He Restoreth My Soul

Sunday morning David and I realized we hadn’t made any plans for the weekend because our lives have been so busy. We felt like getting away from our everyday life, so I called our long-time friends, Janel and Paul Gamm, and asked them if we could come to their Labor Day party. Janel and I…

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Rebecca Questions Answered 2

Stephanie Reed wrote: Has Rebecca had a chance to begin attending a Bible-believing church since she left? I believe that’s a hugely important step in her journey, one that will provide a whole community of support in addition to yours, not to mention setting her on a path to healing. Rebecca has chosen not to…

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Rebecca Questions Answered

Elin wrote: Would Rebecca perhaps like to tell us a bit what it has been like this far to be out of the Amish? It must be a very emotional experience, both good and bad, at least I would guess so myself. Rebecca says, “Yes, it is emotional.” She describes one example of something good…

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Heath Fair and Introducing “Rebecca”

So last Sunday was the Heath Fair. I ate no fried dough, I stayed away from cotton candy (what I think of as colored steel wool), and I took no rides. For me it was fun to walk around and see the people, hear authors speaking in the authors’ tent, listen to music, see the…

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Amish Manners

“Dave” emailed me these comments and questions in regard to Amish humor. I’m glad you posted this. Just Saturday evening, we had supper with a young Old Order family which we recently befriended. After supper, Elena washed the dishes while Amos and his children retired to the living room. We enjoyed light conversation with some…

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The Heath Fair

When I lived in Burton, Ohio I knew that the Geauga County Fair happened every year. Some of the Amish youth went to it and had fun there, but it was supposed to be off limits for the us. I was a goody-two-shoes, so I never went there. Here is a photo that "proves" the…

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An Amish Handshake

One of the little-known facts about the Amish in general (and I’m sure there are exceptions, given there is such diversity among the Amish) is that they are not demonstrative in their affections. In my home community, hugging and kissing was just never done as a way of greeting people or saying good-bye. Handshakes were…

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Amish Humor

Lindsae wrote: My questions is about humor in Amish culture. Do Amish people appreciate things like satire, sarcasm, etc.? Do children and families tell jokes, sing funny songs, and pull harmless pranks on one another? Do they use humor as a way to diffuse tension, deal with grief, or make people feel better? Lindsae, the Amish…

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Answering Questions

Bonnie wrote: I found your book very moving. You have certainly embraced this new life and I am very happy for you. My question (feel free to not answer if this will cause you trouble with your Amish family) what punishment if any happened to your brother? Bonnie, while I was in the community, my…

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Your Questions

Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning.   ~ Albert Einstein It has been a while since I offered this, and I know many of you have signed up recently to my blog. So, I would like to offer to answer your questions in my…

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