An Atwood-born, Arthur adjacent, former Amish congregant talks candidly about leaving the church at age 11 with her immediate family. Why? In broad terms, her parents wanted to emphasize the family’s relationship with God and worry less about the stringent rules set forth by the church. 

 Listen as this fearless young woman confidently explains why the rules: using a riding lawnmower, going to a play, taking part in meals with people outside the church led to ex-communication until a formal apology is issued. Gayle talks about how she just wanted to be like everyone else, how her family was bad at being Amish, how you had to earn the right to know her history, how her remaining Amish grandparents are still her favorite people, the FASCINATING custom of Rumspringa and how the retention rate, despite the strict rules, remains high in the community. Clothing, education, food, marriage, technology and woodworking are all discussed. Listen up to learn about a mysterious community so close to us yet light-years away.

🎅📷 🎅📷I’d like to thank this episode’s sponsor, Pixels by Emily. Pixels by Emily is hosting a FREE and EXCLUSIVE (are there two better words?) Christmas in June event on Thursday, June 29th and Friday, June 30th at her NEW Mahomet Studio, 704 E. Franklin St., in Mahomet. Here, Santa will be surrounded by decked halls, yummy treats and a personalized frame for each child to take home. Listen to Santa’s tales from his summer vacation on the 9:30 and 10:30 hour. Feel free to pop in when you can. Make sure your name is on Santa’s nice list before the event! Visit pixelsbyemily.com/storytime-with-santa to register!🎅📷 🎅📷

I am adding video podcasting to my repertoire of mediums. During this transition, I have banked a batch of episodes in the new studio. The infrastructure and powers that be aren't quite ready. If you want to listen to the audio version as normal, NOTHING will change for you. However, if you want to WATCH the full-length podcast, that option will now be available. In the meantime, stay with me and listen to these still relevant recordings of the HyperLocal(s) Podcast.

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