A few years ago while doing research for one of my Amish romances, I visited an Amish schoolhouse in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania in the middle of January. Note: (My apologies to everyone who lives in Pennsylvania) Don’t go to Pennsylvania in January unless you absolutely have to. The wind was biting, and I thought my face might fall off just walking from the car to the warm indoors. I don’t know how the Amish do it driving their buggies in that weather. When we arrived at the one-room schoolhouse, the children were at recess, and I was amazed that they could stand to be out in the cold. When they came into the school, their cheeks were glowing bright red. I imagine red cheeks are a constant sight all winter. The schoolhouse couldn’t have been more than 50 degrees inside. The teacher told us that the woodstove wasn’t working properly.

Schoolhouse in Wisconsin

Visiting that schoolhouse and one in Bonduel gave me lots of ideas for my books. I took lots of pictures (with permission) and visited with the teachers about what the children learned every day at school. My favorite part of my visit in Pennsylvania was getting to hear the children sing. They congregated at the front of the room, taller children in the back, and sang several songs to us. The teacher started them out on the first few words to each line of a song, and the children would join in and finish the song. The Amish don’t believe in playing instruments or solo singing, but music is still a big part of their lives and their worship. The children sang with enthusiasm, and I was charmed by the joy they communicated through their singing.

Lancaster County Schoolhouse

Wisconsin School

The teacher gave us a list of songs that the children knew so that we could request a song if we wanted. I thought it might be fun to share that list with you. There are some old time Christian favorites, as well as some children’s songs. Are there any in here that you recognize?

I Need the Prayers

I Want Us to Be Together in Heaven

A Beautiful Life

The Cabin on the Hill

Lean Upon the Arms of Jesus

Stepping Stones

The Puppy Parable

The God We Serve

God is in Command

Life’s Railroad to Heaven

Walk by Faith

The Joy of the Lord

I’m Homesick for Heaven

Lean Upon the Arms of Jesus

Tell it to Jesus

When the Battle’s Over

If Jesus Came to our School

The Family Who Prays

Oh, Be Careful

Living by Faith

I Need No Mansions

My Father Planned it All

My Daily Prayer

Daddy’s Hands

Thank You, Mama

No Tears in Heaven

The Golden Rule

His Creation

Angry Words

God Make my Life a Little Light