Taste

and see that the LORD is good

Psalm 34:8 NIV

Free manure

The sign says, "FREE MANURE"

Skiing

I buckled on cross country skis for first time this season and glided for a little while along the edge of our property. When I returned, Naomi asked me how the skiing was. Well, the boots were too small (and didn't lace properly), the skis didn't slide well, and the poles were too tall... other than that it was wonderful. 

Actually, I had a splendid time. Cross country skiing is one of my favorite winter activities. As soon as I rolled out of bed this morning I felt my skiing muscles. I'm eager to go again this afternoon, but before I do I will send one of my siblings to the attic and granary to hunt for better equipment.

Pigs

One of my expectations for our trip to Indiana was to photograph pigs. Our hosts, who are hog farmers, were surprised at my interest in the sows during our tour of their farm. At first the pigs were startled when I walked near their pens. They ran, splattering mud and squealing, into the barn. But in minute they stuck their snouts out, and then one by one they came out to have their pictures taken. What hams!

Sorry my camera doesn't capture smells. Use your imagination--plug your nose and grab a pair of earplugs if needed.

German Baptist

The friends we visited in Indiana are Old German Baptist Brethren. The German Baptists are a plain people with an Anabaptist heritage. Established in 1881, their membership numbers roughly 5,000, with most of their brethren in Ohio and Indiana. The casual observer would probably mistake them as Amish, though they drive cars, use electricity, speak English rather than Pennsylvania Dutch, and wear fabric with patterns. 

We attended church with our friends Sunday morning in Goshen, Indiana. It was a cross (sub) cultural experience. When our friends visited us in July they attended church (Brethren in Christ) with us on Sunday morning. Of course, the difference between our churches was noticeable--at their meeting the men and women sat on separate sides of the building, the service was formal and solemn, and the a cappella singing was slower than we could sing even if we knew the tune. The similarity, though less obvious, was more important--the service included the reading of God's Word and exhortations based on Scripture.

A helpful resource for understanding the similarities and differences between various Anabaptist groups, such as the Amish, Mennonites and Brethren, is  Anabaptist World USA by Donald B. Kraybill and C. Nelson Hostetter (Herald Press, 2001).

Horse auction

While in Shipshewana, Indiana we watched part of the horse auction on Friday afternoon. The lot outside the white frame building was congested with Amish buggies and pick-up trucks with trailers. The actual auction area, where the bidding took place, was packed with people, but I edged my way along the upper walkways and photographed the horses and their owners nervously awaiting their turn in the arena. 

Snow

When we looked out the windows yesterday morning, we saw large flakes of heavy snow dropping to the ground. We were in northern Indiana, staying with friends for the weekend. Their boys were delighted with the first snow of the season. The eight-year-old found a snow shovel and began clearing the steps and walk.

The snow had stopped and the pavement was wet when we started for home in the afternoon. As we drove closer to home it started snowing and the roads became slippery. The roads were covered with snow when we turned off 127. Our fifteen passenger van doesn't handle well in snow, but as Brother John would say, "God's hand of protection was upon us."

We arrived home around nine and had just hauled our luggage into the house when the power went out. The boys said they saw a burst of light from half a mile west of us and heard a noise. We later saw rescue vehicles headed that way. The power came on in the early morning. 

At six this morning the phone rang with the automated alert system from SVSU. Campus is closed until noon today. We didn't get that much snow, but the rest of mid-Michigan must have been dumped on. It's snowing now and it's predicted to continue at least until noon. Julie and I don't have class until this afternoon. We'll see if the administration calls off the rest of the day or if classes resume.