Amish for a Day
I’ve experienced the pleasure of knowing, even in some small way, what it feels like to be Amish whenever I spend time with our Amish friends. A few years ago my husband and I were invited to stay with some of our Amish friends for several days. While we were there, I enjoyed washing the dishes, hanging freshly washed clothes on the line to dry, and helping to cook a meal on a propane-operated stove. I gave up watching TV, curling my hair, working on the computer, and communicating via my cell phone with emails and text messages. Instead, I spent many hours visiting, singing, watching Amish children play, and becoming one with nature. That Sunday, my husband and I attended church with our Amish friends, and rode in their horse-pulled buggy. We may not have understood all the words being said during the three-hour service, but we felt a worshipful spirit as Amish voices were lifted to the rafters in praise to God.
Have you ever tried being Amish for a day, or even a few hours? If so, what did you do and how did it make you feel?
Wanda, you asked if I ever spent time like the Amish. Yes i did and do every time I come up to Northern Michigan for a Quilt Camp 3 day.
We have our cell phone but when I arrive there I usually do not use it. It would have to be an emergency.
We quilt from morning to night and have our meal prepared for us and we clean up afterwards.
We also have wonderful nature to go an explore while there. There is an Eagle nest there that we take time to enjoy and a stream right in front of our sewing room.
Oh yes I do have to admit we do use electricity to sew and our light are ran by electricity.
other then that we watch no T.V. or radio and we go visit the Amish to purchase their wares that they sell.
I really enjoy learning about how the Amish community lives. I’m sure you only really get to the tip of the iceberg in the books and there is so much more to learn, but I have learned so much about being understanding and humble. Looking forward to each new addition to my library.
I’ve never lived the Amish lifestyle but I love reading Amish novels. They are always good, clean and refreshing reading that I so enjoy. Thank you so much!
I am dependent on the modern conveniences and have not ever lived the Amish way of life. Some things like no TV or computer and hanging clothes outside to dry were standard for us when I was a child. We were the first in the neighborhood to have some modern conveniences because of my father’s skills and his plumbing and electric business. My father bought the second washing machine the local store sold. We had the first telephone in the neighborhood (and the only one in the neighborhood for several years) and indoor plumbing many years before it was taken for granted.
I have thought many times about what it would be like to live with an Amish family for a few days or even a week or more. It absolutely would be a culture shock, but I have to wonder if I would end up truly loving it! It, for sure, would allow me to live a much more simple life, even if for a short time. Through your books, I’ve learned that the Amish do everything for the glory of God. How wonderful would that be to eliminate all things “Englisch” and live simply and for the glory of God.
No, I have never lived the Amish way of life, even for a day. I am very familiar with the Amish, living in Arcola. As a youth, we lived in the country, less than half a mile from Amish neighbors. When I worked at Rockome Gardens, I worked with several Amish and in junior high, there were Amish boys and girls in my class. Of course, none of them went on to attend high school. I look forward to reading Wanda’s books based on the Illinois Amish.
I have never lived like or with the Amish. I think I’d love to live with the Amish for a week. It would be so refreshing, I believe. To slow down and get away from all the “modern” ways of us English. As long as I had an indoor bathroom! lol I love reading your books. I read before bed. I think it helps me to relax and sleep. God Bless you!
I have never had the opportunity to visit an amish community, but I do hope to be able to one day. I love reading about their ways and simple lifestyle through fiction and nonfiction books as well as posts that you and others write who actually do get to visit the amish community.
I have visited Amish communities several times and always enjoy being there. I can remember
the times that our family had no electricity, using the wash board for laundry, carrying water
from the spring and all the other things. At one time we did have a washing machine that had
a gas motor on it so I am familiar with some of their ways. But will have to say, that I do enjoy
some of the modern things that we now have. God has been good to us and we praise him for it.
I enjoy your books very much and thankful that I was taught to read as there are so many that
can not do that. Hope you have a blessed day
I believe the heart of the Amish way of life is their loving hospitality and care for others. This care for others is an outward display of their faith in Jesus. Likewise, my faith compels me to be Jesus with skin on and welcome people into my home and make sure they are cared for. Whether it is family, friends, missionaries, or someone needing a place to stay, I thrive on helping. Of course I have all the Englisher conveniences, but my “Amish” heart propels me.
I visit Amish communities every chance I get. I am reading Amish fiction almost every day. I can’t seem to get enough of their faith, trust, loyalty, and love for family. I often wonder what it would be like to actually walk in their shoes. I love the horses and buggies and stay so focused on them when I travel to their hometowns. If I were younger, maybe I could live as they do. I am afraid that I am too deep into modern technology and modern conveniences to give it up. I admire them so much!
Being from Ohio I visit the Amish community’s as often as I can. There I find such peace and tranquility among the people and their simple ways of living. In reading your many novels, Wanda, I find that same peace. Thank you, and please keep on doing what you’re doing☺
Although I’ve never “lived like the Amish”, I believe the ways of the Amish can be similar to our “English” ways with regards to love of God and family. I do admit I have all of the modern conveniences that the Amish do without in their homes and I do drive a car, however I worship the same God and I fellowship with family and friends often. Like the Amish have their “dawdyhaus” with grandparents playing an integral part of the family, I too, have grandchildren at my house. When the grandchildren and I take walks or when the television is off and my grandchildren and I play games I can most certainly compare those “simple” times. I am thankful for many of the “English” ways in that we don’t have the strict rules of an Ordnung, however I believe both the Amish and I live by many similar rules in how we treat one another.
