What are the community rules? - Ask Laura

00:00 Hi
00:25 What are some rules for the community not necessarily found in the Bible? Music choice, child rearing practices, type of educational style taught? Can parents choose to homeschool or are they required to put their kids in the Bruderhof schools? Also can you describe what your schools are like - how long a school day is, the curricula, etc.
04:06 Something I’d find really hard to give up would be certain interests like watching movies, TV shows, or even playing chess on line. You have talked about watching certain movies but I’ve heard people don’t have TVs or use the internet at home so I’m wondering how much opportunity people at the Bruderhof actually get to watch media or play video games - how restricted are such things?
07:01 How does your art or any other handicrafts tie into the communal property? Over time a talented artist could amass quite a collection of pieces which, even if produced for the sheer joy of creating, could be treasured, envied, or even valuable personal property. I’m intrigued by the intersection of the personal and communal in these spaces.
09:26 Where do young adults live before they are married? Do you live with friends before finding a permanent home with a spouse or do you stay with your parents even if the person is in their late 20s?
10:50 Would you be willing to answer, what are all the jobs you’ve had in adulthood?
12:56 Pigs arrive on the scene
*****
About Me
I'm a young mom living in an intentional community called the Bruderhof, and vlogging about what that's like.
If you want to know more, subscribe and ring the bell so you don't miss any new videos:
→ / @laurafromthebruderhof
I used to vlog on the Bruderhof channel. See all my old videos in this playlist:
→ • Meet My Mom - Laura fr...
*****
What is the Bruderhof?
The Bruderhof is an intentional Christian community of people living in radical discipleship in the spirit of the first church in Jerusalem. We gladly renounce private property and share everything in common. Our vocation is a life of service to God, each other, and you. Learn more at the Bruderhof KZbin channel: ► kzbin.info...
More info is at:
► Website: www.bruderhof.com
► Instagram: www.bruderhof.com/instagram
► Twitter: www.bruderhof.com/twitter
► Facebook: www.bruderhof.com/facebook

[@nataliejones2400]

To the person who asked about homeschooling on the Bruderhof, I have a unique perspective as a homeschool mom of seven years. My family is staying on a long term visit to seek with the Spring Valley community in PA. My daughter is in 10th grade and is still homeschooling because there are no openings at The Mount (the Bruderhof high school in NY). My son is in 7th grade and had never been in a classroom at all. He LOVES the school. They do academics in the morning and fun activities in the afternoon. The kids have taken him right in. He normally doesn't fit in well with kids his age and tends to be the subject of everyone's jokes. Here he is included and encouraged constantly, even in sports where he does not excell. The kids here have been raised to appreciate everyone's differences. I highly recommend visiting. My daughter said after our first visit... "How can we go back to ordinary life after learning that a life like this is possible?"

[@ruthlaurie-hopper3489]

How lovely

[@Lootoodle]

Um yeah btdt... Not to be a negative Nancy but only lasted us about five months before it became ridiculous and we went back to regular living all I’m saying is go try it without selling all your stuff before you drink the Kool-Aid you know what I’m saying

[@mckue54]

@@Lootoodle Genuine question but how exactly did it become ridiculous?

[@safehaven2763]

So glad you and your family are finding peace there...they really do live morally. I definitely want to visit there someday soon.

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Thank you Natalie!

[@suzannepeck5610]

Laura: you get the most glorious, innocent, infectious joy from such a variety of situations - most recently the three pigs - it makes everyone around you joyful as well!! Your “joy nuggets” are true diamonds, and we never know exactly when they’re going to appear, which makes them even MORE precious!

[@emmabown9751]

I was thinking yesterday that I hadn’t seen a latest video of yours and here it is. Thank you, you are a blessing to us all who enjoy listening to you. 🇬🇧♥️

[@kellitigh2283]

You are adorable!! When you laugh, I start laughing. Always enjoy your videos and learning about your community. Thank you for sharing your life with us. Kelli from California. ❤

[@suzybausch8587]

So interesting to hear about all your jobs. Thanks for sharing!

[@rosesandgold]

your job in the archives sounds so fun and like something i would definitely enjoy. thanks for this video!

