Things Are Changing

Things are changing for my MC! Leah is right on the cusp of making a momentous decision. In the midst of all these changes, I want to keep her honest, but sometimes, it's hard for me to figure out exactly where she's going.

I have so many voices in my head from the ex-Amish and their many stories and experiences. Any of these could lead my writing in different directions, but one thing is common to all of them: missing their families is uppermost in their hearts.

One of our ex-Amish friends recently received a letter from his parents and sister. They were quick to let him know that unless he gave up his English life, he was no longer welcome at home. They made sure to tell him that this ban included weddings, funerals, and any other family event he may want to attend. The words were stark and clear: he was no longer considered a part of the family!

Why so harsh? What was his crime? He had told them that he was getting baptized. Yes. Baptized. In this day and age, you'd think parents would be jumping for joy that their son was doing this, but not in the Old Order world. It hurts, no matter what your folly, to be rejected by your parents, but when your folly is no folly at all, and is really a very personal and spiritual act, it makes the rejection even harder to live with.

The main character in The Miting, Leah, is an amalgamation of all these precious young people who have come in my life and opened their hearts. Leah is filled with indecision, hurt, love, Christian enthusiasm, and pain, just as these friends of mine are. I pray that my writing can adequately reflect all that is represented in each of their stories.

In the coming weeks, I'll post another excerpt from The Miting. Stay tuned!