In this episode, we have two special guests who have left the Amish community to live a life of freedom as Christians. Saloma Hershberger and Katie Garber share their stories of growing up in a conservative Amish community, the rules and values they learned, and their decision to leave.

During the podcast, Saloma and Katie discuss their experiences growing up, including the religious abuse, fear-mongering, and control within their communities. They also discuss the values that they still hold dear, including gardening, work ethic and life skills, which were taught by their parents.

Key Points:

• Saloma and Katie left the Amish community to live a life of freedom as Christians.
• They have a passion for sharing their story and have an Instagram channel.
• Saloma grew up in a very old conservative Amish community and left when she was 17.
• Katie also came from an old order Amish family of eight and had no permission to go on vacations.
• The Amish community that Saloma and Katie come from did not have a church building; church was held in people's houses, which had to be cleaned from top to bottom.
• Each Amish community has its own rules, and the bishop is the one who makes the rules.
• The decision-making process in the community is through voting, and the rule with the most votes is implemented.
• The reason for not allowing Amish people to go on vacations or drive with drivers is unknown.
• Religious abuse, fear mongering, and control within communities.
• Katie and Salome still value gardening, work ethic, cooking skills, baking skills, garden skills, sewing, and cleaning skills, which were taught by her parents.
• The Amish community values helping others and coming together to pitch in, such as building a house without being paid.
• If every community taught and learned together, the world could be a better place.
• Enjoying modern conveniences, including electricity, hot water, and cold running water.
• The Amish community used a big kettle to heat up hot water, and they had to replace as much water as they took out to keep it hot for the next person.

Links Mentioned:

Katie Instagram: https://instagram.com/garberkatielee?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

Saloma Instagram: https://instagram.com/saloma_hershberger?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

www.amycassels.com

https://twitter.com/amy_cassels?lang=en

https://www.instagram.com/acassels/?hl=en

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBzoQfLNzz_ieatgaoWDTcw

Mentioned in this episode:

NingxiaRed

Sparkle Dust