I belong to a group of women who all used to work together. We are all very different but we had the bond of working together. We call ourselves the Fabulous Wenches. We go out to dinner once a month and then we go on road trips and attractions here in town. Whoever is available goes. It really is good fun. We live in the west suburbs of Cleveland and the Ohio Amish country is quite a bit south of the city.

The Amish people live quiet, spiritual lives. Non-Amish people are referred to in Amish communities as English. The Amish live without electricity and cars and phones. So candles are necessary and no one heats up a Lean Cuisine for dinner. I have worked with the Amish, Quakers and Mennonites while I was a nurse and when I worked for the American Red Cross.

These wonderful people embrace a sense of “divine ordinariness.” This is a delicate balance of the outward and the inward. They also exude a wholeness of simple things in their lives.

They build some of the nicest, strongest furniture in the world. They farm and sell their produce and they make candles, quilts and cheese. This is some of the best cheese in the world.

“Art is the communication of a state of mind.” —Kant
Plato suggests that a work of art exists in its own right, not images of beauty, but realities.

“Give Thy blessing we pray Thee, to our daily work. that we may do it in faith, and heartily.”
–Thomas Arnold

“Things must be right in themselves, and good for use.”
—Eric Gill

We saw one very interesting thing while we were in Amish Country: a building where the Amish had built a staircase up to the roof and they went up and down as they felt so inclined. Not only the people, but their goats took advantage of the staircase to the roof.  The goats walked around on the roof and some lay down in the sun.

“We are united with all life that is in nature. Man can no longer live his life for himself alone.”
—Albert Schweitzer

“Caring is the greatest thing, caring matters most.”
—Last words of Freiderich Von Hugel

Be still and cool in thy own mind and spirit.” —-George Fox

 

So I count the day a terrific experience and if any of you live near the Amish, Mennonites, Pennsylvania Dutch,or Quakers take a day trip. It is well worth your time and gasoline. Plan on bringing home baked goods, cheeses and bacon. We took a cooler and it worked perfectly for us. If you ever have the opportunity to visit such a community, take advantage of the chance at a wonderful day.