Road Trip to North Carolina

Last month we drove North Carolina. The draw? Well, it is a beautiful, southern, charming state. We often drive through parts of North Carolina on our way to vacation on the Outer Banks. But this trip had a particular attraction - our "son" Mosie. He'd moved down there 10 months ago.

Thought you'd like to see some road trip pix. We arrived on a Friday evening to comfortably warm weather. Mosie met us a couple hours later at our motel; he'd been working 2-hrs away on a construction job. Ahh, such a pleasure to see this muscular, hardworking young man who had the lion heart to slip out of his Amish settlement and join a world he'd been warned to avoid - I'm still amazed at his fortitude.
Saturday, Mosie and his friend Joe - who'd also left his upstate NY Amish family - were contracted to put a metal roof on a house. They worked all day in the bright NC sunshine and 70-degree temps.

Mocksville, NC

Meanwhile, my husband Paul and I meandered through rows of trinkets and wares at a flea market. We reveled in the sun's warmth and coat-less weather not yet possible up north in our part of Ohio.

In the evening, Mosie treated us to supper at Blackbeard's Seafood Shack. Hey, I can't be that close to the Atlantic Coast and not eat fresh seafood!
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Mosie sported a fresh sunburn. Funny thing, his nose was reindeer red as was his shoulders, arms, and other body parts not covered by his skimpy undershirt worn that day on the roof.

What a treat to witness this young man maturing, learning, and studying for his GED. The Amish system provides an 8th grade education. Those who leave and join our English culture, often continue their education with a GED, and a few go on to college.

They're also learning about insurance, income taxes, technology, credit approval, and many other issues we've grown up with and take for granted.

After a tasty and filling meal, we sprawled out in our motel room, watched TV, and chatted more about his life, work, and girlfriend. During childhood, Mosie's parents were busy working a farm and raising 12 children. They weren't emotionally available nor developed a personal relationship. His life was void of physical affection.

Like every kid, Mosie yearns for parental love and affirmation. Since he received none from his Amish upbringing, we try to give lots of love and hugs. For him it's counter-cultural to hear compliments and loving correction and feel positive touch. For me it's counter-intuitive not to give these to my kids. Paul and I verbalize our positive feelings and observations, and coach him in successfully assimilating into the non-Amish world and into manhood. These are the rights and responsibilities of every parent.