Staying in an Amish home can be a memorable experience
Outsiders often express the desire to visit and even stay with the Amish, to experience Amish life firsthand. Some are motivated by sheer curiosity, or an admiration for the Amish lifestyle. Others may even come to this request out of a desire to explore the lifestyle for the purpose of joining. Such individuals are often referred to as “seekers”.
While some seekers do eventually join the Amish, this is typically quite rare. It is difficult both to join successfully, and to remain Amish if one does join. Challenges can stem from adapting to the lifestyle—if one does not grow up in the culture, the Amish themselves often say, it can be very difficult to adopt.
That said, some may wish to experience living with an Amish family firsthand. While not impossible to stay with an Amish family, it helps to have some connections in the community. Due to the sheer number of requests we receive, we are unable to connect individuals with Amish families. That said, there are a few steps one can take.
Why do you want to stay with an Amish family?
It’s worth asking, why do you want to stay with an Amish family? If it is to get a better experience of Amish life—rather than through traditional tourist activities—there may be other alternatives.
Some Amish do serve meals in their homes, which gives one both the chance to visit the interior of an authentic Amish home, eat a delicious meal, and converse with the owners. Some Amish even offer the possibility of overnight homestays. There are such home businesses run by Amish in Lancaster County, Arthur, Illinois, and in other communities. A first step is to contact the tourist bureau in the area you are interested in visiting.
Form a relationship with an Amish person
The best way to visit an Amish home, of course, is to visit as a friend. Becoming friends with an Amish person or family is of course easier to do in person. At the risk of stating the obvious, Amish are people too, are often interested in how people from beyond their communities live, and enjoy many of the same subjects the rest of us do.
Striking up a conversation when visiting an Amish business or while at an auction or other event where Amish are present may be a way to do just that. Forming and developing relationships takes some work and an honest heart but the rules are generally the same as with any other people.
Remember however that Amish value modesty in dress, appreciate family and community, are church-going and live by the dictates of the Bible. This does not mean that Amish are particularly stuffy, however, and appreciate a good joke and warm companionship as much as anyone else.
Having formed an authentic relationship, it’s possible you may receive an invitation to visit. It’s certainly not unheard of as Amish much enjoy visiting, both with Amish and non-Amish friends, and it is a primary social activity in Amish culture.
Learn more about the Amish
Spending some time reading non-fiction books and learning more about Amish culture can also help you when trying to understand and relate to Amish.
There are numerous resources available by which to learn more about the Amish. Here is an Amish reading list of worthwhile books on Amish society and faith. Also, read the Amish America blog and try subscribing by RSS or email to keep up to date with new posts.
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I’ve read about people staying in an Amish run b&b and googled to see if it were actually possible to plan a short stay in one. I happened across this link…is it? My son would have a blast and so would I!
Looking to stay with Amish family
Like others I am looking to stay with a Amish family for a weekend. I am extremely interested in their way of living. Ever since I was young I have always felt that I had some connection to the older plainer lifestyle. I would love to stay a weekend and just learn whatever they are willing to teach me. The idea of starting a friendship with someone first is a really good idea. I read somewhere that you can post an ad in the Amish paper stating that you are English and looking for an Amish pen pal. That might be a great place to start making a friend.
Um, would they host a dinner if a family was TRULY and genuinely considering joining the Amish community? I AM serious, and WILL do anything!!!
I would like to stay a few days w/Amish family
It would great for my wife and i to stay for a few days or longer with an real amish family.I really enjoy their old fashioned life style.I wonder how much would it cost?
please email me back
cookiegirl53@aol.com
Reply would be GREAT!
you should inquire about it in your local Amiish newspaper.
If you put a notice in the paper stating that you are English and would like a family to host a dinner there are some very kind Amish women who would do so for you. I would try to find a widow because it is often their only means of support. Good luck.
I have an Amish pen friend who I met through another friend in Indiana. I have visited them a few times and I know that if I wrote and asked them whether I could stay they would want to know when I was coming. They are genuinely good people and once friends they are friends for life.
I recently graduated University with a BA in Psychology and before I apply for graduate school, I have a deep desire to live and work with an Amish family for around a month, or however long they will let me stay. I would like to study their culture and, if possible, film and document my time spent in their lifestyle. I am sure that finding a family that would be accepting of me filming and taking pictures will be difficult to find and I do want to be conscientious of their wishes. Does anyone know how I could even begin the process of finding an Amish family who will let me live with and work for them?
Thank you!
Reply to Lindsey Hollmann
Dear Lindsey, I was always currius about Amish culture I live in New Jersey for 30 years My husband and I go to Lancaster, PA alot we used to take our 2 girls there when they were young alot. We go once a month there I feel like i’m in another world so peaceful and relaxing.and the food is out of this world… We shop, eat in real Amish Resturants and drive the back roads for hrs. and say to each other could you live like that, what if? why don’t they? the questions we ask each other. So we start buying books on it and read up about their lives, being in an Amish family. One day we ask our neighboros if they like to go to Lancaster for dinner they said they have Amish friends there they go to their church and have dinner at their home I told her I would love to do it if we were aloud to join them she said yes.. They have B&B they stay for the weekend and go to their real home for dinner. So we are going there in Oct. for a weekend her and her husband and my husband and I I can’t wait to meet them and go to their church and join them for a meal in their home. I will contact you after our visit and let you know how it was.. I talk to alot of Amish when I go there all the time. but never asked if I could stay or go to their home.
Jane, Jersey Girl
How can I stay with an Amish family? I read your post and I have been very interested in doing what you did. I live in albany ny and I work with elementary special education school. My teacher and I have been wanting to do this for so long. Can you help us?
visiting a Amish Family
I am visiting America and meeting up with my sister and her daughter who live in Australia, we have seen documents of the Amish people and was wondering if it was possible to visit you when we arrive in Pennsylvania Your Sincerely Val Thacker.I am 67 yrs old.
Please help
I live in the uk, I
My hearts desire is to live and become Amish, could anyone help me please please. I cannot find any details how to contact anyone to help me so I’m praying I may find some help here thank you for taking time to read this
Dissatisfaction with our own lifestyle!.
