This experience exceeded our expectations x 100! On arrival, the two little girls greeted us outside with flowers, and we were warmly welcomed into their family for the weekend. We were invited to participate in any of their daily activities that we were interested in, but not pushed into doing anything. They tailored our weekend experience to align with our interests, but made sure we weren't so busy that we couldn't relax some and enjoy.
On Friday, we ate a delicious salad (homegrown) for lunch, picked vegetables from their huge garden for dinner (& a SCRUMPTIOUS breakfast casserole for Sat. AM), helped clean the chicken coop and gather eggs, and made strawberry & peach jam.
On Saturday afternoon, we made apple pies in a wood burning stove for dinner's dessert. In the afternoon we visited the Menno-Hof, an Amish information & visitors' center in Shipshewana. We learned about the different ethnoreligious groups that are branches of the "Anabaptist" umbrella such as Amish, Mennonites & Hutterites. Then for dinner with the family on Saturday night... a big surprise! (I don't want to spoil it for you.) Afterwards we enjoyed games with the kids around the bonfire until late. It was a magical evening!
On Sunday, we attended church and were fortunate enough to witness two baptisms (in a pond!) and enjoyed a fabulous potluck lunch. Back at the homestead, Will showed us how to make leather-bound journals which we were given to keep as souvenirs. This experience was amazing, wonderful, refreshing, and enlightening! Will & Jewel were open to answering ANY questions I asked about their faith, family and ways. The three children were well-mannered, "homeschooled" smart, and affectionate. They drew pictures and made up poems for us. They enjoyed interacting with us like we were their guests too.
I learned so much about this very misunderstood group. They are NOT backwards people who refuse to keep up with the times; but people who cherish their faith and family values as top priorities, then focus on those while minimizing/eliminating the world's unnecessary distractions. Do yourself a huge favor; schedule this experience. You WILL NOT regret it!