Across Generations and Oceans: Katie & Stacey’s Ancestral Journey to Slovenia
A Journey That Touches All of Us
Each ancestral journey I organize gives something not only to my guests — but also to me.
Every time a long-lost branch of a family reconnects across the ocean, after decades or even a century and a half, I feel a quiet joy that words can barely describe.
To witness smiles on the faces of people meeting again after generations apart — standing on the same soil where their ancestors once lived, loved, and dreamed — is an unforgettable experience. In those moments, the past breathes again.
These encounters remind me why I do what I do. They fill me with gratitude and give new meaning to my work. I’m especially thankful to the local families who open their doors and hearts to welcome visitors from afar — their warmth turns each ancestral tour into something truly special, a living bridge between past and present.
A Day to Remember
On a beautiful September day, I had the pleasure of guiding Katie and Stacey from Virginia (USA) on their ancestral journey across the Slovenian countryside. Our path led us to the villages of Stara Oselica and Hobovše, connected to the Podobnik ancestral line — the very places where their Slovenian story began generations ago. Over lunch, we enjoyed delicious Idrija žlikrofi, a traditional Slovenian dish that made the perfect pause between discoveries.
In the afternoon, we followed their Jereb lineage to Medvedje Brdo, Rovte pri Logatcu, and Rovtarske Žibrše, visiting as many as six ancestral homesteads in one day. Each place held its own story — fragments of history waiting to be rediscovered — and everywhere we went, we were greeted with kindness and curiosity.
A Touching Discovery
At one of the homes, while going through a box of old family photographs, Katie and Stacey suddenly recognized a familiar face — their mother, captured in a photo that had been sent from the United States decades ago.
Tears flowed freely. It was a deeply moving moment — a reminder of how strong the bond remains between Slovenia and America, even after generations apart.
A Tribute to Courage
Every ancestral journey reminds me how meaningful this work truly is — connecting people and places across centuries. I’ve come to deeply respect the courage of those who once left everything familiar behind to start anew elsewhere.
Leaving parents, siblings, friends, home, and country took immense strength — a mixture of hope and heartbreak.
These journeys are not just about genealogy; they are about human resilience and the ties that still unite families across oceans.
Highlights from the Day
Beautiful! It reminds me of my own wonderful ancestral journey in and around Stična with you, Tadej.
Thank you, Blair. I am glad to hear the experience still resonates with you.
What a day we had, Tadej! Thank you so much for connecting us to our roots and relatives 🙂
Thank you, Katie. It truly was a memorable day. I’m glad I had the chance to be a part of it.