In part 1 you saw a paradise tucked away from the hustle bustle world that we know... that was crawling (literally) with hundreds of beasts of the forest and fields. Come with me now to another paradise... as we step inside an Amish home and get a feel for how they live their daily lives.
No computer, iPhone or television set can compare to the beauty and peace that comes from this simple life.
And the smell is phenomenal!! Fresh and clean... and then the smell of cookies and bread baking! Somebody pinch me!
Room number one was a gigantic kitchen where several of the sweetest Amish kids helped Mom scoop cookies from a cookie platter and place them on the table for those of us touring the home - their guests. There were dozens upon dozens of cookies fresh out of the oven to welcome us.
We were drawn to the next room by an angelic voice singing the sweetest song... and there I spied a little girl, her back towards me, singing and rocking her dolly in her arms as she turned the pages of a picture book.
When asked if we could take her picture, this very 'adult' 5 year old replied, "No pictures. But feel free to take pictures of the home and everything else, just no pictures of us." My heart melted at her sweetness.
Simple. Sweet. Quiet. Peaceful. Aromatic. These words describe my overall experience as we found our way through this beautiful home.
The family that we were seeing lives somewhere here... but the photos that you are seeing are mainly for show.
And the impression I got is that this is a typical model of how the Amish do live.
So what do the Amish do with no TV, no phones, no video games, no electricity ... ? Well. I would sum that up in one word.
Work.
This little guy photo-bombed us... The reason I post it is because he has an uncanny resemblance to our grandson Jasper.. He even acted like Jasper...
"Did we tour this part of the home yet?" Gary asked.
"I'm not sure," I said.
So he walked up the steps and said he'd check. He went inside while I waited at the bottom of the steps for his response. I waited. And I waited. And... soon I became tired of waiting and I decided to just go ahead in. I reached for the door to open it and it was locked! Wait! What's happening here?
"Anyone in there?"
Gary, playing one of his practical jokes. Oh, he is just so funny. Not.
Bobbi I agree such peace and tranquility there. I have not been to the Berlin, Ohio area but Lancaster, PA is very very similar. Look at those beautiful wood floors. I loved you description of the 5 year old. One could surely eat off them they are so clean and that bread and the pantry. Wholesome clean life. I guess you don't miss what you never had like electricity etc.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful vacation you had.
Hugs Cecilia
An unusual and spiritual experience. And without any modern tech, you know they always get everything done because they are never distracted. We used to have an old washing machine like this. My mom always threatened me to not get near the rollers, or I would get my arm caught and rolled all the way into it!
ReplyDeleteI have to admit that at times I long for a more simpler life. I love the photos, especially the one with the homemade bread. I could almost smell those loaves!
ReplyDeletewhat a serene place.
ReplyDeleteI so admire the Amish and there simple yet rewarding way of life. Could I do it--probably not but think we would all be better off if we did.
ReplyDeleteHow neat that you were able peak inside the life of the Amish. I've always been curious. And wow, on all those canned goods - that does take lots of work.
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