Having read most of the answers to questions re: Amish Living, I can well believe we are all fearful of the liberation we enjoy but wholly abused. Sex abuse, alcohol and drug abuse ‘living together’
before marriage, un-wed mothers, same-sex marriages, euthanasia,
gross bad language (Profanity) Sexual body abuses, child molestation, phonography, Internet abuse. I could go on and on as to how we humans are rotten to the core, and despite all this, God see the best in each of us because He loves us. therefore, the way of Amish is enlightening, but rules too harsh by church authorities in each group, for God unites us all through His son Jesus Christ, and to ban sons and daughters for whatever cause, is sinful! Have your strict rules, but love and cherish your sons and daughters, or you will be very lonely. God bless you all.
Im amish i could help amyone out with questions reguarding being able to stay with a family. If your in ohio possibly i could do my best to set someone up 🙂 call.me at 330-212-0551.
I would like to visit, stay, work & go to church with an Amish Family
I’ve read many many books on the Amish culture. I’ve visted only in Sarasota FL. That was unlike what I’ve read about the Amish in other States. It was fun visiting & the food was AMAZING! I’m quite drawn to your way of life. I respect and admire your daily lives. Respecting others, family, the hard work, belief’s, & the decipline to remain strong in your faith. I often have thought how great this simple lifestyle would be. It would be beneficial if but some of this was used in the English world. People are so lost & I find it sad. I find all one can do, is pray and give all to God. Especially when one doesn’t understand the why’s?
I would absolutely LOVE to visit & stay with the Amish for at the very least of a couple weeks or longer? I actually would like to stay, work, & really emerge myself solely in this lifstyle.
I would like to get to know some in the community before I visit. Maybe if somebody would like to write back & forth with me. A new friend is always welcoming.
I’m a 45 year old Christian woman. I’ve two children, a boy & a girl. Nick 23 & Andi 15 yrs of age. Once I visit and get some time to experience this lifestyle for myself. I would love to introduce my daughter & son to your ways. I know this would be so very good for me and my children. I need some simple in my life. I’m not shy to hard work 🙂
Feel free to E-mail me. Also if anyone would like to write. I would love to offer my mailing address thereafter.
I’ll look forward to any info you can provide…
Thank you
Tammy Chamblin
how to send my kids to an amish family
hi I’m a 41 yr old lady. me n my husband have 2 kids boy & girl their ages r 16 & 18. we r interested in sending our kids to a AMISH family to hopefully teach them respect n to b honest to each other. our kids r very dishonest every time they r asked if they have done anything, they use profanity almost all the time. we tell that there’s no need for them to use profanity as much as they use it.they don’t even have respect for themselves. can anyone help us get our kids to an amish family.please feel free to email me n please letm no on my comment. thank u, Gina Fraser
send my kids....
I’ve never heard of any Amish families running a boot camp for families in this kind of crisis.
Reply to Gina Fraser w/ Q. "How Can I Send Kids to An Amish Family f/ Discipline?" It's time f/ you & your husband 2begin a relationship w/ Lord, yourselves.. & to learn how to discipline your own children, correctly. The Amish can't do f/ you what God has ordained you to do as parents, nor should they.
I’m sorry if this sounds mean, but God designed & equipped you both (u & your husband).. to do the job of disciplining your own children. & to do this well, requires a strong & personal relationship w/ The Lord. You both need to come to know Him f/ yourselves, personally, first. Discipline should come from the home, (& the heart, w/ LOVE,) & not depend on outsiders, f/ it. You both should discipline yourselves, first first..so that both you & your husband get into God’s Word, daily, seriously study & obey it, learn to do what God & His Word says, & come to know Him, personally. Yield your hearts & your lives, fully to Him. Surrender & yield everything to HIS care. Learn day by day more & more how to love HIM, FIRST. Learn to love His Word, & put Him first in everything you think, say, & do. & Actually live The Word of God in your own lives. Obey The Word, The Lord, & listen for & yield always to His Holy Spirit. If you do this, & do it all w/ genuine love, intelligence, & increase your Faith in HIM, your children will follow your good examples, & want to obey you, & be more like you, disciplined & obedient.. This is what the Amish do. They live out the Word of God every day & night of their lives. Or they try to, as best anyone can, like we all do. & No one can do that w/out Jesus in their lives, w/ the help of The Holy Spirit. Jesus surrendered His life, f/ us.. You’ll then be leading your own children, by example, as you obey the Higher Authority over you, (Him!) When they see how much you love them & God, enough to sacrifice what you thought was more important to you than God, & they watch you loving The Lord & making & keeping HIM a top priority in your lives, they’ll want to have that same love & kindness, patience & self control, & all of the fruits of the Spirit that you have in your lives, & they’ll see (& feel) a big difference in you, & they’ll want to be like you & to follow in your footsteps. The discipline The AMISH use is simply teaching their children to follow The Word of God. & His Holy Spirit. It isn’t all just about following rules or discipline, though. It goes much deeper than that. It’s a matter of the heart. It’s about honoring God, both outwardly, & in the heart, too, in all your do & say & think (which is hard, sometimes, because of our flesh). Honoring God, hard work, discipline, obeying The Word of God…loving family & friends & others… builds character. The rules are there only to establish wonderful God honoring guidelines, guideposts, & lifestyles. & Word-based habits & lifestyles, starting when they are tiny, (or even in the womb), when they hear their parents singing hymns, or saying prayers & praying together, or the whole church praising God. The ordnung, Amish “rules” are there only to center their lives around God.. & thus, also around the church, & loving & caring f/ ea. other & others, & maintaining close-knit caring loving families. (vs. divorce, ego, breakdown of the family & single parenting, & lack of God in daily life,) (often replaced w/ the sinful influences of the culture around us in the modern “English” world) Their lifestyle is designed to honor God, & to keep them from being influenced & touched by sin. (all of those horrible sins prevalent in the world today & listed in the post by Dominica Wynne, titled, “Dissatisfaction w/ Our Own Lifestyle!, above..) Unfortunately, Sin is deeply embedded in the modern society, culture, & world. So the Amish set themselves apart from these sinful influences, which sins the modern world & cultures take for granted & consider “normal”..(which it is not).
