Early Mornings Begin with Purpose

From the outside, Amish life may seem like a mystery. How do they live without smartphones, electricity, or modern conveniences? The answer lies in a way of life that prioritizes faith, family, and community above all else.

The day usually starts around 4:30 or 5:00 a.m. The entire household rises early to begin chores. Men often head out to the barn to milk cows, feed horses, or tend to livestock, while women begin preparing breakfast. Meals are homemade and hearty, featuring eggs, bacon, bread, and often fresh-baked pastries.

Work, School, and Routine

After breakfast, everyone gets to work. Amish men may spend the day farming, woodworking, or doing construction, while women focus on gardening, laundry (done with wringer washers), canning, and sewing. Children who are school-aged walk or take a buggy to a nearby one-room schoolhouse, where they receive an eighth-grade education centered around reading, writing, arithmetic, and Bible study.

Meals and Family Time

Lunch, or "dinner" as it’s called in Amish communities, is the largest meal of the day. It's often shared by the extended family and includes fresh vegetables, meats, and homemade desserts. Mealtimes are quiet, respectful, and focused on togetherness—often beginning with a silent prayer.

Evenings Are for Community

After work, evenings may be spent visiting neighbors, tending to animals, or enjoying quiet hobbies like reading, quilting, or board games. Since there are no televisions or phones, social time is in-person and intentional. Sundays are reserved for church, which is sometimes held in rotating homes rather than dedicated church buildings.

Living Without Modern Technology

The absence of electricity and modern tech isn’t just about rejection; it’s about community preservation. The Amish believe that too much convenience can erode family bonds and faith. Instead of screen time, there's face time—real conversations, shared meals, and communal work.

What We Can Learn

Though most of us can’t imagine life without modern conveniences, there’s something inspiring about a lifestyle that values time together over time online. At the Iowa Amish Country Store, we see these values reflected in the goods we offer—each item made with patience, skill, and care.