Our driver came that Saturday morning to take us to that little New Order Amish community in Illinois. While we were loading our suitcases and fastening the childrens car seats he stood there watching us and talking in a streak. By the time we got a few miles down the road we had already heard all the biggest points of his life history.
This was the first time we had ever had him to go any where and we were fast becoming weary of his non-stop chatter as he was now filling us in on all the other points of his life. I felt a little guilty for almost being happy when the van had a flat tire and he had to change it. A few moments of silence where I could actually have my own thoughts seemed nice.
The tire was fixed before long and we were on our way again. We arrived at the bishop's house and he and his wife came out to welcome us. They were a very friendly older couple and after we all had supper we visited for a little while and went to bed. The next morning we were wakened by a loud voice on the other side of our bedroom wall. After listening for a little we heard that it was the bishop and he was praying, using his own words instead of the usual written prayers the Amish use.
We tried not to listen too much but his voice was loud and clear and we didn't have much of a choice. This seemed different. After thinking there should be no limits on prayer it still felt a little funny to actually hear someone speak his thoughts so loudly and earnestly to God.
After breakfast we joined them to go to church. Since this was a New Order church they had a church house which seemed really nice once again. After church they had all the members stay in to work with some sort of problem. It was nice to have a glimpse of how their church worked in instances like that, but I wasn't feeling as if this was the right place. I couldn't quite put my finger on why I felt like I did since there was nothing about this place that was showing any positive no's but I still shrank from the thought of moving to this community.
To be continued
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Lol, sounds like the driver had a captive audience. I've been a captive before. I try to view it as a great opportunity to hone my "tune it all out" skills:D
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to the continuation of the 'hurried plans.'
You know, I always tell my kids to listen to that little inner voice and it sounds like that's just what you were doing. Sorry I missed the first part of this yesterday - you're so on the ball! Have a good Wednesday ~ ♥
ReplyDeleteG'morn Mary Ann ~
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful offer you were made ... & this journey to move on in life. I, like you, would have welcomed the silence.
Will be back to follow your journey. So love mornings with you.
Have a great day ~
TTFN ~
Marydon
My daughter and I have always had thoughts of finding a new place to live. Could not find a church...and the area we have always lived in is changing in not a good way. You are so inspirational. The road to find a new life is hard and yet good. I am excited to continue reading and learn more about how to know what place is the right place. Not the perfect place but a spot to feel like we belong. We have a little of a feeling like that about a church we just visited and I pray our thoughts and prayers are leading us in the right direction. We are weary with floundering about. God has been good. He says not to forsake the coming of yourselves together and so we are trying to follow his direction.
ReplyDeleteIsn't it wonderful to know our voice is welcome at His throne?
ReplyDeleteLet us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:16 KJV)
I'm sure that the Lord was whispering quitely in your ear as you went through this difficult time of searching.
ReplyDeleteOh man, I totally understand the captive audience thing. I've been the captive audience of a cab driver in New York City, and let's just say that was a very scary thing (as in, white knuckles gripping the seat as he dodged traffic). :)
ReplyDeleteJust yesterday I read a book to my kids, and a key line was, "God's not finished with you yet." That seems to summarize your journey so far.
That is very interesting! I look forward to your next post! :)
ReplyDeleteBlessings~
Mikailah
I am so enjoying your post. Can't wait for the next one! Thank you so much for sharing your life with us. God Bless, Deb
ReplyDeleteI had a taxi driver like that once, except he kept asking me personal questions.
ReplyDeleteI know how you feel about all this moving. I can't imagine. I'm facing a possible move, last minute, with a unsure future, and that is scary, but at least I'm not leaving the state.
Yes, always listen to that inner voice!
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to read the next part.
That driver sounds like he was very lonely...thank God you were patient and understanding with him and just listened.
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Joanne
I think your blog is grand. Do come over and see mine!
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful daym week, month, year and life!
I will be back but having you as a follower makes it easyer. Some reason I can nto follow any ones blog today. Oh dear.
God is wonderful in how He speaks to our spirit. We cannot always say why something is not for us but we just know it is God speaking to us, no. Of late, we too have heard a lot of no’s and are waiting for some yeses. Good writing and post, looking forward to your book coming out.
ReplyDeleteMrs. J.