The Amish Cook, Week of July 27, 2026

Mom, do you think Julia will tell us we grew when she comes back home?"

"We'll see. Do you think she grew while she was gone?"

At 14 years old she's only been a quarter inch shorter than myself the last year or so. I'm just a tad over five feet so I expected her to pass me up.

We were all happy for Julia when the opportunity came up for her to go spend time at my brother Jeriah's, along with his wife and three little children, as they settle into their new home in Arkansas. Eight days seemed like a long time for her to be 400 miles away even if it was really not that long.

When we spoke with her on the phone there were many eager voices to tell her about the latest details of life at home.

Sunday night was the mark we were waiting for. She would be coming a bit after our regular bedtime. Who wouldn't stay up to welcome her back?

We were all thankful to have guests for supper that night. Thanks to the Matthew Shetler family who came to have supper with us and spend the evening. My heart was warmed as we sat around the table. It brought back more memories of the times we'd have with guests before Daniel went to heaven. Not only that, there was a lot we had in common. Our oldest daughters were about the same age and both our families have traveled the road of foster and adoption. It was good; yes, we have our own lives to live, yet there's a strength that goes with connecting with others on similar journeys.

While we chatted, the children hitched up Tizza and took pony rides with the cart. As dusk was gathering we headed out to take a look at the chestnut grove and look at the new horse.

Matthew set a few of the children on the mare's back as we led her around in circles and simply enjoyed being together. Our children were deeply touched by observing their little daughter with a handicap. What would it be like to grow up, not running and jumping? She was as brilliant as could be, I loved watching her face light up, depending what we'd talk about, may God continue to meet her where she is at, with the difficulties He has trusted her and her family with.

By 10:00 the Shetlers had all left besides the oldest daughter who agreed to stay for the night to meet Julia and spend some time with her before their family would leave for the train station the next morning to head back home to Michigan.

When big sister stepped in the entrance door any remaining company manners melted away as there were hugs and 'welcome homes'. We sat around the table snacking and listening to her glowing stories of the rolling hills of Arkansas and telling her of life at home. The goal of not having more than one person talking at a time was not only bent, but trampled. For once we just let it be as it was. At one point I tucked the younger children in bed and told the older girls they are free to have time together. From the report I got in the morning it was time well spent. God knows just what we need and when we need it.

In the next several days I kept eyeing Julia, declaring that she did grow since she had left home, but then it couldn't really be possible, could it? "Let's find out," I told her. And so we stood back to back. Austin said if anything Julia is a tad taller. "I've been wanting to look up to you Julia!" I teased. That evening Austin came in from the shop with Daddy's four foot level. "Here, let's see," he quipped. We chuckled over his boyish idea. And so the two of us were 'leveled out'; evidence proved that my side of the level pushed the bubble up on her side. "She may be an eighth inch taller," I was told.

Okay, we'll take it, did the Arkansas air have anything to do with it or working for her uncle, or maybe just some unique timing? I don't know, but she did outgrow her mother.

Alright, we'll be wrapping up here with summer wraps. I like making them in the morning and keeping them refrigerated until we're ready for our picnic or to enjoy along the way while traveling. Use ingredients that will best suit your taste buds and those you are cooking for. Notice that there are no exact amounts, I just put a bit of everything down the center of a tortilla, wrap it up good and tight, and call it good.