ELMER TELLS WHY THE POST IS LATE

Well, I almost got myself in trouble again.  Anna asked me after our Bible reading and prayer if I had given Marilyn a post for today - I hadn't.  Marilyn was about to put on another post when I called her.

Today was church Sunday.  After church John and Sarah invited Bishop Eli, his wife, Anna and myself for the afternoon and dinner.  In the afternoon, we got talking, had a delicious dinner and I forgot all about a post.

One of the items we were discussing is if Sarah should have the midwife or go to the hospital when the baby time comes.  It is usually our way to have a midwife, but not always.  John mentioned that Alma had gone to the hospital to have their last child.  Anna explained that was because both midwifes were at other homes.  John asked Bishop Eli if it was wrong for them to go to the hospital.

Eli said as I did that in most cases, we have a midwife.  He said, he would never tell someone they couldn't go to the hospital especially if they felt it necessary.  Alma's case was rather special, but she is not the only one that has gone to the hospital.  Eli wanted to know why they asked.

John stated seeing it was their first child, they just felt it would be better having it in the hospital.  Sarah told Anna later that John was the one who wanted the hospital, she didn't care.  In a way I understand John and it especially being the first child.  You worry so that everything will be all right.  What if you are home and something goes wrong?  Now, we are not too far from a hospital and it doesn't take our volunteer ambulance long to get to their house.  Still you worry..

Sarah would rather stay at home with a midwife.  She feels that having a baby is the privacy of the midwife and the family.  When it is time, she wants midwife, her Mother, Anna and John, if he wanted to be there.  It is custom that husbands are not usually in the room, but I was always there when Anna had our children and Sarah understands how we are sometimes different from other families.  Sarah doesn't want doctors, nurses, fancy equipment and more in a hospital.  It would make her afraid.

John says he is not sure he could go in at the delivery time or not.  He is afraid he might pass out.  Told him then the midwife could take care of Sarah and his Mother (Anna) could take care of him if he passed out.

I never passed out.  Thought I might, but when the baby starting coming I was fascinated.  I knew how babies come, but to see this beautiful child,  from the Lord, to us and a gift to Anna and my love.  I am trying to say this tactfully.  After seeing our children born, I never could understand how people can be so cruel, unloving, and uncaring (again saying this tactfully) to their children.

Most Amish do not put things like this in posts.  It is kept very private to the husband and wife.  But you know me and I would not put this in without John, Sarah, or Eli's permission.

Eli told them to pray.  In fact, we all prayed together with them today.  It is a decision that they have to make together, soon.  Pray until you know, deep inside, is what the Lord wants them to do.  It is a decision you can't always change at the last minute.  But also, remember that, in an emergency, you can always call the ambulance.

We also saw the baby room they have all set up and ready for their child.  When word spread through the family and friends, they obtained lots of items, clothes, quilts, and more.  They are more than ready when the baby comes.

We did enjoy the afternoon.  Before we left, Eli led us in prayer again.  We also sang some hymns.  So we left with a happy, spiritual feeling.

Trust God's Wisdom
Elmer