I have never lived Amish, but, I only read Amish books and cook many Amish dishes. When I do read, about 3 hours a day, I do feel Amish as I get so engrossed in my reading.
I enjoy your tepalents very much!
I haven’t tried it too much. I have done some ‘roughing it” at camps and such, but even then I find it a bit difficult to leave the everyday life behind that we are so accustomed to now. I think there is a lot of positive things to say about that style of living, though, such as appreciating family more and relying on them and friends as well as supporting them. It would be nice to have a conversation with people and have their full attention, rather than having them respond to a text or something. I think sometimes the more conveniences we have the more we are actually tied down by them, making them actually “inconveniences”. But it would be difficult for me to totally “detach” myself to the things that have become an everyday part of my life.
I haven’t thought about it too much, although sometimes I refer to myself as a “modern day Amish person” because I don’t have as much as others–no cell phone, GPS, computer of my own. It can get rough, but where there is a will, there’s a way, I guess. It would be nice to call or text someone at the drop of a hat. I can understand how the Amish are, but if you don’t have any of the conveniences of modern day life, then you don’t know what you are missing and you can appreciate your family more and take pleasure in the simpler things.
I enjoy all of your books and am currently reading The Restoration. Would love to win the copy.
In many ways I think I could easily fit into the Amish lifestyle.
I have never lived a day of the Amish but think I would like to try it. I enjoy your books.
While I think it would be fun to live Amish for a day, it would get weariness rapidly! We recently were on a short term mission trip, without most the amenities we are used to, and it was difficult to go without much water, flushing toilets, air conditioning. But it also gave us a better appreciation and gratitude for the many things we take for granted.
Getting rid of excess does allow more peaceful, spiritual awakening.
I have never but the Amish people fascinate me. My parents had some friends that were Amish and were able to spend the day at their home. It would be a dream to be able to do that. I think that’s why so many people read Amish themed books. It is such a change of lifestyle and one most don’t understand. They are just fascinating and I’m sure it would be a very peaceful experience.
I grew up more Amish than modern. We lived on a farm and raised all our own crops, cows, sheep, pigeons, gathered eggs, milked the cows before and after school. We separated the milk with a hand cranked separator, made our own butter and cottage cheese. We gathered eggs and sold them to the neighbors or the creamery. We went to church three times a week. We weeded the tomatoes and other row crops before and after school. We herded the cows along our dead end road. We learned to depend on each other. I still hang the laundry on the clothes line unless it is raining. We grew up pumping water from a pump and no indoor plumbing. We canned a hundred jars of every fruit and vegetable that we raised. I come from a family of 14. It was a lot of work, but it taught us good work ethic and to depend on each other. God is good. My mother passed away when I was 14 and I was the youngest at home. Without all the training, I would not have been able to handle the work load when I had to do it.
I live in Northeast Ohio and have Amish families and businesses around me. I love to visit their businesses and talk with them. They are very friendly and helpful when you are there. One business we have been visiting for more than ten years and have watched their children grow up and have families of their own. Probably the closest I have come to living Amish would be the time that I spent with my grandmother on her farm every summer.I helped her garden, can, hang laundry outside (which I still do Today, especially sheets, nothing smells better than air dried sheets in the summer time.)
I enjoy reading your books and trying to learn the language, maybe being of German descent helps.
Keep those books coming. Thanks
We may have a tv and stuff, but we like the simple life too. I admire the Amish for their close knit families. I wish we lived closer to mine, but everyone spread out. When I was a kid tho, everyone came to our house, we hung out the laundry, mom had one of those wringer washers that try to grab your fingers?. Love cooking from scratch too. Use some of the recipes you post.
Wanda,
We try and go camping every few years where there is no electricity, video games, tvs etc.
It is great just spending time together hiking, fishing, and swimming. We cook over a fire and sleep in tents. It really reminds you of the simple things we miss when we’re surrounded by so many modern conveniences.
I guess I have never tried being Amish, but I think that it would certainly suit me well to try for at least a couple of hours. I am always quite happy when I simply leave my cell phone in my purse for a few hours. It is nice to be reminded that in some areas of my life, I can choose to live more simply. It is easy to forget that calmer ways are an option, when it is so easy to get caught up in modern ‘conveniences’!
I do spend my time much like the Amish. I visit with friends rather than using the phone. I do not have many of the “conveniences,” but I do enjoy sewing, crocheting and embroidery. I live pretty quietly. All my children are out the home and also out of the state in which I live. We have to keep in touch by phone. I enjoy talking to my grandchildren, too. I only wish they lived closer. In about a year, I will be moving closer to my daughter. I am looking forward to it.
I admire and respect the Amish very much and love visiting around Shipshewana, but I don’t believe I could give up my modern conveniences!
I love your books!
