They found their way to the barn behind the house and saw Zeke Fisher just washing up. He spotted them as well and smiled at Hannah, but then a troubled look crossed his face.
“Hello there, friends,” Fish said, eyeing the stranger carefully. He turned to Hannah. “Thought I missed you. You normally stop by in the morning on Tuesdays. What can I get you today? Same cuts as last week?”
“Yes, Fish, that would be fine,” Hannah replied. “I also want to introduce to you Mr. Jacob Hostetler, recently arrived from Millersberg, Ohio.”
“I know who you are and I know why you’ve come,” he said, turning his back on his guests and heading for the ice cooler where he kept the meat.
Hannah shot a quizzical look at Jacob who returned a shrug, seemingly used to such a reception.
Fish returned shortly with a box of goods that he handed to Jake to hold as any gentleman would.
“You’re not wanted here,” Zeke said abruptly. “Now mind, I’ve got nothing against you myself. But the Elders, now that’s a different story. They don’t appreciate your plans.”
“What do you mean?” Hannah cried, looking at both men, confused. “What are you talking about? What plans?”
Zeke stared hard at Jacob and said, “You haven’t told her?”
“Told me what?”
“Well, from what I heard,” Fish pronounced somberly, “he wants to change our way of life!”
Chapter Four
“It’s not true,” Jake said to Hannah on their way back to her parent’s home on the edge of town.
He’d explained about the Farmers Market in York and that he was only hoping to persuade four or five members of the community to join him each week to sell their goods directly to the Englischers, as outsiders were sometimes called.
“It’s not like I’m trying to completely change the way of life here in Ephraim,” he explained. “I’m just thinking this will bring a bit more prosperity to the community. You have to admit, the family farms around here are a bit run down, even by Amish standards. I know we choose to live simply, but that doesn’t mean we should let things go to seed.”
Hannah nodded and he could tell she agreed with him but had some reservations about his proposal.
“You probably know my father is an Elder in the community,” she said. “Their belief is that we will sell to the Englischers if they come to us, but we shouldn’t seek them out. That would be worldly and an indication that we are more interested in material things than depending on God.”
“Do you believe that?” he asked.
“I believe we should rely on God,” Hannah said with assurance, “and be grateful for his provision, to daily give thanks for the blessings of this life and our salvation for the life to come. I also believe worldly pride to be a constant temptation.”
“As do I,” Jacob said. “Yet, can’t we be just as prideful in our adherence to a certain way of life, thinking we’re better than others who so choose not to live as simply?”
Hannah remained silent.
“I’m not saying your father is prideful, Hannah. All I’m saying is we could benefit as a community if we engage a bit more with the outsiders. We’re in such an out-of-the-way valley in these Pennsylvania hills, very few tourists find their way to Ephraim.”
“Which is how the Elders like it.”
Jake could hear a faint trace of weariness in her voice. He suspected she’d had similar conversations with her mother and father before. It was the natural pattern of things, for the children to question the ways of the parents.
They arrived at Hannah’s home and Jake carried the selection of ham onto the front porch. The door opened as he was handing off the small box to her. Mr. Beiler stood in the doorway.
“Father,” Hannah said without losing a beat, “this is Mr. Jacob Hostetler. He and his sister are newly arrived from Ohio.”
“Yes, I’ve heard. Stay for a moment, Mr. Hostetler, please. I’d like a word with you. Hannah, would you take the meat to your mother and then you can help her with preparing supper.”
Hannah nodded, gave Jacob a furtive smile, and headed into the house. Mr. Beiler gestured for Jacob to find a chair on the porch. They sat across from each other in two worn but solid hand-crafted rockers. The older man’s tone was cordial enough, but there was gravity to his words. Jake wondered what was in store for him.
“Son, let me first apologize for not welcoming you personally to the community of Ephraim. The Elders should have met with you when you first arrived, but we were tied up with an urgent matter, which is of no concern of yours at the moment. I hope our neighbor, Brother Ethan, brought proper greetings and provided a warm reception.”
