Monday, May 11, 2015

ELMER ANSWER'S SOME OF YOUR QUESTIONS

Thought I would answer some of your questions this week.  Someone asked if there are Amish in South Carolina.  Not, that I know of.  I asked Bishop Eli and he said he thought there had been at one time, but it didn't work out and they moved to other areas.

Are their Amish in Canada?  Yes, there are Amish in the province of Ontario.  In fact, there are about 6000 or so of us.  There are also Old Order Mennonite in Ontario.

Someone asked about reading the Bible in High German and Low German.  As I have said, different Amish groups are allowed different things.  I have a Bible in High German, one in Low German and another in English.  We are allowed this in our Old Order Amish - not all are.

Also, when I was brought up, I learned the Low German and the High German when reading the Bible in our home.  My parents taught us, not through lessons, but our Father using it during prayers and Bible readings in our home, daily.

I asked David what they use in their home.  They have a German Bible and an English one.  Their Old Order Mennonites are allowed to have them and use them.

Please ask more questions so it gives us an idea of what you want to hear about.  We sometimes can't think of anything to write about.

Anna thanks everyone for your concern and advice on her Mother.  When I was child, we use to call Alzheimer's - Old Folks Diease because many older folks got it.  We didn't think it would have a name like Alzheimer's.  We never thought it was as bad as it was and is.

Anna will try to be on here as much as she can.  In addition to helping with her Mother, she is also planting her garden and flowers, cooking, cleaning, and all the other duties the ladies do.  Our children are also helping her and Hannah.  We do not believe in putting people in nursing homes.  It is our obligation to take care of our parents when they get older.  Our view is they took care of us - it is now our turn to take care of them.  We love our parents and want them with us as long as we can.  When the times comes that they pass on we want them in their home, if possible.

Many other Amish come and help when necessary.  Right now Hannah, Anna and our daughters are doing well, but when the time comes, others will help.  Anna has, many times, gone to help others to give them a rest from caring for someone or letting to be able to go some place.  It is our way to help one another.

It is at times like that we must really:

Trust God's Wisdom,
Elmer








12 comments:

Tom said...

Elmer you are a blessed man to live in a loving, sharing, caring society. Tom The Backroads Traveller

Countryside Reflections said...

Ditto what Tom said!

While I took care of my mom I had a very supportive family, but they didn't live close by. So although they helped when they could, it wasn't too often. If our family members lived in a closer proximity I think it would make a world of difference in taking care of our elderly at home and not send them off to a nursing home. I'm so thankful that I was able to have Mom home when she passed away.

Doreen

Angela Tucker said...

Good morning, Marilyn. My heart goes out to Anna and all the others that love her mother. When my father still spoke and interacted, my husband and I promised that we would keep him at home for as long as possible. I know that my father knows who I am, he is agitated around new people. But it is hard. We don't really have anyone to help and have to pay for caregiving since we both still work. At this point, he has been on Hospice for two years and we have been able to keep that promise. I think it is wonderful that the community comes together.

New York State Of Mind said...

Good Morning Everyone,

I know when I took care of my parents, there was no help. My brothers worked. Finally the doctor made me put them in a nursing home because of the strain on me. I wish they could have stayed home all the time and passed in their home instead of the nursing home.

Will be gone part of today. My car died down at Wal-Mart in Macedon last Friday. Have to have it towed to my garage man this morning. The car ran find when I fulled in Wal-Mart. When I came out it, it wouldn't start. The gas isn't going through. Called the garage this morning and he said he couldn't see what was wrong with it until the car got there. Be back later.

Marilyn

New York State Of Mind said...

I have a special request from one of the people that leaves comments on here many times. If I gave her name, you would know who she is.

Her parents are 88 and 93. Her Mother is in the hospital and it doesn't look like she will be with us long.

She asked if I would ask on here that we all pray for her parents salvation. I know the lady that asked, is a Christian.

I also know, that sometimes your parents don't listen to you when you tell them about the Lord. As much as I tried, both of my parents were led to the Lord by someone else. I am so happy my parents listened to someone and died knowing Jesus and His Salvation.

So if we could all pray, it would be greatly appreciated.

Marilyn

Countryside Reflections said...

I will certainly do that Marilyn. A prayer for her parents and one for her too.

Doreen

New York State Of Mind said...

Thank you, Doreen,

I know she will appreciate all the prayers. She is really concerned.

Marilyn

Willow's Quiet Corner said...

Thanks, Elmer, as always, we appreciate that you take the time to answer our questions.

I have a question I am not sure you would be able to answer, but sometime if you can, I was wondering how it is decided which "modern" things you are allowed to adopt.

For example, I think you have mentioned you can not have cars, you use horse and buggy for local travel, but you are allowed to hire drivers, take busses and trains and to have tractors for your farming. Telephones are not allowed except in some situations.

And, I wondered if you are allowed electricity for lighting, refrigeration, etc.

Is it getting harder and harder to keep the "modern" or Englisher world from making it's way into your daily life? It seems like things little by little are seeping in even though there are strict rules to try to keep that from happening.

Thank you!

And, I will keep our fellow reader in my thoughts and send her lots of positivity as she deals with a difficult situation.

New York State Of Mind said...

Hi Willow's Quiet Corner,

I know that your prayers are appreciated at this time. She and her family are going through a hard time.

Will also see that Elmer gets your questions. I know he appreciates your questions.

Marilyn

Anonymous said...

My prayers go out to Elmer, Anna and family. My father is 93+ and the past few months I've had to deal w/imaginary people living in his attic. (Very real to him) As I live 450 miles away, and as the only surviving sibling/relative it is horrible. I want to bring him here to SC but he won't budge.
I don't know who asked the question of Amish living in SC but Elmer is correct. There used to be Beachy Amish living in Abbeville county SC. I can only guess that the smallness of the area, (no room for a proper growing settlement) and Englisher population as we have a lot of German areas but mostly Lutheran or different branches of Mennonites that are widely accepted and looked up to.
Marilyn: Hope you are well and your car keeps on going.
Carol in SC

prairie said...

Thank you for blogging. I have always felt those who live Christ's creed, whomever they are, are special and warm. He is my exampler, guide, comforter. I know He knows me better than anyone else, even me. I want to be like him in every way possible. I love the Atonement, or, at-one-ment. The more I can repent, the more I can be one with Him. Keep writing, friends.

New York State Of Mind said...

Hi Prairie Stitcher,

Thank you for the compliments and I will see that Elmer gets his, too.

Marilyn