To teach not only students, but also adults, about respecting diversity, there is no better way than through the eyes of the Amish community.
Today we visited Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, home of the Amish and Mennonite cultures. My knowledge of the Amish and Mennonite cultures was extremely limited and clouded. I didn’t understand the difference between the groups, and I sure didn’t know there was a third group, the Amish-Mennonites, which obviously is the combination of both the first two groups.
The Mennonites originated from Europe in 1535 with the belief that baptism was for believers not for infants. The Amish culture, started by Jacob Amon, felt as though the Mennonites were not strict enough, so they started their own group. The Amish live a life devoted to God through working of their land, enjoying life and family, and living as stress-free as can be. (I must say, it shows! The Amish look about 20 to 30 years younger!)
We had the privilege of being guests at The Allgyer family home. They are an Amish family with six children ranging from 3-17. Lavern (5) and Sadie Rose (3) were the highlight of the dinner. After our wonderful meal of chicken, fresh baked bread, mash potatoes, beans, applesauce, coleslaw, ham balls, pie and cake, (yes, we were ALL stuffed!), the family closed the evening on a lovely note- through song. Little Lavern brought some of us out to the horse stable to show us his new foal- Onafaith. Then, he and his sister got on their tricycles and entertained us by racing and running us over! They were precious!
I have a new found respect and admiration for these people. When teaching my students about diversity, I will teach them about this hospitable, hard-working, faithful, and dedicated group of people. They have the right idea. We, as the ‘English’, seem to be losing our focus on life. Instead of working to live, we are living to work!
When traveling through the country roads of Lancaster County, the land and farm houses exhibit exactly why the Amish work to live. It truly is ‘God’s Country‘.
Horse Carriages Lavern’s foal- Onafaith
Horse Parking
And these people ipitomize “God’s people”. I sure would love to be neighbors with an Amish family!
Staci,
While visiting southern Michigan many times we have seen the Amish’s tables on the side of the road with bread, jellies, jams, fresh fruits and vegetables for sale. Their houses are always the best maintained, although plain. Their yards and gardens are beautiful. We have visited northern Indiana where there are many Amish communities. Seen their beautiful quilts and furniture. They truly live a blessed life!! Sounds like you had a once-in-a-lifetime experience!!!
Michelle
Hey, I liked all the pictures exspecialy of the pony. I can’t wait til u come back. Have fun!
Luv,
Breezy
Hello, I was interested in having a dinner with an Amish family during my upcoming visit there. I’m wondering how you found this family and got in touch with them to make arrangements. Could you email me please? Much thanks!