Mennonite experience

During my bsn program, we were invited by a professor, dr. Jones, to attend a day with a nearby mennonite community reviewing medical topics and providing health screenings. I was unable to attend bc of i was working nighta in the burn unit at that time. But after seeing an amish family using the restroom at sonic while i was on my lunch break, i thought maybe if i emailed dr jones that i could still join her for a visit if she was still going to their community. Dr jones emailed me back and happily welcomed me to join. I have always admired and been almost envious of the mennonites lifestyle. So going to spend time in their home was a real treat!! We arrived at one members home and went over the topic of their choosing, which was "common foot problems". The members of the community arrived by horse and buggy and all commenced in the open setting of the small farmhouse. Men on one side, women and children on the other ( also common practice). They took notes and asked questions and we all discussed the topic. Then myself and the retired md that we had with us from wku went into a room to see anyone who had a concern. I didnt know that i would get to see any patients since i was just visiting, but since i am an Np they asked me to participate. I did happily. We offered advice on issues such as feet, skin rashes and one child with poasible bells palsy. The home was so peaceful and silent- since they do not use electricity. They had a nice wood burning stove which also doubled as their cooking stove. No photos or mirros were in the home as they do not approve of these things in their culture. The women wore traditional smocked dresses, head coverings and black shoes. And the men in pants, suspenders and black boots. The home just felt so warm, welcoming and comfortable. I stepped back into the 1800s for sure. And oddly, i immediately reconixed that the home smelled just like granny pierces house in big sandy which was such a great memory. They say smell is 80% of our memories, afterall.  I went to their personal store nearby and bought soaps, honey, oats, jelly, sorghum and burn/ wound balm that they make. I didnt want to leave to be honest and i wished that i could live half the lifestyle that they live. No photos were taken outside of the vehicle i rode in because this is not allowed, but i snapped a few shots from the van to show the beauty and simplicity that existed....nursing has afforded me some amazing places, from Ky to south america and in between. I am very grateful. 

This is the home that we held the meeting in:

The first members arrived with their buggy.