One of my author pals, Stephanie Reed, who writes Amish fiction (yes, fiction and non-fiction authors can be friends) was amazed and fascinated with the diverse readership here. Stephanie suggested I write a post about the many readers from various countries.
It appears not just Americans are eager to learn about the Amish.
Since my blog launch in December 2012,
United States composes the highest number readership at 79,916
Canada gives me 3,544 readers followed by the
UK with 3,180 readers and
Australia brings in 1,435 learners.
I'm appreciative and amazed. Thanks for your hunger, to learn real facts, about the Amish and feeding it at my blog!
Like cultural anthropologist, Margaret Mead, said, "I was brought up to believe that the only thing worth doing was to add to the sum of accurate information in the world." Guess I'd never make a good fiction writer because I prefer to read and write nonfiction. Entertainment is great - occasionally I read a fictional murder mystery - but accurate information is my hunger.
If you're reading my blog from a country outside of the United States leave your comment naming your country and why you read Beyond Buggies and Bonnets.
C'mon other countries - proudly post your name in the Comments below! Just say something like, "I'm from New Zealand, France, Austria, etc., and I read your blog because..." Thank you for participating!
Thanks for the mention, Brenda. It will be interesting to see who responds!
ReplyDeleteYou're most welcome Stephanie. I appreciation post suggestions.
DeleteHopefully, readers here in the USA will also shout-out the name of their state. I, for one, live in Ohio, which is home to the largest number of Amish settlements nationwide.
I forgot to check in from Ohio as well!
DeleteI am from Alabama...loving your blogs Brenda!
DeleteGlen Beachy, from British Columbia Canada. First time here, I will return. Amish ancestors in my past and present.
DeleteGrew up in California and became interested in the Amish while living there, but now live in Ohio.
DeleteI live in Eastern, Upstate NY!
ReplyDeleteSouthern TN
ReplyDeleteWashington State, and soon, Idaho!
ReplyDeleteAwesome!!!!!! Isn't this fun?
ReplyDeleteFrom Hawaii, now why not? It's as good as everyone says and more when you get to know the people.
ReplyDeleteI live in OHIO!! I love this blog!! I learn so many things every time there is a new post!! I like learning about other cultures and the Amish are around a lot where I live but they are so separate and I have always been curious! I know a lot of novels romanticize the Amish and TV shows are just weird and unrealistic!! I like learning and I love that Brenda ALWAYS emphasizes that every Amish community is different and what she knows about some Amish is not a flat, across the board rule for everyone! It's just so interesting! Thanks for writing the Blog!
ReplyDeleteYa Gary, we feel sorry for you living in Hawaii. lol
DeleteEmma K, I'll send you the payment for this glowing endorsement! lol Thanks bunches! I'm thrilled you like to learn. If society is intrigued with the Amish, they might as well get the truth, right?
"Tuscaloosa Alabama. Home of the famous Crimson Tide." Says Ed Gingerich, who left the Amish many years ago. He said my blog wouldn't let him post so he asked that I'd do it for him :-)
ReplyDeleteFrom Costa Rica <3
ReplyDeleteI hail from the united state of Texas. :) My adopted state for over 20 years.
ReplyDeleteI'm from northern Indiana. Every time I see your reader numbers go up, I get very happy, Brenda. Way to go!
ReplyDeleteSouthern Ohio here and it's impressive how many people from foreign countries are interested in the Amish. Thank you Brenda for an interesting blog.
ReplyDeleteNewark, Ohio
ReplyDeleteMara Rúbia Lange- I'm from southern Brazil. Of German descent, was raised in a family where cooking on wood stoves, made the bread in the house, there was no electricity and every housewife belonging to our family, sewed for all her offspring and her husband. Keep it until today, so on, of course. With the exception of the electric light, the rest I still maintain. Love the Amish way of life and live the most I can his teachings. This is starting to extend to the whole family: my son, just now, is getting a wood stove. This is wonderful!
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful to hear from you all the way from Brazil. Thanks for reading this blog and always feel welcome to leave any comments or questions.
