An Amish Picnic

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An Amish Picnic Page 30

by Amy Clipston


  She walked to the wall of windows, put her fingers against the screen, then looked up at the skylight.

  “David, this is . . . It’s amazing.”

  “You like it?”

  “It’s so roomy and open.”

  “You gave me the idea. The last time, when you had your attack . . .” He noticed that she winced at the reminder. “Your condition isn’t something to be ashamed of, Faith. In this case, it helped me think of a completely different idea from what I’ve designed before.”

  “I don’t understand.”

  “There must be other people who struggle with claustrophobia.”

  “Five to seven percent of people do, according to my counselor.”

  “Okay, there you go. Five to seven percent. I’ve been reading up on the subject and coping methods that help alleviate attacks. Just think, five to seven percent of people deal with the same problems you deal with, and some of those people would probably like to live in or at least stay in a tiny house, but they can’t because small spaces make them feel . . .”

  “Closed in.”

  “Exactly. So I designed the windows to roll out.”

  “Which gives the room a much more open feel.”

  “And I put all the windows on one side, so no matter where you stand in here you still have a good view, an open view. It increases the perception of space.”

  “There’s still enough storage?”

  “Sure. I put the drawers and cabinets all on this side.” He tapped the kitchen counter. “And by building in a window seat over there, I was able to add storage underneath.”

  “‘Storage is important in a tiny house.’” She quoted his words back to him, smiling as she said them. “The skylight is amazing. David, this entire house is wunderbaar.”

  He twined his fingers with hers and tugged her toward the window seat. They were able to look out over the freshly mowed lawn. The quilt with leftovers of their dinner was right across from them. David could even see the Coke bottle filled with sunflowers—something that seemed silly when he’d done it, but they seemed to lift her spirits immediately. He realized once again what he’d known for a long time. He wanted to spend his life making Faith smile.

  He studied her for any signs of panic, but she seemed comfortable.

  “Do you feel okay?”

  “I do. I’m rather surprised, but . . . I’m okay.”

  “No racing heart?”

  “Nein.”

  He looked down at her hand, rubbing his thumb along her palm. “No sweating palms?”

  “No sweating palms.”

  Then he touched her face. “No tunnel vision?”

  She blushed a pretty pink. “My vision is fine. Danki.”

  “Looking out this window, doesn’t it seem like you can see forever? Like we could see our tomorrows?”

  Instead of answering, she squeezed his hand.

  “Will you marry me, Faith?”

  She turned around so quickly she almost bumped into him.

  “What?”

  “Marry me. I want to build a house for you. Not a tiny house, but a house like this—with large windows and plenty of light. A house where you will feel comfortable. A house where our kinner can grow up and we can grow old together.”

  “Wow.”

  “Is that a yes?”

  He waited then, giving her time to gather her thoughts.

  “Do you love me, David?”

  “More than I thought was possible. More than I’ve ever loved anyone.” Tears clouded his vision, and he wanted to kiss her again. Instead, he studied her and waited.

  Touching his face with her fingertips, she whispered. “I love you, too, and yes. Yes, I’ll marry you, and I’ll have your boppli, and I’ll live wherever you want to.”

  He took her in his arms then, and Faith relaxed—truly relaxed—for the first time in a very long time.

  “You’re sure I won’t . . . be too much of a burden?”

  “You are no burden at all.” He kissed the top of her head and then pulled away enough that he could look her in the eyes. “You do understand that you’re perfectly made, right? That Gotte didn’t make a mistake with you? You’re not broken. Faith, you may be different, but there’s nothing wrong with you, and in my eyes—the things that make you different also make you special.”

  Faith realized those were the words she’d needed to hear. David wasn’t trying to fix her. He wasn’t offering to marry her in spite of her problems. He was simply accepting her as she was. He loved her as she was.

  What more could she possibly ask for?

  Suddenly a fall wedding didn’t sound like such a bad idea.

  Acknowledgments

  This book is dedicated to Dorothy Hollister, a member of our fabulous Friday Morning Prayer Group. I mentioned to the group that I had a story to write, and all I knew was that it was Amish and involved a picnic. Dorothy asked if I’d ever heard of kudzu vine . . . and the story flowed from there. Thank you for the help, Dorothy. I’m so glad you’re a part of our group.

  Thanks also to my pre-readers Kristy and Janet, without whom I have threatened to change careers. I need you both! You ladies are quick, thorough, and relentless in your edits. Thank you. Gratitude also to my agent Steve Laube, my editor Kimberly Carlton, and all the awesome folks at HarperCollins Christian Publishing.

  Kudzu vine is prevalent throughout the southeastern United States and has been spotted as far north as Pulaski County, Illinois. Forgive my audacity for introducing it (even fictionally) to northern Indiana. It made for a fun story.

  If you happen to be passing through northern Indiana, I encourage you to take a few hours to visit the Amish communities of Shipshewana, Goshen, and Middlebury—located just south of Interstate 90. They are truly a haven of rest in a very busy world.

