Who are we?

Have you ever wondered who your ancestors were, where in Poland they came from, what they were like, asked yourself did I look or act like them, well you are not alone there.  I have been trying to find out more about my grandmothers’ family but it’s not been easy. I meet people all the time who tell me they too have some Polish blood but do not know much more than that.  How can you identify with being a Pole and yet not know where you came from?  Growing up with strong Polish grandparents, or parents who made the journey to another country for a better life, only confirms the resilience these people must have had.  Their migration here would have been difficult, for these proud Poles to leave their beloved Poland must have been heart wrenching. My mother always says she is a Kiwi but her heart belongs to Poland.  Much like Chopin whose body is buried in Paris yet his heart was returned to Warszawa, and lets not forget Pope Jan Pawel II.   Our history does not have the luxury of photographs, birth certificates, wedding albums, or holiday snaps.  It was often a verbal translation being passed down through the generations usually with big gaps.  Poland’s borders continually moved or in some case removed altogether, but now it is whole again and this will now not change.  Poland is an enigma; she is a curious place with a dark history but a wonderful future she is the ultimate phoenix rising out of the ashes. 

Here in New Zealand small meet up groups are now being set up, introducing us to our Polish culture, reacquainting us with our heritage and with others who have these Polish connections.  We also get to meet Poles recently arrived in New Zealand who offer a different perspective on Poland from those of our aging parents or grandparents.  Let’s talk politics;} Here we exchange information, share our knowledge of our own history, talk food and enjoy being Polish.  It is important that we know where we came from and who we are.  We may be kiwis but like our parents Poland draws us to her, the significance of this beautiful country has a hold on us and we want to share even if it is just a small part of it.  When in Poland I am Polish its past is my past, its history is my history, its people are my people . I am one of the lucky ones to be able to embrace two different cultures held together by my mother. If it wasn’t for her I would never have been so lucky to be able to experience both worlds.   So, ask lots of questions, write things down and pass in it on to our next generation before its lost, we must never forget where we came from, we owe it to our ancestors.

If you want to know more or have unanswered questions try Polish Genealogy, Belarus Genealogy, Polish Nowogrode, Kresy Siberia Polish Descendants, or join us on FB Polish Professionals.  For me one day I hope to find someone with information on my family the Mesczynskis and the Wojciechowskis and their life in Ostrowki.  (refer to Twelve Polish Soldiers blog).  Good luck with your search.