Katie's Choice (40 page)
Glossary of Amish Words
Ach
— Oh
Aemen
— Amen
Aenti
— aunt
Allrecht
— all right
Bruder
— Brother
Bu, buwe
— Boy, boys
danki
— thank you
Dat
— Dad
Dawk
— day
Deutsch
— Pennsylvania Dutch
Die Botschaft
— old order Amish weekly newspaper (
The Budget
)
Dochder
— daughter
Ei, yi, yi
— My, oh, my
Elder
— parents
Englisch
— non-Amish person
Fisch
— fish
Frack
— Dress
geh
— Go
goedemiddag
— good afternoon
grossdaadi
— Grandfather
grossmammi
— Grandmother
grossdawdi haus
— a house usually built onto the back where the grandparents live
gut
— Good
guder mariye
— Good morning
Gut himmel
— Good heavens
gut nacht
— Good night
haus
— House
Jah
— yes
Kapp
— prayer covering, cap
Katfisch
— catfish
Kinder
— children
Mach schnell
— hurry up (make quickly)
mamm
— Mom
mudder
— Mother
natchess
— supper
nay
— No
nichte
— niece
onkle
— Uncle
Ordnung
— Amish rules written and understood
Red-up
— clean up
Rumspringa
— running around time (starts at 16)
Schay
— pretty
Schveshtah
— sister
Shayna Grischtdaag
— Nice Christmas
vatter
— father
Wie geht?
— How are things?
Weibs leit
— women
Counting—
1
— eens
2
— zwee
3
— drei
Dear Reader—
My name is Katie Rose Fisher, and I live in the Old Order Amish community of Clover Ridge, Oklahoma. For almost as long as I can remember, I knew what I wanted out of my life: to live in the Amish tradition, join the church, and marry Samuel Beachy, the bishop’s son. But before he could bend his knee and give his life to God, Samuel decided to stay in the
Englisch
world long after his run-around time.
I’ll admit, I was heartbroken, but it seemed that God had other plans for me. When Gabriel’s wife died, I went to live with my brother to help take care of his brood of six. I found myself teaching the young scholars in our district. God has provided me with a fulfilling life. Even if it isn’t with Samuel. Even if I do not have a husband or children of my own.
The news that our mother had breast cancer devastated the entire Fisher clan. As usual, we pulled together and did everything in our power to help pay for the medical costs, including inviting an
Englisch
reporter to come and live with us. The hope is he will write articles for his fancy magazine and bring business and tourists to our little community.
I think allowing Zane Carson to come to Clover Ridge is a bad idea. He is worldly and handsome and has no idea of the ways of the Amish. He isn’t even sure if he believes in God, but he is willing to learn how we live, dress like us, ride in a horse and buggy, even farm the earth. When so many others tend to scoff at our ways, his acceptance is refreshing. And I think maybe he has even found his way to the Lord.
But there is so much more to Zane Carson as I soon discover. His presence alone makes me wish for things I cannot have—a husband, children, and for Zane to stay among us and live out his days as a Plain man. He has had these thoughts himself, for I can see the confusion and longing in his eyes. But whether that want is for me or a closer relationship with God, I do not know.
I may never know, for as soon as I think I understand the man underneath the English exterior, Samuel Beachy returns, throwing my dreams of something more into a tailspin.
But has Samuel come back for me or for his family who has shunned him? Do I give him another chance? And what of this handsome
Englisch
reporter who walks away with my heart? It is not an easy choice to make.
Love to you always—
Katie Rose Fisher
Discussion Questions
1. How does Zane’s lack of religious/spiritual background affect his views of the Fishers? Have you ever had the opportunity to talk to someone who knows little or nothing about the story of Jesus?
2. Are Zane’s reasons for asking Monica to marry him sound? How does her lack of an answer affect him during his stay with the Amish?
3. Zane is stunned the first time he meets Katie Rose. Do you believe in love at first sight? Have you ever felt an instant connection with someone, be it romantic or platonic? How did that relationship pan out for you?
4. Zane was raised in a “hippie” commune by very liberal parents. How do their earthy ways help him learn to live with the Amish?
5. Zane feels that the danger he faces as a war correspondent helps him feel alive. What is it about the peaceful ways of the Amish that has him feeling the same way when he’s in Clover Ridge?
6. Katie Rose has been living with Gabriel since his wife died. How has this relationship hindered her from finding a husband? Is her reasoning sound or has she been waiting for Samuel to change his mind and return to Clover Ridge?
7. When Ruth asks Zane to pray with her, she tells him to thank God for his blessings. Zane finds there are too many to count. How do you feel these prayer instructions affect Zane’s thoughts and behaviors as he continues to live with the Fishers?
8. Katie Rose demands Zane pray aloud over the colt’s birth. Is this request helpful to Zane? Does it aid in his acceptance of the ways of the Lord?
9. How do you feel about John Paul having a job even though his father has forbid him to work during his
rumspringa
? Have you ever gone against someone’s wishes because you thought it was the right thing to do?
10. How does Megan Fisher’s leaving the community affect Abram’s view of his family and his treatment of John Paul’s
rumspringa
freedoms?
11. How has Ruth’s surgery affected her relationship with God? What about her relationship with Abram? Is her reasoning sound? Or is she simply grieving over the loss of her “normal” life?
12. In this book, the reader gets to catch up with Annie from
Saving Gideon
. As an Englisher among the Amish, how does Annie help Zane understand their ways?
13. Zane knows from the first time that he meets her that Katie Rose is different than any other woman he’s known. How do these differences affect the way Zane treats Katie Rose?
14. How does Zane’s inability to completely leave Katie Rose alone and his reluctance to pursue a relationship with her show the power of love? Have you ever loved anyone whom the world thought wasn’t right for you?
15. Even though he won’t admit it, Zane is in love with Katie Rose when he returns to Chicago. Do you feel this determination to marry Monica is noble or is it irresponsible?
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