The Tradition of Amish Hired Drivers
We hope this newsletter finds you well and enjoying the warm summer days. As July draws to a close, we reflect on the simple yet profound aspects of Amish life that bring everyone closer together as a community. This week, we delve into the unique practice of hiring drivers, a vital part of daily Amish life that many might find intriguing.
In the Amish community, hiring drivers is a longstanding practice, seamlessly woven into the fabric of their daily routines. For many, this is a familiar process, having grown up knowing that when travel beyond the reach of their buggies is necessary, a friendly and reliable driver is just a call away.
Finding a driver often begins with word of mouth. Trusted recommendations from friends and family ensure that the driver not only has the necessary skills but also understands the unique needs of Amish passengers. A friendly demeanor and availability for appointments are key qualities they look for in a driver.
Arranging a trip involves some planning. Typically, the driver is called to set up the details, such as the date, time, and destination. It's always best to call a week or two ahead for shorter trips and several weeks ahead for longer journeys. Sometimes, meeting a new driver happens when joining friends on a trip, providing an opportunity to get acquainted.
Organizing shared rides is a communal effort. The person in charge contacts community members to gauge interest and hires a driver with a suitable vehicle, whether a minivan or a larger van. Messages are sent out to fill any remaining seats, ensuring everyone knows when and where to be ready.
Clear communication with the driver is essential. They inform them of all planned stops and the expected duration at each location. This helps in managing time efficiently and ensures that the driver's services meet their needs.
Financial arrangements with drivers vary. While some charge per trip, others calculate costs based on mileage, often adding a fee for waiting time. It's not uncommon for drivers to charge around $1.00 per mile, though this can vary. For longer trips, additional costs such as motel bills may be included unless the driver is willing to stay overnight in an Amish home, which can significantly reduce expenses.
Hiring drivers has numerous benefits for the Amish community. It fosters togetherness, as shared rides provide opportunities for social interaction and mutual support. Economically, sharing travel costs makes sense, making it a practical solution for many families.
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's adventures with their wild-spirited kitten, Smores, continue to bring both laughter and a bit of chaos to their home. Smores has developed the quirky habit of scrambling up the dress of anyone who approaches the feeding table in the backyard, which is strategically placed high enough to keep the dog from reaching the cat food. As soon as someone gets near, Smores starts her ascent, scratching and clawing her way up to the top, leading to amusing "negotiations" among family members about who will brave the task of feeding her each day.
The Yoder Family
The Yoder family had quite an adventure with their growing flock of chicks this week. After accidentally breaking a jar of jam, they placed it outside to avoid a sticky mess indoors. Unfortunately, it was forgotten overnight, and by morning, the chicks had discovered it. They managed to get themselves thoroughly sticky, with their legs practically glued together. After a thorough washing, the chicks were set free, only to run straight back to the remaining jam, much to the amusement and exasperation of the Yoders.
The Gingerich Family
As the berry season winds down, the Gingerich family has been busy preserving the last of their harvest. Starting with strawberries in late May, they are now focused on blackberries, which are coming in strong. This week, the family has been canning berries, making jam, and baking several pies to enjoy and share. With a good stock of preserves from last year, they didn't need to can as many this season. The extra berries were gladly shared with friends and neighbors, spreading the bounty of their harvest throughout the community.
"Beware of your thoughts; they may become words any minute."
— Amish Wisdom