  And finally . . . “always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 5:20).

  Discussion Questions

  At the beginning of this story Faith and David find a box of letters. Faith realizes that while she sometimes wishes the Amish weren’t so old-fashioned, she’s glad they still practice writing to one another. Do you remember receiving letters in the mail? How did it make you feel?

  Faith admits to herself that she is more comfortable around animals than people. Do you know anyone like this? What do you think is the best way to relate to someone who is inherently shy or introverted?

  Peter finds comfort in the book of Job. Have you read it lately? Read chapter thirty-eight. How does this scripture make you feel? How does it speak to the omnipotence of God?

  When David is looking up at the stars, he feels like he is in the palm of God’s hand. Does nature bring you closer to God, and if so, how?

  David reminds Faith that she is perfectly made by God. Sometimes it’s hard to wrap our minds around that. What Bible verses can you think of that tell us God has designed us perfectly and wants the very best for us?

  Glossary

  ab im kopp: off in the head; crazy

  ach: oh

  aenti: aunt

  appeditlich: delicious

  bedauerlich: sad

  boppli: baby/babies

  brot: bread

  bruder: brother

  bruders: brothers

  bruderskinner: nieces/nephews

  bu: boy

  buwe: boys

  daadi/daddi: grandfather

  daddi’s haus: grandparents’ house

  daed: father

  danki: thank you

  dat: dad

  dochder: daughter

  dochdern: daughters

  dummkopf: stupid

  dummle: hurry

  Englisch/Englischer: English or non-Amish

  fra/fraa: wife

  freind: friend

  freinden: friends

  froh: happy

  gegisch: silly

  geh: go

  gern gschehne: you’re welcome

  Gmay: church district<
br />
  Gott/Gotte: God

  Gotte’s wille: God’s will

  grandkinner: grandchildren

  groossdaadi/grossvatter: grandpa

  grossmutter: grandmother

  guder daag: good-bye

  gude mariye: good morning

  gut: good

  gut nacht: good night

  haus: house

  Ich liebe dich: I love you

  in lieb: in love

  jah: yes

  kaffee/kaffi: coffee

  kapp: prayer covering or cap

  kichli: cookie

  kichlin: cookies

  kinner: children

  krank: ill

  kuche: cake

  kuchen: cakes

  kumm: come

  liewe: love, a term of endearment

  maed: young women, girls

  maedel: young woman

  mamm: mom

  mammi: grandmother

  mann: husband

  mei: my

  mudder: mother

  naerfich: nervous

  narrisch: crazy

  nee/nein: no

  nix: nothing

  onkel: uncle

  Ordnung: unwritten rules for Amish living

  rumspringa: running-around period when a teenager turns sixteen years old

  schee: pretty

  schmaert: smart

  schtupp: family room

  schweschder/schwester: sister

  schweschdere/schwesters: sisters

  seltsam: weird

  sohn/suh: son

  was iss letz: what’s wrong

  Wie geht’s: How do you do? or Good day!

  wunderbaar/wunderbarr: wonderful

  ya: yes

  yer: your

  yerselves: yourselves

  yung: young

  youngie: teen to young adult

  *The German dialect spoken by the Amish is not a written language and varies depending on the location and origin of the settlement. These spellings are approximations. Most Amish children learn English after they start school. They also learn high German, which is used in their Sunday services.

  About the Authors

  Amy Clipston

  Photo by Dan Davis Photography

  Amy Clipston is the award-winning and bestselling author of the Kauffman Amish Bakery, Hearts of Lancaster Grand Hotel, Amish Heirloom, Amish Homestead, and Amish Marketplace series. Her novels have hit multiple bestseller lists including CBD, CBA, and ECPA. Amy holds a degree in communication from Virginia Wesleyan University and works full-time for the City of Charlotte, NC. Amy lives in North Carolina with her husband, two sons, and four spoiled rotten cats.

  Visit her online at AmyClipston.com

  Facebook: AmyClipstonBooks

  Twitter: @AmyClipston

  Instagram: @amy_clipston

  Kelly Irvin

  Photo by Tim Irvin

  Kelly Irvin is the bestselling author of the Every Amish Season and Amish of Bee County series. Her novel Upon a Spring Breeze was the Reader’s Choice Award for long romances. The Beekeeper’s Son received a starred review from Publishers Weekly, who called it a “beautifully woven masterpiece.” The two-time Carol Award finalist is a former newspaper reporter and retired public relations professional. Kelly lives in Texas with her husband, photographer Tim Irvin. They have two children, three grandchildren, and two cats. In her spare time, she likes to read books by her favorite authors.

