Rumspringa …

Our day started with getting new tires for Melo Yelo.  Yay! No more helicopter-sounding noise! Unfortunately this model of the Ford Focus has issues with tire wear and we don’t get more than 20,000 – 30,000 miles on tires.  Towing behind the RV may be impacting as well… although we do get alignments a couple times a year.

This afternoon we went to “Mount Hope Wine Gallery and Rumspringa Brewery” to pick up some Blueberry Honey Mead wine. Sooooooo good!

They had this awsome bottle/candle tree on display there.  Thinking we should pick up one for Dave B. What ya think?

Now, for a lesson for the amish word “rumspringa” … in many communities, Rumspringa is a period when some Amish youth, boys more than girls, experience greater freedom. They are no longer under the control of their parents on weekends and, because they are not baptized, they are not yet under the authority of the church.   This usually occurs at age 16 when some amish experiment with “worldly” activities—buying a car, going to movies, wearing non-Amish clothes, buying a television or cell phone.  Those that purchase cars often have to park them away from their farms.  It’s not unusual to see cars or pickups parked near cornfields. Some rent buildings for parties, or go to bars and nightclubs in nearby towns.

A fling with worldliness reminds Amish youth that they have a choice regarding church membership; however, most of the forces of Amish life funnel them toward church membership. Knowing they have a choice likely strengthens their willingness to obey church standards and, in the long run, the authority of the church itself.

Surprisingly, the higher percentage will choose to return to the church and be baptized leaving their wild times behind.  The minority that remain with English influences are shunned by their families and church and can’t return.

Interesting huh?

Tonight we went to a neighborhood area garage sale that was from 6 – 9 pm in Manheim Township. Strange time, but fun walking around.  Tomorrow is calling for the possibility of more severe storms. Time to hunker down again.