Brenda Nixon's Blog, page 14

Don't See It or Hear It? Then It Doesn't Exist!Thanks to ...

Don't See It or Hear It? Then It Doesn't Exist!
Thanks to those of you who read or subscribe to my blog. Evidently you've learned a bit about the complex Amish culture and discovered that I'm sharing my experiences with ex-Amish to help others see a truer picture of the culture than the rosy, everything-is-perfect Amish fiction books.

Although truth is better than fiction, many people choose to absorb themselves in the fantasy, half-truth that EVERYTHING Amish is splendid, they cannibalize rom...

What? Why? How? An ex-Amish Interview

Last pic of Amish Josh English JoshI interviewed 25-year-old Josh, asking the questions some of you might ask him. Josh is a valued part of our Nixon family; legally he’s my son-in-law’s cousin so we are related by marriage but, Josh has moved into our hearts; emotionallyhe belongs to us.

What was the best part of growing up Amish?
 
"For me, the best part was sitting around the table to eat with family; Amish seem to value family. They all help each other such as barn raisings (nobody gets...

What? Why? How? An ex-Amish InterviewLast pic of Amish Jo...

What? Why? How? An ex-Amish Interview Last pic of Amish Josh English JoshI interviewed 25-year-old Josh, asking the questions some of you might ask him. Josh is a valued part of our Nixon family; legally he’s my son-in-law’s cousin so we are related by marriage but, Josh has moved into our hearts; emotionallyhe belongs to us.

What was the best part of growing up Amish?
 
"For me, the best part was sitting around the table to eat with family; Amish seem to value family. They all help each othe...

Cost and Rules of Buggy Ownership

First, remember we have multiple comments & discussion under each post so don't miss out; subscribe by entering your email (on the right) and stay "in the loop" for my blog! (I write a new blog about once a week so you won't be flooded with incoming alerts.)

Second, a gentle reminder that posts along with comments and discussion are copyrighted material. Please don't copy and paste anything from this blog without my knowledge and written permission. Thanks for respecting this law and...

The Cost & Rules of Buggy OwnershipFirst, remember we...

The Cost & Rules of Buggy Ownership
First, remember we have multiple comments & discussion under each post so don't miss out; subscribe by entering your email (on the right) and stay "in the loop" for my blog! (I write a new blog about once a week so you won't be flooded with incoming alerts.)

Second, a gentle reminder that posts along with comments and discussion are copyrighted material. Please don't copy and paste anything from this blog without my knowledge and written permissi...

Privacy and Protection

Have you noticed I don't publish the last name of "my guys" who are ex-Amish? Never will.

Sensitive to the consequences, I discussed this topic previously with Mosie and Josh. My daughter suggested that I change names to a pseudonym to protect them.

Today we discussed it with Harvey, my son-in-law. I chatted on the phone with a lady who used to teach in an Amish school. She's givng me permission to share her experiences, firsthand observations, and spiritual compassion for the Amish. "Don't...

Privacy and ProtectionYou may have noticed I don't publis...

Privacy and Protection
You may have noticed I don't publish the last name of "my guys" who are ex-Amish. Never will.

Sensitive to the consequences, I discussed this topic previously with Mosie and Josh. My daughter suggested that I change names to a pseudonym to protect them.

Today we discussed it with Harvey, my son-in-law. I chatted on the phone with a lady who used to teach in an Amish school. She's givng me permission to share her experiences, firsthand observations, and spiri...

Amish Gma

No, it's not Good Morning America as some suggested. Gma (pronounced G-maay) is their word for church. You’ll see a reference to this in Appendix C of my book. Mosie lived with us for a year and during that time he explained many Amish words and traditions to me.
From him and frequent contact with other ex-Amish of the Old or Swartzentruber Order, I learned that obeying the Ordnung (ordinance letter), conforming to tradition, and submission to parents make them worthy of God’s favor and Heaven...

Amish GmaNo, it's not Good Morning America as some sugges...

Amish Gma
No, it's not Good Morning America as some suggested. Gma (pronounced G-maay) is their word for church. You’ll see a reference to this in Appendix C of my book. Mosie lived with us for a year and during that time he explained many Amish words and traditions to me.From him and frequent contact with other ex-Amish of the Old or Swartzentruber Order, I learned that obeying the Ordnung (ordinance letter), conforming to tradition, and submission to parents make them worthy of God’s favor a...

MosieHe softly crept out the door of his farm house...

 MosieHe softly crept out the door of his farm house. It was a still, dark night. For two miles he walked along the shadowy country road and debated his decision to leave. 
Eighteen-year-old Mosie, born into a New York Amish family, one of twelve children, turned from his society and all he knew because “there had to be more.” Tears welled up in his eyes as he feared being caught and stopped, and dreaded the painful shunning if he succeeded. Wearing his handmade, Amish clothes, and w...