Sorry to write @ length. Just wanted to make it clear that sending your kids off f/ someone else, another family, to discipline them f/ you, isn’t how this works. You need the self-discipline to do this job yourselves, not toss the chore & responsibility off onto someone else outside of the home. Kids need their parents to role model life f/ them..to learn from Mom & Dad, daily, in their own homes. They already admire & look up to & want to emulate & learn from & obey their own parents (unless our English schools, the media, the internet, other lost or disobedient kids, teach them that it is cool to be irreverent & do otherwise, or..parents are too busy f/ the kids..& kids don’t rcv. the love & support & Godly role models that they need @ home..so they look elsewhere f/ these…espec. when there is barely any discipline (or God) in the home, & the parents neglect the children or aren’t lovingly taking the time & patience it requires to patiently teach the children, w/ love, how to obey, how to do things they’ll need to know as adults, how to love God, & grow into confident, deeply loved & cherished, conscientious & caring, responsible, self-disciplined adults w/ strong moral compasses & character, who know, love, & honor God f/ themselves.
reply to sara mea miller
Hello Sara,
How are you? I am 14 years old and live only about 30 minutes from amish country in Millersburg and want to become Amish. I know God is leading me to this lifestyle and am completely ready and willing to follow His plan. My family is very happy for me and are in complete agreeance. Is there any way to stay with an Amish family. My parents would have to meet them first though. Thank you so much!
God bless you!
Mary
staying with the amish
I am looking for an amish pen pal. I am also curious as to how i can stay with an amish family for a weekend. I am an author and would like the opportunity to interview an amish family, if possible. I await a reaponse.
Sara Mae Miller Tyler Ross
If Your Amish how are you on here?
Would love to visit with a true Amish family, who would be open to having a dinner with my wife and i
Good Day,
My name is Dana and my wife’s name is Amy. I am originally from Boston, MA, born and raised and did 17 years in the US Military between the Navy and the US Army. My wife, Amy, is originally from Dixon County, Tennessee and is a third grade school teacher now in Panama City Beach, Florida where is our home now. We will be driving back down the east coast to Florida the next few days and I would love to visit with the Amish. We plan on stopping in Lancaster County on our way. I have not giving much thought as to what our plans were aside from shopping and eating at locally run Amish establishments.
I suppose my desire to learn the culture and way of life of the Amish goes back a long time. I am intrigued at how simple they live and the values that hold families so close and tight. That is something our society lacks in todays world.
If there is a family whom would be willing to host a dinner for my wife and I please feel free to contact me anytime at 857-234-1138 or my email is danabattista7@gmail.com.
Respectfully,
Dana and Amy Battista
Hi
I am 61 years old and my wife is 60 years old. I am interested in the Amish way of life and want to have one or two friends we like to develop if possible through email or letter. I live in Toronto Canada and if some community near hear is best. My desire is to develop a good relationship and one day in the future want to say with the family for a week or so to really do all the things they do and experience the culture. I feel some affinity to them. I was born in Sri lanka and my wife was born in Japan. I have traveled and lived in many countries.
I will be very grateful to have one or two Amish family as friends.
How to send my kids to an amish family
Can U help me n my husband out with some information on how to send our kids to an Amish family so the can b taught to have respect for their parents,teach them not to steal,not to lie about everything? if you can help us please feel free to email me your suggestions. my email is:poohbear9845@gmail.com
Spending a summer with an amish family
Hello I am a single mother of three kids. I would be interested in spending a summer with an Amish family. Not this following summer but 2019 or 2020. I can pay rent and do household chores as well as my kids. This is a desire to learn and teach my family about other cultures outside our own. To remove my kids from technology and learn about god. We will adapt all your customs and traditions. My kids as of 2019 summer will be ages 12, 9 & 8.
My advice: Go to Pinecraft, Sarasota, in Florida, because there are many Amish who have time to get deeper involved with Non-Amish people.
Look for Amish who live near you and visit them several times for a very short period, maybe on weekends, because steadiness helps the Amish to see you as a serious seeker.
Because Amish culture is based on the Christian faith, attending church service on these occasions shows that you are not only interested in outward aspects of Amish life.
Start to learn Pennsylvania Dutch and/or German, because the language is the main barrier and learning it shows that you are really interested.
I know that coming to the point where you understand an Amish Church service in German is very difficult, but language is the key to Amish life.
If you are not good in learning foreign language: there are Anabaptist groups, very similar to the Amish, who speak English only, e.g. the members of the Virginia Old Order Mennonite Conference and the John Dan Wenger Mennonites.
Hello Sara,
Are you still able to help with connections? I am in Pittsburgh and would love to opportunity to connect with some Amish folks. I am 20 and have felt a calling recently and I am really hoping to find someone to help me and connect me to a family.
Staying with Amish
My family and I want to plan a trip to Ohio Amish country in about a week. We would like to know if it would be possible to stay with an Amish family. If it is not possible maybe we could visit them for a day to experience their way of life.
Amish study
Did you ever find an Amish family to live with and observe? I’m also interested in doing this but I’m not sure where to look. Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks 🙂
I would like to work for an Amish family for a week
I want to stay with an Amish family for a week to help work around the house and possibly make some new friends out of it would be great.
I don’t want money or nothing I just genuinely want to see how it is working alongside people that are so pure and dedicated to the family lifestyle. I think it would be good for me also.
Writer's Curiosity...
I would like to, at some date in the future, like to stay with an Amish family (particularly one with children of varying ages) so as to gain a true perspective on their lives. I plan to (again, at some date in the future) write a series of books focusing heavily on the Amish culture, including faith and daily habits. Any information anyone could provide would be appreciated. Also, I am Canadian, and aware of Amish settlements in Ontario. Hopefully, any answers applicable to United States Amish will also be applicable to Canadian Amish.
Thanks!
You want to stay with an Amish family? Hers my story how I stayed in a real Amish families home.
Theres a website go to it and read about How can I stay with an Amish family. It’s educational an different areas in USA. First of all I think you should do some reach online, on where abouts you want to stay (state) and what you want to know.
I just got luck cause my neighboro are friends with several families in Lancaster, PA were the Amish are they had taken my husband and I up for a weekend and stayed with them in their home we ate, did chores along with theem and talked alot!! And we even went to church with them and met other Amish families and play ball with the children and went into town to the market to buy fresh products in a buggy that was cool. Do your reach you will learn alot. Good luck
OOoooopps !!! I forgot to put in the website: amishamerica.com
Check it out, and don’t forget to go online and do your own reach.
