Never did that before! Part One

Three nights, four days, 2600 km.
An Amish farm, two theaters, five states, and a President's home! 

Part One: A Paradigm Shift 
I have viewed documentaries and read multiple books on the Amish way of life.
And yet...
When we had an opportunity in Bird-in-Hand Pennsylvania, to speak with the Amish and walk their farm, get a buggy ride, and hear first hand about their life, I had what I can only describe as a slight paradigm shift.

Being greeted by an Amish woman wearing a nose ring was my first indication all was not as I had read in the Beverly Lewis books!

Seeing a high tech automatic milking machine, cooling tanks, and learning the commercial milk truck pulls up to the farm just like any other farm around our home, to test and collect the Amish farmer's milk he sells, was number two.

Hearing and seeing the electric tools that were being used to build a new improved home thwoooping and buzzing and pounding was number three.
 

John, showing us the milking machinery

A barn of Holstein calves less than 3 months old - separated to make sure no diseases exist

 Yes, they work without the power grid connection. Yes, they drive horse and buggy. Yes, the kids use scooters to get to their one room schoolhouse just down the road. Yes, they only go to grade eight.

Plain and Fancy mingle continually

The one room Amish Schoolhouse

Sid and Danny - our buggy horses and the Amish farmyard.

BUT... none of that was the focus of their life.

As I stood on the farm looking around, I felt the shift. Being Amish was not about the clothes they wear, or the food they eat, the occupation they choose, or the transportation they use. 

So, what was it about?

I spent a few minutes with the nose ring lady and had a chance to ask her some questions.
"What does it mean to you to be Amish?" I asked.

• It's about being baptized in the Amish church
• It's about choosing to serve God by working hard
• She was quick to share that they believe they will see all Christians in heaven. They were not the exclusive way to God. 
• She shared that her brother had chosen to marry and be baptized in the Mennonite church and they rejoiced with him and know they will see him in heaven. They got to be a part of his baptism in the Mennonite church.
• Not once did she say it had anything to do with no computers, no cars, or no fancy clothing.
• In fact, their businesses DO have computers and they have very well done websites. The computers however, stay out of the house.

We  also had a chance to chat with John, the retired Amish farmer who shared why the kids use scooters and rarely would an Amish community bishop allow even bicycles let alone cars.
It is to keep the children close to home. Close to family.

And so, the day began with some new understanding of the Christian Amish church. shifting my perspective from the Amish doing things the old way and resisting the new, to their focus being on God and how they choose to serve Him with all their heart, mind, soul and strength and keeping their family close to home and hearth.