Embracing Amish Hospitality

As we approach Labor Day, we hope this newsletter finds you well and enjoying the final days of Summer. Here in the Heartland, our Amish community continues to embrace the simplicity and warmth that define the Amish way of life. While many prepare for a long weekend, the Amish treat Labor Day like any other day, focusing on their daily routines and the values that guide them.

Many Amish families have been traveling lately to visit distant friends and relatives before the start of school. This time of year is perfect for reconnecting with loved ones and strengthening community bonds. With this in mind, we thought it would be a good time to share some insights into Amish hospitality, a cornerstone of Amish culture deeply rooted in faith and tradition.

When an Amish family has visitors arrive, they are greeted with open arms and a genuine sense of welcome. Phrases like "reach and help yourself" are commonly heard at the table, reflecting the community's inclusive and generous spirit. Handshakes and invitations to "just come on in and make yourself at home" are typical, ensuring guests feel immediately at ease.

One of the unique aspects of Amish hospitality is their readiness to accommodate unexpected visitors. Many Amish homes are well-stocked with canned goods, allowing for quick and hearty meals to be prepared at a moment's notice. Soup is a popular choice, especially when time is short or guests arrive unannounced. This practical approach ensures that no one is ever turned away hungry.

Traveling Amish often rely on the hospitality of other Amish families, whether they are friends or strangers. This practice not only saves money but also strengthens the bonds within the community. It's not uncommon for travelers to discover mutual acquaintances or even distant relatives during their stay, fostering a sense of connection and belonging.

Faith plays a significant role in the practice of hospitality among the Amish. Biblical teachings, such as those found in Romans 12:13 and 1 Peter 4:9, emphasize the importance of showing hospitality without grudging. This spiritual foundation encourages Amish families to open their homes and hearts to others, viewing hospitality as a form of service and love.

Children learn the importance of hospitality from a young age, observing their parents and participating in community activities. Whether through church, school, or family gatherings, kindness and generosity are instilled early on. This upbringing ensures that the tradition of hospitality continues from one generation to the next.

A memorable story shared by an Amish family in our community highlights the humor and warmth that often accompany their hospitality. A driver once spent the night at their home and, being a heavy man, kept his feet on the floor while in the bed as though he expected it to break at any moment. Such anecdotes reflect the lighthearted and welcoming nature of the Amish, always ready to share a laugh and make their guests feel comfortable.

Here are a few happenings the families dedicated to weaving the beautiful baskets featured on AmishBaskets.com have shared with us this week.

The Mast Family

The Mast family hosted their annual Summer family reunion, a cherished one that rotates among different family members' homes each year. This year, they welcomed nearly 50 overnight guests on the first night and 53 on the second. The yard was dotted with eight tents, while others found cozy spots in the house and the shop. The first guests arrived on Thursday afternoon, and the last departed on Saturday evening. Blessed with beautiful weather, the family enjoyed a variety of games, including volleyball, cornhole, and a spirited round of flag croquet. The reunion was filled with laughter, shared meals, and the joy of reconnecting with loved ones.

The Yoder Family

David and Rebecca Yoder, recently extended a helping hand to their newly married neighbors by bringing over some B and W salve. The young couple had been struggling with a malfunctioning kerosene refrigerator, which led to a frightening incident. When the husband attempted to relight the fridge, an explosion ignited his clothes and hair. In a desperate attempt to extinguish the flames, he rolled on the floor, but it wasn't enough. With water not coming out of the faucet quickly enough, they grabbed a jug of milk, finally putting out the fire. Although his eyelashes were singed and his lips blistered, the salve provided much-needed relief for the burns on his face.

The Gingerich Family

This week, the Gingerich family took on the responsibility of caring for a neighbor's farm while they were away on a trip. One of the more amusing challenges they faced was dealing with a mischievous sow. Every time they filled her small plastic pan with water, she would take a drink and then promptly flip the pan over, rolling in the resulting mud. By the end of the week, the Gingerichs had also managed to win over their neighbor's Australian Shepherd, who had been wary of them at first. Through patience and gentle care, the dog eventually trusted them enough to eat out of their hands. The Gingerichs reflected on the experience, noting that the best way to get rid of your enemies is to make them your friends.

"Sometimes God calms the storm around us, and sometimes He calms us and lets the storm rage on."

— Amish Wisdom