There’s so much out there to learn.
Hershey Farm has a 1-day Amish Camp for a package price, March through October. (800) 822-7866. Strasburg, PA.
http://hersheyfarm.com//PDFs/Amish%20Campweb.pdf
Thanks to Ann for the lead about this “Amish immersion experience.” Otherwise, as Erik says, it’s really about getting to know someone first.
How can I stay and help out with the Amish
I saw a program about the Amish last night and thought they have a great way of life. I would like to do some travelling this summer and would love to be able to stay and help out the Amish for about 1 month. I am hoping to go to university in September to study countryside management and the Amish way of life would tie in nicely with my course. I am also very interested in experiencing different cultures, and learning about there way of life. I have done lots of volunteering for the National Trust hear in England in many different parts of the country, including helping out on a farm in Cornwall.
If anyone can give me some advise on how to go about it, it would be very much appreciated! 🙂
Henry
Amish PenPal
Hello,
I am very much interested in having an Amish Pen Pal. I am familiar with the Amish lifestyle and Religion, too. Likewise, am very much interested in pursuing a possible stay with an Amish Family (preferrably in PA). I am 28, and would prefer a female around my age or some what around my age 🙂 . Lookiing forward to and hoping to see some doors open up!
Amy Elizabeth, Hi, have you found a pen pal ? I’m from Ohio, around your age, so if your still interested give me your address or E-mail and I’ll get in contact. Yours, Rebecca
Amish Girl-Rebecca-
I noticed your offer to be a pen pal.. If that offer is still open I would be interested as I’m around your age 🙂
Leaving for the community.
I just came across this website trying to prepare myself to go stay with the Amish. I have a friend on Rumspringa and he has invited me to go visit his family with him. We are leaving today, and I am excited but worried. I am completely addicted to running water and my cell phone, but I hope I will enjoy the experience.
Jones,
You say you are addicted to running water and your cell phone. This is something God has to say about loving the things of this world more than obeying Him:
1 John 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
Col 3:2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
Here is a little more on the same topic:
Mark 8:34 And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. 35 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it. 36 For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? 37 Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? 38 Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.
Jones, not picking on you in particular. I am just witnessing to all Amish America readers about when we love things of this world so much that we would not go Amish, even if only for a weekend. Have a great time and don’t get overheated.
Lance I for one appreciate you sharing this here. Jones and others interested in the Amish I think it’s worth pausing at these passages for their importance to Christian and particularly Amish Christian belief. They are key to understanding why the Amish live as they do, and even if you’re not Amish (or even Christian) there is a lot of value in those words. I write and study about the Amish daily but it is good to pause and consider the above. Have a great visit and I hope you come away richer for the experience.
I Have a Lot of Admiration For The Amish
I was born a long time ago (78 yrs). My life was not an easy one as I married an alcoholic who was not a family man but I have 6 fantastic children that I was strict with while they were growing up, but I’m proud to say they all have good jobs, not alcoholics, not on drugs, so I guess I did a great job. I was born a city girl, but never liked it at all, and always hoped for country living, and never was able to do that as I had to work to support myself, but I still go to the Pa. Dutch area to enjoy the scenery and the people. I think one of the great things about it is you can be on Rt. 30 (don’t like it) or Rt.340 which is really pretty because you go through all the farmland, turn down a side road, and its a miracle you’re in the country. When my grandson was young his mother took him to Pa. and he asked why they dressed so funny and I said “what makes you think they don’t feel you dress funny”, and he never said anything after that. They are a people to be admired for their values, work ethics, (excellent craftsmen), kind people, and would most certainly help you if you needed it with no questions asked, so they are very easy to admire, and I will keep going back as long as I can. Sept. is a great time because I can buy all their farm products.
Thanks for Sharing Lance
Lance, I really appreciate those scriptures that you share-they are KEY with Anabaptists, most certainly, Amish.
Very often in Christianity, we gloss over those when reading our Bibles-and don’t really make the connection on some of the things we are ‘into’ in this life and when we read those passages you shared in both posts, it should make us take inventory of where we could be perhaps, disappointing the Lord in some areas. Or not being the Christian witness we could be, the world really watches us close once they know we’re Christians and are looking for ways it seems, to accuse of of being hypocritical, or falling short in various areas we cling to the world in our ‘freedoms’. So-
They were Jesus very words, we need to remind ourselves of. Challenging? Yes they are. He helps us.
Of the world
Makes no sense if you are a believer.
If you believe that god made the world,
then everything in it is his doing, and loving it would be loving him.
If he doesn’t want is to have sexual desires, he wouldn’t have given it to us .
Sex without lust is actually pretty gross, and we would quickly die out as a specie.
Yes, Jon, God has given us certain desires and privileges, but also responsibilities with it. Imagine if you were driving a car, and you wanted to go anywhere at anytime. Suppose you had a desire to take the shortest route to the store; you could either choose to cut across lawns or stay on the road. And if you came to a red light, it might be a good idea to stop! Otherwise, some people might get hurt.
Similarly, most Amish would believe that any sexual sin outside of the man-and-woman marriage bond is a sin, and that fornication, adultery, or homosexuality needs to be repented of to inherit the kingdom of God.
God can help you to use self-restraint if you ask Him. I encourage you to cultivate moral purity and proper reserve in your social relationships.
When I say addicted I don’t mean it literally. I grew up old time Holiness therefore I’m quite aware that if the love of the world is in a mans heart the love of the father is not. On another note, come to find out the Amish are more worldly than real old time Holiness like I was. The community were I’m staying don’t have running water or electricity but their outward appearance is much more worldly. I thought the women didn’t cut their hair as we don’t but they do and the men unlike our men grow their hair out. They wear jewelry, as long as they make it, we would not wear jewelry. The men roll up their pants to make them shorts when working, we wouldn’t dare show leg. They do have musical instruments, and they don’t mind their picture taken as long as they have repented and are right with the Lord before taking it, they actually have cameras. I was just intrigued to learn that at one point I was living a more strict outward appearance than the Amish.
Come back & share Jones-
Would be interested in hearing how it went!
Wow-your history with the Holiness church is interesting-see what happens when a group focuses on outward? A whole lot of comparing.
