Thanks to this great trip, I found a new perspective in life. I'm more relaxed. My love for my mom and sister have reached a new level. I also have come away with a deeper love for the early members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
But it's hard to "capture" that on a blog. So instead, I'm sharing pictures! Hopefully they will portray the joy that came from this "getaway." And maybe they'll make you laugh at our goofy selves too :)
Selfies were kinda a struggle. Thank heavens for Meagan.
We started the trip off right.... with food, food, and more food!
We were in Holmes County, Ohio, which is the most densely Amish-populated place I've ever visited. Several towns lay within a few miles of each other, and we spent most of our days driving back and forth between the towns to visit different shops. I "called" the back seat so that I could spend the drives watching the beautiful scenery and taking pictures. Be warned, I've included quite a few.
We had the privilege of spending time with the Yoders, an Amish family my mom befriended the last time she visited Holmes County a few years ago. They were humble, good people who welcomed us openly into their home. We shared religious views (which are actually quite similar) and talked about what life is like for them/us. Let me tell you, they had a hard time believing in rattlesnakes, scorpions, and irrigation!
Their son, Elmer, is a water color painter and an auctioneer. We got to go to one of his auctions, which was a benefit event to help a family with medical expenses. During the auction, the community members came together to support each other financially and with their faith. It reminded me of a ward party, but better because there was so much selflessness there! We couldn't get a picture of the auction, but I snuck this picture of the coats and hats outside as a reminder of the goodness of these God-fearing charitable people!
More to come!
