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Across the Fence:  Me and the Amish kids  |
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mommom
True Blue Farmgirl
854 Posts
Susan
Lancaster
Pennsylvania
USA
854 Posts |
 Posted - Aug 26 2008 : 5:40:31 PM
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I'm starting my fall housecleaning tomorrow and decided to get a jump on it by washing all my curtains and hanging them out on the line tonight. Eight out of nine of my Amish neighbor children were out in the field cutting tobacco and putting them in teepees. The oldest is 20 and the youngest is 1 year. Anyway, they don't teach their children to speak and learn English until they're four years old. Levi, who is 3, doesn't understand one word I say, but, he does know my name. He came up to me while I was hanging curtains and said, "Sue?" I asked him what he wanted because I knew what he wanted but I like to hear him say it! He says, "popsicle!" He's grinning from ear to ear. I said sure! All the way into the house he is holding one finger on my left hand and all I can do is pray that I have eight popsicles in the freezer! And I did! So we carry them out to the field and we all sit down and eat wonderful treats! When we're done the three oldest girls come over to me and we discover that we are all the same height now!  I am so blessed to live next to them. They're my family. We look out for each other and that's so important to me. Just wanted to share my little piece of happiness with you all! Susan |
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Firemama
True Blue Farmgirl
1731 Posts
Amanda
Medical Lake
WA
USA
1731 Posts |
Posted - Aug 26 2008 : 5:46:13 PM
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Oh wow Susan that is SO neat!
Mama to 2
FarmGirl# 20
People can only make you feel inferior with your permission, and you dont have my permission......
http://myfarmdreams.blogspot.com/
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joyfulmama
True Blue Farmgirl
1175 Posts
Debra
Silver Springs
NV
USA
1175 Posts |
Posted - Aug 26 2008 : 5:50:12 PM
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Susan, It sounds wonderful. I have tons of books about the Amish. Their lives intrigue me. I love living the simple life, making things from scratch. I could totally handle that kind of lifestyle. All of my happiest memories are when the power was out for days.. and we had to cook on the woodstove, spend the day reading and knitting or sewing by hand.. singing around a candle in the evening. Though I am thankful for the things I do have :-) And I know their life is one of much hard work. We could learn a lot from them about hard work, taking care of their own.. I don't want to look at their lives through rose colored glasses.. I know they don't have a personal relationship with God and the shunning thing is sad. I am sure there are plenty of Amish who have their problems. but there is something about it.. just like the afternoon you described draws me in.
Sure do love their quilts. :-)
Blessings, Debra
"Your life is an occasion, Rise to it." Mr Magorium..
http://myvintagehome.com
http://woolieacres.net
http://modernmanna.org
[url=http://www.TickerFactory.com/weight-loss/wTs2fAv/]
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deeredawn
True Blue Farmgirl
2306 Posts
Dawn
Cordova
TN
USA
2306 Posts |
Posted - Aug 26 2008 : 6:00:18 PM
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You are lucky to be living near nice Amish. I am not so lucky. Most of the ones around here are less than desirable. I've had the privelege of knowing good bad and ugly! Let me tell you, I would NOT trade my world for theirs ever.... even the rich Amish that live in Berlin, OHIO with cell phnes and working toilets. NO WAY! I prefer to just be simple and "english".
Dawn M. Sista #279 (big grin!)
