ANDREW GINGERICH

OCTOBER 29, 1911-FEBRUARY 21-2010

Born to farmers in Ontario, Canada. At the age of twelve moved to the United States to Crogan, NY to continue farming. He was told at a young age to stop attending school so that he could help out on the farm.

May 12, 1944, marries a young lady by the name of Esther Zimmerman from Lancaster, PA.

Andrew's parents Jacob and Lydia Gingerich

Andrew was chosen by lot to be a minister, which he took as a life calling from God, ordained as a Bishop. Andrew preformed many marriage ceremonies (including my own), preached many Biblical based sermons, all while farming and raising 4 children. Years later he now has many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Grandpa reading to two great grandchildren.

Andrew is Ben's maternal grandpa. Many of Ben's childhood memories include his grandparents. They lived close by and Ben spent a lot of time at his grandparents house. Grandpa's birthday was 2 days later than Ben's, so the birthday parties were combined. As we gather together, I would like to gather more details and record them here for memories sake. I remember Grandpa's stories, but forget many of the important details so I will add them on after this weekend.

Enjoying snow once more!

The children are once more getting a chance to enjoy the beautiful snow. However, it is taking a bit more encouraging to get them out there! Jacob and Rachel have been my snow children this time. Ashley has been dealing with high fevers and not feeling well. So, Jacob is enjoying this new sled!

Rachel, outside, smiling and enjoying herself.

So cute! I was able to go outside and took some beautiful snow pictures.

Ashley has been so brave and strong as she struggles to feel better. I just wish I could take the sickness myself instead of seeing her struggle and be so fatigued, and still able to smile as a camera is aimed at her. I have made a bed on the couch to keep her close to me during the day and night. Often I am on the other couch at night to help her as needed. Today, she is feeling a little more like herself, although she still has a low grade temp.

And little Violet, asleep in her crib, as I wander around with my camera. It was so nice to get outside for a bit while she slept. Oh, I needed some fresh air!! I smile as I notice one sock on and one sock off. A Violet trait!

Saturday our electricity was off from 8:15 to 4:30pm. Now, I thought for sure we were going to be out for days!! Which I believe made the whole experience a little worse for me. I learned how many things we take for granted. The wood stove provided us with warm heat, and we read books, and played in the basement. I did not realize how much I am used to praise music playing in the background, how many times I glance at the electrical clocks, and the joy of running water. I would say I missed the running water the most. Washing our hands, flushing toilets, even cleaning the house! It pretty much put a stop to most things. Even the coffee maker!!!!!! We were melting buckets of snow so we could flush toilets! The kids thought it was a wonderful adventure and after electricity was restored, the kids were playing a game called No Electricity! I was walking around thanking God for the electricity we had. Even woke up this morning expressing my thankfulness for the electricity.