Our New Hutterite BFF

Yesterday we were on farm roads in Eastern Washington with NOTHING for miles. We came to a corner where there was a large farming operation with quite a few attached houses and other buildings.

A man had stopped his truck in the middle of the road and was waiting for us. He asked what we were doing and if we wanted a few cherries - his truck was full of them. But then he said "follow me - I want to give you something". So of course we did.

Edward Stahl is the head of the Hutterite Colony and took us into their community kitchen/storage area. It was SO amazing! He kept handing us food and when we said it was enough or we didn't have a lot of room he would reply with "That's not my problem, I'm going to take care of you." It was hilarious. Here is a list of everything he gave us:

- Cherries, strawberries, blueberries

- Carrots, peas & cucumbers

- Rhubarb Pie

- Sausage and lunch meat (that they made)

- Rolls & a sandwhich

- Potatoes & onion

We also chatted about the Hutterite religion and community. Edward described it as "The highest level of communism without being red." He was so happy and kind to us. Their operations were really impressive.... I would have loved to stay longer and meet more of the community, but unfortunately, we still had a long way to ride.

Did I mention that we ate like kings for the rest of the day?! The food was amazingly fresh and delicious!

Then later that evening, Edward called me (I had given him one of the cards about our ride). He just wanted to make sure we got to Ritzville and were doing ok. He then told me to call him when we get to the East Coast so he'll know we made it.

You better believe I'm giving him a call that day! I'm excited to have Edward celebrate that occasion with us!