The Amish are personal friends of my family. Although I haven’t lived there for 8 or 9 years, when I did live there they cared for my children.

They are lovely people, but I’m finding there is a huge break down in the religious side of things. They are now becoming Christian Amish or Staunch Amish.

Many of the children are leaving the Staunch Amish side of things and going Christian Amish. Still they are lovely people.

The children are not only leaving, the brethren are shunning some of the children and these children’s families, for reasons like bike riding (they are not allowed to operate machinery with rubber wheels), for reading the King James Version of the bible, for speaking English in the church, for getting hearing aids for the young ones, and the like.

I do have to say that this is what is being found in Parke County. I can’t speak for other counties in Indiana and Illinois.

In general, I have found them lovely people and devoted friends.