lancaster county

LOOKING FOR AMERICA

This is now a few years old; however the content is ever relevant. We find ourselves in a moment in time which none of us ever imagined. This country of ours is so big and diverse. Each of us having a difficult time understanding how we arrived here.

I found my self reluctant to leave Lancaster county and the Amish. For me, they exude a calm that was very pleasant to experience.

I am reminded of my years in school where reading those poets who rue the loss of the pastoral life. I understood intellectually the discussion that ensued, however I never felt their words; that is until today.

AMISH COUNTRY

I cannot even express the charm I see in the life the Amish live. I realize that it requires sacrifice on their part. Every choice comes with consequences. Equally, part of me felt that I had crossed a border to another country. I was now the stranger, not understanding the customs or language. It was me that stood out by the way I dressed, acted and spoke.

I had met last year, while in California, Mennonites who had moved to Modesto at the beginning of the 19th century and are still working the same farms.