Iraqi students look at Amish life

By DORIS COOK - Staff Writer
Star Beacon

August 18, 2008 10:52 pm

— MIDDLEFIELD — A dozen Iraqi high school students came face to face Monday with a slice of America culture, Geauga County’s Amish community.
Their visit in Geauga and northern Trumbull counties was led by Sharon Grover of Ridgeview Farm Market, president of Geauga County Tourism Council, and Lynda Nemeth, GCTC director.
The students were chaperoned by Dr. Vian Slewa, an Iraqi dentist.
The Iragi visitors are here through cultural exchange arranged by the Cleveland Council on World Affairs. They are staying with host families in the Cleveland area and being introduced to the American way of life. After leaving Ohio, they will visit Vermont, Washington, D.C., and New York City before heading home.
“I really enjoy having these Iraqi students today. I feel I’ve learned a lot about Iraq in talking with them. They really clarified some misconceptions I had. They remind me of my own 17-year-old son, Nicholas,” Grover said laughing.
For the students it was their first visit out of their country and first time to the U.S. “One student told me things are getting better in Iraq with our troops there. Some are going on to college when they go home,” Grover said.
Their first stop was in Middlefield at Betty and Freeman Miller’s Holz Haus, a furniture and gift store. The visitors were treated to lemonade, coffee and homemade cookies at the Millers home and store. Freeman Miller briefly explained the history of Amish immigrants coming to the U.S. in the late 1700s and 1800s, settling first in Pennsylvania.
Miller said the Amish shun modern technology, but some do have cell phones today because of their businesses. Farming is still a big business for some Amish, others have started businesses including logging operations.
“We try to be good people in our community; be honest citizen and make sure our word is good. Our strength is to help people not only our own who need help,” Miller said.
While speaking to a mixture of Muslims and Christians in the group, Miller explained his people are Christians and came to the early America after being persecuted in Europe. He said the Amish broke with Catholics in Europe.
Miller answered questions about Amish businesses and how their culture still thrives in today’s world. The young visitors got a chance to tour the Millers’ extensive gift store to buy items to take back home.
Before enjoying an Amish wedding lunch at the home of an Amish couple, Dave and Rachel Yoder in Burton Township, the group toured the Middlefield Original Cheese Co-op factory store. Store manager Nevin Byler explained the cheesemaking process as the group watched the production through a spectator window.
By the time the group landed at the Yoder farmhouse on Patch Road, they were famished. It is traditional to have a silent prayer before the meals, Grover told them.
So the visitors bowed their heads before breaking bread together. Around the table, the conversation was lively in both Arabic and English as they asked about the food offerings.
“We have a treat for everyone after lunch,” Grover announced midway through the seven-course meal.
Dave Yoder and his son-in-law, John Mullet, hitched up their horse, Sparky, to the family’s black buggy. Yoder climbed in to give all rides down the country road. The final stop of the day was at an Amish schoolhouse close to the Grovers’ family farm.

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