  Visit her online at KellyIrvin.com

  Facebook: Kelly.Irvin.Author

  Twitter: @Kelly_S_Irvin

  Instagram: kelly_irvin

  Kathleen Fuller

  With over a million copies sold, Kathleen Fuller is the author of several bestselling novels, including the Hearts of Middlefield novels, the Middlefield Family novels, the Amish of Birch Creek series, and the Amish Letters series as well as a middle-grade Amish series, the Mysteries of Middlefield.

  Visit her online at KathleenFuller.com

  Facebook: WriterKathleenFuller

  Twitter: @TheKatJam

  Instagram: kf_booksandhooks

  Vannetta Chapman

  Vannetta Chapman writes inspirational fiction full of grace. She is the author of thirty-two novels, including the Pebble Creek Amish series, the Shipshewana Amish Mystery series, and Anna’s Healing, a 2016 Christy Award finalist. Vannetta is a Carol Award winner and has also received more than two dozen awards from Romance Writers of America chapter groups. She was a teacher for fifteen years and currently resides in the Texas hill country.

  Visit her online at VannettaChapman.com

  Facebook: VannettaChapmanBooks

  Twitter: @VannettaChapman

  Also by the Authors

  Amy Clipston

  The Amish Marketplace Series

  The Bake Shop

  The Farm Stand (available May 2020)

  The Amish Homestead Series

  A Place at Our Table

  Room on the Porch Swing

  A Seat by the Hearth

  A Welcome at Our Door

  The Amish Heirloom Series

  The Forgotten Recipe

  The Courtship Basket

  The Cherished Quilt

  The Beloved Hope Chest

  The Hearts of the Lancaster Grand Hotel Series

  A Hopeful Heart

  A Mother’s Secret

  A Dream of Home

  A Simple Prayer

  The Kauffman Amish Bakery Series

  A Gift of Grace

  A Promise of Hope

  A Place of Peace

  A Life of Joy

  A Season of Love

  A Kauffman Amish Bakery YA Story

  Reckless Heart

  Story Collections

  Amish Sweethearts

  Seasons of an Amish Garden

  Stories

  A Plain and Simple Christmas

  Naomi’s Gift included in An Amish Christmas Gift

  A Spoonful of Love included in An Amish Kitchen

  Love Birds included in An Amish Market

  Love and Buggy Rides included in An Amish Harvest

  Summer Storms included in An Amish Summer

  The Christmas Cat included in An Amish Christmas Love

  Home Sweet Home included in An Amish Winter

  A Son for Always included in An Amish Spring

  A Legacy of Love included in An Amish Heirloom

  No Place Like Home included in An Amish Homecoming

  Their True Home included in An Amish Reunion

  Cookies and Cheer included in An Amish Christmas Bakery

  Nonfiction

  The Gift of Love

  Roadside Assistance YA Series

  Roadside Assistance

  Destination Unknown

  Miles from Nowhere

  Kelly Irvin

  Amish of Big Sky Country Novels

  Mountains of Grace

  A Long Bridge Home

  Peace in the Valley (available August 2020)

  Every Amish Season Novels

  Upon a Spring Breeze

  Beneath the Summer Sun

  Through the Autumn Air

  With Winter’s First Frost

  The Amish of Bee County Novels

  The Beekeeper’s Son

  The Bishop’s Son

  The Saddle Maker’s Son

  Stories

  A Christmas Visitor included in An Amish Christmas Gift

  Sweeter than Honey included in An Amish Market

  One Sweet Kiss included in An Amish Summer

  Snow Angels included in An Amish Christmas Love

  The Midwife’s Dream included in An Amish Heirloom

  Mended Hearts included in An Amish Reunion

  Cakes and Kisses included in An Amish Christmas Bakery

  Romantic Suspense

  Tell Her No Lies

  Over the Line

  Closer Than She Knows (available June 2020)

  Kathleen Fuller

  The Amish Brides of Birch Cre
ek Novels

  The Teacher’s Bride

  The Farmer’s Bride

  The Innkeeper’s Bride

  The Amish Letters Novels

  Written in Love

  The Promise of a Letter

  Words from the Heart

  The Amish of Birch Creek Novels

  A Reluctant Bride

  An Unbroken Heart

  A Love Made New

  The Middlefield Amish Novels

  A Faith of Her Own

  The Middlefield Family Novels

  Treasuring Emma

  Faithful to Laura

  Letters to Katie

  The Hearts of Middlefield Novels

  A Man of His Word

  An Honest Love

  A Hand to Hold

  Story Collection

  An Amish Family

  Amish Generations (available June 2020)

  Stories

  A Miracle for Miriam included in An Amish Christmas

  A Place of His Own included in An Amish Gathering

  What the Heart Sees included in An Amish Love

  A Perfect Match included in An Amish Wedding

  Flowers for Rachael included in An Amish Garden

  A Gift for Anne Marie included in An Amish Second Christmas

  A Heart Full of Love included in An Amish Cradle

  A Bid for Love included in An Amish Market

  A Quiet Love included in An Amish Harvest

  Building Faith included in An Amish Home

 

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