An Evening With the Amish Youth

Happy Father’s Day from our Amish community here in the Heartland. The well-timed rains have continued, giving the gardens and fields the kind of moisture that makes everything look full and hopeful. Families are grateful for the nearly perfect balance this month has brought. After the early dry spell that helped the hay get put up, the recent rains have encouraged the vegetables, the pastures, and even the flower beds to grow with real energy. Of course, the weeds have taken full advantage too, so every dry moment becomes a chance to slip outside and pull what can be pulled before the next shower arrives. Many families are saying their gardens look better than they have in years, even if they have to work hard to stay ahead of the weeds.

This week’s letter turns to the memories shared by one Amish woman about her early years attending youth gatherings. These gatherings are an important part of Amish life, especially on Sunday evenings when the young people come together to sing, visit, and enjoy time with friends. Her first gathering felt awkward, and she remembers being nervous as she got ready. She cannot recall exactly what she wore, but she remembers the feeling of stepping into a group where everything felt new. Older youth helped her learn the songs that were often sung at these gatherings, and she remembers how kind they were as she found her place among them.

Games were a big part of these evenings. Card games were common, and corner dodgeball was a favorite when there was enough room to play. She remembers the first time she felt included by the older youth during one of these games. That small moment helped her feel more at ease. She also remembers how often she felt nervous, since gatherings were full of new faces and new experiences. Even so, there were moments that brought laughter. One memory that stands out is when her eldest sister teased and joked with the youth, lightening the mood and helping everyone relax.

Singing was a tradition that happened at nearly every gathering. The young people would come together on Sunday evenings to sing familiar hymns, and the sound of their voices filling a farmhouse or a barn created a sense of belonging. These songs helped form friendships that lasted well beyond those years. She learned during this time that friendship is priceless, and that being part of a group can bring out parts of yourself you did not know were there.

One gathering stands out clearly in her memory. It took place on a farm with a larger building, which meant they could play many indoor games, including dodgeball. The laughter, the movement, and the shared fun made the evening feel meaningful. She remembers realizing during those years that she enjoyed being part of a group more than she expected. Her advice to any young person attending their first gathering is simple: relax. The nerves will settle, and the friendships will come.

Stories from Our Amish Basket Weavers

Here are a few of the most notable moments from the families who weave the beautiful baskets featured on AmishBaskets.com, shared with us this week.

The Borntrager Family

The Borntragers shared a bit of excitement from their district’s church service last Sunday. The service was held several miles away at a home on the far side of the district, and the turnout was strong. As the service was winding down in the living room and kitchen, where all the furniture had been moved into nearby bedrooms, a loud crash startled everyone. A two year old boy who had been napping decided to open every drawer in a bureau, which tipped forward and fell. Some glassware on top shattered, leaving quite a mess to clean up. Everyone felt grateful that no one was hurt and that the little one was safe, even if he gave the adults a scare they will remember for a while.

The Yoder Family

On Monday evening the Yoder family joined another household that had invited about thirty people for supper. A speaker had been scheduled to talk about health topics, but he missed his flight, so the gathering turned into a simple evening of visiting. Pamphlets were passed around, and everyone enjoyed pizza, salad, ice cream, and chips before heading home earlier than expected. The next night the speaker arranged for a driver to take the group to a neighboring community where the meeting was held. The meeting lasted three hours, and only afterward did they realize no supper had been planned. On the way home they stopped at a convenience store for quick snacks, laughing about how the week had taken a few unexpected turns.

"Each kindness shown to birds and men is sure to flutter back again."

- Amish Wisdom Overheard in the Community.