“He was very kind, thank you,” Jake said. “And he mentioned we’d be formally introduced to the community as soon as was practical. I take it, the timing of our arrival wasn’t ideal?” He posed the statement as a question.
Elder Beiler gave Jacob a serious look.
“Word of your parent’s rejection of the Amish way of life has reached us,” he said matter-of-factly. “And it bodes not well for your reception here. There are a few among us who believe you’re here to lead some of our younger members astray.”
Before Jacob could object, Mr. Beiler raised his hand.
“I know this is not the case. I just returned from Ohio, having met with some of the Elders from Millersberg, and they assure me your heart is right and intentions are pure, even if your ways are a bit, shall we say, progressive.” The man allowed himself a half smile to soften the rebuke.
Jacob realized just then what the urgent matter must have been and why it had fallen to Ethan Lapp, an Elder’s son, to welcome him and Miriam upon their arrival. The community was concerned that he and his sister might be a bad influence and had sent some representatives to Ohio to investigate him.
He couldn’t decide if he should be angry or relieved. For the moment he chose to wait and see what would develop next.
“So where do stand, sir? Are we to leave Ephraim?”
Mr. Beiler shook his head.
“We simply want to meet with you and your sister and hear directly of your plans. We understand you have some ideas for bettering our community, but there are those who have already passed judgment. Would you be agreeable to attend a gathering tomorrow evening so that we can all hear from your heart?”
This seemed reasonable to Jacob, even more than he could hope for, actually. He’d been wasting his time going from house to house and farm to farm explaining his plans for participating in York’s market. This would provide a perfect platform for him to share with everyone all at once his vision for helping a sister Amish community.
It didn’t occur to him that some might not want his assistance.
“Thank you for the offer, sir. Miriam and I would be honored to attend tomorrow’s gathering. I’ve not had the opportunity to meet everyone and I’m certain once the community gets to know us, we’ll fit in wonderfully well.”
The Elder nodded his head and smoothed his graying beard that flowed from his chin.
“That may well be. But you should know something about this meeting, Mr. Hostetler.”
“Yes, sir, what is that?” Jacob wanted to know.
“If things take a turn for the worst, you and your sister will be asked to leave the community of Ephraim. You’ll have a day or two to gather your things and depart.”
Jacob could only stare at his host, dumbfounded.
Chapter Five
Hannah held back her tears, but sniffled nevertheless.
“You mean, the Elders could vote to send Jacob and Miriam away? But why?”
Hannah sat at the kitchen table with her parents. Both Mr. and Mrs. Beiler were straightforward but sympathetic in their response to their only child.
“We haven’t decided that yet,” her father assured her. “But it’s a possibility. Both Elder Lapp and Elder Stoltz are quite against them. And the reason is their parents. Evidently, Jacob and Miriam’s mother and father
renounced their ties to the Amish and left their community in Ohio.”
“But Jacob and Miriam remained in the faith! Besides, children can’t be held responsible for the decisions of their parents. Just like parents can’t be held responsible for the decisions of their children. Isn’t that the biblical teaching? Jeremiah 31:30. ‘Whoever eats sour grapes, their own teeth will be set on edge.’”
Mrs. Beiler nodded approvingly at her daughter.
“She speaks true, dear husband. The meaning of the proverb is that everyone is accountable for their own sin. Just because one’s parents eat sour grapes doesn’t mean the children’s teeth must be set on edge.”
Hannah’s father said, “I agree and am not the one arguing against the Hostetler’s entrance into the community. I’m merely saying there will likely be strong disagreement.”
“But there are only two Elders against them, correct? The other four are in favor?”
When her father nodded cautiously, Hannah grasped at the sliver of hope. A single tear, however, betrayed her emotions. Her mother put an arm around her.
