Are We Cousins? Really?
My husband and I took a trip to Europe last month with another couple, our best friends, Claudette and Jim, from Indiana.
With a rough draft manuscript of a novel in place about my Slavic grandmother, Alzbeta Holeva, immigrating to America in 1921, my heart raced with anticipation of touring Poland and Slovakia, two countries where she lived. I only had limited information about my grandmother’s birthplace in Galicia, Poland, but I had the exact city of Bardejov, Slovakia where she resided before she came to America.
A few weeks before we departed on our trip, I decided to email the Ministry Office of Bardejov (similar to a Chamber of Commerce) to inquire about any local historians I could meet with while visiting Bardejov. Fingers crossed, right? Through a series of several emails, I got a reply for a contact, Radovan Dvorsky. Radovan and I agreed on the date, place, and time to meet before we even left on our trip. When he shared that he’d like to bring two of his relatives to our meeting who happened to have the same last name as my grandmother’s, Holeva, my heart sorta did a somersault. Shrieking, I pulled my husband’s arm harder than a tow truck to the computer to show him the latest email. “Look at this,” I exclaimed. “The same last name!”
Our European tour began as our eager foursome traveled through four countries by planes, busses, trains, trams, and taxis.
But when we arrived in Bardejov, Slovakia, on Monday, June 24, my anticipation ramped up to a new level. I took in the landmarks and culture, making mental notes for my new novel. When 4:00 arrived, time for my meeting with Radovan and his relatives, my husband had to steady my nerves. I clutched my documents—a family tree, my grandmother’s ship manifest, and some very old photographs.
Trying not to trip on the cobblestones and taking deep breaths, I walked to our hotel’s outside café with my husband following close behind. There they were, the three gentlemen, already seated at the table waiting for us, all smiles. We greeted one another, shook hands, and introductions were made.
Radovan started, “Becky and Troy, this is Villiam Holeva Senior and his son, Villiam Holeva Junior. We have no idea if there is a family connection, but we all agreed it would be enjoyable to meet with you.”
Radovan served as our interpreter. After I shared my family tree and answered a few questions, Villiam Sr. shared his family tree, all written out in Slovakian. Bam! It couldn’t have been more than a minute when the direct family line was revealed. I squealed, jumped up, hugged my husband’s neck, and covered my eyes with both hands, feeling the tears coming on. When I composed myself, I looked at Villiam Sr. and his son and asked, “Are we cousins? Really?”
Yes, really. Talk about shock!
I texted Claudette. Can you guys meet us? I’ve just met my Slovakian cousins. For real!
More introductions. We took pictures. The seven of us talked and shared. What about this, what about that.
Before our time was up, Villiam Sr. led the way for a quick walk to the cemetery where our great-grandfather, Janos Holeva, is buried. Have we been staying at a hotel just three blocks away from my great-grandfather’s burial site? Walking back to our hotel, Radovan pointed to Mlynska Street where my grandmother had lived, directly across from our hotel. Really? Oh my. It was a lot to take in.
If you’re still reading this long blog, thank you. You know I normally go for the shorter family stories. But this one, well, it’s special. Not only for the surprise of a lifetime in meeting distant cousins, but thinking back to how God orchestrated all the moving pieces in advance, leading up to this family connection. A gift I believe He gave to me, demonstrating His love and surprises for His daughter.
Have any of you ever discovered relatives on your family tree you didn’t know existed? I’d love to hear about it! Open in your browser, scroll down, and leave a comment. Also, feel free to forward to a friend.
What a wonderful story of discovering relatives in Slovakia! A few years ago I discovered a relative in Nova Scotia and he’s been a wealth of information about that side of my family!
Thank you, Kathy, for stopping by. And that’s great you discovered a relative in Nova Scotia. We both know firsthand how exciting these encounters can be!
It was a pleasure to be part of this story dear Becky. I am still collecting more details about Janos and Alzbeta. I was at first very much in doubt if there was a direct connection… but as soon as I saw your documents, it struck me as a lightning on a hot summer afternoon.. What a remarkable coincidence! I hope we meet again, with more time to spare. You are always welcome in Bardejov. Lots of love from Slovakia
Oh, thank you, Radovan, for your kind words. You were such a HUGE part of this story. I am still amazed how everything transpired. And I will always be thankful for this wonderful connection the rest of my life. With love to your family in Bardejov, Becky
It was a pleasure to be part of this story dear Becky. I am still collecting more details about Janos and Alzbeta. I was at first very much in doubt if there was a direct connection… but as soon as I saw your documents, it struck me as a lightning on a hot summer afternoon.. What a remarkable coincidence! I hope we meet again, with more time to spare. You are always welcome in Bardejov. Lots of love from Slovakia
It was a pleasure to be part of this story dear Becky. I am still collecting more details about Janos and Alzbeta. I was at first very much in doubt if there was a direct connection… but as soon as I saw your documents, it struck me as a lightning on a hot summer afternoon.. What a remarkable coincidence! I hope we meet again, with more time to spare. You are always welcome in Bardejov. Lots of love from Slovakia
How fun! What an amazing experience and gift from God. I had a huge smile on my face while simply reading about it…I’m sure your heart is near bursting with love! Thank you for sharing.
Hi Laura–thank you for stopping by! Yes, my heart is STILL bursting with joy and love over this amazing and incredible encounter. Only God can do these kinds of things!
Becky, what an incredible story and such a blessing for you and your family! Thank you so much for sharing.
Thank you for stopping by, Patti. It really is an amazing story and I’m still basking in the surprise of it all!
It was a pleasure to be part of this story dear Becky. I am still collecting more details about Janos and Alzbeta. I was at first very much in doubt if there was a direct connection… but as soon as I saw your documents, it struck me as a lightning on a hot summer afternoon.. What a remarkable coincidence! I hope we meet again, with more time to spare. You are always welcome in Bardejov. Lots of love from Slovakia ❤️
I love this story! Congratulations on your “new” family members. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for stopping by, Kristin. It’s exciting to think I have new family members on the other side of the world!
I love this story! Congratulations on your “new” family members. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you, Kristin. I loved writing about this. I’ve still been reveling in the joy of this very unexpected connection. Thanks for stopping by!
What an AMAZING story!! And how only God could have orchestrated that!!!
Thank you for stopping by, Barbara. Yes, it’s truly amazing. And I agree, that only God could have moved these pieces around. I give Him the glory!
Very cool family reunion, Becky. God works in mysterious ways!
Thank you, Tim. Totally agree–God works in mysterious ways. I give Him the glory!