Cindy came to New Beginnings in 2025 after carrying a desire to leave the Amish community since she was a young girl. While she deeply appreciated the strong sense of community and the way Amish families care for one another, she struggled with certain cultural expectations and longed for a different life. Leaving was not easy. Much of her family turned their backs on her, which brought deep hurt and made the transition especially painful.
At first, the freedom she experienced outside the Amish world felt overwhelming. Cindy admits that she struggled to handle that freedom wisely and fell into many temptations along the way. Yet even in those difficult moments, God was pursuing her heart.
The turning point in Cindy’s life came one day on a beach after a heated conversation with her brother. Feeling broken and overwhelmed, she sat down and poured out her heart to the Lord. Through tears, she asked Jesus to come into her life and save her. In that very moment, peace flooded over her. She suddenly became aware of the birds singing, the waves crashing, and the overwhelming goodness of God surrounding her.
Although Cindy had always believed God was a kind Father, her understanding of Him within the Amish culture was often tied to fear and rule-keeping. Now, she clings to the truth that she is “fearfully and wonderfully made” by God and treasures the personal relationship she has found with Him.
Since coming to New Beginnings, Cindy says she has grown much closer to the Lord and loves being surrounded by people who genuinely point her to Christ and encourage conversations about Him. She is grateful for the support, care, and love she has experienced here and says she has truly loved living at NBH.
New Beginnings has helped Cindy build positive habits and gain practical life skills, including financial literacy and independence, professionalism, learning how to discern healthy friendships, earning her driver’s license, attending GED classes, and receiving emotional and spiritual support.
When asked what advice she would give to someone considering coming to New Beginnings, Cindy says:
“Instead of worrying about your license and learning to drive, look for your Savior! Finding your Savior is a lot better than getting your driver’s license!”