Seniors Expand Horizons Discovering the Amish Country

The trip to the Amish country was a resounding success. Thirty-nine excited seniors boarded the bus parked outside of our Sanctuary singing, gleefully, "Be An Overcomer." No instruments needed, the harmony was in perfect pitch. You would have thought the bus was filled with young children headed to school on their first day. It was the National Association Seniors of the Church of God. After eating a delicious lunch, our bus driver slowly drove through the backwoods. Deep in the forest, miles from city landscapes lies a community of Amish people living in their own world. The bus slowed down to allow us to witness their homes, children at play, and their school houses. The historian told stories of old and even shared some gossip that filled the bus with laughter. First stop was a souvenir store. Don't bother to bring your credit card. They only accepted cash or you could write a personal check. The cashier used her fingers to add up items as the line grew long. No one cared, we quickly assimilated. You simply conjured up a conversation with the person behind you and enjoyed the smell of the fresh air around you. The next stop was an old fashioned grocery store that sold over 100 different types of apples. Some people preferred to sit on the bus and wait for the saints of God to fill their bags with items not found in ordinary grocery stores. Each time we boarded the bus, after visiting a farm, a plant store, and an Amish grocery store, the historian continued to share yet another part of the Amish rich culture that caused you to scratch your head. It is true, you learn best when you experience it first hand. Neil deGrasse Tyson said it best, " Research in education has shown that we remember field trips long into adulthood." I agree, but I'd like to expand this thought by saying that seniors learn best and remember the most by engaging in activities where you are able to use all of your senses. We tasted, we listened, we smelled, we touched, and we witnessed.

By: Charlena S Carney