www.harvestthymefarm.com
"I figure if a girl wants to be a legend, she should go ahead and be one!"...Calamity Jane |
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mommom
True Blue Farmgirl
854 Posts
Susan
Lancaster
Pennsylvania
USA
854 Posts |
Posted - Aug 26 2008 : 7:02:29 PM
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| Even though we've never talked about it, I think my neighbors do have a relationship with God. I receive Christmas cards that they've made and they have written Bible verses in them for us. And, when one of them was horrifically sick last winter they came over and asked me to pray for her. Right before we moved here they lost a little boy in a barn accident and the mom told me that she tries to focus on what God has given her....and that she looks forward to seeing her sweet boy again one day. I think I've just chosen to see them through Gods eyes and to accept them for who they are. I think that's all any of us want. Susan |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
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joyfulmama
True Blue Farmgirl
1175 Posts
Debra
Silver Springs
NV
USA
1175 Posts |
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nubidane
True Blue Farmgirl
2886 Posts
Lisa
Georgetown
OH
2886 Posts |
Posted - Aug 26 2008 : 7:26:03 PM
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| We have several Amish near here & while I admire them, believe me ..they are the shrewdest businessmen around. I call them the "Trump Amish".. THey make more in one weekend than most of us make in a year..Selling all of their furniture, buildings, gift items etc(which are not all made by them some of them "Made in China".. Woo Hoo!) That being said, I still love them as neighbors & would much rather have them contributing to our local ecomony than not. They are very intelligent, & business savvy & that is the American Way ..right? I do appraisals in their community regularly & support them every time I am there. But believe me..they are not the quaint, simple folk we think of..(I'm talking 5000+ square foot houses w/gazebos, extensive landscaping & views we would all kill for..plus furniture that is something most of us could only dream of...)That being said..I love having them around.. What a boost for an otherwise saggy SW OH economy! |
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nubidane
True Blue Farmgirl
2886 Posts
Lisa
Georgetown
OH
2886 Posts |
Posted - Aug 26 2008 : 7:29:37 PM
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Susan, I just read my post & do not mean to diminish your beautiful experience with your lovely neighbors. It sounds like you live in an area of the more traditional Amish than here in OH..
I just adore the kids.. I would love to have them as next door neighbors like you have there! |
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lilwing
True Blue Farmgirl
1403 Posts
Brooke
Fulshear
Texas
USA
1403 Posts |
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Bear5
True Blue Farmgirl
13055 Posts
Louisiana/Texas
USA
13055 Posts |
Posted - Aug 26 2008 : 9:39:21 PM
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Susan:
What a joy for you! I would have cherished that time spent with them. Thanks for sharing that story with us. It made me smile.
Marly |
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deeredawn
True Blue Farmgirl
2306 Posts
Dawn
Cordova
TN
USA
2306 Posts |
Posted - Aug 27 2008 : 05:26:03 AM
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I too.... did not mean any harm in my post. I've always said that there is "good and bad" in all walks of life! I guess from working at the hatchery and dealing with a lot of Amish it has kind of soured me. But on the same hand, I've had plenty of very nice ones! I do have a good story for you to make up for it! My hubby drives fuel truck and some local Amish came in to check kerosene prices and such. All the sudden, they started taking to eachother in Dutch and pointing at my husband! My hubby starts laughing and tells them "hey, you live in America, speak English!" I was mortified! could've knowcked my over with a feather and then all the sudden the older man goes "whatsa matter? you afraid we're talking about you?" And Hubby says "yeah, your calling me fat!!" they all started laughing and then said there good-byes! I just about put my elbow through hubby's ribcage when he was like " cool down, they do that tuff to me all the time and they are really good people. Old Joe even talk me a couple cuss words the other day!" I was dumbfounded. But like I said, there is all kinds. Old Joe and his son came over to fix our barn roof the next week and brought me beets and watermelon. They played with the barn cats on their lunch break. Very nice people. I'm happy that you have such wonderful neighbors!
