The Hard Work of the Amish

The Hard Work of the Amish

            Imagining that everyday I would sit in the same shop and cut out a puzzle, by hand, and paint it is understandably difficult work. Doing this to make a living means you cannot take a day off. The puzzle shop is just one example. We also visited an older couple that made rugs out of recycled Amish clothing. The woman cut up the cloth and made a thick string while her husband worked on the loom. Finally we visited the family of Dan and Ester Weaver. While taking a tour of the family’s property Ester pointed out that Dan sells wooden mulch, used for animal bedding. On top of that we learned that Dan worked in the construction business and owns a small engine repair shop, the family also sells plants. All these jobs are to sustain a family of 6 children.

The Amish work ethic is something to be embraced by outsiders. Every household we visited had some sort of business running from home. Not only were these necessary for a financially stable life, but also the passion each member had for his or her work was strong. In a life where there are no gadgets to keep everyone entertained the Amish have learned that keeping at work keeps anyone from becoming bored. The most important lesson I took from this trip is that persistence and hard work allows you to sustain a certain standard of living. The Amish understand this idea completely. They are loyal to one idea, their faith, and the rest of their lives are built around that loyalty. For that I have a new respect for the ones who I once thought only to be “Amish.”