All of my life I grew up in and around the Amish community in Lancaster/ Lebanon, PA and even though we were a few miles apart we were lifetimes away. I have never spoken to nor spent time with the Amish. We had a simple relationship. I respected them and gave them privacy and they returned the favor. Yesterday on my way into Unity, Maine a young man had approached me on his horse and buggy and this caught me a bit off guard. I wasn’t aware that there were Amish in Maine and I certainly wasn’t expecting one of them to be striking up a conversation with me. But he did. And I am thankful for that. Because his kindness and my curiosity led me to his home and family today and it was an experience of a lifetime.

I woke up and enjoyed a few cups of coffee, internet and breakfast. I then biked 3 miles back to the my new friend (Abner) and his family home. As I approached the house I saw no one around and a bit hesitant I slowly made my way up the drive and up to the front of the house where I was welcomed by his sister. Wearing a bonnet and a very modest ensemble she spoke to me with kind words and had obviously been expecting me.

After a few minutes later Abner came walking up the lane and approached me with a grin ear to ear. I don’t think he thought I would actually return to visit as I stated I would. Little did he know how much this opportunity meant to me! So we made small talk for a few minutes and then headed down to the greenhouse where he had been working on a large operation. I was quite impressed even though he had quite a bit of work to do I was able to visualize the final product. And even more so… I knew what his goal was. His goal was to sell fine organic produce alongside the state road of a town with a population of less than 1000. So I immediately asked… “so how can I help?”

Let’s just say Abner did not hesitate to put me to work! As a matter of fact I think he already had a chore lined up for me before I had arrived and he was just tickled to death to see I was there to lend a helping hand. So there I was for the next few hours carrying steel beams back and forth in order to build a structure for the family green house. I didn’t mind. And as a matter of fact I was smitten as a kitten. I was helping an Amish man build a green house while most Americans are wishing they could jump out of the 22nd floor of their office building where they escape reality by browsing social networks and getting paid high end salaries.

Around 12 noon Abner looked at me and he said “dinner bell just rand we best get to the table” . I got nervous. I mean it’s not everyday you have lunch with an Amish family and my god… what in the world are they going to ask me?! Will I say the right things? Will I offend the woman? Deep breath… I walked in and couldn’t help but notice the view. It was absolutely breathtaking. The house was well built and showed a great deal of craftsmanship. It then occurred to me that Abner built this home with his bare hands from the ground up. I confirmed my suspicions and asked him. I said “Abner” did you build this home from the ground up? He says “ I sure did… why do you think that green house is not finished?” I was shocked. I didn’t even know what to say and if I did say what I really wanted to say I would probably sound like Jeff Spicoli in fast times at Ridgemont high. So I nodded my head and articulated my jealousness with a nod of the head.

Abners mother then called us over to the table and had asked me to sit at the head. So there I was with Abner, James, Edward (Abners brother in law) and his sister… I can’t think of her name at the moment but she was stunningly pretty with a beautiful baby girl from Edward of 10 months. Ironically enough Edward had family in Lancaster, PA my hometown… I guess that makes sense due to the fact the he is Amish. But it was very interesting that he was so knowledgeable of the area and knew so much fact and history. I was learning about my hometown in Unity, Maine from an Amish man! I could not believe it.

We began to talk Family, politics, modern medicine and Wal Mart for the next 45 minutes and it was an amazing experience. I have worked with and dined with PHD’s and millionaires but this was a completely different entity and learning experience. What I learned today is not taught in text books and I probably cannot explain it to you either. This was not a guided tour families pay for in Lancaster to see an Amish farm. This was their way of life and their home… and they had let me in.

After lunched I helped out for another hour or so and then walked up the hill where you could see straight to New Hampshire. I had A 3PM conference call with my sponsor Greenopolis and I wanted to make sure I was there. I never thought I would take a conference call from an Amish farm! I took some photos and enjoyed the view for a few minutes. I then walked down the hill and had decided to head back into town. I knew if I stayed any longer I would only want to stay another nite and I must be moving on and I could not stand to torture myself. So I grabbed my stuff, hopped on my bike and rode over to Abner. I thanked him for this once in a lifetime opportunity and I informed him that I was sad to go… But I must be moving on. He smiled a nodded his head, shook my hand and wished me luck. He also told me that I always have a place to visit in Unity, Maine and I smiled and told him I expect to see award winning tomatoes in this roadside stand this summer. Right before I left he yelled to me… “ Nathan… how can I see your fundraiser? I yelled back just go to follownathan.org … and please email me” he replied with “ I would but I don’t know how!” I replied again and said “ It’s ok Abner I can’t build a house with my own two hands like you. You will figure it out!” he smiled and I pedaled down the drive. As I write this blog it brings chills down my spine. Today was a day that I will never forget.

Until next time. Take care… and take action.
Please donate to my cause and check out my fundraiser! http://www.firstgiving.com/follownathan