My Sat. Evening

I wanted to share w/you something that happened last night that was very moving to me. The spirit was very stong at this gathering. Especially when the Native American Indians did their special. And also a "WLS" moment per say. First I will give you a bit of info on "why" we were where we were.... Living in Southwest WI - we have a large Amish Community. I have never had any contact or anything like that. I Know that when I go to LaCrosse to see my 10 yr old there is a 20 mile stretch where all you see are horse and buggies and women walking. About a month ago a very tragic accident happened about 20 miles from our home. Sunday evening - getting dusk out a gentelman in his 70's crested a hill and hit a Amish Family in their buggy head on. Instantly killing the oldest child (around 12-14) and the mother who was 8 mo. pregnant. Four of the remaining 6 children were Life flighted to Univeristy. Here a link w/info http://www.gazetteextra.com/buggyaccident110104.asp Last night the there was a benifet held for this family. My mom, daughter (5yr) and I attended. We didn't plan on staying late. There was an auction, raffle, music and bake sale and soup dinner. The outpouring of love and support for this family was wonderful. The last musian was a Native American Indian who one 2 Emmy awards last year and has been nomitated for 2 awards this year. He also has one other national titles. With him was another Native American Indian in full head dress. There were 3 songs sang that this gentelman danced to. My 5 yr old sat w/tears in her eyes. "Mommy, he is dancing and saying a prayer for the kids' mommy and brother?" We talked about it and told her that it was a very sacred thing he was doing from his culture. Then the last song was called "Welcome Home" in Memory of the Mother and Child that died. The guy came into the audiance and asked few of the kids/adults to join him and dance. Abi was one of them. She was very shy and wouldn't do it. So they danced for a few seconds and my mom and I decided to join in and Abi followed. That caused a chain link of numerous other people. As we danced w/this man holding hands in this gym going around threw the people I felt such udder appreciation for all cultures and how wonderful it was that the community could come together regardless of religion or culture. How cool it was for the "dancing line" to come "full circle". Later the man came and thanked my mom and I for getting the audience participation and joining him. Before my WLS I would have NEVER EVER got out in my new tight carpenter jeans and danced among total strangers!! NEVER!!!! I felt such joy in doing this. For teaching my daughter the principles of helping others. I also spent WAY to much money. I bought a loaf of Amish wheat bread. I am going to have 1 piece and give the rest to the missionaries in our church. I also won the auction for an American Girl Doll - I set a limit on $$..and it stopped right at that. Yikes...I spent a little to much ($50). I also bought 6 raffle tickets -- and one 3 things off of that...2 homemade blankets for my kids. Anyway, I just thought I would share this w/you this morning. Love, Gala

Gala that is so special. It makes us all know that it takes alot of diffrent people with love to make this world work. Love Saralan

It does take all kinds to make the world work. I have came across many LDS people who are very beligerant and think "ONLY LDS people" are good people. And their mindsets are very rigid. I feel it is very important to teach my children there are other religious beliefs, there are other cultures, there are many others who are different than you and I. And Heavenly Father put us here to share our faith with them but to also love them regardless of what their race, culture, religion. This was a very early learning experience for her. I have a lot of "indifferance" opinions about the Amish Community. I feel just as much hurt and sorrow for the 70 some year old man that hit that family as I do for the family and their loss!! Because in my thoughts this accident could have/should have prevented. If the laws of the land were made to be "equal" to all people. Unfortunatly the Amish community is exempt from that - at least it seems in our area. I also feel like we are blessed to live in a country that has running water, sewers, electricty. I have a very sweet friend from church who is from a 3rd world country and we had a nice talk today about the Amish community around here -- and she became very upset. And said "you know Gala, I come from a 3rd wolrd country. And the people from my country would give their lives to have safe running water and electricty. The Amish do not show gratitute for these blessings" ect ect...She has a very good point. Regardless....what happened last night was a true test of showing others that we are all alike regardless of our beliefs and coming together in a time of need. Gala

When Brigham Young came to Salt Lake and was starting to plan downtown he gave land to other religions. If you have been to SL and seen the Cathloic church their it is one of the most beutifull(sp) churchs their. Prophet Joseph was told by the Lord to never disrespeck anthor religon because he has put some of his most joice people there. If it wasn't for the love of Mother Tersa where would the children be of Calcuta/ you know she, new was going there in the preexcitance. With the other some of the other faiths teaching love and kindance in the world we would be in such a bad state. I agree I am so thankfull for runing water and air condtioning and food and not worrie that a armie of a dictar will march in my home and taken my household out side and kill them for my faith. I know that we live in the freeist country in the world. Living so close to the boarder of Mexico I have seen the cardbord shacks and poverty just acros a line. I have lived in Germany where there rights are nothing like ares. it has been so nice corisponding with you. Love Saralan

Gala you have been through some rough times since your WLS and now it seems that your luck has finally turned around for the good. You have experienced some wonderful blessings of late. Thank you for sharing. I look forward to and enjoy reading your posts. Melody

HI Gala Good to hear from you girl. What a wonderful experience you've had..of course very sad for the families involved in the accident but for you, your Mom and daughter what a memory you have to share now of dancing together and feeling the spirit in the way you did. I love to watch the Indian traditions. I have a lot of Cherokee Indian in me and so its close to my heart. I grew up in Southern Indiana and we have a lot of Amish there. We had lots of road signs up warning of horse and buggies as well as the local merchants making special places for them to sale their goods, park their horse and wagons and also a place to water and feed their horses when they were in town. My niece always had her horses feet taken care of by the Amish farrier and he was so good. I am so proud of you for getting up there and shakin it girl!!! haha I am like you in the past there is no amount of money that would get me to do that but I'm looking forward to going dancing again. Got to run Have a great day and thanks for sharing. Love ya Alfie