One strange difference between Canada and the USA is that Canada have black squirrels and America grey squirrels!
We head south east into Pennsylvania, passing through beautiful rich countryside of orchards and farms, stopping for breaks and lunch on the way.
Today we travel nearly 600 kms in the coach, playing drawing games, watching a movie, snoozing and singing to cd's.
We arrive in Lancaster at 430, to beautiful weather and we all enjoy sitting on the lawns and around the pool chatting .
At 530 we head off to an optional night out to experience the Amish lifestyle and have a traditional Amish meal.
The Amish are followers of Jacob Aman, who was a baptist originating from Europe and arriving in Pennsylvania in the 1700's. There are several off shoots from this religion today, Mennonites, mainly living in this area as farmers.
Their religion is based on having only what is necessary - as being too worldly takes you away from your family.
They have no tv, electricity,phones or cars. They travel by horse and buggy and all farming equipment is basic as is their clothing.For power they use mainly gas or some solar, they will not connect up to the town power source.
Late in adolescence their young people are allowed to have a year off ( socialising / sport in the real world ) to decide whether they want to commit their lives to the Amish way. If they choose to remain, they are baptized as an adult into their faith. If the child decides not to commit to the Amish life they are ex communicated, and depending on the community, may never see their parents again.
The children attend school to year 8, 14 yrs old and it is presumed that they will take on the farming responsibilities of the family or the fathers trade.They look after each other, and do not accept welfare, and tithe twice a year, which pools money for health care . Several family groups become a community and meet regularly in each others homes for church services. Once the male is married he grows a beard
without a mustache, as a mustache reminds them of the persecution they endured by soldiers( who had a mustache) in Europe before they escaped to America.
The Amish are held in high esteem in the community, as hard workers with integrity and honesty.
In Canada , we were told several times by tour guides that religion has no place in Canada, so "we have sold off our churches and monasteries to make apartments and condominiums."This really sadden me and made me wonder what the future of these towns will be without the influence of the local church. Then we visit the Amish, and though quite extreme in their beliefs I am impressed with their total commitment to their faith,and to each other and how they are still a part of the community- but not of the community-( John 17) have lovely homes, sell organic food/ meats and above all are highly respected by the town they live in.
Lots to ponder on a long long day on the bus.
Materialism has become such a way of life, and more and more family life is being eroded away because we have become so busy. The Amish lifestyle, is no way perfect, but it certainly makes you consider life.
In the evening we went on an optional movie presentation of the Amish, food tasting, followed by a hearty buffet meal. On our way back to the hotel we noticed the Amish houses had gas candles in their windows as a sign of welcome or a large star on the front of the barn or front door.
What a lovely idea!
Cheers, I hope I gave you something to think about,
Leanne and Greg xx
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Location:Pennsylvania, Lancaster
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