This is Jockel Podcast number 219 with Echo Charles and me, Jockel Willink.

Good evening, Echo.

Good evening.

The train station is very busy.

Tata says the train cars they are using are called cattle cars,

which are usually used to transport animals or dry goods.

Every day, more cattle cars arrive and get filled completely.

As each train leaves, I wonder where it is going and hope it is somewhere wonderful.

When our name is finally called, it is our turn to load up on the train.

We are packed in like preserved pickles in a jar.

Once the car is filled with 60 to 80 people, they lock the doors.

The car has no seats or toilets and no water.

There are small openings at the top of the car to provide air,

but only those tall enough can see out and the openings do not provide enough ventilation.

I am not tall enough to see out, so I have no idea where we are or where we are headed.

It is colder than usual this April and hard to stay warm, even packed together like sardines.

The train does not stop for any reason, so we ride and ride for a few days standing all the while.

Mama, Aunt Lee and Tata try to comfort us children.

Even though I feel overwhelmed, I try not to cry or complain.

I want to show Mama and Tata that I am big girl now.

A group of men read their Bibles and quietly recite prayers.

The cars get stinky because of the poor ventilation and no toilets.

...