Accidental Downtown Mennonites
When I was in Downtown Pittsburgh on May 28th, my only purpose was to take some pictures of Market Square. I thought I might see something I wanted to write about. I saw people eating outside, a bunch of construction, and our city's glass castle, PPG Plaza. But I hardly had enough to write about when my camera batteries died.
I figured this was a sign. I hopped on a bus heading for home. But wait!
Someone on the bus yelled, "Hey, those are the Amish!" I looked out my window and saw a choir standing under our old Lazarus department store entrance.
Well, I ran off the bus. I knew there was a Rite Aid Drug Store just a few blocks away, so I sprinted over to buy batteries. The whole time I stood in my very slow line I chanted, "Amish people, please don't leave. Oh please, Amish People, don't leave.
I was so lucky! The choir didn't leave. I started snapping pictures from across the street, and when I crossed to get a better look, a gentleman from the choir, named Ernest, came over to greet me. I belatedly asked if it was okay if I took pictures. He smiled and said it was fine. Then he gave me two CDs and a track of information. It turned out these people were Mennonites and they travel to Pittsburgh once a year to sing and to spread their message.
I stood and listened to the choir for about fifteen minutes. Some of the Mennonites watched me as intently as I watched them. The men could have walked into most stores without anyone batting an eye because they all wore dress shirts and dockers. It was the women who stood out with their sheer white caps, black boots, and shin length dresses. One of the women named Jennetta came over to me, just to make sure I had received their music CD. She said most of the Mennonites were from Pennsylvania, but that she had traveled from Maryland to be with us.
In the end, I went over and thanked Ernest for answering all my questions and for bringing their music to us in the city. I could tell he was a little bemused by my bold enthusiasm. He nodded his head a fraction and said, "Praise be to God."
I can tell you, I felt very thankful to whatever force brought me to the Mennonites on what had seemed like such an ordinary day. I called my boyfriend immediately and cackled with glee. "Mennonites! I saw Mennonites! And they are going to star in my next Happy Wanderer post. Can you believe it?"
When I calmed down, I realized that the happy accident of seeing a Mennonite Choir in Downtown Pittsburgh is why I love wandering so much. Fun travel isn't about going miles and miles away from home. A wanderer only needs an open mind to the fun, crazy things that happen all around us. Interesting events like Mennonites singing in Downtown might happen more often than we imagine,and maybe all we need to do is be prepared to enjoy the moment when it comes along.
