Thursday, April 24, 2008

Amish Country and Holmes County, Ohio

We're in the middle of our RV trip through Amish Country Ohio. This time Christie decided to come along with us, since her schedule is different this semester. She's rearranged her classes with her professors so she can have a week or so off in addition to her spring break. One of the classes she's taking is a comparative religion class, and she's curious to see how the Amish really live.

I'm a little apprehensive that we are going to be perceived as rude tourists who treat the folks who live around here as some kind of exhibit. But it's amazing how real it all is.

I just finished watching "Saving Sarah Cain," where the lead character is left with a handful of Amish kids she needs to take care of. She and her sister were orphaned and became inseparable while they were shuffled through foster homes. But then the sister abandoned her to live with the Amish. Now she and her husband both passed away, leaving her as the aunt, as sole caretaker.

There were several scenes with the harassment by tourists, of course. Couldn't have a movie about the Amish without them. But one thing that touched a nerve was the peace and quiet you would feel living out here beyond the electricity and "light pollution."

It was also thought-provoking how much the children took pride in their chores. They weren't just duty to them but actually a source of pride. Contributing to the group effort. It's tricky to do that with many kids these days!

So anyway, off for more travel through Holmes County Ohio. :)

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