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

It was!

[@alexandravia2678]

You call it bragging but we're generally interested in the different work offered in your community. Community life is so foreign to so many of us.

[@lindaf.588]

I love the example of humility and community that you are to the worldwide BODY OF CHRIST. The spiritual disciple of simplicity seems all but forgotten out here! The Joy of the Lord is all over the Bruderhof. Thank you so much for making these videos to keep the rest of us grounded! Love from an Anglican in Crazy California!

[@benfir8920]

This has to be one of the best Laura clips. I cannot believe I missed this one. Lol.

[@lisahooper7578]

Always fun to learn more about you and the Bruderhof! ;-)

[@erinnkrausz]

You just seem so happy! It's delightful.

[@lunashynesparkles8913]

Have really enjoyed all ur vids ..it's like hanging out w a friend. If only I was much younger and knew about ur community. I would have loved to have been able to raise my daughter in this life. Thank u so much for bringing this awareness to so many now. U really r being a disciple. I wish more would donate to the children. We All need to help save these babies. I was a victim of horrible abuse..a small child. I learned what hell is. GOD showed me what love REALLY is 💖💯.

[@passiflorapassiflora6058]

Oh My God that laughter....so genuine....love it, so sweet you are

[@Miss.sassycassy]

I absolutely love learning how you live.

[@jessieritter3703]

You are a delight! And I also loved the pigs thank you for sharing

[@Gymnast2Perfect]

Great video again Laura! Your videos bring so much joy 👏

[@CharCanuck14]

I agree! Laura's smile always makes me smile.

[@windasafriend]

I don't know why, I just love you, Laura

[@joetrester3139]

Thanks for all the info, Laura! Please let us know if the pigs outside your window begin to fly!!! You always brighten my day!

[@swampophelia2098]

Hi Laura Who provides your phone and pays the bill etc best wishes from the U.K. ✌️🎈

[@saraschneider6781]

*Can you go on vacation outside your community? *Can you visit friends/family outside the community? *Do you evangelize/witness/interact with people outside your community? *You don't earn wages in the community but what if a person wanted to earn an income with a home based business and donate that money to the community? *What do you do from the funds of your monetized KZbin channel?

[@saraschneider6781]

Community, second to faith, is at the very essence of your life...can you please do an in depth video talking about how your community life was affected by the pandemic?

[@anitabatistic8174]

I really enjoy your videos 👏👏 Please keep going with them.

[@lauramercado6986]

Hi Laura, Thank you for another wonderful, positive, interesting video, the pigs were a hilarious added bonus. I have a question that I don't recall you covering in your Q and A vids so far - I sometimes read everybody's comments and they're mostly nice. Sometimes, I do see negative ones though, and I know when I read them I feel momentarily angry and irritated with the poster. My question is, what is your response initially, and what, according to your philosophy is the correct response to someone being unkind to you, either online or in real life?

[@LoriSF124]

I look so forward to your videos. Your laugh is contagious. I’m fundamental Pentecostal. Very “strict” rules. I think I’d love living like you and the others do.

[@swampophelia2098]

The word fundamental when paired with any religious belief scares me somewhat

[@margaretknowles3060]

Hi Laura, How much free time do you have? Do you get enough sleep? You fit so much into your day, you must be exhausted? Is this manageable long term? As you get older are you able to maintain this amount of time helping and working?

[@rebeccamoore7763]

There was a point where I just started laughing, because of your reactions to the pigs. I even snorted!

[@Sidian]

Hi Laura, thanks so much for answering my question about internet use etc., very informative response. Correct me if I'm wrong, but by the sounds of it a lot of it is down to personal discretion and it's not outright forbidden to waste time online etc. When it comes to movies specifically like when you watched 'A Hidden Life', how does that work? Can people request that DVDs are bought for them, or are films ever shown communally? Or do you just find somewhere to stream it online?

[@mwatts-riley2688]

The painting behind you looks a lot like van gough, delightful M. IL. ❤

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Oh thank you!

[@harrisofcanada7417]

When I heard the question about art and personal possession, if you were to move, do you take art you’ve made like the gift for Chris from the boys or is it communal property and stays with the house?