“Why the tear, Hannah? You’ve only just met the young man. Surely you don’t have feelings for him already.” When Hannah didn’t respond, her mother continued. “But what about Ethan? You two are so very close!”
“Oh, mother,” Hannah sighed. “I’ve been trying to tell you for months that Ethan and I are just dear friends, nothing more.”
Her father sat back and stroked his beard.
“Well, my advice is to pray and let the Lord work in the hearts of all those involved. ‘Weeping may endure for the night, but joy cometh in the morning.’”
He raised a questioning eyebrow at Hannah.
“Psalm 30, verse 5,” she replied with a brightening face.
“Very good. So off to bed with thee and be assured that the morning light will shine anew on this perplexing situation.”
Hannah stood up, kissed her mother and father, and bade them good night. She took the stairs a little slower than normal, but her heart wasn’t as heavy as it had been just a few hours earlier.
She changed into her nightclothes, got into bed after saying her prayers, and thought of Jacob. In the aftermath of Zeke Fisher’s ominous declaration that afternoon, she’d completely forgotten to ask him about his nickname. Well, that was still something she could look forward to. And whether he and his sister stayed or were forced to leave, she’d find it out, if only to have something of his to remember him by.
The next day dragged on as if the whole world was in slow motion. She wanted it to fly by, but it just wouldn’t cooperate. First, there were the morning chores, of course, which were mundane and not at all engaging. Hannah was done in no time but the hands on the dark cherry wood grandfather clock in the hall hadn’t seemed to move at all. Then her mother made her sit and do some needlework with her, a normally relaxing and joyful endeavor, but one that turned out to be a slow torture for her now.
A few errands in town helped pass the time, though the normal behavior of everyone she met seemed to mock the seriousness of the meeting that would take place that evening. Didn’t anyone care about the fate of the Hostetlers? Of course they didn’t; the siblings were new to the community and no one really knew them all that well quite yet.
Her mother’s words came back to her: You’ve only just met the young man. Surely you don’t have feelings for him already.
Was her mother right? She’d always been taught to trust the truth not one’s feelings. Hannah shook her head. This wasn’t just a feeling. The truth was, she and Jacob had a connection from the moment they’d met. Of course, they’d need to explore that connection in a chaste and humble manner, but there was no denying the sparks that flew whenever they were in each other’s presence.
She had to admit, however, that she knew very little about the brother and sister, where they came from, why they decided to move, and what their plans were. Oh, she knew the bare facts as explained by her father and mother, but there was no time like the present to get to know the truth for one’s self. Indeed, Hannah hadn’t met Miriam at all and if she was going to gain a new sister-in-law one day, she’d better meet her first!
Suddenly, she knew what to do with the rest of her day. After the noon day meal, she would just go over to the old Yoder place and visit with the siblings and get to know them. Then she’d pray that the house they bought from Old Man Yoder would become known as the new Hostetler place instead.
Her parents had no objections and so after helping put away the dishes, Hannah excused herself, put on a fresh bonnet and apron, and walked the short distance to town. Fortunately, Ethan Lapp was nowhere to be seen. It would have been awkward explaining to him her afternoon errand.
When she arrived at Jacob and Miriam’s house, the door was ajar and the windows open. That wasn’t unusual on another beautiful fall day with a slight breeze blowing, but it allowed the conversation occurring within to seep into the yard and street. Their voices weren’t loud, but Hannah could tell there was some urgency behind the words. Without meaning to pry, she turned up the walk, but then stopped as she heard a young woman’s voice.
“Jacob, if even two Elders are opposed to us staying here, then we’re leaving. I will not settle into a community where we’re not wanted.”
It was Miriam’s voice, of course, Hannah thought. Jacob’s reply confirmed it.
“But Miriam, it could well go in our favor. We’ve done nothing wrong, broken no rules. I’ve simply suggested some possibilities for commerce.”
