News and messages
Auke Borst-Schoonveld 1944-2025
On Sunday, March 16, as evening fell, the life of a remarkable woman came to an end; she brought color to her surroundings. You are
Opa Willem in America
Opa Willem in America describes his adventures after a long journey across the ocean. After a beautiful start on the boat, his experience turns into a struggle with seasickness and homesickness. Upon arriving in New York, he is overwhelmed by the beauty of the city and nature. His trip to Buffalo and the impressive Niagara Falls leaves him in awe of the vastness of the country. As he adapts to life in America, he shares his observations on agriculture, culture, and the challenges of the language. Discover his unique perspective on life in a new country!
Try, try again
SLOWLY IT DAWNED ON HIM. The conductor on the train from Halifax, Nova Scotia, to Kitchener, Ontario, was calling out his name. He had a scary thought—if after four years of studying English in the Netherlands, he could not even recognize his own name, how was he ever going to understand anything in this new country? But here he was, 18 years of age, getting off the train in the middle of the night at one of the tiniest railroad stations he had ever seen—where people spoke English. Uncle Arts journey was just beginning, filled with unexpected twists and turns.
Earthquakes in Groningen
The earthquakes in Groningen have also affected our family. Johan and Frannie Schoonveld have been living in a beautiful craftsman’s house in Slochteren since 1977, which was built in 1902. However, since 2014, they have been experiencing not only minor tremors; the damage to their home is significant. From sinking floors to cracks in the walls, the consequences are evident. Discover how they have addressed the damage, their plans for the future, and their hope for a sustainable restoration of their beloved home. Read on to learn more about their story and the impact of the earthquakes on their lives.
Harm and Wim Plas visit the Groningen churches
In “Harm and Wim Plas visit the Groningen churches,” a heartfelt journey unfolds through the stunning churches of Groningen, captured by a father-son duo. With a unique perspective, they delve into the experiences of ‘churchgoers then’ and ‘churchgoers now,’ offering a refreshing take on the rich history of worship in the region. This book not only showcases the beauty of these sacred spaces but also reflects the personal stories and emotions tied to them. Join us as we explore the profound connection between faith and community, and discover the charm that makes these churches truly special.
Seasick
In 1961, Grandpa Willem embarked on a memorable journey to America, eager to reunite with his sons, grandchildren, and Aunt Annie. However, his excitement was tempered by the challenges of language barriers and seasickness during the long boat trip. In a heartfelt letter to Aunt Pilke, he expressed his frustrations and longing for home.
German raid April 1944
On April 22, 1944, Heero Smit’s life was turned upside down when he was arrested during a raid by the German occupiers. His story of fear, hardship, and eventual liberation is a poignant testimony of World War II. From the horrors of Amersfoort camp to the harsh journey back to the Netherlands, his experiences serve as a powerful reminder of human resilience. Jan Peter Smit, his son, relives this journey in an impressive hike from Mascherode to Venlo.
Maple syrup
The inspiring journey of Teena’s grandsons, Quinten and Greyson, who transformed a hobby into a thriving maple syrup business. With the support of their family, including grandpa Mensch, they are tapping into new opportunities and providing delicious syrup to local manufacturers. Explore our stories and connect with your roots in the Schoonveld legacy!
Illness Aukje Borst_Schoonveld
Just recently, our cousin Aukje was diagnosed with lung cancer that has spread to her brain.
Newsletter Alex and Kezia Schoonveld
Alex en Kezia Schoonveld work at the WEC, an international missionary organization. Regularly they publish a newsletter about their work and family life.