Pictures: The Amish kids. Rosie with *Anthony(5) & Kassie(7).
After a year of interacting with the Amish community, I had the opportunity to take some pictures of children we knew well (Amish stir away from people who are taking pictures).
We respect their beliefs and lifestyles.
We are learning first hand their interesting way of life. After befriending some Amish families, we were invited to dine with them; helped gather produce in their farms; and traveled with their horse-drawn buggies.
We never thought of associating with them.
More than a year ago, Esther, my wife, received a phone message from someone in Michigan who wanted to talk with her about cancer. After many attempts of calling, Esther was able to connect with a lady also named Esther.
Esther and her husband, Noah, just arrived from a trip to Mexico for cancer treatment. They were desperate and were running out of time. He had pancreatic cancer and with a loving and caring wife, Esther would not give up finding a cure.
While they were in Mexico, a "book vendor" visited their home and left a book (click) "Choosing To Live." After reading it, Esther identified herself with the other Esther in the book. She wanted to know more about (click) "Hartland Wellness Center" and hoped Noah can go there for further treatment. However, she was concerned whether the Center would accept him or not. They are Amish.
My wife assured her that Hartland will never discriminate anyone, neither color, race or religion. My wife immediately arranged for his admission. Fortunately, there was an opening for a husband and wife. In a few days they were on their way to the Wellness Center.
Enrolled at the same session were my Uncle Pros (Dr. Roda) and his wife, Aunt Lou. Uncle Pros was very sick.
We decided to make a surprise visit to Hartland. On arrival, we were glad to see Uncle Pros and Aunt Lou, but shocked to learn Noah and Esther left for home earlier. He was too ill to participate in the Wellness Program.
We drove back after the visit and planned to proceed to Michigan. On our way home, we received a message that Noah passed away and the funeral was the following Tuesday.
We attended the funeral and were fortunate to be with a gentleman who translated the (German) service for us. At some point, we were able to talk to people who came from Pennsylvania,Kentucky, Indiana and Canada. Noah was an Amish Bishop.
After the funeral service, we met and talked to Esther and her family. We shared our heartfelt sympathy on the loss of a husband and a father. He was in his early 40's with three young children.
Before we parted ways, Noah's Esther shared us this comment, "Yes, our stay in Hartland was brief but it was spiritually rewarding." We traveled back after a long and exhausting day but thankful to meet people who have unique and different culture.
Going back to work a few days later, I was surprised to have an Amish man as my first patient that morning. Thirty (30) years of practice in Marion, I have not encountered an Amish patient.
The following day, believe it or not, another Amish patient was scheduled for surgery. I could not help but wonder and exclaim to my wife, "The Lord must be telling us something!"
I met the patients' family after surgery and related to them our experience in Michigan. They were inquisitive and receptive wanting to know more about natural cure. They also wanted to read my book.
We were invited to visit La Rue where they own a Greenhouse. They grow plants , flowers and vegetables and sell fresh produce and fruits.
Our first visit to the Greenhouse began a learning experience. Since then, we visit other families in their area. We buy our supply of fresh vegetables, fruits and honey from their community. In return for their kindness, Esther and her friend, Gayle Holback is now visiting patients that opted to treat their problems the natural methods of healing.
The Lord knows where to lead us and we are blessed that He opened a way to share our faith and teach others about simple and natural ways. We are benefitting from the produce of their land.
Good nutrition is a part of my therapy in maintaining my health and by God's providence, ten years had passed and I am cancer free!
* Anthony & Kassie Sanidad, two (2) of our five (5) grandkids. They look forward going out with grandpa and grandma because they enjoy visiting the Amish farm. They love petting the animals, riding the buggie wagon, and helping harvest strawberries and cherry tomatoes. Anthony commented, "Grandma, I love your friends because they are always sharing."
