I was pleased and surprised when four of our dear Amish friends came all the way from Indiana to Washington State for my husband’s Memorial Service. One of the men, who is a bishop in their Amish community, spoke during the service, in addition to several other speakers. What a joy and a privilege it was to have these two Amish couples, who my husband and I became friends with over 20 years ago stay in my home for two full days and nights. The women were so helpful in preparing and setting things out for our meals, and then they cleaned up and put everything away after we had eaten. The men helped, too, and while the women picked blueberries from our berry patch, some weeds were pulled in the the flowerbeds by the men.

Friends from our church prepared a lovely meal, consisting of sandwiches, salads, chips, desserts and beverages, which were served to our family and those who attended the memorial service.

How thankful I am for good friends, who not only offered their help, but gave me comfort during a very difficult time.

How important has a special friendship been to you during a time of need? Is there anything specific you would like share?

The recent passing of my dear husband, Richard, has drawn me to the Scriptures to seek comfort from God’s Holy Word. Here is one such verse: “Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” (Hebrews 11:1). Through all the pain and suffering Richard dealt with, his faith in God never wavered, and mine didn’t either. Richard was ready to exit this earth because he knew when his soul left his earthly body, he would be taken to a new home with Jesus, where pain and suffering does not exist. His faith was strong, right up to the end. Although I, and our family members, will miss Richard very, very much, I have the faith to believe that as a born-again Christian, my dear husband is in a far better place, no longer in pain or bound by this earth. I always believe that someday we will be reunited in heaven.

What strengthens your faith and how have you dealt with the struggles you’ve faced here on earth? Do you know Jesus as your personal Savior? If not, in childlike faith, read John 3:16 and insert your name in the place where it says, “whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

I am sometimes asked if, while visiting Amish country, it’s all right to take pictures of Amish people, homes, barns, etc.

Some more progressive Amish don’t mind having their pictures taken, but unless they haven’t joined the church yet, they normally won’t pose for a photograph. Most Amish don’t mind people taking pictures of their homes, farms, horses, and buggies. Some of the more conservative Amish don’t want tourists taking pictures of them or anything on their property. It’s always best to ask first before taking pictures, especially if the photos will include Amish people. For pictures of barns, homes, horses, and buggies, it’s usually fine to take pictures as long as you’re not invading anyone’s private property.

Have you ever had someone take a picture of you without your permission? If so, how did it make you feel? What are some reasons we might not want to have our photograph taken?