It was 1709 in the German Palatine during the coldest winter in 500 years. Anna Seiler despaired as her farm animals died, her winter wheat froze in the ground and her neighbors weakened from starvation. But then, the Queen of England called on Anna's countrymen to abandon their homeland, make their way to London and set sail for her colonies in America where she promised free land and a new life. In eight months, over 13,000 desperate people answered her call including Anna, with her small band of family and friends, who set out to do the impossible - survive the journey.