A representative from each family unit was responsible for getting the word out about the upcoming family reunion.  Auntie Vera and Uncle Ishmael were the organizers.  Cousin Lenora, was the secretary.  Personal data including hobbies of each family member were collected.  Communication was via phone, fax machine and air mail. 

All roads led to Statia!  Four generations traveled to Statia from Aruba, St. Lucia, St. Maarten, The Netherlands, and The United States.  Some from The United States traveled with their tents to camp out on Lynch.  The process of pitching the three family-sized tents was one of the highlights as toddler niece, Caramelda, drove the stake in the ground.  Others were accommodated by their parents and relatives already residing on the island.

A welcome meet-and-greet was one of the highlights to kick off the week-long event.  Auntie Vera and her son, Josiah, unveiled the Welcome to Joe and Esther Berkel’s Family Plantation sign.  An old-fashioned picnic on Lynch where Uncle Harold roasted sweet potato and corn in coal as during his childhood days. 

Every day was beach day at Sandy Bank with a lush, sandy coastline.  A hike up the Quill on the original steep path then descending the crater on slippery rocks and swinging on “wisps” dangling from the tall, rainforest trees was another event.  Remains of banana trees and yam shoots that Uncle Clifton planted were along the pathway inside the Quill.  Daily visitations from home to home; meeting; greeting; storytelling of childhood days with Ma and Pa; telling jokes; social game nights; eating and unplanned sleepovers were added fun.  A moonlight hike along Lynch coastline was memorable.  Friday night vespers held “Downstreet” was filled with melodious voices all blending in rich harmony.  

Needless to say, the next day the Adventist church was packed with Joe and Esther Berkel’s offspring.  Everyone rested up for the closing event . . . a Sunday night banquet of tasty food, memorabilia, musical entertainment including photo slides shown of family members unable to attend the reunion.  In attendance were Ma; all her eleven children with most spouses; and majority of cousins with their spouses and children.

The younger generations, delighted in watching their parents, aunts and uncles interact as teenagers.  Ma looked on with intrigue as her children Bella (Maria) and Sinclair stirred up the events with folk dancing, song and laughter.  Special bonds of friendship were made or renewed.  When all was over, phone calls and letters were received asking when the next reunion would be held.  Auntie Vera’s response was, “You have no idea what all is entailed in planning.”