[@ruthlaurie-hopper3489]

Hahahah you made me laugh and I needed that thank you as well as answering some interested questions.

[@yesterdaydream]

I know you just said you're not big on TV there, but I gotta say you remind me so much of the star of Anne with an E, the Netflix version of Anne of Green Gables. Y'all look quite alike but it's more about that infectious joy thing you've got going on!

[@danithefiend6167]

Missed you Laura!

[@bethp3320]

I love the bright orange hoodie Laura 🍊 very vibrant

[@jameskerr5901]

Hi Laura. I greatly enjoy your videos. I grew up in a fairly Christian military boarding school and more recently I lived in a 106 person student (hippie) housing co-operative. They could not have been more different from each other, and both are interesting to compare to your experience living in the Bruderhof communities. Can I ask if the brewery is going to have an online presence? It would be good to see brewing updates occasionally. Greetings from Scotland - Spring is finally here, also!

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Thank you! No the brewery is a really small operation. Just for fun really.

[@KatiePepperSpark]

Hi Laura, not sure you check comments on old videos, but I love your content. At one point in the video you said "you keep freezing... dumb Laura" or something like that. Please be kind to yourself and watch that negative self talk! You seem like a very generous person and I just wanted to encourage you to be kind and generous to yourself. I hope that's okay for me to say and point out. Also, I have a question about inheriting family heirlooms and pictures of ancestors. If everything belongs to the community, do you lose possession of these items or is their consideration to this kind of family history? Thanks again for your fantastic videos! I want to visit a community sometime in the future (and after talking about your videos, my Mum is interested too!).

[@mwatts-riley2688]

What did you do before entering the community, where do you live, what state? What made you decide to make this huge move, this enormous jump into this life style, what did your family 🏠 think of this move? M. IL.

[@christineansorge5519]

Very smart Laura.

[@laineyga]

Thanks so much for sharing information about your faith, worldview, and life. Though I also am a person of faith, my perspective in many ways differs from yours, but how helpful-what a holy endeavor really-to listen for commonalities. One question: please talk about how you understand biblical interpretation. Is it evolving as your community receives new revelation from God through shared experience in work and worship? Or is it static, thus limiting openness to a new understanding of ancient texts? For instance, might the community be open to the Spirit’s leading if women in pastoral roles were part of that revelation? Or does the Bruderhof think of the Bible and God’s revelation in ways that would not enable a change in direction for the community? Thanks, again, for your lively and lovely videos. And I delighted, too, in seeing those silly pigs!

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

That's a really good question. I believe that God's word is living - it's not a dead text or a set of rules for life - but it also never contradicts itself and is unchanging. So I think it's important to remain free of legalism and moralism but not "evolve" in such a way that we make God's word conform to what we want. Our goal should be to live lives pleasing to God.

[@karenkelly9532]

Hi Laura You are a joy Your. Laugh is infectious I would like to ask how you have a smart phone, video equipment from the perspective of personal buying. Also I Iive in Nova Scotia and wonder if there are Bruderholf settlements in Canada? Love to you and your family

[@Wrennie_bird08]

I've worked in the old warehouse!!! (Room!) I've worked in the beautiful new warehouse! I've worked in the baby house, I worked in the kitchen, I've worked in the garden!!!!! I love Bellvale!

[@meluvfriends]

I was just wondering if you have ever said why you no longer wear a head covering? Im newer to your channel so still catching up! I just noticed in older videos :)

[@diddl03]

💛

[@georgiaamanatides4207]

How are the profits from the Bruderhof busineses dispensed and who decides who gets what? Is an outside accountant firm used to do a yearly audit of your various business? Can any member examine the balance sheet? Is there any pressure on members who are I'll or elderly to not pursue certain medical remedies because of cost?

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Yes we have yearly audits and there is mutual accountability when it comes to finances.

[@anybenfotiamine1728]

I’ve gone through a lot of money trying to heal myself. I don’t think that would fly there. I feel like the woman with the blood issue sometimes, giving my all to be out of pain, believing God has a remedy out there. I found relief in doing so. 😊

[@carolines3953]

Do your vows include wearing the communal dress code? Can you choose to wear anything different? How do you express your sense of unique self while being part of a large community? To give context, nature is full of variety, all created by God, so I’m just curious if there is opportunity to “be different” while being part of a Bruderhof community.

