The most intriguing thing about the Amish Country is not a thing at all but the people and their way of life. It’s funny how we call it the Amish Country, because it really does feel like you’re a foreigner in your own country when you visit there; at least I do. The people and their children seem so peaceful and kind, and also very different. I always want to know more about them.
On a recent visit to The Amish Village, my family and I had the chance to see what modern-day living is like for the people that live this way of life. The village is 12 acres large and features a farmhouse dated back to the 1840s, a one-room schoolhouse, barn with farm animals, a blacksmith shop, and Amish markets featuring handmade goods.
Some of the employees there are actually amish. What better way is there to teach about the Amish way of life than the Amish themselves? We met the schoolteacher Miss Lavina who answered a few questions for us, such a pleasant girl. She teaches lessons at The Amish Village on Saturdays so that visitors can really get a look at how the children are taught and how she conducts her class during the school year.
We also met a very sweet Amish lady taking care of the grounds, which are beautifully manicured I must say.
Emma fed the calf with a bottle. I think this was the highlight of her visit, for sure.
The highlight for me was the tour of the farmhouse. The young lady giving the tour was so knowledgeable not only about the house, but had a strong understanding of the Amish way of life. She grew up in the area and her neighbors were Menonite.
We learned that the Amish moved to this country to avoid persecution, and that they chose this area specifically because the lay of the land was very similar to their home country, Switzerland. They are a very peaceful people who believe in “turning the other cheek” and were being imprisoned, tortured and murdered because they refused to fight or engage in war.
They don’t buy insurance, because they are a community that truly supports one another. Insurance is not needed, because they tithe through the church and they step up to take care of one another when there is a need. We can really learn some valuable lessons from the Amish.
The Amish religion is opposed to posing for our displaying photographs in their home, but our tour guide pointed out the fact that it is not uncommon for five or more calendars to appear in each room of the house. If they happen to feature photographs, then that’s merely coincidental. Isn’t it funny how we find ways to bend the rules? I got a kick out of that.
The clothing is very simplistic and handmade, but they dress this way from the ankles up. Even the Amish likey their Nikes. :)
There are so many little facts and details we learned doing the tour. If you’re in the Lancaster, PA area you must make time for a visit to The Amish Village, and make sure you do the farmhouse tour. But also check out the Strasburg Railroad and the Choo Choo barn.
Disclosure: While we were provided complimentary tickets from the The Amish Village, the opinions stated above are my own.
That would be a wonderful place to visit, it seems. Thanks for posting about it. My sister lives in MO right in the middle of the Amish. She’s one of the few “commoners” who live there. She is very good friends with a lot of them and, in fact, had to take one to the hospital the other night when a buggy overturned. I like to visit the area where she lives to see the Amish way of life.
That looks like an awesome time!
Our area is more Menonite than Amish but I’ve never noticed them to allow Nikes. Interesting. They are very nice neighbors to have!
They can wear anything from the ankles down!
I’d love to go there! I love learning all those little tidbits too. I wish I had gone to this community near my last home when I had the chance. :(
Looks like a fun trip! And educational, too.