The Yoders

We have some wonderful friends here in Ohio. We met them when their oldest son landscaped our backyard two years ago. Tobias and his crew (mostly brothers and cousins) were in our home for more than two months and quickly became Ron's buds. Soon we were invited to their home and were treated so kindly. His parents Ephriam and Lydia shared their knowledge of gardening, canning and other farm information with us eagerly. We, in return, brought them little gifts of Sees candy and took them for rides in the airplane. Recently, Tobias has been working on a new front walk for us. After so many invitations to their home, we wanted to share a meal with them at our home and invited the whole family to come for a BBQ this last Saturday. In total, 18 Yoders came in vans (drivers bring them to town for shopping, etc.) and did we ever have fun! Ephraim, Lydia, their 7 children, 3 daughter-in-laws, Lydia's parents and her twin sisters, one daughter-in-law's brother and their first granddaughter all came, each one a pleasure! Ron cooked burgers and hot links on the grill, and I made fruit salad, and burger fixings, including my zucchini relish. The Yoders brought Corn Bread Salad (so delicious!) and Grandma Mary brought berry and peanut butter pie. It cooled off enough that we could eat outside, at three large tables, and ate til we could hardly move. When we could move again, it was up the path to the barnyard to discuss the garden, chickens and play with their 15 month old granddaughter. Then the men (who were mostly barefoot or in stocking feet!) got out the clay pigeons and shot around 300 shots. The women also took turns and proved to be good shots too. I sat with the older women and the baby and watched and talked. We had a few short rain showers and ran in and out of the barn as the rain came and went. Before long it was time for the drivers to arrive so reluctantly we said our goodbyes, gave hugs and expressed our gratitude for each other. As they drove away Ron and I were tired but so thoroughly content to have had such a wonderful afternoon we couldn't wipe the smiles off our faces. My favorite memory was just before dinner when all 10 women were seated around my living room discussing recipes, children and auctions in both english and pennsylvania dutch. I looked around at all these beautiful faces, both young and old. gently smiling and talking, just as women have done for centuries and was filled a deep satisfaction of my lot in life and God's blessings. It was a truly perfect moment.