We were always happy to help them out if we could. They were always willing to return the favor.
We had the same type of borrowing relationship with other nearby Amish families.
Borrowing from neighbors is a thing of the past now for us. Some days I miss that.
Days like today, when I had a sewing order I needed to complete to get in the mail, and my old faithful treadle sewing machine would not cooperate at all.
If it would have been twenty years ago I would have gathered up all my things and gone to my parents house and used my Mom's sewing machine.
I briefly thought of going to our closet Amish neighbors to see if I can use her machine and then laughed at that errant thought. I can only imagine how horrified she would have been to have someone they have to shun ask for something like that. Technically they're supposed to give us what ever we want or need, and never accept anything from us in return. But I wasn't about to put her into such an uncomfortable position.
If it would have been twenty years ago I would have gathered up all my things and gone to my parents house and used my Mom's sewing machine.
I briefly thought of going to our closet Amish neighbors to see if I can use her machine and then laughed at that errant thought. I can only imagine how horrified she would have been to have someone they have to shun ask for something like that. Technically they're supposed to give us what ever we want or need, and never accept anything from us in return. But I wasn't about to put her into such an uncomfortable position.
Every once in a while I miss the simplicity and sense of community we used to have while we were Amish. Borrowing and lending is one of those things I do miss.
How sad for your situation. I understand the reasoning of shunning, even if I don't agree fully with it as the heart of it is to get you to rejoin the faith and repent. But, to not be able to fellowship with someone seems so hard. Relationships of a lifetime are cast aside.
ReplyDeleteA friend of mine is not allowed to even speak to her parent or siblings after leaving the Amish. She is so hurt and lonely by this decision. She misses her family so much but she loves Jesus and His WORD more.
Blessings and hugs,
Betsy
People move so often nowadays, I don't have neighbors I know like you describe; of course those were relatives, which sounds especially sweet to have had them so near.
ReplyDeleteI think we used to live in a friendlier era. Now, even in. town, we don't see much of the neighbours .
ReplyDeleteI loved growing up next door to my grandparents, even though I was one of the youngest grandchildren and we lost them both by the time I was sixteen. I do miss the friendliness of rural, small town living. That being said, I've never had to or thought to ask to borrow a neighbor's sewing machine, but I can think of several in my neighborhood who would probably be willing lend theirs to me. You are thoughtful to be so considerate of your neighbors and their feelings in your situation. Hugs!
ReplyDeleteHi! Popping over from the A-Z. I really love this post, I love the nostalgia of it and I think even though I didn't grow up in an Amish community, all of us long for days when everything was much more communal and open and friendly. Glad I stopped by, I'll be back to continue your journey!
ReplyDeleteI was just reading an article about this very practice, earlier this week! It said that this is why certain immigrant groups to America have prospered - because they pool their resources and have that sense of community. I'm married to an immigrant, and I've seen this so many times. He and his family have been here for many years now, and I've seen them give a wide variety of help to so many friends and relatives.
ReplyDeleteI've been lucky where I grew up in a street where as you've described was the case, although not quite as much as you. I am lucky that now I live in a place that is quite friendly and I know that if I need anything my neighbours are always there... it's not the same everywhere but it is very valued.
ReplyDeleteThat's a shame.
ReplyDelete