From The Chocolate Part Of Switzerland

Growing up during World War II as the oldest of five children and the only girl was not always easy. Esther's childhood in Switzerland is documented in 38 short stories, which reflect the cultural climate and practices of those years. Her adventures continue during subsequent travels to various countries in Europe, culminating in her crossing the Atlantic to Canada and on to the United States. It was her intention to return to Switzerland some day, but destiny held other plans. She met her husband to be three short weeks after her arrival in the U.S. Throughout the book we are given glimpses of her spiritual journey and her search for meaning in life. She now knows that only God could have engineered circumstances the way they occurred, and she is thankful for his hand of protection over her. Esther Groninger lives with her husband George in Grand Rapids, Michigan. They have two grown daughters and one granddaughter, who have chosen to trade Michigan winters with the more moderate climate of the South. Esther still loves to be outdoors whether it is tending her garden or harvesting nature's bounty at surrounding farms and preserving it for later use. During the winter she loves to knit for babies, an art she has perfected over many years. She also volunteers at RBC Ministries on a regular basis.