Great to hear from you!!

I am happy to answer your questions.  It would be amazing to actually answer the students questions in person. 

First of all, yes it is extremely hard to leave the Amish community.  Anyone who is a member of the church and leaves to go to another church outside the Amish faith is severely shunned, cut off from family and friends.  

This has effected all of my 7 sons. 

Today they are all grown and have families of their own. They do not regret us leaving the Amish World. They've become successful business men and I also have 20 beautiful,  smart, intelligent grandchildren. 

Secondly, yes we could go back if we chose to but we would have to kneel in front of the church and repent for leaving and then we would be placed on probation.  We would have to go through their protocol before being accepted into the church again.

I love my people.  I admire many things about their culture and I miss the simplicity of the lifestyle.  I miss the companionship of my siblings. I've missed out on so much. I have neices and nephews that I've never known simply because I chose a different path then the Amish faith.

The Amish have an advantage over most Americans in that they are somewhat self sufficient.  They can live without the modern conveniences.  While power outages can cripple the modern world,  they go on with their everyday lives because they live without electricity or have solar power and generators.  

They have an outstanding work ethic. 

They all work together and help each other. 

I miss all of these things and more. But I would still choose the route I've taken and do not regret leaving. 

I am a free spirit and will not be stifled or quenched and held back. 

Thank you again for reaching out to me. 

Please feel free to stay in touch. 

Who knows, one day I may be able to come in person and speak to your class and answer questions 

Warmly,