ReplyDeleteI am amish and a born again christian. If there is anyone that has questions about the amish and what we believe I would be glad to answer them for you. I work at The Amish and Mennonite Heritage Center in Berlin Ohio and get to share my faith with people from all over the world.You can contact me at Lester Beachy 3468 TR 166 SugarcreekOhio 44681
DeleteThank you Lester for your gracious offer to my blog readers. I believe you told me you're New Order, which makes you the polar opposite of the Swartzentruber Order of Amish, whom I have experience and relationships with, and blog about. So you & I could present some interesting education to readers.
ReplyDeleteAnd if any readers want to visit Berlin, Ohio (USA) it presents an interesting saturation of Amish - from various orders.
I am one of your Australian readers. I have always been interested in a simple, from scratch, homemade, farming lifestyle. I was first introduced to the Amish through Christian fiction. I read your blog and others like it to ensure I can tamper what I read with reality. We do not have Amish as such here in Australia ( although there are other conservative groups). I find their lifestyle interesting to read about. Thanks for an informative blog
ReplyDeleteBlessings
Renata:)
Hey Renata from down under - WELCOME. Tonight someone asked me why I think there's such a fascination with the Amish. I guess it's because many people yearn for an uncomplicated, peaceful life and they believe the Amish encompass these attributes.
DeleteGlad you find my blog informative. It's the educator in me :-)
Hi friends, Brenda saw your post on face book to Lester Graber about the Book Plain Faith. Well we are the author and live on Montana . Being former amish I'm interested in what is being said about the them. Its fun to share that it takes God where ever who ever you are to live in peace! Blessings to all
ReplyDeleteOra Jay Eash
Welcome Ora-Jay! Thanks for reading & leaving a comment. Lester has contributed much to this blog as have many former Amish. It's purpose is to tell stories to help educate other about the multi-layered Amish culture. We're blessed with a former Amish son-in-law and many ex-Amish friends. We've opened our home to ex-Amish many times & have "adopted" 2 sons - Mosie & Monroe - both from the Swartzentruber Order.
DeleteOur goal is to bring many to freedom in this world of religion,Right!!! Whoever and however the Lord leads.
ReplyDeleteI'm from Austria in Europe and I read your blog because I'm really interested in Amish culture and I think you provide great inside into the Amish culture and traditions.
ReplyDeleteWelcome Isa all the way from Austria. Feel welcome to leave your questions or comments anytime.
DeleteI am from Poland. I visited Lancaster, PA this September (always wanted to see the Amish Country) and started to look for more information on the Amish culture. And so I found your blog. I have now read all your posts from the beginning in 2012 and I love them all. I have learned a lot. Everything you write about is extremely interesting and I cannot wait to read more. Thank you for that. I keep my fingers crossed for all of your ex Amish children and friends, so they find peace, happiness and their own place in the world.
ReplyDeleteI come from the northeastern part of Knox County, which by now is part of Amish Country. (Note the hitch rails at local businesses in Danville, which were not part of the town when I was young.) Southeastern Knox County now has Amish communities. I delivered pizza there, and by the few or absent lights on buggies and other indicators I believe most of them are Swartzentruber or Old Order.
ReplyDeleteThank you foothillbilly. I, too, am in Knox County and I believe we have OOA and Swartzentrubers. I've learned that many Kentucky Amish are moving up to Knox County especially around Fredericktown and especially Waterford Road.
DeleteAlaska, but lots of family in Northern Indiana among lots of Amish. The Amish helped build my brothers house.
ReplyDeleteI am reading from the south of England, UK. I really enjoyed reading your blog and learning about the realities of living Amish, as well as the challenges facing those who leave. I live on a dairy farm and teach also, but love learning about history and other cultures. I've read extensively about the Amish and appreciated your experiences and balanced blog, especially regarding the Swartzentruber order. Thank you! Jennifer
ReplyDeleteWelcom Jennifer! Since you love learning, I hope you have opportunity to read through the many posts here.
DeleteI haven't posted any new information recently but, I'm stil involved in helping those who've left Amish to adapt to the outside (English) world :)
Currently it's Sam, Chris, and Mike.