“They don’t want us to live here, Jacob. And in fact, I don’t want to live here either. No matter what the vote is tonight, we’re leaving. Do you understand? We’re leaving within the week.”
Hannah barely held back her tears as she turned and ran back home.
Chapter Six
Jake sat at the table, exasperated with his sister. They’d been through so much turmoil in recent months and had stuck together through thick and thin that Miriam’s current opposition dealt him an emotional blow.
He was just gearing up for another rebuttal when he noticed a person flash by on the path outside their house. He looked out the window and realized it was Hannah and that she must have heard at least something of their argument.
His heart ached. Maybe he’d already lost her. The person he was sure he would marry, maybe she didn’t want to be a part of his life knowing it was so full of confusion and uncertainty. Jake thought about running after her, but what good would it do now? He just had to wait until the events of the evening unfolded.
Holding a cup of coffee in his hands, he thought of one last tack to try with his sister. Why he hadn’t considered it before now, he didn’t know. But it was the last and best option.
“Miriam, would you at least do me one favor? Do us one favor? Something we should have done together from the very outset?”
Miriam’s eyes softened and she nodded, seemingly knowing what her brother’s favor would be.
“You mean to ask, would I pray about it?” she asked. “Of course, my dear Jacob. We should both pray. And no matter the path the Lord reveals, we will certainly follow.”
“Thank you,” he said, “that’s all I ask.”
The rest of the afternoon, Jacob busied himself in the back of their house, readying a room set aside for his particular craft. As a woodworker, he only had need of tools and wood. The tools he’d brought with him from Ohio, the wood could be found anywhere. If the Elders allowed him to stay, he’d have a fine shop set up in no time. Selling his wares in the Farmers Market was another matter left to another day. At this point, plans for helping the town of Ephraim expand their commerce was of secondary importance. Staying in the community was the first step.
A knock on their front door brought the siblings to the entranceway at the same moment. Miriam opened the door to the shuffling figure of Ethan Lapp. He was spinning his broad brimmed hat in his hands in front of him, looking apologetic.
“Good afternoon, B
rother Ethan,” Jacob said. “Please come in. Can I pour you a cup of coffee?”
“If it’s not an inconvenience, then yes, thank you,” Ethan replied and followed them into the kitchen where he sat across from Jacob while Miriam served.
After she was seated, Ethan sipped the coffee and nodded his head in satisfaction. Jake waited expectantly, knowing his guest would eventually come out with the reason for the visit.
“Ah, ’tis something about a strong coffee on a sunny autumn afternoon that satisfies a person,” the young man offered.
Miriam smiled and replied, “I’ve said so myself.”
She got up and brought out a plate of cookies from the cupboard, served their guest, and helped herself to one as well. Jacob took one and they all ate in awkward silence until Ethan shuffled his feet under the table as if getting ready to leave.
“I probably shouldn’t have come,” he said, pushing back his chair, half rising.
“No, please stay,” Miriam said, “and tell us what bothers ye.”
“Yes, Ethan, please,” Jake added. “You need not worry about the nature of the news you bring. We’re well prepared for anything at this point.” Jacob slapped his friend on the shoulder to show him all would be received with the right spirit.
Ethan sat back down and sighed.
“As you know by now, my father and Elder Stoltz are strongly opposed to you joining our community.” He lowered his eyes. “I was, too, at first. But now I believe you two need to remain.”
He looked up and his gaze lingered on Miriam; he then quickly turned to Jacob.
“For a number of reasons, including the new ideas you bring to our little valley. I believe you could benefit Ephraim immensely. At the very least, we’ll be blessed by a good woodworker now that Old Man Yoder can’t see well enough to whittle a spoon.”
This brought a polite chuckle from everyone.
“So I wanted you to know that despite my father’s misgivings, I believe you’ll be accepted and approved by the Elders as new members of the community. You can rest assured, tonight’s gathering is more of a welcome than an inquisition. That’s the good news.”
Amish Superstition Page 2