Answering Questions ~ Part Five

Thank you for taking our questions, Mary Ann.

Mine has to do with your earlier post about the "trustee" who came to your house and made your business his... it sounds like you were expected to tithe? To me that sounds like a worldly idea. Was this an expectation in your church?
In our church district, we were expected to give something during each communion service, but there never was any pressure about how much that should be.

No, we were not expected to tithe. Our church as well as all the other Amish I'm familiar with did not believe in tithing. They think tithing is a worldly practise.
 
The Somerset County Amish also didn't believe in having auctions, bake sales, or anything along that line for raising money for school and church expenses. Their reason behind it was they didn't want the public to support their schools or church.
 
They still needed to get the money somewhere so they taxed all the married people. I don't know how their system worked or what percentage we paid because our bill was a grand total of $8.67 per year. (Teacher's in Somerset get $11.25 per day so we didn't even pay for a day of school.) We would have been happy to pay a hundred or more if it would have saved us from going through the deal of having to answer all their questions.
 
We also gave alms at communion but those funds were hardly ever touched.  Hospital bills were helped by asking for freewill donations.
 
I also have wondered if you've ever read Beverly Lewis' books and how you feel about that. Truly, a lot of the things you described from your growing up years, courtship and wedding reminded me of things I've read in Beverly Lewis' books. If you have never read them, will you promise not to judge her books by the movies that are only based on her books?

Yes, I have read some Beverly Lewis books. She is a talented author who writes great fiction.  There are bits and pieces in every book that I have to smile at because it's not Amish, but since it doesn't hurt the story, it's not too hard to shrug it off and enjoy the plot.
 
I've heard rumors about these two things and wonder what the true answers are.

Do Amish people wear deodorant?
And do Amish women wear bras?

Speaking from personal experience the answer is yes to both questions.

I would love to know more about you as a person:

If you were stranded alone on a deserted island, and you could only bring 5 things, what would they be? (No people. Ha Ha!)
What is your favorite tool or kitchen gadget?
What is your most favorite meal? (including beverage, main dish, and dessert)
What is your favorite song?

If I were stranded on a deserted island alone I would like to have my Bible, a blanket, fire, a huge supply of bottled water, and if I could really choose anything I'd go ahead and bring a house too.

My favorite kitchen tool or gadget...... I really like my cast iron pans and my blender.

My favorite meal would have to be fried cheesy potatoes, fried chicken, seven layer salad, and sweet corn for main course. Cold, sweet, fresh water from our well. (When Sunbeam first tasted it after we moved last year she sat around sipping water all day saying it tastes like chocolate milk. It doesn't taste like chocolate but it is sweet.) Dessert would be my mother-in-laws cherry pie. She makes the best!

My favorite song keeps changing. Right now this is one of my favorites.



Hi, thanks for the opportunity to ask a question. I'm wondering ...what is one thing (if anything) that you miss the most about the lifestyle you left behind? Thank you.

God bless. :)
Every once in a while I think it would be nice to have a ride with our horse and buggy again.