Hello from Amish Country!

This is your friend, Hen Rachel Yoder, writing.  Yesterday was too stormy to go out, so I stayed inside and entertained my brothers and sisters.  I also helped Mamm and Grossmutter with baking pies.  It was a very busy day.

Today is church, but before we go, I thought it would be okay to steal a few minutes and write in here.  Hope Mamm or Dat don't mind.  I love writing in my journal; I love writing about myself and my family, and nobody can read it but me.  It's my special secret-place.

A few days ago, before the storm, I went to town with Cornflower and her family.  Cornflower Adkins, who is an Englischer, is one of my best friends.  I met her at school; both Amish and non-Amish kids go there.  She is very nice.  Cornflower is also ten, like me, and she has three sisters: Lily, Rosebud, and Daisy.  I personally, don't know why her mutter named her girls with these flower-y names, but one thing is certain: I will never forget her name as long as I shall live!

We had a good time when we went to town!  We always do!  It is neat to see all the Englischers and all the worldly items in the store windows!  Sometimes I wish I could have a computer or a cell phone, but Mamm and Dat would disapprove; it is not our way to have possession of such items.

Soon school will start up again.  I am glad; I am starting to get bored with summer vacation.  I will be in the fifth grade.  I am one of the biggest kids at school; I am tall for my age.  I take after Dat's side of the family: most of them are tall.  Some of the boys are nearly seven feet tall and some of the girls are over six feet tall.  Mamm's family is short.  I'm glad I didn't take after that side!  I like being tall! :)

Well, Dat and Mamm want me to stop writing; we are to leave for church services soon.  We'll be gone all day but because of the storm yesterday, it will be too wet to play, so we kids will have to stay inside and endure the services.  Oh, well.  At least I have the hymns to look forward to; I like singing the hymns the best anyway!  Take care and may God bless you always with His love and care!

~Love, your Amish friend in Pennsyvlania, Hen Yoder.  :)

~To be continued.~