Father Frank and Silesian Texans give a big hello at the home of the Seraphic Sisters, in San Antonio. Man on the right - Wieslaw Paczkowski of Strzelce Opolski.
Getting ready to enjoy a simple Texas breakfast.
Tomasz Wilk (left) [note correction, below] and Elenora Goodley (center, below Crucifix) visit with new friends before enjoying breakfast. Elenora is responsible for arranging this historic visit. Thank you, Elenora!
The simple buffet table was a good breakfast to begin a day of sightseeing, visiting and making new friends.
Cold cuts for a hot Texas morning.
Breakfast tacos, a favorite of many Texans. Flour tortillas folded over scrambled eggs with potatoes and sausage. Often filled with refried beans, too. Served with fresh salsa, hot coffee and plenty of conversation.
The Polish guests indicate their enjoyment of the breakfast tacos.
Father Frank Kurzaj (left) welcomes the group and gives a brief history of San Antonio.
Enjoying the comments from Father Frank.
Gladys Kosub speaks the native Silesian, learned from her parents, while Agnieszka Pospiszyl ("Texas Agnes") of Radio Opole tapes her stories.
We enjoyed her humorous tales of growing up with Silesian parents in South Texas.
We admire her ability to speak in the old Silesian dialect.
Capturing on tape for Poland the tales from Texas.
Now Dorothy Pawelek explains that her occupation is, "working for Father Frank, for FREE!".
Father Frank tells how the Silesian dialect was learned by the descendants of early Texas settlers who came from the European region of Silesia, now in Poland.
Some listen in Polish, some listen in Texan.
Danuta Foryt (right), a Strzelce Opolskie County Council member, presented a beautiful scarf from Strzelce to Carla Norwood (center, in black), Tourism Sales Manager with the San Antonio Convention & Visitors Bureau. I got one, too! I LOVE it! Thank you all!
"Texas Agnes" (left) accepts praise from everyone for the wonderful video of Strzelce, which she helped produce, as Danuta Foryt prepares to give a friendship gift to Carla (center).
Reynaldo Cano, the Assistant Director for the International Affairs Department of the City of San Antonio, shakes hands with Danuta Foryt of Strzelce, prior to her delivering a special gift scarf to the Silesian Texan hostesses.
Ferdinand and Evelyn tell the visitors how pleased we are that they are visiting Texas.
Father Frank gives Gerry Piegza a hug for being a part of the welcoming contingent.
Silesian Texan women proudly wear the lovely scarves from Strzelce!!
This beautiful relief of the Shrine at St. Ann mountain was made by the visitors from Strzelce.
Each visitor has inscribed their name in the beautiful plaque. What a magnificent gift to be treasured for centuries!
Getting ready for a group photo.
Silesian Texans and Strzelce Opolskie visitors smile as we commemorate this special moment in our history. The flag of Silesia waves proudly in Texas.
Center - Elenora's husband. Right - Tomasz Wilk of Strzelce. Please note correct caption, below.
The beauty of Polish women is legendary!! Even in the Texas heat, they are beautiful!! Left - Jolanta Wilk, Right - Maria Lisowska. Center - Aleksandra Zyla. (Thanks for the correction, Perla!) :- )
The grounds at the Little Shrine of Czestochowa, home of the Seraphic Sisters in San Antonio, Texas. Located on Beethoven Street on the south east side of San Antonio.
Red roses welcome the visitors from Poland, celebrating the beauty of our shared friendships. For more info on Silesian Texans, visit www.SilesianTexans.com
