I’m thrilled at reader response to my new book, A Traveling Grandma’s Guide to Israel: Adventures, Wit, and Wisdom. It’s carried Amazon’s Top New Release banner in three categories through its first week—but I’ll share those details in my next newsletter.
Travel is my favorite means of learning. Who knew that my first trip to Israel would lead to eight more and change my life? Ephesians 3:20 is true—The Lord does much “more than we ask or think.”
Our world envies those born with silver spoons in their mouths. I realize it’s far better to enter life with a sense of wonder and healthy curiosity. One reason I love travel is that it brings me brand new experiences and locations to explore and learn from.
This week, I’ve learned I don’t need to travel to do that. On our small Minnesota farm, I didn’t realize one neighbor had sold his place to an Amish family until J. introduced himself. His wife and I became friends and I sometimes drove her to appointments. She took me into the homes of friends and relatives and said I must meet A., a then 97-year-old hale and hearty non-Amish farm woman who often drove Amish families on trips. My neighbors were right. It was a delight to meet A. She turns 98 this week, as healthy and active as ever, so I threw a birthday party for her with Amish and non-Amish guests.
They call themselves “Plain People,” visibly so in dress and non-worldly habits and technology. Visiting them, I’ve also found they are people of refreshingly plain speech—without guile. They mean what they say. There’s no hidden cunning or deception. I can safely accept their words at face value which makes friendships strong.
This has been a week with more interaction than usual, driving them on visits and errands, throwing a party for the now 98-year-old friend they introduced me to and I’ve learned something. What I love most about travel is happening here at home. I love learning about and respecting different ways and backgrounds, appreciating trust and growing relationships. I’m glad for my Amish neighbors in the truest sense of the word and intend to do my part.
J. next door says, “Don’t be fooled. We have a few bad apples on our tree.”
I’ve met very few.
I still love travel, but if the time comes when that’s not possible due to pandemics or physical limitations, I know now that our God-given curiosity and sense of wonder enriches our lives and expands our world just fine here at home.
These are clothing options at a nearby Amish store also offering good groceries at great prices.
What about you? What helps you find joy through wonder?
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