The following is an excerpt from my book, The Greater Inheritance.
We arrived at the schoolhouse in due time without any trouble from {our horse} Nellie. Our teacher, Mrs. Nelson, who was “English,” as we called the non-Amish, had already fired up the round, wood-burning stove in the front of the classroom. Cold, stiff fingers made heavy wraps difficult to manage, but the compassionate Mrs. Nelson came to our rescue. She was kept busy helping to remove coats, gloves, wool scarves, black shawls, and bonnets or hats until all were comfortable.
The other students were as excited as we were about the day! With Christmas a few days away, the object of our eager anticipation was the special afternoon program.
After a few songs and morning classes were over, we ate our lunch while noisily chatting about the program we would be performing shortly. Many of the parents were coming to enjoy the program as well, which added to our level of excitement.
As a kindergartener, I was a bit nervous, having to play the part of the Angel. Secretly though, I felt rather special wearing the big white, glittering angel wings my teacher had made for me. Years later, she teased me about that day being the closest I ever got to being a real angel!
When Mrs. Nelson pulled back the curtain on the small makeshift stage, I stood as still as possible for a kindergartener and tried to be the “perfect angel.” “Mary” and “Joseph” were sitting next to the manger while other students were lined up on the stage reciting verses and poems. Everyone enjoyed singing the traditional Christmas carols and reenacting the event that took place so many years ago. The program went well, and Mrs. Nelson thanked each one for their participation.
At the tender age of six, I did not realize the significance of Christ’s birth. I was much more drawn to the adorable little Amish-clad, homemade, faceless boy-doll lying in the manger. The tiny white shirt and black pants, complete with suspenders, were exceptionally adorable! I had very little knowledge of the Christ whom the doll represented, but one thing I knew: I deeply envied the privileged classmate who owned that precious doll. She had also brought a girl-doll dressed in a neat blue dress, black head covering, shawl, and bonnet. What’s more, she was fortunate enough to possess a cute, miniature diaper bag her mother had made for her. It was the kind of doll and accessories that few were privileged to have, but would cause any little girl to covet. Oh, how I longed to have such a cute set to play with at home! However, my mother had enough sewing to do for her big family, without making dolls and doll clothes. Nevertheless, it was so incredibly cute that I never completely lost my desire to possess one, even as an adult!
Be sure to pick up a copy of The Greater Inheritance for yourself or a friend!
Order soon to get it before Christmas!
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