Old Order Mennonite Memoirs

In the battle between winter and summer, I am most encouraged by the songs of our feathered friends. It did not matter if the temperatures again felt like 32 degrees, the chirping sparrow would not be silenced. His spirited songs called forth those of my own, to praise our Maker.

It did not matter if the skies were again overcast, hiding our life-giving sun, the song sparrow paid no heed. His songs inspired me to bear patiently the chills that plagued me.

Like summer, were the excited warbles of the purple martins beside a Fair Valley garden. They fluttered in and out of their gourd homes as I...