Comparing, on outward more than inward, at times.
I remember sharing with a Mennonite lady in PA about how I didn’t see the colors of dresses in Lancaster PA Amish, like I was seeing the change in Holmes County OH-more variety of colors in Holmes-
She said “yes, I was there visiting not too long ago and noticed how ‘loud’ the colors of dresses the Amish were wearing there.”
Anyway-enjoy your visit! I can be addicted to my cell phone too-
it’s easier, to just put it away for a time-out of sight out of mind.
Visiting Amish
I know that my son Mark has hosted folks at his house. He met a couple from Switzerland at the Behalt Center at Berlin, OH and through that meeting struck up a friendship. They visited him for a week a couple of years ago. Also, Mark met a man from Germany, while sitting near him in the food tent at Horse Progress Days several years ago. This man and his family have visited Mark on his farm a couple of times. A lot of Mark’s former teacher friends and such come up to visit him, too. But, Mark says, for most Amish to open their home to Outsiders is difficult. The home and family is very important, almost sacred, to many Amish. Many, also, are not interested in the merely curious or novelty seeking. Some Amish might be more open to folks that were truly seeking to join the Amish. Think of it this way, what if you wanted to spend time in a Chinese home. What would you need to do. I guess you would need to visit China and strike up a friendship with Chinese people somehow. Maybe through a business contact or whatever. From that friendship could come an invitation to visit their home. I think that is how it would work to visit an Amish home, as well. Personal contact is the answer and you can’t do that over the internet. At least not with the Amish.
By-the-way, I am lucky enough to visit in an Amish home almost every day. All I have to do is drive the few miles to Mark’s house and there I am. Sometimes he comes in to visit me with the horse and buggy. I have a place in back where he can tie up. Also, he comes in with the horse and wagon every couple of weeks to bring in his trash and recyclables and to pick up mine and take them to the Recycyling Center in Belle Center. My little dachshund, Fritzi, just about goes nuts when he spies that horse tied out in back. I don’t know who he thinks he’s fooling. A great big horse versus a three legged dachshund isn’t much of a contest. One kick and Fritizi would be history.
Hi Don
Just of interest I can see your son is Amish, were you or has he joined later in life. If he joined later in life are there any issues that he keeps in contact with his family (but as you said you see him most days)?
Don-
I have a little Dachshund as well named Mikey. They’re great little dogs!
Inquirey about Amish stay
I have a bit of a different issue to add to this discussion. I am a 68 year old woman, widowed, who has developed electrosensitivity, in other words I have very uncomfortable symptoms from being near microwaves,
cell phones, WiFi routers, cell phone towers, and especially the smart meters that are on all the homes now…I live in an apartment building with 31 meters on it and believe now that this is how I got this condition. I think I will be well if I can be away from all these electromagnetic devices, and I thought of the Amish and how they do not have these things. I also have some chemical sensitivities, so I can’t use the commercial products in my space.
I have long studied the Amish and would like to know if a stay with a family that might have compassion for my condition would allow me to stay long enough to heal from this condition. Can anyone advise me?
I am forced now to leave my apartment and will have no safer place to live. I fear for my health every day.
thank you,
Ruth Ruddock
I am very intrigued into learning more and more about the Amish community. How can I find a pen pal? I live in Gaithersburg, MD and am hoping to visit a community with a tour guide. Do they accept or befriend foreigners?
We r amish from.geauga county if you habe any questions you can call 330-212-0551 thanks
staying with amish
Sara mae, how is it you are on a computer? I thought amish had no use for technology? I am looking for an amish pen pal. Hope to hear back soon.
I have read so many fictional books about the amish lifestyle by authors such as, Francine Rivers and Beverly Lewis. These two authors and several more have transported me to the quiet and serene farms and the loving families that work them. Apart from what I have read in books I know that many families have a strong faith in God, which is important to myself and my family too. It is our desire to stay with a family. I have been wanting to stay with a family for a long time. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you, Kristy Thompson
From my experience (I live in the “North Country” of upstate NY), if you want to strike up a safe and lively (if not necessarily the most stimulating) conversation with an Amish fellow, talk about the weather and planting. With this subject, the Amish fellow is completely in his element. No need to worry about the conversation dragging… he soon carries (if not dominates) it easily. In fact you might get more information than you’ve bargained for, including tips on growing good crops. Not a bad thing if you’re a farmer or just have a nice big garden like me! BTW, sorry for the extended use of parentheses. After all, I thank most of my writing skills from Prof. Tolkien. 🙂
Mikayla:
So have your joined the Amish yet? I have followed you on T.V. and I so admire what you are doing. I hope you find what you are looking for and truely find the peace and happiness you want by joining the Amish.
I think the settelment in Pinecraft would be best for you,due to the fact they will allow you to keep in contact with your Mom and sister, etc.
Please find a way to let me know how things have turned out for you.
As Erik wrote above, some Amish do serve meals in their homes. For various prices, you can have a meal or lodging at an Amish home in Holmes County, Ohio. One way is to book it through
www.amishheartlandtours.com,(330)893-3248. Once a month, they also arrange a 12-hour Progressive Meal Tour with 3 meals.
To have a complete stranger live in your house for a week or a month, takes a certain element of trust. Would the visitor steal? What is their background about child molestation? Are the visiting children obedient? What if the visitor got hurt? Would you mind if a stranger stayed in your home for a week? God bless the people that have the gift of hospitality.
If someone desires to stay with an Amish family, one option is lodging at The Farmstead Inn Bed and Breakfast near Fredericksburg, Ohio, 330-674-0603, www.amishbusiness.com/FarmsteadInnBnB, where guests can help with the chores. Alternately, the Dawdy House offers rustic accommodations in a first-floor apartment.
www.countryviewpa.com/,(717)768-0936, is a farm bed and breakfast operated by an Amish Mennonite family, Eli & Barbara Smucker, in Kinzers, PA.
www.verdantview.com/, 1-888-321-8119, is a farm bed and breakfast in Paradise, PA. It’s not Amish but it’s a working Mennonite farm, c/o Don & Ginny Ranck. Farmer’s Apprentice and/or Farm Tours are also available.
These places are not free. Hope the information doesn’t drive you buggy!
