This morning as I was looking through photos, I came across those from Dannenfels. I couldn't help but smile when I saw this one. Dear Hans! He was so excited to share family documents and images to two young girls claiming a connection to the Denzers of Dannenfels. Our limited understanding of German made communication difficult, but couldn't take away the excitement.
Hans and his wife took us in with welcoming hearts. With choppy language, motion and expression we understood each other enough to provide ample good memory and much more. Asking why we were there they learned of our interest and study in family history. Hans and his wife, Helga brought out pictures and documents which they pointed to and tried to share. Hans took us on a tour of Dannenfels (so small a village we could walk it): to the village museum, the church, Denzer corner, etc. Of particular interest were the documents they brought out. From what knowledge I have gained, I have been able to look at the documents more clearly and find that they relate directly to our family lines. These are just a few of the many blessings from those couple of days in Dannenfels. Not only did we get to walk in the village of our ancestors, but we were able to make a friend with a distant relative and receive extra clues for furthering our family history. It is a constant reminder that God is in charge and will lead us to places we never imagined.
Germany.... 
Pfalz....
Donnersbergkreis...
It was almost too good to be true, but Rachel and I actually were wandering through the small streets of Dannenfels. It has been over a century, yet, there remains to this day a legacy of the Denzer name. Indeed, there is a Denzer Corner of houses still in use. Fortunately, and unexpectedly, we chanced upon meeting Hans and Helga Denzer. With cautious language, smiling eyes, and amazing hearts, these two helped to bind a long gap between generations of separation.
