On Monday we were part of a guided tour of Kalona, IA; an Amish community located about 15 miles southwest of Iowa City. The "English" (anyone who is not Amish is called English by the Amish) tend to live in Kalona while the Amish live on farms surrounding Kalona. Mennonites also live in and around Kalona. The Amish and Mennonites have a common heritage and set of beliefs. The main differences between them are that Amish use buggies and avoid electricity while Mennonites drive cars and use electricity.

Amish quilts

Old building with a display of washing machines

The Figgins home built in 1842

Sunday School statistics posted in a Mennonite Church

A buggy repair and manufacturing shop. Depending on options, a new buggy costs between $6,000 and $9,000. The owner of this business is so busy that it takes a new owner two years to get delivery.

Four-seater

A new buggy frame and wheels

A tractor with metal wheels used by an Amish farmer

14 temple missionaries at dinner in a Mennonite home.
We held hands and recited the Lord's Prayer before eating, which is traditional.

The roast beef dinner was prepared by Salina Bontrager and her granddaughter Tiffany. Salina is an 82-year-old conservative Mennonite who loves cooking.