Great suggestions
That was wonderful information you provided Yoder!I think it would be a good place for “seekers” to start. I read about a guy in South America who truly has the desire to become Amish, he is a Christian and is seeking help to know if it is even possible for him to come to America and at least try-he also wondered if he could just go and help the Amish as a way to start-maybe a visit like this would be enlightening for such a person in their pursuit.
Amish Homestay
Hi, i have just watched a Amish documentary, and it was very cheerful and also heartbreaking. ‘Trouble in Amish Paradise’. I am 25yrs old living in Sydney , Australia. I am wanting to experience the Amish way of life. I am getting tiresome of the same routine and lifestyle i have. My brain is bombarded with the media, bad expectations to have the best of everything, latest fashion, boasting about how great your social life is on facebook and so on. I am just over everything right now. Isnt life more than materialist possesions and money? So i watched this documentary i decided to try living without technology. I wished i grew my own food, due to how much checmicals they spray on our produce at the grocery store. I also started dressing conservatively, and started to appreciate my inner beauty and not having so much makeup on. I am still surrounded by friends who are very superficial and loves being up to date with the social world. In short i am wanting a new change, to truely experience the Amish lifestyle. I want to know God more without the pressure of the city life i live in at the moment. So please if you know any Amish homestays i would really love this change. Who knows i might meet a Amish future husband 😀 hehe. Please email me if you want, even for small talk with past experiences, advice etc. I am saving and hoping to find some Amish community next year to visit if God willing. mangomlw@gmail.com
Visit Amish Country Contest
Until December 15, 2012, author Cindy Woodsmall is having a giveaway at her website for one winner to stay at an Amish home, including the airfare to travel there. The winner and a guest will stay the night on Friday, May 10, 2013, and attend the annual Amish auction on Saturday, May 11, 2013. If interested, or to enter for a chance to win, go to www.cindywoodsmall.com/amishcountrycontest/
Please help me!
I want to join Amish SOO bad! I live in georgia and already have made most my stuff by hand since i was young. Im great with manual labor, and a hammer. I want to know if there are any Amish comunities in georgia. And if so where if not than anywhere. I would prefere to be in a large community, about 45+ people. I am a Roman Catholic and wish to know if i am able to go to the amish church every sunday in the community but practice Catholicism in my home( but im fine with devoting to the amish church). The only problem is im 15 and i would need a family that would take me in. I could be a son to a Amish family that are not able to have children. I would be so devoted to the community. I would burn all my clothes and destroy my iPhone and all my electronics and get right up to where ever that community is. I dont speak any german or dutch but have ALWAYS wanted to learn german. I speak a good bit of french if that counts. I also dont want a community where some of the people own cars or use ANY electronics including tractors. I want a community where you build your own home and use horse drawn carriages. PLEASE if any of you know a comunninty like this no matter what state its in, tell me.
Have you found any help?
Colin has anyone reached out to you yet? Are you still interested? If so email me KE5RTJ.92@gmail.com
Really interesting!
I’d already heard about the Amish culture, but never really looked for further information on it. This month I read an article about them on a Brazilian magazine (since I’m Brazilian) and I felt so attracted to their lifestyle I decided to search for exchange programs! I’ve been feeling so disillusioned recently… people don’t get to share their emotions anymore, it looks to me that they try to avoid physical contact whenever it’s possible – but when they wish the physical contact it’s the superficial, sexual and foolish one, which lasts for no more than one night. As I finish Law School this year, I really wanted to spend about 2 months abroad living in the plain and happy way of life I imagine the Amish do. I’ve already deleted Facebook account, YouTube account, Instagram account, and everything that keeps me distracted. I also turn my mobile off when I get to the Uni or at work. I think people need desperatly to learn how to enjoy every single moment of their blessed life without thinking of “what to do next”, if you know what I mean. Anxiety, stress and irritation are leading people into depression, and it seems to me NOBODY links these feelings to the globalisation and technological advances!!!! Anyway, I really hope you can recommend me something related to this “exchange program” of mine, since we don’t have an Amish community in Brazil yet. Best wishes!!!!
I'm trying to find an Amish home to stay in for about a week or two
Hello,
My name is Sarah,I’m 18, I live in England and I am truly fascinated by the Amish way of living. I would be grateful to experience it for myself and learn all about the culture and make new friends. Hopefully they will be able to learn from me and my experiences, if anybody has any information on where I can contact an Amish family that would be happy for me to stay with them, please reply.
Many Thanks,
Sarah
Hi sarah we r amish and if you would like to kmow anymore information about our lifestyle, our beliefs, or where you can stay at to learn aboit thr culture you can call 330-212-0551 thanks and good luck
Will the Amish give you or loan you a house if you drive for them, taxi them 24/7,
Will join permanently if needed, our family would love to live in that culture,
If you can facilitate, will appreciate very much, our family is devout born again family, we are praying for the door to be opened.
Warm regards
Chris; Deborah and Samuel Sittard
330-212-0551 we r amish we can help but it is NOT as easy as it may seem
do any of y’all know of any Amish family’s in Kentucky close to Campbellsville KY you can stay with to see what the Amish world is like? i would really like to see what the amish world is like to see if i truly wanna convert to their ways.
Looking to get to know an Armish family
Hi
I would like to start to write and communicate with an armish family. I live in Australia and I have 5 children. I think it would be a great experience for my family. Thanks
Looking for Amish pen pal
Im interested in learning more about the Amish Lifestyle and Church beliefs. I’v read alot but would like to hear first hand accounts. Im 26years old and have 3 children. I am interested in faith since i feel my current church falls short, i feel this is the way my heart and God is leading me, to a diffrent life, just trying to figure out what that life is.
I live in France and i like to spend
3 month with amish family
Sorry for my english
But i CAN manage myself
Stay on a farm with an Amish family in Lancaster Co. PA
Here’s a website with information about 3 old order Amish farms in Lancaster County PA that have guesthouses for inexpensive stays. I highly recommend all 3 of them: http://amishfarmstay.com/
Beautiful, Dave. Thank you.
Amish homestay
Hi, I’m interested to stay in a amish family for a few weeks. I’m from Spain and I’m 40 years old. I want to learn about amish traditions and speaking English with native speakers. I can pay and also I can work because when I was young I lived in a farm cows for milk. The stay would be in fall (october or november) or spring of 2015, it depends of my job.
