Posts by Saloma Furlong
Amish Once Removed: New Educational Horizons
It is with a great deal of enthusiasm that I announce an upcoming symposium called “Amish Once Removed: New Educational Horizons” that will be held next summer at the Young Center at Elizabethtown College. Some time ago, I was brainstorming with Steve Nolt, Director at the Young Center, about the possibility of having a group…
Read MoreNostalgia in Amish Country
Nostalgia locates desire in the past where it suffers no active conflict and can be yearned toward pleasantly. ~ Robert Hass Several days ago when my husband David and I were in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania for the retreat I attended, we stayed an extra day so that we could meet up with our son,…
Read MoreA Soul-Nurturing Experience
There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you. ~ Maya Angelou This past weekend I attended a Safe Communities retreat in Ephrata, Pennsylvania at the beautiful Hurst Bed and Breakfast. The retreat was led by Linda Crockett, Lyn Barrett, and Mark Harris, and it was exactly what I needed at this…
Read MoreBefore Dawn
Photo by April Sachs on July 20, 2022 during her year of taking sunrise photos each morning The darkest hour is always before dawn. ~ English Proverb I was reminded of the truth of this proverb on Easter weekend. Friday evening David and I attended the Tennebrae Service at our church (Park View Mennonite Church).…
Read MoreWhen Someone Leaves the Amish
The Roads Taken There are as many paths out of an Amish community as there are those who have left. The one most often taken is the one towards what many call “spiritual freedom.” In most Amish communities, it is not encouraged to study or interpret the Bible for oneself. There is more emphasis on…
Read MoreIntroduction: About Amish and Beyond
Prepare for the new; expect the new; embrace the new. Otherwise, you’ll just repeat what’s old. ~ Marianne Williamson Ever so long ago (in 2009), I started my first blog, About Amish. At that time, I felt like a lone voice trying to challenge widespread misconceptions about the Amish. Many of them came from the…
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