Amish invite to fly to their school

[StanFoster]

Barbara and I were picking up some stair material today at my Amish cabinet shop. This is the place that invited me to their hogroast last year.............................Anyway, Howard Miller requested that I fly down to land at one of the Amish schools his kids attend. They would like me to do a talk about building and flying it. I of course was delighted to accept the invite, while on the otherhand being perplexed why such an interest in such a "worldly" machine as a helicopter. Howard says it all has to do that I built it and trust my life in it. ........................................It still surprises me as their chosen transportation is via horse & buggy, and nothing shiny at all, they choose to ask me to fly down and show their kids such a contrast in choices of transportation. My logic would assume that they would not want such a contrast of cultures impressioning the young minds. I mean Amish teenagers leave the Amish way of life against the wish of their elders, and here is a major exposure to the "other" side.............................................. .......................I am extremely flattered by their persistent interest in my helicopter. They mention it almost everytime I see them. .............I probably will do this within 2 weeks, and will post pictures, but there won't be any pictures with the Amish in them. Barbara and I love these Amish people and I respect their resolve to live a much simpler life. They seem to be as happy and content as any group of people I have seen. I will try to ask some good questions explaining this unusual interest in the outside world. Stan

[okikuma]

Stan,

Like you, I have much respect and admiration of the Amish. It is human nature to want to learn about "other cultures", and I guess learning about "us English" satisfies that curiosity without leaving or infringing on their own chosen lifestyle.

A couple of years ago at Mentone, I sat down with the Amish that were selling ice cream. I noticed I was pretty much the only "English" that sat down and visited. They found out I'm from California and wanted to know all about where I live and what kind of work I do and what it is like in California. Of course, they don't like their pictures taken and I respect that. They were quite interested in the pictures I had in my digital camera though, especially my then recent trip to the Philippines and Thailand. They were quite excited over the 100+ year old foot powered Singer sewing machines that were still being used in both countries, the carts that were pulled by water buffalo, and the numerous rice paddies.

Have a great time performing your "show & tell" and keep all of us updated.

Thanks,

Wayne

[Stan V]

My grandson turned four while attending the Mentone fly-in, One of the Amish ladys baked him a birthday cake, He was thrilled with it. My grandson went to the icecream stand to thank them for it, they were grinning from ear to ear just seeing my grandson and how polite he was in his appreation. Much of our diet while at Mentone was Amish pie and homemade icecream. A wonderful group of people.
stan v, PRA 41973

[Resasi]

As you say Stan it is a little like being able to step into a simpler quiter and more peaceful world. One that perhaps we miss the serenity and beauty of at our present breakneck pace.

While 'Witness' only gives an imperfect glimpse into their world it did give some idea of what went on, and certainly enough to intrigue me then about a group I knew little about. A people who on a daily basis living alongside the outside world must have to make sometimes conflicting decisions based upon the needs of each.

Witness (7/9) Movie CLIP - A Lesson on Guns (1985) HD - YouTube

I certainly feel that their way of life has much to commend it, and will be interested in your findings.

[Brent Drake]

Stan, Surely your not going to do that again! Your going to have those people addicted to the smell of burnt kerosene. LOL

[okikuma]

Stan,

Perhaps you could first look at the area of the school using Google Earth to see if there are any power poles or other obstacles near by.

Wayne

[kolibri282]

Stan,

great to hear that there will be a sequel to your Amish hog roast thread. It's one of my favourites and I filed it together with the pictures. I love the part where the little girl gets into your helo radiating the joy of her experience. Looking forward to it!

PS: Perhaps you print a picture of your helo on A4 (or A3 if available) so that the girl might hang it in her room as a poster..;-)

[okikuma]

Stan,

I guess you are right. I just checked my house and it's the same picture that was taken during the holidays at least 3 years ago.

Stan V,

Your grandson's birthday cake story is a wonderful lesson how we all can be kind, respect, and admire each other. That act of kindness and how your grandson respectfully thanked them will be a memory you all will keep for a lifetime.

I too can't wait to read about the excitement and friendship.

Wayne

[E6B]

Originally Posted by StanFoster

My logic would assume that they would not want such a contrast of cultures impressioning the young minds.

Stan

Well, they do allow Rumspringa, where they encourage the young to explore outside their community before being Baptized. Perhaps your invitations are related to that practice. They're exposed to much of the "outside world" everyday, but you bring a skill and talent that they do not see.

[Hydro Pilot]

Stan,
If you haven't already done so take some pictures of your stairways to show them. As fellow craftsmen they would probably take a real interest in that as well.

They really sound like awesome people. Although I wouldn't give up today's technology for anything, there is something really attractive about their basic values and honest lifestyle. We could probably learn alot from them in that respect.

Enjoy the journey.

[MH1FLYER]

Stan
Sounds like you are having fun. I know when I see that look in a kids face,, when you say,, yeah you can sit in it. At the airshow two weeks ago, I never had so many kids so happy when I would let them sit in the helicopter and have there picture taken as well. I know the Amish don't like there pictures taken but they do like to see pictures. Hydro Pilot is right you should take some pictures of your stair builds and glue ups for them to view....Hog roast sounds really really good...

[kolibri282]

What a pity, Stan! Perhaps a case of two opposing camps inside the community with one aiming to not expose the kids to too much devilish contraptions. Your friend though correctly stated that behind the machine there is the man that is the one thing that ultimately matters.

[davh12]

Interesting how the pathes of different "American cultures", however diverse, cross over our own. Mechanical comprehension interests are similar within in the character of those who have it, even if they've only been exposed mostly to that of the 19th centruy life style. Mechanical intrigue is the same

[Scary Gary]

Thats too bad .
I was realy looking forward to this .

[kolibri282]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01lk6vn
Chanced on this one but can't play it. Perhaps someone can figure out how it is done (or is it not meant to be played ?...anyway...nice picture)