June 13 Shipshewana Trip

Friday: Last Friday I did something bold and daring! HA. Just joking. Actually, though, it was a step out of my comfort zone and I had to force myself to do it. My "new" class at Calvary Church was taking an "excursion" down to Shipshewana, Indiana for a day to shop, take in a theatrical production at the Blue Gate Music Hall, and eat dinner together. 

What IS my comfort zone? My own little beach house! All by myself--editing pictures, fussing in my yard, reading good books, playing my piano ... all VERY self centered, SAFE, no-people kind of living. However, this is not a good way for me to live 100% of the time, and I have been asking the Lord just how exactly He would like for me to live these remaining days of my life.

I was encouraged by a few friends in the class to take this opportunity to relax and enjoy the company of others on this day-trip; so I signed up! It all turned out very well and I am happy I went. The "play" was not at all my thing ... I found it kind of ... lacking -- yes, there were humorous parts to it; but mostly, it was kind of DUMB. 

I did enjoy looking at all the interesting shops, especially the high quality of goods that are sold--most locally made by the Amish and Mennonite community. Beautiful things. Amazing workmanship. Everything so well made. I love beautiful things. My friend, Cheryl, and I hung out most of the day. Cheryl is such a neat person and I am learning to appreciate her more every time I am with her. You might ask if I bought anything ??? Well, yes, actually I did! I bought to engraved small stones (they are beautiful) with Scripture verses on them. They are too small to put out in my rock garden, so I am keeping them inside my house near my lighthouse lamp. And I also purchased ... I can't believe I did this ... ANOTHER puppet. Yes, I actually did. His name is "TINY T". He is a T-Rex, rather small-ish hand puppet that my Cal is going to love. I should have taken a picture of the little stones and Tiny T to post here ... perhaps I will do it later.

We enjoyed a buffet meal at the Blue Gate Restaurant and ate until we could barely breathe--ah, the joy of all-you-can-eat buffets! 

Here are a few pictures:

I love lily pads, don't you? Such amazing color and beauty.

I also loved listening to the clomping of the horse-drawn carriages. Gorgeous, healthy, well-cared for horses! Such a beautiful animal. The picture below is of the place we saw the play, "Ned and Nancy See America," a play definitely for people who are older than dirt. Truly, I don't mean to be sarcastic--but I just was totally uninspired by it. The meal, however, was very good. Especially the fried chicken. YUM.

There were about 40 people from the class who spent the day here. Some people drove their vans and loaded them up with people. I was assigned to the church van (a first for me) and my friend Cheryl and I talked the whole 2 hours down and back. Our van driver was a very nice person from the class, who everyone thinks highly of--and I am beginning to see why.

Friendship is a wonderful gift, and God has always blessed me with very solid friendships throughout my life. I am encouraged to try more get-togethers with these folk at Calvary. Perhaps I can be a blessing to someone, and surely receive many blessings in return.