Walking home last week we were able to watch a group of Amish (or perhaps Mennonite) men put a new metal roof on one of the island's barns. I was surprised to discover their families came to Mackinac Island with them. Apparently, that way they have a large enough group to hold their church services while they are away from home.
Each day my son looked forward to checking ton their progress as we walked past after school.
Each day my son looked forward to checking ton their progress as we walked past after school.
I've always wanted to spend a summer living with an Amish family. (My husband thinks I'm crazy.) I know would be quite challenging: no computer, no blog, no ipod, no cell phone, no sonicare, no makeup, etc. and I'm sure I'd be dog tired at the end of every day. But I think once my body was use to the labor, I'd enjoy it. I think in September I'd have a new found appreciation of all those little things in my life that I take for granted.
My daughter, on the other hand, would hate it - she is all about screens these days and does not understand our family limitation on "screen time." She might not enjoy an Amish summer, but there's no doubt in my mind that it would be good for her.
How about you - would you give it a try?
My daughter, on the other hand, would hate it - she is all about screens these days and does not understand our family limitation on "screen time." She might not enjoy an Amish summer, but there's no doubt in my mind that it would be good for her.
How about you - would you give it a try?
I admire them for the peace they seem to have in their life, but I don't think I would be very good at it... I kind of like my A/C in the summer...
ReplyDeleteAgreed, the AC and fans would be missed but it would be an interesting experience. Where on the island is that barn? It looks HUGE!
ReplyDeleteWhen the bill arrived for the homeowner's insurance, I thought of the local Amish. Maybe they have the best idea....no insurance, just take care of each other. But I certainly would miss the A/C!
ReplyDeleteThat is the "Big Barn" owned by Mackinac Island Carriage Tours. It is up the hill past the Grand Hotel.
ReplyDeleteYes, I would definitely do it! My mind is so tired sometimes from all the activity. Although their life seems hard and challenging, the simplicity of it appeals to me.
ReplyDeleteMaybe too , the families come to feed the men. I think they depend on each other for all kinds of things....so being at home without the men might not be too easy either....and they must not have animals to take care of.
ReplyDeleteAnd everyone needs a vacation.....and why not Mackinac Island?? :) They are lucky to get to come there. B.
We live a lot like that now...but with electricity.
And with the use of a forklift...I don't know which ones would use that.
Yes I would! We also limited our kids screen time. No TV Mon-Thursday, and only limited time on the weekends.
ReplyDeleteWhy not. But for a short time only. I do not have TV anyway so I wouldn't miss it. However I am not sure I'll survive very well without internet... When are you going?
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