So thankful for Crystal posting the Five Minute Friday prompt earlier tonight- beautiful grace. The lovely Crystal is hosting the party this week for Lisa-Jo. Won’t you join us as we write for five minutes (or a little bit more, like I did tonight, just had to get this one out) and then post your prompt and link-up for us to enjoy it. Go encourage those who are before and after you and enjoy this incredible community where you BELONG.
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Belong: to fit in a specified place or environment. When we first moved here, and drove down this tree-lined dirt road, passing deer and fields and open space, our son said, “Mom, do we live in the wilderness?” I laughed. It felt like it a little bit, this quiet countryside tucked away, a long twenty minute drive from town. The other night I went outside to worship, with my camera. It was sacred. Above the farm to the north, the clouds declared the Creator’s Majesty and the setting sun created beautiful warm hues over the landscape. We are surrounded. Enveloped by Amish to the north, to the west, to the southwest. Their big white homes, devoid of electricity, hedge us in. As hubby and I exercise, running by in our loud neon colors (while they work in the fields) we don’t look like we belong. They watch us pass…they in their simple, plain clothes. |
It has been almost a year and a half since we moved here and we are beginning to feel like we belong more, among them. As we picked up milk and butter from our Amish neighbors tonight (the ones who live to the southwest) I rehearse the names of their 13 children (11 girls and 2 boys). I have all but four of the names right, they are impressed.
The farm to the north, where the majestic cloud hovered overhead, they lost their two year daughter in a tragic accident. I walked over last night, plucking a Queen Ann’s lace on the way. Prompted to bring this lacy white beauty to the mother, Sarah, the mom whose arms are empty- missing one of her own. She needed something to hold on to. I pray she can hold on to hope.
I made a quadrupole batch of Snickerdoodles, and some tuna pasta salad, seemed like a meager offering to a houseful clothed in black; mourning this horrific loss. I cried when I saw her, this mother. I have only met her once, when we welcomed them to the neighborhood a little over a month ago, but I leaned in for a hug. Amidst the dialect difference and the lifestyle difference, we are community. We belong because we live here. God has placed us English (as they call us) and Amish along side each other and sometimes it is awkward, like the hug I offered to a grieving mama, but it is genuine, it is real.
We belong here, in the “wilderness” as my son calls it. We learn to love through highs and lows and differences. We forge a unique friendship over fresh produce and curious questions. We wave as they drive by on horses and we pass by with horsepower. We exchange smiles, stares and sometimes sadness. We live under the same clouds that reflect His majesty.
Acts 17:26 “…He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation.”
What a beautiful sharing of grace! What a lovely place to belong! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you Rachel.:)
Oh wow, Katie!!! What a picture you paint with your words– such a beautiful life of quiet unassuming influence He has given you where you are! Thank you for sharing your words!
Thanks Cynthia- so grateful for your encouragement!:)
I love your description and your child’s perspective on “the wilderness.” My heart broke reading about the mother who lost the precious little one and how her arms are empty now. My heart aches for her.
Thanks for stopping by Shirley.:)
LOVE this. So easy to read, falling into your words, your life. I prayed for that family the other day when you first tweeted about it. Will continue to. What a place He has positioned you in to bond “over produce and curious questions” 🙂 what a way you are loving on them. Great witness, Katie.
Thank you Ginger- your comment meant a great deal to me. Thank you for your prayers for our neighbors.
LOVED reading about God-given opportunities like these- and thankful that your hearts have become ” at home” where God has planted you.
It’s interesting for me to read about the Amish- I’m from New Zealand and I often see books about Amish life.
Thank you Mary. And we are so intrigued by where you live.:)
AMAZING pictures and equally wonderful words. I pray for the day that we can put roots down somewhere, but have been so blessed to find community among so many different cultures in our 17 years as a military family. Loved this.
Thank you Michelle. I am sure it is challenging to move around, but what a legacy as you spread seeds of community and love wherever you go. Our friends gave us some great advice- wherever you live put your roots down deep and settle in…when God uproots you and replants you it can hurt but you will not regret truly being planted and connected each place that you live.:)
wandered over from FMF. This is beautiful. I love how different parts of your community are being woven into belonging. How awful that this dear mother has lost such dear ones. When you said ‘i hoped to give her something to hold on to’ that resonated dear one. thank you for this
Thank you for wandering over Janel.:) Appreciate prayers for our neighbors.
My heart goes out to the mother who lost her child. My heart also goes out to you, shining your light for Jesus in the midst of an Amish community. It may take years for the awkwardness to ease. It may never go away, but watching you live an upright life on “the other side of the fence” or “out in the world” as they say, will minister to their souls like no other. Bless you!
P.S. Katie, I love that you gave the mourning mother a hug! I had to smile because I could almost feel the tense hug, both from your side and hers. I’m a hugger and was taught hugs are okay. However, many Amish have never been hugged by anyone other than their spouse and then only in private. Maybe by their mother or sisters, when in deep mourning and anguish. The first time I met my husbands family was the first time his sisters (ages 8 & 12 at the time) ever received a hug. I still dont understand that. 🙁 The fact that I hugged them was also the talk of the school the next day! Lol To the majority of Amish people, a handshake means what a hug does to us. Depends on the family and circumstances. Just a word of wisdom – skip the awkward and shake their hand. Note: you did not offend them, it was just awkward. 🙂 I hope I don’t make you feel bad by commenting about this. Just felt led to share. Keep shining your light for Him! Blessings!
Oh Kaylene- Thank you for the gifts of your words. I am so thankful that you educated me- so helpful!:) Any other tips? Send them our way.:)
None right off the bat! Sounds like you are doing a great job respecting their space. That is what they appreciate. They want no drama. Just to be respectful and respected. Just seeing you live a consistently upright life will speak volumes to them. I pray and trust your presence there will encourage some soul into the light of Christ. They need to know the freedom that can be had in Him. Some understand, most don’t. I love the people of my heritage, but my heart breaks, knowing most do not understand the gospel. It breaks even more knowing, any words I say will fall on deaf ears because I used to be in their culture. Those who know the truth are free; very free indeed. Just as He promises! Continue praying for them!