A couple of years ago or so, Pat and I made a trip up the east coast.   As we traveled to Gordonville, PA, a suburb of Lancaster, we passed gently rolling hills and fields of corn, peas, and soybeans. Clydesdale horses were seen wandering lush green pastures.  Farmers used 4-mule teams to bale their hay.  Very tall silos and drying bins were located near the barns.   Tobacco crops were interspersed among the crops, and were of a more yellow-green hue.  Tobacco is grown there because most Amish men and boys make use of it.  No electric lines marred the scenery, as the homes are heated with propane bottles.  Lamps, likewise, are powered with propane pumps, as are refrigerators and freezers.  Very large two-story homes accentuated the beauty of the green fields.  A shorter portion of the home could be seen off to one side, although attached.  Known as the Dowdy House, it is a place where older parents live.  You see, Amish do not believe in nursing homes.
 
For health care the Amish use homeopathic remedies, reflexology, or chiropractic.  At childbirth, many times a midwife will accompany the woman to the hospital.  End of life issues take a rather natural course in most instances.  
 
The average number of children in a family is seven.  By law, children may leave school after the eighth grade, about age 14.  The schools are one room, and are usually taught by a person well thought of in the community.  The teacher may very well be teaching in the building where he or she attended school and without further formal education.
 
The Amish (and Mennonites) most of all seek humility and to honor God by their lives.  Thus, plain solid colors are worn.  Men wear straight black trousers (called "fall away") with suspenders and black shoes.  Straw hats or black hats are their chapeaus.  The women wear white or black caps and black aprons.  Their hair is never cut and is worn pinned up beneath their skull caps.  These types of dress for men and women render everyone equal.  The women wear no makeup or jewelry.  Buggies the Amish drive are dark gray in color, so as not to direct attention to themselves.  No photographs are in the homes, and they do not like photographs taken of themselves.
 
The core religious beliefs of the Amish arose during the Reformation period in Europe with the Anabaptists.  The Dordrecht Confession is the basis of their creed even though penned in the Netherlands in 1632.  (It is interesting to read and can be found on your computer.)  Many modern day Christian beliefs are comparative.  Church services are held in alternate homes of members every other Sunday.  A "church wagon" is available in the community for the use of the family hosting the service.  Long wooden benches which fold are set up in the parlor/kitchen of the home and as many as 200 attend services which last 3 hours.  Twice yearly a commemorative service is held which is called communion, or the Lord's Supper.  A light meal is first served at the service.  Wine and bread are served commemorating the life, death, and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, who by so doing paid our penalty for sin. Afterwards, an offering is received for the deacon.  This is the only offering taken during church services.  Hymns during the service center around lamentation for the Christians who died in prison or were martyred during the Reformation period.  The hymnbook is called the Ausbund.
 
The Amish pay taxes, but neither pays nor draw Social Security.  They are patriotic and supportive of government, but do no military service due to their religious beliefs.  Any Amish needing assistance or sustenance are assisted by their own kind, thus eliminating the need for social services.
 
The Amish are very family-oriented.  The use of horses and buggies and scooters for transportation precludes long distance travel.
 
Young people are allowed a period of "rumspringa"--or "running around".  This is a time before joining the church when a young man, for instance, may leave the group, buy a car, cut his hair, or change his way of life to a more modern mode.  Usually this occurs between the ages of 16-25 years.  Marriages are not arranged marriages.  If the young man then is to marry, he must sell his car.  His father will buy him a horse and carriage for travel.  Marriages all occur starting in October each year, and continue until all the marriages have been performed.
 
What hard-working beautiful people the Amish are, and much to be admired.  If you have not done so as you travel in your American Coach, I hope you take the opportunity to visit them.
 
(Note:  The basis for the information in this article was shared by an Amish person on our tour of the area.  Information regarding the Dordrecht Confession was found on the computer.)
 
Karen Patterson
Getting To Know You Chairperson
South Central Chapter, ACA