Busy Day

Today was indeed a busy day, but it was a fun day.  We started our day doing a little school work.  Around lunch time we headed out to another auction.  This one was another annual auction to support the volunteer fire department.  Getting the details of the sale never seem to occur to me until I want to tell someone about it.  I believe our church and the Mennonite churches in our area are in charge of organizing it.  Regardless, it is a fun day for the older children to break off to themselves and play and for the ladies to relax and visit if they are not working.  I was so caught up in visiting and watching my curious and busy little one that I didn't pay too much attention to what the men were doing.  I think many of them were helping with the auction or gathering to bid on items.  I loved looking out across the field of colorful, simple cape dresses and kapps or veils of many of the women and children and the modest clothing of most of the other ladies and children.  I saw love and trust and acceptance among my sisters.  I am so happy being among my friends there.  There is such sweet fellowship and peace.  I don't feel the fierce competition I see and feel happen among many women of the world that corrupts what could be such beautiful friendships.  I feel a spirit of love and lifting each other up, a true joy for each other's triumphs and a strong support for the bad days.  What a blessing it is that God loved me enough to lead me "home."  I wish the majority of the world could experience what I have found.

My children on Easter

I felt uncomfortable bidding without my husband there, so I didn't stay for a very long time.  I only stayed long enough to have a bright pink sunburn.  :)  On the way home, I passed the same flea market I go by all the time.  Ever since we moved and started going to our new church, I have been saying I was going to stop there and just look.  Well, today I finally pulled in.  The children and I had so much fun rummaging.  For $25 we got a doll, a metal Tonka dump truck, three or four skirts, a cornucopia basket like I have been searching for, and an old looking wooden plaque with a couple of coat hooks in it.  Everyone was happy.

Once we finally got back home, I started working on a batch of artisan bread.  I love watching bread dough rise.

When I finished mixing the ingredients for the bread, it didn't even cover the bottom of the bowl.  A few hours later, it had completely filled the bowl!  It amazes me every time!  I have no clue what I did to the dough last time, but the dough actually looked like it was breathing after I made it.  It was the craziest thing I have ever seen!  I can't wait to break of some of this dough tomorrow and make a loaf of bread.  I hope it turns out well!

After feeding pigs and exploring strange tracks in the yard, I came in and realized I had lost all track of time, and was totally unprepared for supper.  I was dying for vegetables, so we went to Yoder's Pennsylvania Dietch Haus and Bakery.  I love going there and looking out across the fields as I eat.

If one is lucky, a beautiful sunset can be witnessed through their windows.  I don't drive at night if I don't have to, so tonight was not my night to view a sunset.  I did, however, take a few pictures as I was leaving.

Before heading home we went just across the street and down a bit to pick up my mother's sewing machine from one of my church sisters who had fixed it.  The day was finally coming to an end, and as we were turning in to our road, we were blessed with a beautiful sunset.

Sometimes God brings us to a point where the world no longer matters.  He places within us a desire and love for the simple things, the simple joys.  Today was a day full of those reminders.  I am so thankful for the beautiful life he has given me.  I am so glad he has broken the worldly bonds that bind and strangle joy and peace.

Until we meet again, may you be blessed.