JEAN HAS A POST

I am a little behind on telling things on New York State of Mind.  For Michael's 18th birthday, we went to Elmer and Anna's for dinner.  When we got there, the men chatted in the living, Susan, Katie, and I went into the kitchen to help Anna.  Before dinner Elmer lead us in prayer.  Anna made all the recipes that Michael liked.  After dinner, they exchanged gifts.  Anna, the girls and I cleaned the kitchen.

Then we sat with the men, sang, prayed and talked.  Finally Anna asked Michael, when were we going to see his apartment.  Michael sort of mumbled.  David told him, that we were not going to let him move from our house to the apartment unless we see it.  Even though he is 18.

Michael came up with excuses until Elmer got up, put on his jacket and started heading for the barn.  Said he was hooking up their buggy to go see Michael's apartment.  What could Michael say?  Edward said he had seen it.  I said you saw it !  He said he saw it and Thomas saw it.  Michael took them to see it.  So that made us want to go worse.

Edward went home in his buggy, but the rest of us went over to the apartment.  Michael kept giving us excuses.  Right outside the door, David asked what was in there, that he didn't want us to see?  Michael didn't say anything and opened the door.

The "room" turned out to be bigger than I thought it would be.  It had a living room couch, a couple of chairs, and a small table and two chairs.  There was a very small kitchen with a two burner electric to cook on.  There was no oven.   Underneath a tiny counter was a very small refrigerator.  There was also a small microwave.  Also had a couple of real small cupboards for pots, pans, dishes.  In another closet was a toilet, sink and small shower.

But what was also in the living room was an entertainment center stand, I guess you call it.  On it was a television, DVD player, CD player and a computer.  Michael wanted to know how I knew what they all were.  Well, I said I know what a television is.  The DVD player says on it DVD player and the CD player says CD player.  Also, I had seen a computer before and knew what that was.  David asked okay where is the car.  Michael said there is no car - yet.  That's the next thing he wanted to buy.

The people that owned it came over.  We know them because of Michael and Edward knowing their son for a long time.  They all went to school together at the public school.  So they were concerned on what we thought.  David said we really wished that Michael had stayed home, drove a buggy, worked the farms, and alike.  But, we also understand he was brought up in the outside part of his life. As long as Michael trusts in the Lord, works, and doesn't get into trouble - we will at least let him try this out and see how things go.

So far things are going well.  Michael comes over to work every morning.  He seems to come at breakfast time most every day.  The first few weeks, he did not come for meeting (church), but we did not say anything.  The past few weeks, he has come to meeting with us. He has done the work like he always did.

The first few days were a little sticky.  But now, we are use to it and so is he.  We all get along.  So far everything is working out. Michael even gave us a key to his apartment - in case of emergency. We pray that the Lord will lead Michael in his new ways.  Yes, I have Michael's permission to put this on.

Christmas is coming.  I have started making cookies and candies.  Also, making sure I have a gift for everyone.  This year, I started early  so I would not have to run and buy something or make something.  Got that all done.  Even made a few extra things in case I forgot someone or something comes us where the children or adults need a gift.  This is the first year I have done this.  Got the idea from Anna, as that is what she does.  It does take a load off my mind.

Be With God,
Jean