Our Journey Through Life.........: Amish Country

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Amish Paradise

On our Sunday funday we out to Amish Country. I have been itching to go and we finally got out there. It is absolutely beautiful, but if you blink you will miss the "town", however, there are plenty of farms so you are sure to see those. I was a little bummed because Sundays are their Sabbath so there was only one horse drawn buggy out and about, but we did come upon the house that they were all gathered at for worship which was very neat to see all the buggies parked and the horses in the field and the little children (3-6 years old) dressed in the clothing like the mothers and fathers playing in the front yard.

When we were getting closer to the town, Jake told me that I would start to see horse poop on side of the road, and I did!! He also pointed out to me to notice the ruts in the road from the steal wheels on the buggies. This was interesting, I would have never put two and two together, but leave it to Jake to make those two points!!

We decided to turn off on a country road and we immediately saw a farm house and rows and rows of crops! I was in heaven...I had been waiting to see this. We drove slowly discussing the ruts in the road (which had become very noticeable at this point) and all of a sudden Jake says, "there was one". I asked, "one what?" and he turned the car around and there it was a horse drawn Amish buggy. We followed the buggy down a gravel road (they travel faster than what I was expecting). It was an older couple in the buggy and they waved at us, I wanted to stop, but then again, I did not want to bother them on their day off.

The land was beautiful, rolling hills and farm, after farm, after farm. Each family makes signs to say what produce/veggies/jams, etc. they are selling. We were bummed that no one was selling, but after seeing these farms the folks need a day to rest!

I find this way of life very interesting and I have so many questions that I plan to make a list and go back and sit with some of them to have all my questions answered. I did some research online, but I think it would be much more interesting to sit with them and talk about their way of life. Simple, very simple for sure.

We are definitely planning to go back on a Saturday and if any of you dear readers come for a visit don't be surprised if we take you there. It is truly something to see. I would love to make a monthly trip out there to get fresh produce and vegetables. We want to raise Gus with an open mind and show him the different cultures, what a great place to start....Amish country. I will be sure to keep you all updated with our visits out to Amish Paradise!! Stay tuned.....

This is the town of Ethridge, TN......don't blink!!