I have not tried to live like the Amish. I do try to simplify and cook from scratch. I guess in a way I do pretend to live like them each time I read an Amish book.
I would love to have a simple life like the Amish have. Don’t know that I would like all that work women are expected to do everyday. I love reading about them in your books.
No, I have not had that kind of opportunity. I do share many of the same values, trying to live simply, and trying to turn off the noise and hustle of everyday life here at home. I strive to be kind, and compassionate, and I love spending time around the backroad farmlands. I love quilts, and have a quiet devtional time each day, and I pray. My husband and I would like to visit the Amish at some point, a farm of our own is our hearts desire, and has been for many years. I love the Lord!
I have never tried being Amish for the day; however, every time I read one of your books, I feel closer to the Amish lifestyle. My family and I visited some Amish friends several years ago and they invited us to stay with them for the week. We declined the offer, but now I would love to take then up on it and live like them for a week! Love your books, Mrs. Wanda!!
I have not had the opportunity to live like the Amish. But my husband and I have done a lot of tent camping, no electricity, no phones, computers or other electronics. I was always good to be away and relax.
Your writing is inspired. I love the way you bring your reader into the life depicted into the book. It is hard to put a book down once you start reading. Keep up the good work.
I have nt tried to live an Amish type love restyle. My heart abandoned and I are planning on visiting an Amish community in the next couple weeks f years. I can’t wait.
I do in some ways every day. I walk rather than drive. I hand wash dishes. Clothes go on the line to dry – some are even hand washed. I rarely watch TV. We tend to grow as much of our food as possible and cook from scratch. It just makes sense.
I have never spent a day the Amish but there are time that I get up in the morning and do not turn on the TV or answer the phone…Just like the quite time alone. There is way more to being Amish than we read in books but it is nice to learn all we can reading about their way of life.
I love reading your journal..It sounds so good to be able to spend time with the Amish..I have never done that but would like to one day. There is a lot to learn about their way of life and the way they live..Your books are great, I love them..So happy that you are sharing them with me. I admire the way they live nowadays..So simple and everything is homemade and love goes into all they do..I think they live a beautiful life..Thank you for all of your books which I am collecting now, because I love reading about their means and ways and everything that goes on with them.
I have eaten at Amish restaurants in Sarasota, FL and enjoyed photographs of Amish.
I have never tried to be Amish for a day, but I feel like I try to live simply. I hate when people are on their cell phones all the time. I don’t really watch TV (I only grew up with 1 TV in the house and still only have 1). I’m kind of old fashioned and just like to spend time with my baby, dogs and husband when I’m not at work. I love your books, so inspirational.
I have never really tried to be Amish for a day, but I think the notion of it seems very intriguing! Thank-you for your books.
I was Amish for a day on Thursday, March 3rd. My friends and I drove down to Selby Gardens in Sarasota. Afterwards we had lunch at Yoder’s , the chocolate pecan pie was delicious! We visited the vegetable stand and the gift store. This was my first visit to the community of Pinecraft but it won’t be my last and I only live an hour and a half away.
I have not done it but I should. Less stress and a simpler way of life. Thanks for the tips.
I have not lived like the Amish but have thought about it quite often. I live in Ohio so I do get to Berlin occasionally. I love going thru their shops. They never seem to be stressed out about anything. Maybe someday I will get the chance to spend a day or two living as they do.
I have not experienced the day with them but I have read so many books I feel like I have. Also we go to a store that is on our way to Platteville,Wi that their kids run all 10 of them and it is so fun going there and they know i was a teacher and they bring out what they are reading and we talk about it my husband comments that the stop is at least an hour long as I have to talk to each and every one of the kids. My hubby was asking them about the garden and I knew that they had nothing to do with it and their chores are ones that many would be surprised to know and he was! I just love going there and spending time with them I buy their jams which i love also a few other things . At Christmas our son lives in Michigan so make a basket from all the items that we pick up in different places and they do the same with items they pick up in Mich it is so much fun to exchange and many of the items that I pick are from the Amish as I love alot of their crafts and canned goods.
I haven’t lived like the amish and not sure I could.I am too fond of electricity and technology.But I am trying my best to be more like them.I have spent the last two weeks decluttering and trying to simplify my life…I have a long way to go.I have found that less is a good thing.I am looking forward to reading The Restoration.I love all your books Wanda.
I was amish at one time, I broke away from them in 1961, I am so glad my parents brought me up in an amish home where we were taught to work and appreciate each other. I was the youngest of 5 girls, now they are all gone except two of us. My Sister is 94 and I love her very much, we get together often and I am so glad to have family close by. When I was young my Parents would visit a lot of people and we never had to let them know we were coming, we just showed up , now people have to call to find out if it is ok to visit. I miss that. I would not want to go back to their lifestyle but I am so glad I was there and done that.
The Amish way of life seems so peaceful and interesting.
I love,love your books. I can’t wait for you next ones to come out. Currently read the Amish Millionaire. We used to live in Ohio and visited Berlin,Charm and all the little areas around every year area. Miss our trips since we have moved to Arizona. Keep up writing you wonderful books,I lose myself in them. The Amish are such loving,caring people. Thanks again.