate her diaries and write a family history in her honor.

Later, a cousin provided me with a huge photocopied volume of my Grosz'mama's grandmother's journals. I've translated those too! It was a two-year project!

The people in my hometown and area largely come from the same Mennonite background as I do. Our ancestors immigrated to Canada from their Colonies in the Ukaraine back in the late 1800s, but the ability to read that old German hand-writing is fast dying out. Being a caregiver for my aged parents the last 17 years means I've come to know a lot of seniors in our Saskatchewan Valley, yet I do not know a single one that is willing to provide translation as a service to others on a commercial basis.

How well I recall when Grosz-mama lost her vision and her memory, and I desperately wanted to know what was in some old German letters in her things that had come from another country. She was a great journal-keeper; it was she who always told me to write things down! So, in those final years I sat beside her with a magnifying glass, and asked her to draw for me - very large - how she made her German S, or h, or vowels with an umlaut. Using that information I was able to translate her journals even though she couldn't see to read them to me. (And of course, it entertained her no end!)

She left me no money, her journals went to other relatives, but I feel as if she gave me a great gift in this language skill, and in the godly example she set for me. Now I can use it tohelp you.

I need to add here that I've become VERY busy with other writing projects and goals. I don't really have time for translation work any more! Sorry! However, if you truly can't find anyone else, and are willing to let me tuck in the work in spare moments as I can - then you may still contact me about your small "small" translation needs.

Still want to describe what you want translated?

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