Refreshed and Ready

We’re back from our Amish Country Tour in Pennsylvania with the Down East Boys and the Hyssongs, and one word describes how I feel: refreshed. Each site visited on the tour offered something unique and memorable. More than a hundred people who love the Lord Jesus toured with us, and we connected with many of them.  

One example was the buggy ride through Amish country with people from the tour. On our buggy was a son with his mom and dad and a daughter with her mom, and the son and daughter had special needs like our son, Ray. Though they didn’t talk a lot with one another, I could sense they felt comfortable together, and we parents could relate well because of this awesome and challenging commonality. I sensed the Lord brought us together. The driver of the buggy gave a thorough tour as we passed large, fresh family farms and green rolling hills as he shared his experience of growing up Amish but choosing to leave that life. He still has good relationships with his family.

Another highlight was the meal we were all served by an Amish family in the loft of their huge barn loft. There was boneless chicken, delicious corn freshly off the cob, and homemade bread and Amish peanut butter. The Amish children served the meal as the mom and aunt oversaw them. After the satisfying meal, our host accompanied the Hyssongs and Down East Boys on guitar while they led us in familiar hymns.  When we all get to heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be!

Though it was a two-day drive there and back, I came home feeling spiritually and mentally uplifted by conversations with new friends, meaningful daily devotions led by Dell Hyssong, and time away with Steve and Ray. I am ready for the days to come as I reflect on the beauty of music and fellowship with brothers and sisters in Christ, remember the lush, rolling mountains, and enjoy eating homemade Amish jam and peanut butter for a while.