Thank you for your attention.
Amish Farm Stay
Hello Tony,
Have a look at this website: http://amishfarmstay.com/
If you would like to stay on one of these Amish farms you can use the contact form on the website to arrange your visit.
Thanks,
Dave
I would love to stay a week and raise a barn or build something
I am a very handy guy I love to build anything me and my fiancee would love to get to know an Amish family and possibly come stay a week or weekend do some honest work and get away from the insanity that is the rat race I am a very technology based person and I also believe technology widens the gap between people…..ever notice when the power goes off how people actually come out of their homes to just talk to each other there’s something to be said for no tv, radio etc… sometimes less is better.
Sara Mae Miller if you can help with my request please call
Thank you
Phone 4012139517 Call or Text or email hmanegold@yahoo.com
Learning New Ways of Life
Am recently divorced. Mother of two. Looking to reside with an Amish family to learn new ways of life for an optimistic life long change.I am a healthy 35 year old woman, and I am willing to work hard and eager to learn new ways of life. I currently reside in Georgia, but am willing to move wherever God wants me. This is a serious inquiry, as I feel that it is something that God is calling me to. ~Thank you~
Learning New Ways of Life
I am willing to let go of my worldly name and take a traditional Amish name. I would like to be rid of all worldly possessions to start a new. This includes transportation, cell phones, access to the world wide web. I feel ready to commit the rest of my worldly life to God and to his Kindgdom. Any advice would be appreciated.
404-821-4321
hey there ‘ my name is mariah I’m 18 , I live in Philadelphia pa , I watch
breaking Amish alot and I would really love to stay with a amish family for a week and live there lifestyle ‘ if anyone can help me I would really appreciate it thank you ‘ give me a call at 215-425-4585 thank you ” and ask for Mariah
An idea would be to put a request in to The Budget (Nationwide Amish newspaper) and see what happens. Be clear about what you are interested in.
Senior Project
Hello,
my name is Emily and I am a senior in high school. For my senior project I am interested in immersing myself in the amish community and hopefully staying with a family. If anyone has any information that could help please let me know.
all the best,
Emily
Restaurant
I’m looking for an Amish Restaurant in South Central PA. I’ve heard there are, or have been, some.
Thanks
Amish in Florida
Hi there! I am interested in the Amish lifestyle and would love an opportunity to spend some time with a family, may it be a weekend or month, whatever the family is comfortable with. I am located in Jacksonville, Florida and was curious if anyone knows of more information regarding Amish families living in Florida in general. Thank you for all your help!
I'm not sure if this is possible... but....
I have been studying the Amish Lifestyle for a couple of years now. And I know that is not a long time and I have lived and grown up in areas of the country and world where I have never met an Amish or Mennonite person ever in my entire life.
However, I have delved into the world of the Amish and Mennonites – without knowing the exact reason why. I don’t know if I am a seeker or not. Though I love the way of life and I know spiritually I am connected to the Amish love of God and His Word – and wish that I had been born into that life – I know that it would not be easy for me.
In a way – I hope that by staying with an Amish family – and work myself to the bone, try out the PA Deutsch I have been studying for a year – would allow me to make some friends for life. But at the same time – I know that it is next to impossible for me or anyone not born into the lifestyle to become Amish. I would have no problem with an Ordnung, or with High German, or with the 3 hour services on Sundays, or with waking up at the crack of dawn and giving everything I can to a community…
What does worry me is I am a 52 year young widow. And though I am strong – I don’t know much about horses. And though I can garden and can clean and teach in English, I am not completely fluent in PA Dutsch since I have no one to practice with (however I do speak and read German, French, Italian and Spanish – so I do have a slight affinity for languages). I have two Master Degrees in Music and love to give my music to God with my voice, but I know I could not use that as my profession anymore if I were to become Amish. But I know the Amish and Mennonites love to sing. I love to read and never watch TV but I have feeling I would miss my National Public Radio, but a newspaper subscription to the NY Times could fill my need for curiosity-sake.
I worry, that I won’t find something to do that will contribute to the community – that I would be a burden to the group which would hurt my heart tremendously (though I do have a substantial amount of money to share – but that will hardly matter in this world). I worry that I might accidentally seek a community that doesn’t love me. (Though I don’t worry about re-marrying again – it’s okay if I don’t). I also hope that I would not wind up with a group that has – perhaps- problems with kindness and forgiveness. I have no illusions that all Amish are sweetness and pie. I could make a mistake by choosing an unwelcoming community. And I dislike confrontation, I prefer to go along with the flow – and yet when someone else is confronted or attacked, I will defend the defenseless with all my might and power.
You see, I don’t know if I am calling to ask to live with an Amish Family for a while to see if I want to become Amish – or if God is calling me to live with an Amish Family so that I might seek and find out if I am to be Amish. A calling is a calling – and I believe the time has finally come for me to do something about it. How would I know – if I never answered the call – or if it is in fact a call to seek.
So I guess the time has come – to find out if there is a family out there who needs a grandma, a worker, a worshipper, a possible seeker who might allow me to stay for an initial visit for a week or so. Just to see what happens. I am polite, kind and a good worker who believes wholly in the Words of Christ – my Lord and Savior.
This is an old thread – so I don’t know if anyone will see it. But if it is meant to be – then God will allow it.
Peace,
Judith
Oh and I forgot...
I would also be more than willing to pay rent or a fee by the amount of days and nights stayed as well as paying for my own food and share of the utilities.
Judith, please get in touch with me!
Good evening, Judith, I know your post to which I’m replying is nearly 3 years old, and that I might never hear from you, or that you may never see this. But, since I am so overjoyed by your post of August 2017, I have to try to get in touch with you. I am close to your age, have also been studying the Amish religion, culture, and lifestyle for some years, and have felt, since 2009, that I have a calling to become Amish, but also get it that it won’t be easy, and also worry about what if I choose an Amish community that is unwelcoming, and also the other concerns you brought up. You’re the only person I’ve ever come across who shares these same ideas, concerns, etc., who is also close to my age. I’d love to talk/write with you about all this, and get to know you. Please write me at wmmb12059@gmail.com if you are interested in contacting me. I’d love to hear from you! May God bless you, Judith! Peace, Mette in PA
For Judith: one more thing
P.S. Hi again, Judith. If you wish, you can also call me at (347) 283-5662 any time. And I also agree with you, regarding getting to stay/live in an Amish household, that I’m very happy to pay for rent, utilities, and food, in addition to doing serious full-time work right alongside the Amish. Blessings, Mette
I stayed with an Old Order Amish family for a week, with a New Order Amish community for a weekend and with two para-Amish groups for a week and for a weekend.
