A Hero's Journey Narrative

The basement It all began in a small town in Germany. I was twelve years old, living in a loft apartment above my Ompa Lafayette’s falafel shop. We are a happy family. However, one day a man named Adolph Hitler decided that the Jewish people would have to be gathered and sent away. We have been very lucky so far! Outside there was World War II, home was where it felt safe. It was a scary and uncertain time for my family and me because we were always afraid that one day the Nazis may come.Many of our friends had gone into hiding or moved away to Switzerland where they would be safe from capture. Then one night, my parents sat me down and said, “Heather, we must leave here soon”. They explained that we would be leaving our home and going to a …show more content…
We emerged from our hiding place, blinking in the sunlight, grateful to have survived. The journey was long and we had to carry everything in our bags on top of our heads. We traveled for two more days over steep hills and valleys. When we got to Kaunas, Lithuania, we were told to find a man named Chiune Sugihara. He was a Japanese consul. When we got there it was so crowded there were Jewish people from all over Germany waiting for passports. It was a hot day in July and everyone was sweating and fanning. Children were running around obviously now, really knowing what was going on. Just as we were approaching, an alarm rang out and it was announced that the Nazis were coming to shut down the consul and Mr Sugihara was to cease issuing passports. People began crying and begging. Everyone was afraid of what the Nazis might do. We have heard stories of families being separated and even children being put into gas chambers. My mamma and Mamaw held hands and began to pray to our God. The “Abba Father please help your people”. Then suddenly Mr. Sugahara's wife came outside and began helping her husband issue the papers that would allow him to leave Germany. I remember the commotion and everyone thanking the couple for their help. Many people that day were saved. We were finally able to board a train headed for Berlin. I wiped the glass with my hand to see the world outside of the train. When I looked out of the foggy train window, there were people still handing out papers even as the train pulled away. It was another 5 years before the news came that the Nazis had been defeated. It was a mix of relief and joy that I can't even put into words. The war had changed us all, but it also made us stronger. We never forget the sacrifices we made and the importance of standing up against injustice. So many of our friends and family were lost, but thanks fully made it out

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