An Almost Rant

Having left the Amish only a little over a month earlier a young wife and mother was happy when one Saturday her husband suggested they go shopping for some clothes. They opted to try several thrift stores. After purchases had been made they took everything home to wash and iron. It was going to be nice not having to wear Amish clothes to go to church the next day.

Sunday morning arrived, she dressed her children in their new clothes and then it was her turn. The new purple dress fit beautifully and she was feeling great, her husband's compliments added to her happiness as they headed out the door, dressed in their new Sunday best.

She sat through church services, joining in joyfully singing hymns, drinking in the sermon that was delivered in English, her heart was full as church was dismissed and everyone started visiting before heading home.

Her happy bubble burst, when a woman came up to her and said, "Did you get lost on your way to a wedding?" and then burst into gales of laughter. She felt a little bewildered as she answered, "No, we meant to come to church here."

The woman laughed some more and said, "Your dress looks like it should be in a wedding, not a church." Some other women smiled uncomfortably, but didn't say anything.

The next Sunday she wanted to go worship, but at the same time she didn't want to go to church in her Amish clothes or her now hated pretty purple dress.

~~~~~

I could go on a rant now, but it wouldn't do any good, and I don't like how I feel about that laughing woman. The hurt and harm she caused was senseless, and I can't help but feel upset for my friend. I wish I could have been there for her when it happened.

~~~~~

I don't know if anyone from the church we used to attend after we left the Amish reads this blog, but if so, I want to thank you for always being kind, friendly, and accepting no matter what clothes I was wearing. .

Random Bits

Ever since my parents opened their store Christmas always meant a big box filled with goodies they randomly picked from the shelves to send to us.

Last Christmas I knew that usual box would not be coming, since they were still in the process of rebuilding their store after the fire.

Yesterday, much to my surprise we received a big box stuffed to the brim.

A big block of my favorite cheese, assorted yummy snacks, a stack of books, and some other fun things for the children.

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Some Amish schools have a schedule where families in the community takes turns bringing a hot lunch to school once a week as a nice break from packed lunches.

Often the family bringing the lunch to school will stay for noon recess and help the children play.

Recently it was my uncle's, who also happens to be a bishop, turn to furnish lunch. After everyone was done eating they went outside to play softball with my uncle being pitcher for both teams. As he pitched for one of the upper grade girls, she swung the bat with grim determination, her efforts paid off as her bat met the ball with a satisfying "crack". Unfortunately the ball went flying straight into my uncles face, knocking him out.

He was taken to the hospital, where they took care of his cut cheek, broken nose, and gave him advice on taking it easy for a while.

I feel sorry for the girl though, she will always be known as the girl who knocked out the bishop.

~~~~~

Maple sugaring season is under way and our usual quiet little town is overflowing with thousands of tourists that descend every year to sample, watch, and buy.

I'm staying at home until the craziness is over.

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. March is known as the windy month. Which of the following phrases best fits your March so far...'throw caution to the wind', 'three sheets to the wind', 'run like the wind', or 'see which way the wind blows'?

 I'm going with run like the wind. I'm in the process of potty training Buddy and have, more times than I can count, uttered the phrase "run like the wind, my boy, run like the wind" as we head to another session in hopes we get there in time.

2. Your favorite green food? Your favorite dish made with your favorite green food?

Broccoli. I love it steamed or roasted and as a special treat a broccoli grape salad is always a hit.

3. Ever been locked out of your home-car-office-anywhere? Do tell!

I was locked out of our house several years ago and ended up removing the screen from a window and climbing inside to unlock the door.

4. Yoda, Kermit, Shrek, The Wicked Witch of the West, Oscar the Grouch, The Grinch, or Mike Wasowski (Monsters Inc.)...of the green characters listed, which one's your favorite and why?

The Grinch, not a fan of him, but he's the only one I know anything about.

5. "The first task of a leader is to keep hope alive."~Joe Batten Do you agree? Why or why not?

I agree. Much can be accomplished when a spirit of hope is present.

6. Share a favorite song with an emotion in it's title.

The first song that comes to mind used to be one of my favorites as a child. If You're Happy and You Know It

7. What's a road trip you'd like to take?

A road trip we are planning to take someday is driving up along the east coast stopping at various points of interest along the way with our goal of visiting Acadia.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

 

Sailor can get quite creative in the kitchen. He prepares lunch several times a week. This was his latest offering.

 

I'm so happy he has an interest in food other than just eating.

Leaving the Amish

I don't think anyone that left the Amish would say it was easy to do, but I do think the level of difficulty can be much more extreme for some.

When we left we had been married for a number of years already, had three children, owned a home, and had a business. All of that stayed the same, but we now had a new mode of transportation and attended a different church.

Emotionally it was very difficult knowing our decision to leave would sever family ties and friendships we had all our life. But trusting in Jesus, we forged ahead.

Recently I was reminded of how much harder leaving would have been had we left as a teen. On top of dealing with the emotional side of leaving we would have had to find a place to stay, a job, everything would have been new and different, almost overwhelmingly so.

I am thankful for places like MAP Ministry that offer help and guidance for those who are heading out alone and penniless.

Vernie Update

Many of you have already been introduced to my Aunt Vernie, on my blog.   I receive emails frequently wondering how she is doing.

Yesterday I received a phone call from one of my cousins to let me know that Vernie had a heart attack and isn't doing well at all.

She has always been scared of doctors and hospitals, so this is an especially difficult time for her.

We would appreciate prayer for her, and if you care to help I would love to fill her mailbox with cards letting her know we care.

If you send me a quick email, I'll get her new address back to you.