My advantage is that I speak German and Pennsylvania German, because I’m from a region in Germany where the old local Palatine dialect is very similar to Pennsylvania German.
One problem while staying with the Amish is what to do during the day, when the Amish do all their work. In some cases I could help them but in most cases I could not. With one of the families I could help with a paper that was to be published in standard German.
In other cases I could drive them aound with my car or could help with firewood or a bit in the garden or I could order items through the internet which they normally cannot do.
In most cases I left during the day in ordr not to be a burden.
The Amish have their daily routines and it is difficult to help them because explaning what to do and then observing if it is done in the right way is more work than doing it by themselves.
I also read many, many books about the Amish, mostly scholarly books in order to know how to behave and not to ask to many stupid questions.
Even though my stay was more or less a burden to the Amish and para-Amish people with whom I stayed.
Anyone who does not at least understand some Pennsylvania German and who does not know really a lot about the Amish would be an incredible burden to those he or she would stay with.
Therefore I understand why Amish families normaly do not host non-Amish visitors.
I got the addresses of the Old Orders I stayed with through the “Mennonite Your Way Directory” but it was not always easy to find out which of the addesses were Old Orderand and it were only some very few addresses.
My advice: if you are not really well prepared to stay with the Old Orders, better don’t try it.
Answer to Shanna
If you live in Florida, go to Pinecraft in Sarasota, there are many Amish and other Old Orders there and they have a lot of time becase many are more or less on holiday therre.
You can make a lot of contacts there and maybe you’ll be invited.
Children Joining
Would a child be allowed to join the Amish community without their parents also joining?
Children can never join the Amish church, because to do so, a carefully considered decion is required, that means the persons who want to join must be 18 years or older, all the same what background they have, Amish or non-Amish.
Children of non-Amish background can live with the Amish. Some Amish families adopt children of non-Amish background, others have non-Amish foster children.
Minimum Age for Baptism?
I have seen baptisms where the person was 16 or 17. I have never heard the 18 or older thing.
I agree with Yoder, have heard of baptism occurring as young as age 16.
You are right, there is no formal minimum age for baptism and especially among the more liberal groups relatively early baptism may occur. As far as I know baptisms under the age of 18 are extremely rare to non-existent among the more conservative groups.
Why is it so difficult to stay with an Amish family?
Because in every day life visitors are a more or less hard burden for the Amish!
The Amish are very industrious and busy people. They start to work early in morning and very often end their work very late.
Normally everybody is busy with work, even the children. In the Amish world children learn from a very young age to help and to work. Everybody knows his or her chores and how to do it.
It is quite difficult to integrate a visitor – that is an outsiders – into this world of work where everybody knows what to do and how to do it.
The Amish may have free time to deal with visitors in the evening and on Sundays but normally not during the day.
Old people also may have time to spent with visitors. In Pinecraft, Florida there are many people who have time for visitors and seekers.
Amish church services normally are open for everybody to attend, even though people from the outside very seldom do that. But if somebody asks to attend – and is modestly dressed – attendance of the service normally won’t be denied.
But that means sitting on hard benches for hours and a church service in a language the visitors normally do not understand. But there are are some Old Order groups very similar to the Old Order Amish who speak English only, e.g. the Old Order Mennonites from Virginia and the Old Order Brethren (Old German Baptist Brethren, Old Brethren, Old Order German Baptist Brethren, Old Brethren German Baptists and Old Order River Brethren).
After church service Old orders have time to talk to visitors who are normally invited to lunch and who may be invited to dinner or to a visit the next day.
Re: I want to become Amish
Good Day
I would like to become Amish.
I am not someone who likes technology and want to live a simple and normal life. I would prefer some info on how to get in touch or how to proceed to get to know some Amish people.
I have read a lot of books about the way of life and what they are all about and it feels like my kind of place.
Any assistance would be appreciated. danieschoeman33@gmail.com is my email.
Kind Regards
Being Amish means to be Christian
The center of Amish live is the belief in God an in his son Jesus Christ, our savior. If you are not a devote Christian it is almost impossible to become Amish.
Sure, Amish life is without much technology and it is a simple life but is is by nom means a normal life. It is a life that circles around Christian principles like humility and obedience.
As I said in before here, the best place to get in contact with people from different groups of Amish and Old Order Mennonites is Pinecraft, Sarasota, in Florida, because there are many Amish who have time to get deeper involved with Non-Amish people.
Don’t go there around Christmas because it is overcrouded at that time.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinecraft_(Sarasota)
https://pinecraft-sarasota.blogspot.com/
Staying for Thanksgiving
I’m very intrigued how the Amish live. I also just read a book and it was during thanksgiving time and I thought: “I wonder if they’d let me stay with them for a Thanksgiving. To me being intrigued by the Amish, being able to stay and sit with them during an amazing holiday, would give me insight on how the Amish are, how they work, how they do day to day things, etc. Being interested also makes me want to learn more about them in all areas.
Mary T
Looking for someone to go to Pinecraft with
Good evening, Folks, I’m very interested in traveling to Pinecraft, FL, after reading a few different posts about it being a great place to meet Amish. I live near Philadelphia, PA. Is anyone female interested in going to Pinecraft together (after getting to know each other as pen pals, of course)? Please email me at wmmb12059@gmail.com if you are.
Hi my name is Gabrille Kibbe, I’m 18 and I live in Iowa. I have always wanted to visit an Amish family and understand there culture and how it’s different from mine. Ever since I was 9 I always wanted to explore and become friends or even be counted as “family” to an Amish family. Therefore I want to see what the loving style is like and how you guys are great workers and can make anything it seems like! I really hope that someone responds because I’m very interested and I’m willing to talk about my life and how it was growing up for me. I’m always willing to do anything you guys would need. I would love for this dream to happen. My email is: Gabrillekibbe2021@gmail.com thank you!