(Editor’s note: This is the last of a two-part series for The Daily Herald. The first part ran in yesterday’s edition.)
The Amish community consists of self-governing districts. When a district becomes too big, they split into more districts. Each district holds Sunday services every other week. Neighboring districts hold services on alternating weeks so if one desires, you can attend a Sunday service every week. Each district has a bishop, two preachers and a deacon for Sunday services and from what I read, they all speak on Sundays and one of them will preach for 70 minutes. A Sunday service will last three hours and are held in the homes of the Amish, as they don’t have a central church. The services rotate throughout the district and the King’s neighbors were the hosts for the following day.
Ten of us sat around the table at dinnertime as the fresh bread was removed from the oven. The homemade soup was served and the cold cuts were sent around the table. The girls sat on one side of the table and the men on the other side, just like at Sunday services.
After dinner, Leroy and Jonas pulled one of the buggies out of the barn to take me for a spin. In the meantime while they were preparing, I went with Omar down to the neighbor’s to do some chores. The evening milking hadn’t started yet so the barn was still dark. We only had one flashlight between us so I left Omar as the boys were waiting for me.
They had finished with the harnesses and had backed the mare into the buggy cradle. The wheels on the buggy are hard and from the sound the wheels make on the road, I was sure it would be a rough ride. I was quite surprised as the twin leaf springs gave some good suspension. We passed a Mennonite farm where a team of five mules was pulling a hay baler. A wagon was linked behind and two men were stacking the bales. It seemed like going back in time to watch and experiencing a simpler time. Make no mistake, living this way is hard and luxuries are rare.
I have ridden in a horse drawn sleigh before but this is my first buggy ride. The boys put the buggy and the horse away and went about their chores.
It was quite chilly outside so everyone gathered in the large room. The lamp that lit the room was ingenious, as it resembled a giant Coleman lantern. The base reminded me of an end table, cubic in nature. Inside contained a large propane bottle with a pipe sticking out the top approximately six feet in the air. A hood and two mantles were affixed to the top. This provided enough light to brighten most of the room. The base had four caster wheels and the whole light assembly could be moved anywhere in the living room or kitchen.
The evening consisted of reading, games, puzzles or anything to keep the entire family involved. I had made and brought a couple homemade puzzles that were enjoyed by all. We solved puzzles and riddles from a periodical.
Omar was supposed to be doing his chores (next door) but he was afraid of missing all the fun we were having so I went with him to make sure he wasn’t left out. Two of the neighbor’s daughters were busy milking the cows and I simply said hello. The father came out with an empty tank and poured containers of fresh milk into the holding tank. I introduced myself and said hello.
I commented that this was all very interesting and he asked what the price of milk was in Texas. I said about $3 a gallon for a chain brand and more for a brand name. He said that was good and encouraged me to drink more milk and to tell all my friends to drink more milk. They milk the cows twice daily using vacuum milkers supplied by pipes running the full length of the milking shed. A diesel-powered generator outside ran the vacuum pumps. Again, no electricity.
One by one, each had to take their shower. Each was reluctant to go for fear of missing any entertainment from the outside world. I was having a great time with this warm and friendly family. The Amish really open their homes and their hearts if they like you. At times, I feel so lucky to experience the things that I do. Having a college education is one thing but caring about people is so much more important.
“Nobody cares how much you know until they know how much you care!”
All too quickly the evening was coming to an end. We had been invited to stay the night earlier in the day and since it was around eight p.m., we accepted. It was also time for the kids to go to bed. Sadie reminded us that there was no electricity upstairs and that once we blew out the kerosene lamps, it would be dark until the sun came up.
I said goodnight and thanked each of the kids and they in turn thanked us for coming to visit them. I told them the pleasure was all ours. The four bedrooms upstairs were very spacious. I blew out the lamp and walked over to my bed. The half-moon glowed through the bedroom window, accenting a wonderful day. I slipped under handmade quilts and covers. This warmth combined with the family warmth radiating throughout the house put me into a good night’s sleep.
I arose at five a.m., lit my kerosene lamp and went downstairs. Sadie and Abner arose to see us off. We said our good-byes and our heartfelt thanks. They thanked us for being with them and their family and told us we were welcome anytime to visit and stay the night. We shook hands and to our pleasant surprise, we exchanged hugs!
We drove off through the early morning and reminisced the whole trip back to Tyrone.
What a wonderful trip and a memorable day with the King family.
