Farewell to the Amish

Our time in Ethridge came to an end. We became close friends with an amish family. We were sad to have to say goodbye; they are such good people. This is what we've learned from them: never say goodbye (they kept talking as if our paths would cross in the future as we were stopping by for the last time), take life as it comes (they do what needs to be done when it needs to be done), simplicity (Mary makes all of the clothes and food, Jake works in the field, the kids help with everything, and they don't need anything extra), always treat people fair (when we brought them some bread pudding Mary instantly handed us some jam, and before we headed home Jake gave us some pumpkins), focus on important things (Our conversations with them never went past family, religion, or core life necessities- there was never a mention of Hollywood or hyped politics), find enjoyment working (their children were happy every time we came over, and they were always helping with chores; Jake and Mary were always busy but never seemed stressed), trust people (Mary lended us a book the first evening we met  and just mentioned to bring it back when we were finished). We made sure to get their address so we could keep in touch.