Whew, what a day! I found myself among a crowd of strangers and familiar faces at the annual Amish Teachers’ Institute. Although I’m neither a teacher nor a board member, I was invited as a school parent, so I jumped at the chance to attend.
Around 600 people gathered in the Garber’s shop in Salem, Indiana. The hosts worked hard in the weeks leading up to this event, clearing out their workshop to welcome Amish folks from various states. It was impressive to see such community effort.
Before heading to the Institute, I was reflecting on my husband’s recent passing. As I pondered, a bright sun dog caught my eye, casting vibrant colors across the sky. A bird swooped by, and I felt touched by something bigger. It reminded me that I’m not alone in this journey.
Throughout the day, we had workshops covering four different topics at each session. One standout workshop focused on teaching manners and courtesy, a topic many parents can relate to. Raising good kids takes effort, vision, and a bit of perseverance, but it starts with small, intentional steps.
Feeding everyone was no small task either. Many local communities contributed. Our church provided twelve big bowls of salad, but with a surprise turn-out of over 100 extra guests, the salads vanished quickly!
After lunch, the teachers were asked to stand. I was surprised to see so many—about a third of attendees. Most were single women, along with a few married men and single guys. It was a reminder of the dedication within the Amish educational system, which often emphasizes community values and close-knit relationships.
Back home later that evening, I felt a wave of comfort wash over me. The silence of my house welcomed me back. The warm aroma of a candle flickered as I read a note crafted by my children. It read, “Welcome home!” Their kindness reminded me of simple joys amidst the chaos of life.
Reflecting on my day, I appreciated the moments spent reconnecting with friends and sharing experiences. However, nothing felt better than returning home. God knows our hearts, especially in times of sorrow and healing. I was reminded of the comforting verse, “He healeth the broken in heart and bindeth up their wounds.”
As I unwind, I can’t help but think of what to prepare for dinner. After a long day, nothing hits the spot quite like a homemade meal. My daughter Julia had baked a cobbler while I was away, and its comforting warmth was just what I needed.
To all the moms out there, juggling daily challenges, take heart! Keep reaching out to the Lord. He promises to guide us, helping us navigate through the ups and downs.
This morning, my children and I caught up over breakfast, sharing stories from the day before. They had a fun adventure while I was away, including an unexpected dishwasher episode using the washing machine! Their creativity brought smiles and laughter.
And speaking of creativity, here’s a delicious recipe for a caramel apple cobbler. It’s an easy, comforting dessert that might just lift your spirits.
Caramel Apple Cobbler
Ingredients:
- 2 medium apples (red delicious or gala)
- 1 cup white sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups flour
- 1 cup milk
- 2 rounded teaspoons baking powder
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- Pinch of salt
For the Syrup:
- 1 ½ cups brown sugar
- 1 ½ cups water
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon maple flavor
Directions:
- Peel and shred the apples. Line a 9 x 9 inch pan with the shreds.
- Mix the remaining ingredients to pour on top.
- For the syrup, combine all syrup ingredients and pour over the dough.
- Bake at 350°F for 35-40 minutes.
Enjoy this cozy dessert with ice cream or whipped topping—a perfect way to end a busy day.
This article originally appeared in the Bucyrus Telegraph-Forum: The road to the Amish Teachers’ Institute with the Amish Cook.
