John Werner

Posted on August 14, 2013 by doradueck

He was born to a German-speaking Mennonite family in Siberia in 1917 and named Hans. As the changes wrought by the Russian and then Stalinism penetrated his community, he became Ivan. He served in the Red Army during World War II. When captured by the Germans, he was recognized as German and naturalized as a German. Now his name was Johann and he joined Hitler’s Army, serving on that side until he was captured. After release from an American POW camp, he applied to emigrate to Canada. It was a long, difficult process, but he and his bride Margaretha eventually got permission. In Canada, he became John. Continue reading →

Link to VICE article on Mennonites in Bolivia

Posted on August 8, 2013 by doradueck

August 19, 2013 update: Please read this interview with journalist Jean Friedman-Rudovsky in connection with the article below. It’s a good and frank look at how Jean worked at the story; it also offers some suggestions and signs of hope.

The Ghost Rapes of Bolivia | VICE United States www.vice.com For a while, the residents of Manitoba Colony thought demons were raping the town’s women. There was no other explanation. No way of explaining how a woman could wake up with blood and semen stains sm… Continue reading →

What I’ve Learned Picking Saskatoons

Posted on August 1, 2013 by doradueck

I’ve learned a few things while picking saskatoons, the sweet purple/red fruit of the saskatoon bush currently in season in Manitoba. These lessons may or may not be transferable to other endeavors.

1.Picking in a patch someone has discovered before you is slow hard picking. It’s akin to poor biblical Ruth gathering leftover grain behind the field harvesters. (My middle name is Ruth.) Nevertheless, dessert for supper can also be secured, if slowly, from one-here-one-there berries missed by the people who came before. Continue reading →