Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Amish Farm Visit: The Kaufman's


I look forward to seeing the Kaufman's every time we go to PA. 
The first time we went to visit them, was right after Ben and I got married. And since then, ever time we are back in PA, we go and see this WONDERFUL AMISH family. The six Kaufman kids now range from 9-19. I am so intrigued with the Amish way of life and I get excited every time I see an Amish buggy drive by or an Amish person working in their field. They are simple, hardworking, family oriented people. I love seeing them when we are in PA. ANd it is such a treat to actually be friends with and visit this wonderful Amish family. (and take photos of them too... they aren't supposed to have their picture taken... But they said they didn't mind if I took some)

     
The Kaufman's horses coming in from a long day tilling the fields. 

Ethan was totally enamored with this scooter (Amish don't use bikes). This is the youngest Kaufman Alvin showing Ethan how to ride his scooter. 
Bella and Anna (the youngest Kaufman) played together the whole time we were there. What a special memory!
The Kaufman Farm

Rachel Kaufman showing Grandma Mary all the tomato plants in their green house. 

Ethan LOVED playing on all the farm equipment and playing peekaboo with the cows. 
I asked Miriam (now 14) about her life these days... She is done with school, and only goes once a week to a vocational school. Other then that, she helps her mom out in the house and tending to the garden. They just finished planting 1.5 acres of onion seeds (pictured above, to the left of the greenhouse). She would like to work in a dried goods store or at a farmer's market when she grows up. She just started wearing her head covering... I asked if it was a right of passage or a privilege to wear it. Her reply was just one more thing you have to think about in the morning.  
She was barefoot the whole time we were there... I noticed that she doesn't shave her legs, probably never has... and its normal. Oh to be Amish!
This is Samuel the oldest Kaufman boy. I asked him if all about dating in the Amish culture... He said he wasn't dating anyone and that there was no real set age to get married, although, most young Amish kids get married in their early 20's. They have youth group on Sunday's after church and that is primarily where they interact and meet other young Amish kids. 
As you can see, the Kaufman's have a lot of thins going on their farm. Its amazing really. They have milking cows, baby cows, horses for tilling up the field... where they plant, wheat, winter wheat, onions, tobacco, have a greenhouse fill of tomato plants and have another garden to grow fruits and veggies for their family. 
Can't wait to visit the Kaufman family again on our next visit to PA.

1 comment:

Julie said...

Love the updates! What a beautiful farm!!!!