Recently our family planned another outing with our overseas family before they left on Aug. 1. One of the bucket list items for our “foreign” grandchildren was Greenfield Village, a somewhat local attraction. This family had been to the Henry Ford Museum but had never gone to the village. Thus, before they left, we planned a day.
The weather was hot, but not the unbearable heat of past weeks. We arrived early in the afternoon giving us only three hours to cover the many acres of historical buildings, modes of transportation and workshops of all sorts.
As we entered the village, the steam train had just pulled into the main station. We climbed on for a ride around the whole village giving the family a view of everything available. Even the 1800s baseball game was being played between the La De Dahs and the Nationals, two teams of several who played according to early rules. The no mitts rule is the one difference that stood out to me.
After our train ride, we headed to the Firestone Farm. This is a small-scale working farm representing the mid to late 1800s. The fields were growing fairly well even though southeast Michigan has not experienced much rainfall. The garden was producing some vegetables for the workers to collect and create meals for the farmhands. Yes, the workers eat within the farmhouse while visitors walk through the kitchen and into other parts of the house.
On a side note, this house gives me a glimpse into the way our very own house might have operated. Although ours is a bit bigger, I can envision Ed’s relatives doing much the same as the Firestone Farm.
The kids wanted to see all the animals housed at the farm which are sheep, cows, chickens, horses and more. How strange it was that the inside of the barn smelled like manure sending the kids back outside for some fresh air. I didn’t walk up to the haymow, but the family did.
Next, we passed through the section with all the workshops. We didn’t have time to stop at each one as we were meeting up with the rest of the family at the carousel. Yes, a 1913 carousel still operates for the visitors to ride on.
By this time, we needed a big drink of water, so I sent our daughter and her husband to buy water for everyone. Oh, how refreshing ice water is on such a hot day.
The family headed to the Wright Brothers’ house, which has air conditioning for a reprieve. I sat outside with the unfinished water cups as no food or beverages are permitted inside. They also visited the Heinz House and a bonnet, cap and hat shop. Our 7-year-old granddaughter said that she liked the boy’s cap better than the fancy hats for girls. She is just like her mother.
By this time, the village was closing soon. We walked to our vehicles to venture home.
Since it was suppertime, I invited the whole family for a hot dog roast and s’mores. I waited until the evening cooled off a tad bit before I roasted a hot dog. We enjoyed sitting around chatting and catching up with one another.
Our overseas family wanted to return on Thursday, July 30, to the village to see and ride everything that they couldn’t do before.
I’m sure I have mentioned this before, but I love my family and enjoy spending time with them. Although one part of us will be heading back overseas, we stay connected in our messaging back and forth. We send pictures too.
In three years, this family will come home again. The kids will be growing taller and wiser. And this grandma will continue to pray for them!
If you are ever in this area, stop by Greenfield Village and the Henry Ford Museum for a walk into history.
Gail loves the Lord most of all. She delights in her calling to be a wife to Ed Malick and a mother to seven children and grandmother of 19. Ed is the sixth generation on the homestead family farm in Ypsilanti Township, Michigan.
Seeds of Hope
Many years ago, an American tourist visited with a rabbi in Poland. Knowing the importance of Rabbi Hafetz Chamin, he was anxious to visit his home. Upon entering the rabbi’s dwelling, he realized that it was a single room with many books, a table, chair and bed. He was shocked! In his amazement he asked, “Rabbi, where is your furniture?” “Where’s yours?” came the reply.
“Mine?” asked the puzzled visitor. “I’m only passing through.” “So am I,” said the rabbi.
Too often we forget the next world while focusing on this one. We are too busy accumulating things that perish or have no eternal value. The pressure to keep up, acquire more and secure our future here can become all-consuming.
Yet none of it travels with us beyond this life. Our interests are on the things which can be seen, not on that which is unseen but has everlasting value.
The early Christians set their sights on the rich treasures and joys of heaven. Their satisfaction was in their Redeemer, not in their riches. The early Christians confessed “that they were pilgrims and strangers on the earth.” Are you living like a permanent resident or like a traveler? Embrace simplicity. Invest in what endures. Love people deeply. Grow in wisdom and grace.
We are all passing through so let us travel with our hearts fixed on the eternal home that awaits.
Today’s Prayer: Father, may we come to realize that our future and our hope are in You alone and that all else will perish. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Today’s Scripture: They agreed that they were foreigners and nomads here on earth.
Hebrews 11:13
This article originally appeared on Farmers Advance: A harvest of memories: Grandchildren discover Greenfield Village
Reporting by Gail Malick, Farmers’ Advance / Farmers Advance
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Gail Malick, Farmers' Advance | USA TODAY Network
