After arriving in at my aunts house in Michigan we enjoyed a pleasant evening visiting and catching up on all the latest news. We didn't stay up very late since we wanted to get up early the next morning and head to church.
We didn't know very many people, and felt a little awkward that morning as every one was shaking hands and greeting each other with a holy kiss. We were used to the hand shaking part but practicing the holy kiss was new and not a little uncomfortable and awkward.
Church was much the same as we were used to, except it was held in someones home instead of a church house and all the songs except for the Lob Lied were slower and different. After church the members had to stay seated and the children were herded outside. We found it interesting to see what and how they worked with their problems.
Sunday passed swiftly. LV had talked to the bishop and ministers there and we had an appointment the following day to have an interview with them where they wanted to know if we were in good standing at the church where we were members, our reason for wanting to move, and then they read and explained their ordnung to us.
We were approved and they recommended a few properties nearby that we might interested in buying. After they left we went to look at them to see which we wanted for our future home. We had one that we liked a little better than the rest and headed back home to think about it some more before committing to anything.
Once we got home, it seemed so good to be back that we realized we weren't ready to give up the home we loved so much. We had a lot of great friends that we hated to think of leaving behind and decided for the time being we would simply try even harder to please everyone and things might get better.
We weren't at home for more than a day or so before people started coming to see if they could have first chance at buying our farm. they all seemed disappointed when we told them that we had decided not to move after all. It was nice to know that we wouldn't have a problem selling our farm if we ever wanted to, but on the other hand it made us a little uneasy that so many people wanted it, knowing that they would not be looking for ways to make us want to stay.
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It's hard to leave a home you love. I sure am enjoying your story and look forward to each post! Blessings to you.
ReplyDelete~Tammy
We are actually going thru the throes of decision making right now, as did you.
ReplyDeleteMary Ann, you can never know how everyone I refer to your blog shares enjoys you so much. Thank you for such a peaceful & enjoyable place to visit & enjjoy your life.
Have a beautiful day ~
TTFN ~
Marydon
5 day GIVEAWAY, pop over
Wow! So many mixed thoughts and emotions! I look forward to reading what happens.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing another memory with us. I can just imagine how bittersweet it must have been to want to stay on your own farm yet knowing others wanted it.
ReplyDeleteI grew up conservative Mennonite, and we practiced the holy kiss. We're not in those circles anymore, but I understand well that culture and their practices.
ReplyDeleteI also understand how it would make you feel funny,knowing your place is in such hot demand. May the Lord guide you in all of your decisions.
Waving and smiling,
Rhonda
I've heard of the holy kiss being practiced in certain churches as well. Sounds very awkward! :)
ReplyDeleteIt's interesting to read about the differences between the two communities. Thanks for sharing!
Yeah, that would make me uneasy, too.
ReplyDeleteI can't believe the audacity of some people! You must have felt uncomfortable knowing they wanted your place. I hope you sold your farm to a paper company. *giggles* (They stink really bad for miles .)
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting the similarities of situations regardless of the denomination. My heart goes out to you in this event, as we too had to make some of the very same choices. The group we met with in Indiana moved to Michigan. They met in homes instead of a church house as well. We lived in Illinois, traveled to fellowship in Indiana, but still looked for a place in Illinois. We tried several places over the years and frankly, the same things occurred with the selection of persecutions over the smallest of things. It does make one wonder why it occurs so often.
ReplyDeleteThe Word of God tells us that there is a remnant, that the hearts of many will grow cold. When one sells out to the Lord in all things, it is as if a bull’s-eye target is painted on such a person. Maybe in this explains your situation, a target because you were different even among your own people. Many commentaries will tell you as the Apostle Paul it is our lot to suffer as Christ did, because we are different than the world or worldly carnal minds. Looking forward to hear how things settled. God bless you for seeking His will.
Mrs. J.
Bittersweet realities. Seems life is made up of a many of them.
ReplyDeleteI've never been in a church where there have been 'persecutions'. And I've worshipped in Presbyterian, Assembly of God, non-denominational, Mennonite and Anglican (currently) churches. There's the usual personality differences or not agreeing with a pastor's sermon style.....but nitpicking about how a person lives--no way. If anything, the churches I've been a member of haven't known one another as well as yours seem to have, Mary Ann. And that includes being a part of Cell Groups, Home Fellowship Groups, Connect Groups for a number of years too. We all seem to lead busy lives and pop into these groups & the weekly worship services, but then go our separate ways the rest of the week kind of oblivious of the other families. So, wouldn't know (thank goodness) the details even if we did want to be nitpicky!?!
ReplyDeleteThat would have made me feel a bit uneasy too!
ReplyDelete