Dawn M. Sista #279 (big grin!)
www.harvestthymefarm.com
"I figure if a girl wants to be a legend, she should go ahead and be one!"...Calamity Jane |
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mommom
True Blue Farmgirl
854 Posts
Susan
Lancaster
Pennsylvania
USA
854 Posts |
Posted - Aug 27 2008 : 05:34:43 AM
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| Oh, and Debra, congratulations on the five pounds lost! Keep going! Susan |
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simplyflowers
True Blue Farmgirl
489 Posts
Jamie
Locust Grove
Virginia
USA
489 Posts |
Posted - Aug 27 2008 : 05:36:00 AM
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Hi Gals!! I've been away from the farmyard for a few days! :( But I'm back. The internet at the house has crapped out again....our service provider is supposed to come out soon! I hope! I loved this post Susan! We (DH, DS, and myself) are going past your neck of the woods soon. We are going to Strausburg (sp?) to see Thomas the Train!! WootWoot! I'm so excited just to see the area and take in the natural beauty! We are lacking much of that here in Stafford, VA. So, do you talk to the parents any? The culture of the Amish intrige me as well. How they are self sufficent...etc...
Cheers All and Have a Lovely Day!!
Jamie :)
"Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work." -- Thomas Edison |
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AuntPammy
True Blue Farmgirl
488 Posts
Pamila
williamstown
wv
USA
488 Posts |
Posted - Aug 27 2008 : 05:45:51 AM
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I have known quite a few Amish people, too. I was always intriqued by them, so quiet and peaceful. I, too, read many books about them and furvently tried to find their "secret" to such peacefulness. Alas, I never found it; but, Susan your story just mirrors what I do know about these people, their simple lives are so wonderfully heartwarming. In this modern day of cell phones and i-pods etc., popscicles are really all we need to enjoy a nice afternoon with friends! Thanks for sharing your story--it was just wonderful.
Let's dance in the rain and play in the puddles under the rainbows.
www.auntpsalmostheaven.blogspot.com |
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dutchy
True Blue Farmgirl
4427 Posts
4427 Posts |
Posted - Aug 27 2008 : 06:14:15 AM
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I have always been fascinated by their lifestyle. Unfortunately I can't find any books about them here, but I did buy a few when i was visiting Pa. last year! Also went to an Amish village in Pa. Very nice but also very commercial. But still liked it a lot. I try to find many things about the REAL Amish lifestyle on the Internet.
Thanks for the nice story.
Hugs from Marian/Dutchy, a farmgirl from the Netherlands :)
(Only Elvis is a black kitten :) )
http://princess-of-pink-creations.blogspot.com/
my new BLOG
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joyfulmama
True Blue Farmgirl
1175 Posts
Debra
Silver Springs
NV
USA
1175 Posts |
Posted - Aug 27 2008 : 06:43:11 AM
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from what I can gather- they certainly believe in God, honor Him but the devout Amish believe to ask Jesus Christ as their saviour is a prideful thing. The mennonite are the people who broke away from the Amish because they believed they could ask Jesus to be their saviour and to forgive them of their sins.
There may be Amish out there who are going against the rules and have been saved- but most are not truly saved.
thanks Susan for the encouragement. I have certainly felt everyone's prayers.
Blessings, Debra
"Your life is an occasion, Rise to it." Mr Magorium..
http://myvintagehome.com
http://woolieacres.net
http://modernmanna.org
[url=http://www.TickerFactory.com/weight-loss/wTs2fAv/]
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electricdunce
True Blue Farmgirl
2544 Posts
Karin
Belmont
ME
USA
2544 Posts |
Posted - Aug 27 2008 : 06:56:23 AM
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What a nice story, how great you have wonderful neighbors, and children at that. I try not to be too judgemental about anyone, one never knows what is going on in other people's lives to cause their actions that might seem so different than mine.
Karin
Farmgirl Sister #153
"Give me shelter from the storm" - Bob Dylan
http://moodranch.blogspot.com
http://domesticnonsense.etsy.com |
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Txfarmgal
True Blue Farmgirl
585 Posts
AK
USA
585 Posts |
Posted - Aug 27 2008 : 08:56:39 AM
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Susan, Thank you for sharing your day with us and what a story.
