Neeltje Lieuwen

I was born in Andijk, Holland on June 4, 1924 as the second oldest of 11 children born to Francis and Carolina Lieuwen. I have mostly forgotten the years up till age 13 when I went the 'huisehoud" (house-hold) school where one learned to mend, sew, cook. I biked the distance to Enkhuizen 5 times a week. During this stage of life I sang in a choir, had to take catechism classes, went regularly to a large church. The church had many beautiful stained biblical scenes. At eighteen I wanted to be a 'conpeuse"(dress maker). Material during the war was scarce and garments sown was carefully conducted under the scrutinizing eye of the teacher. I went to Rotterdam to write my final exam. Mom and Dad wanted us to be independent so they 'loaned' us out to help family and friends. I often went to a relative, aunt Vrowtje. She was a proud woman - not easy to get along with - and once was ousted after an accident that was my fault. She used to advise me to drink tea - she called me "Miss dry liver!" Now I seldom drink tea anymore. I found work at a factory making children's clothing at 75 guilders a month. When I asked my boss for a raise to buy a ticket to see my parents, he said ask your parents to get you a ticket!' So I quit.

One day when coming home, Dad said, 'We are all going to Canada," so in April of 1950 we boarded the Volendam. There were other close family members travelling the same time - total of 21 in all. Dad had 3 - 10×10 cubed crates with all our earthly, worthwhile belongings shipped. We were all given a named duffle bag for our own 'stuff'. The 10 day trip on sea was 'rough' at times. Older men slept in a separate part of the ship from the women and younger children. We were glad to reach land - Halifax at Pier 21. The train ride was adventuresome. When it stopped along the way, Dad and a few of the boys under the guidance of a 'fieldman' (travelled with us to translate/guide us) would buy loaves of bread, a little butter, 'meat,' and I think jam/peanut butter. Once we asked for 'pisangs' (bananas), the grocery owner looked a bit baffled! Train travelling was both exciting, great, boring through the prairies, fantastic sights through the rockies and finally, Hallelujah, 3750 miles (6036 km) about 7 days later, in Houston, B.C. We left for our trip with tulips blooming, green grass and ended here in mud and snow! Dad was sponsored by my mom's half-brother who wanted to retire from his 180 acre mixed farm. We lived in 'tight quarters' - living and kitchen room; 4 bedrooms, in a log house. Wow! A pantry, (a trap door down to a dark cellar), a hot water tank attached to a wood stove, a hand water pump and an 'OUTHOUSE" - a double seater - great company on a cold, dark wintry night. The older boys got jobs at sawmills; some stayed home to help with the farming duties and the younger ones attended school. I soon went to Terrace to work for a doctor's wife doing house cleaning - cleaning 10 rooms, eat by myself. It wasn't my liking.

In 1952, we had 'oproumen' (houseclearing) - two sisters and one brother - a triple wedding. In 1953, another brother 'out of the house.' This left a bit more room for the rest of the family. In 1950 I had left for Vancouver and got a job at the General Hospital washing dishes. I didn't need much English for that job. Then off to a nurse and doctors' dining room clearing and setting tables - a rather boring job. I think I made $99.00 a month. In 1954, I attended Shurpass College; graduated with a diploma, allowing me to do my nurses training at Royal Columbian Hospital in New Westminster. My study was interrupted because I got TB. I stayed in a hospital in Tronquille, B.C. for 6 months and had to swallow 24 pills a day and an injection called Streptomycin twice a week. I went back to Houston to recuperate, working part time in Koning's grocery store. In September 1957 I went back to school . After 3 months I got my white/black cap. I looked spiffy in a blue uniform, white bib and apron, black shoes and nylons! My first job was being a private nurse at Royal Columbian. In 1960 I was baptized into fellowship in the assembly. In 1962 I went to Terrace to visit family and looked through New Mills Memorial Hospital. I met the matron who asked me if I could work for the hospital. I said yes, but for one year - I stayed for 27! In 1975 I bought my house for $16,000. After 8 years of general duty as an RN, I was promoted to supervisor and with the Lord's help, each day went well. At 65, my 'body was hurting' and felt the need to resign so in June of 1989, I put in my last shift. After retirement I joined the Cancer Society to raise funds. I volunteered in KitiKshan, then at Centennial Christian, and finally at MountainView Christian Academy. At the age of 86 I finally really retired. I moved from my home in Terrace to Hilltop Manor on July 10, 2018. It was God sent. I loved it. Church was across the parking lot. I had family close by. It was like my second home. In end of September of 2022 I had a mild stroke and landed up in the hospital for 3 weeks. I was moved to Sun Creek Village, a full care facility, which became my third home. The nurses were very caring. I really needed full care, being laid up, needing help for bathing, washing and waking times. Nurses helped me by trying to get my strength back by having weights to be lifted by my arms and legs. I even got to go bowling! But recuperation was very slow. Finally the Lord took me to my final home on Easter morning April 9th. I'm so glad to be in the arms of my loving Savior, Jesus Christ.