What an amazing time we have had here in the heart of the Ohio Amish country!! One of the couples traveling with us has been coming here for about 20 years and they have made friends with two Amish families. One of the families is Old Order Amish while the other is from the strictest of the Amish traditions. Because of the Jackson’s previous relationship with both families we have had the rare opportunity of being hosted in the homes of these two families.
On Sunday evening we went over to visit with the Keim’s, who are a lovely family with beautiful children–about 6 children. All the children and some of the adults played volleyball, while the rest of us sat and relaxed and visited with the family. The hospitality they showed us was unequaled. Mr. Keim took those of us who had never ridden in an Amish buggy for a ride and it was truly a thrill. I’ll be posting pictures of all this when I return home. We plan to spend another evening with this family before we leave as we all fell in love with them.
The second family are of the strictest order of Amish and typically do not allow visitors into their home. We went to their home planning to only purchase some of the lovely baskets they make to support the family. Imagine our surprise when they invited us to come into their home. What a treat!!
As I sit here in my fifth wheel camper which is pulled by a Ford F350 truck, I enjoy ample electricity, electrical appliances, air conditioning, television, and many other modern conveniences, I am struck by how simple the lifestyle is of the Amish and how the family is the bedrock of their society. Although I would not want to give up the conveniences that I have grown accustomed to, I have to wonder if we would not be better off as a society if we took some lessons from these dear Amish folk and returned to the days when the family and our devotion to God was the centerpiece of life. There is a certain peace about these Amish people–a peacefulness that most of us lack because we are too busy chasing the American dream–or perhaps it is the American nightmare!!
We love it so much here that we are planning to return for fall break in October. I cannot wait to show you some of our pictures. Have a blessed day friends.