AngiKay-farmgirl sister #301
www.angikay.etsy.com
Heart of TX chapter
Be strong and Courageous. Jos. 1:9
Texas 4H! http://texas4-h.tamu.edu/ |
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lilwing
True Blue Farmgirl
1403 Posts
Brooke
Fulshear
Texas
USA
1403 Posts |
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joyfulmama
True Blue Farmgirl
1175 Posts
Debra
Silver Springs
NV
USA
1175 Posts |
Posted - Aug 27 2008 : 10:06:56 AM
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I agree.. It is best not to judge. I am sure there are plenty of Amish who have personal relationships with God- they just can't openly talk about it.
Blessings, Debra
"Your life is an occasion, Rise to it." Mr Magorium..
http://myvintagehome.com
http://woolieacres.net
http://modernmanna.org
[url=http://www.TickerFactory.com/weight-loss/wTs2fAv/]
[/url]
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mommom
True Blue Farmgirl
854 Posts
Susan
Lancaster
Pennsylvania
USA
854 Posts |
Posted - Aug 27 2008 : 12:08:25 PM
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| I often take the dad on errands or to the drs. or vets. The mom and I really enjoy going to auctions! One night she bought a big old rocker and somehow we managed to stuff it into the back seat of my car! I was very happy to hold their last little girl (who's now 1) when she was only 6 hours old. They asked me to come meet her. You know, even though they live entirely differently than we do they still have worries for their children. I swear, this Rumspraught (running around period) would give me an ulcer! She shares with me about how she worries and says she just trusts God to bring her girls back home after a night out. I know she doesn't sleep until they are all home. But, what I love most about them is that they never complain. They cut tobacco last night until almost dark and kiddingly asked me to turn on my car lights so they could finish! It's very peaceful where we live. We gave them a trampoline and in the evenings we can hear them jumping on it and laughing. I don't need tv when I can hear those sounds to sooth my soul! Thanks for all your comments. I am so blessed. Susan |
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joyfulmama
True Blue Farmgirl
1175 Posts
Debra
Silver Springs
NV
USA
1175 Posts |
Posted - Aug 27 2008 : 2:25:56 PM
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I am blessed just hearing about it.. to live in a neighborhood that people love hearing children playing.. Sadly as a large family we don't see that often in modern society.
Blessings, Debra
"Your life is an occasion, Rise to it." Mr Magorium..
http://myvintagehome.com
http://woolieacres.net
http://modernmanna.org
[url=http://www.TickerFactory.com/weight-loss/wTs2fAv/]
[/url]
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joyfulmama
True Blue Farmgirl
1175 Posts
Debra
Silver Springs
NV
USA
1175 Posts |
Posted - Aug 27 2008 : 2:30:05 PM
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I am blessed just hearing about it.. to live in a neighborhood that people love hearing children playing.. Sadly as a large family we don't see that often in modern society.
Blessings, Debra
"Your life is an occasion, Rise to it." Mr Magorium..
http://myvintagehome.com
http://woolieacres.net
http://modernmanna.org
[url=http://www.TickerFactory.com/weight-loss/wTs2fAv/]
[/url]
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Aunt Jenny
True Blue Farmgirl
11381 Posts
Jenny
middle of
Utah
USA
11381 Posts |
Posted - Aug 27 2008 : 3:18:18 PM
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What wonderful neighbors. I have always been facinated by the Amish. You are sure lucky to live near such a sweet people!!
Jenny in Utah
Proud Farmgirl sister #24
Inside me there is a skinny woman crying to get out...but I can usually shut her up with cookies
http://www.auntjennysworld.blogspot.com/ visit my little online shop at www.auntjenny.etsy.com |
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mommom
True Blue Farmgirl
854 Posts
Susan
Lancaster
Pennsylvania
USA
854 Posts |
Posted - Aug 28 2008 : 07:59:16 AM
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| Oh my gosh, Debra! Seven pounds! Hugs, Susan |
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Across the Fence: Me and the Amish kids |
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Me and the Amish kids
