Margot

My parents were born in Holland. But when they found out that they were having me they wanted to make sure I lived a better life than they did, so they came to New Amsterdam. Soon after, I was born. I was only five when Vader set out to sea. He worked for the Dutch West India Company. He was a trader. He was gone for very long periods of time but it paid very well. Moeder had a small bakery shop so that when Vader was away we could get by. Vader would usually come back in about two and a half months. This time he was going to Holland. Those were his favorite trips, he loved seeing home, or what was home to him. So he set out. This time two and a half months passed — his ship and crew came back but he wasn't on it! We soon knew he had drowned at sea. That was the worst news ever.

Willem, Pheabea, and Janna are my siblings. My baby sister Janna is darling. We are all very close. Willem and I get along very well but Pheabea can be very annoying.

Me, Janna, Willem, Pheabea, and Moeder live in a small wooden bowry with a red double dutch door. We have chickens, a horse, pigs, and a guard dog. We grow herbs outside for they can be very dear. We also have cows but they are very lazy. We have a pasture right next to our house where maple usually is. Me and Willem sleep on mats on the floor but Moeder sleeps in a box bed.

Living in New Amsterdam is good but ever since Vader died it’s been pretty hard. Moeder Doesn't make enough money for the whole family. I really want to go see the city, Moeder will not allow me, she fears I will get lost or run off.