A Great Experience

Because of our business, my wife and I have spent several days in the Amish community of Sugarcreek, OH.  I am writing as a novice about this topic, but it is very interesting to me.  Those of us that live the fast-paced life could learn a lot from them.  You might have the misconception that they aren't as aware of what's going on in the world, but I have quickly found that is not true.  They are avid readers.  They listen to the radio.  Their school education is only through the eighth grade, but they are very intelligent.

They have a work ethic that is so strong, it would put many of us to shame.  And, this area is some of the most beautiful country I have seen.  It has lush, rolling hills with rows of corn interlaced with rows of deep green pasture for erosion protection on the hillsides.  Their main mode of transportation is the horse, so you see beautiful horses and cattle in the pastures.  Most of the buggy horses are thoroughbreds, mainly black and dark brown, but the work horses are mostly Belgiums.  They are beautiful animals that are treated with great respect.  There are mainly Holstein cattle, but there are also a lot of Jersey.

As you drive down the country roads, it so neat to see the horse-drawn carriages converging on an intersection from multiple directions.  Many of the local auto drivers are very impatient with them and rude.  Because of the hilly roads, it is dangerous to pass, because there are so many blind spots, plus you can top a hill and find a buggy right in front of you, so you have to drive carefully.

I'm out of time for know, but I will share more later.  Have a great day!