I'm still here.
Although I feel 1000 miles away at times...
Like I don't quite fit in.
These feelings are intensified when I visit Amish country,
which I did twice in the last week.
Upon arriving in their midst, I feel immediately "at home"...
This last trip was very special in that I was recognized by a young Amish boy,
who was driving a buggy with a flashy, black horse who was anxious to get to his destination.
The boy, "A", pulled the buggy over, delighted to see me.
And me, him.
I also got to meet many of his family,
including his mother,
who emerged from the back of the buggy holding a youngster in her slight arms.
Of the 11 children in their family,
I saw many smiling faces that early morning peering from the buggy.
That,
and watching twin lambs emerge into the world as the sun warmed up the Amish countryside,
made my day.
Upon returning home, I question why it is such a transition.
For we live very rustic.
In many ways, we live more rustic than the Amish.
One Amish woman shook her head in disbelief when I explained I didn't have an oven large enough for a turkey, last fall before Thanksgiving.
The tug is great...and keeps me grounded until the next visit,
which will be soon,
as we will be getting feeder pigs from the Amish in late May.
And once again, I'll be sporting a huge grin.
Until next time folks.
God willing.
To HIM be the Glory!
Sherry
8 comments:
Sounds like you had a very lovely visit.
It sounds like your heart is there...
Certainly, you are looking forward to your next visit.
Hope your weekend is a good one :)
Hello Sherry - it's been a while since I've visited (so very sorry for the absence) - but in doing a little catch-up, I felt very much like how you describe your visits to the Amish communities - a little like "going home" and "fitting in." Truly enjoy your posts. I love your Malaki - he looks so much like our Snow Dog.....Smiles & Hugs ~ Robin
Hmmmm, the Amish are admirable in many ways, but being a part of a group that frequently gets their used up horses, I can tell you that they are well known for overwork and mistreatment of animals. Pick up the harness of one of those lovely steeds and see the scars. And the puppy mills they run are hard to romanticize also.
Sounds wonderful.....Some day maybe I too can visit :) Blessings
Miss you, Sherry! BEAUTIFUL pictures:))
I do not believe that Sherry would associate with any known animal abusers. I have never heard that the Amish were all saints either. As in any population you will always have a percentage of less than desirable members, however, as a generally accepted view, the Amish as a group is viewed with favorable, even beloved regards.
Let us teach those who may not know that all living animals are creatures of God our Father and are deserving of the respect that that affords them. Let’s not denigrate an entire group of people because of what a minute few may or may not do.
I only wish that more individuals would emulate the Amish and their faith. I personally have nothing but the highest respect for this group of people and their way of life. I hope Sherry keeps making and growing friendships with the Amish and that she allows the rest of us a glimpse of her journey.
I have come to admire and respect the Amish, and while I know first hand about the Amish puppy-mills, I won't judge an entire group of people or let that detract from the peace you felt and enjoyment you had in your visit, and that I enjoyed reading about and look forward to reading about again!!
Thank you for the kind comments friends. (And thank you John for stepping in during my absence.) I have felt "at home" in the Amish community for 25+ years and have only grown in my admiration for their way of life and fierce faith. The Amish are very Biblical about their view of animals. They (the animals) are put on this earth to assist us and serve us (through work, and as a food source). To put them equal with a human, or above a human, is blasphemy. That being said, why would an Amish farmer mistreat a "tool" that serves him so well... Thank you Kim @ Golden Pines...you nailed it.
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