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Even though we dress the same everyone is very much their own person and expresses themself in different ways. Conformity is not cool.

[@jodiebrignell6981]

Hi Laura! I'd love to know what your working day looks like now, as a mother of young ones, and is this different from before you had kids? What hours do you work, and how much time do you have just you and your children? Thanks, from NSW Australia.

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Such great questions Jodie! This video that I did a couple years back may answer some of your questions. Stay well! 😊 kzbin.info/www/bejne/aqSziWWpedlqsJY

[@arieltaylor3046]

That orange color is lovely on you!

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Oh thank you!

[@susanparker6223]

Hi Laura, I literally just found your channel and can't pull myself away. I have a question. Do some people in the community have jobs outside? For if example, if you have nurses, doctor's, teachers, etc in the community, can they work in those roles outside? Do they then give their income to the community? I ask because I wonder how the community funds itself. Also, does a Bruderhof community have businesses that they do that results in income from the outside. I am thinking of the Amish who make appliances. Thanks for any information. And thank you for your wonderful channel!!!

[@louisecooper2580]

Could you do a video on your opinion on Bible journal thanks

[@peterdesmier6165]

Please explain. Do Bruderhof students attend local public schools or are there schools within the Bruderhof community?

[@elofamily7241]

We'd love to be part of your family, haha! :D Another great video, thank you! I'm curious if you think that other intentional communities would be successful WITHOUT all the components of the Bruderhof (i.e. still maintaining individual property, jobs outside the community, etc.) or do you think it's the entire picture that makes it successful?

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Good question. There are other intentional communities that do things very differently from the way we do and they do fine. Of course all intentional communities go through times of challenge no matter what the structure - part of life - and I think the most important thing when faced with difficulties is a common basis of faith to come back to.

[@GreenJack451]

I think the Bruderhof is outstanding in many ways. But he had, as far as I know, very hard times, I wouldn't share simply voluntary. The members went through fire an pain in their 100 years history. There were political persecution and they were refugees. They were faced breakups and re gatherings. I think were the Bruderhof nowadays is, is built on the experiences of those hard times they had. Hope they'll never forget about this and can value the strong beliefe of the elders. I think every intentional community that want to survive more then 10 years or so, has to act like the Bruderhof do. Surely not necessarily in all ethical und moralistic details but at the basics.

[@GreenJack451]

The long term marriage is a important value of the Bruderhof. And I think they are right. If you are able to have a commitment with one person, you also can have it with more people. Because you know, how it works.

[@Deealovesyou1]

Heya! Love your videos! I was wondering,can you get your driver’s license in the community?

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Yes you can

[@ifihadfriends437]

Hi Laura, I was wondering specifically about access to books and ereaders. Physical books would be pretty easy to collectivise, but could someone use an ereader, which would be much harder to share on a daily basis, as with your phones and computers?

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Hi most community locations have an extensive library and we have access to our local public library system where you can get pretty much anything you want.

[@zappawench6048]

Obviously you have a smartphone. I hope you don't mind me asking - do you only have that because you are the community voice of The Bruderhof on KZbin? Or is this a common possession amongst community members?

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Most people have phones. I'm also am not at all the voice of the community. People disagree with what I say here on the channel and find my videos annoying which is understandable lol

[@rachelvictor3380]

Laura, when we put ourselves out there, there will always be those that disagree, criticize, etc; Nonetheless, dont let those few stop you from shining! Your voice and witness -- light is meant to be heard and seen! Keep shining your light! Your videos and words of wisdom are a blessing!

[@wayneveck6743]

No Laura your not annoying

[@clarkjc44355]

@@LaurafromtheBruderhof i do not find you annoying at all. youre very easy to relate to and watching your videos is something i always look forward to. i like that you are not judgmental. your answers always focus on you and your family amd not what others should or shouldnt do.

[@gillianmcatee5378]

Rocking that hoodie Laura, Made my day as usual, Beautiful Girl love from mines to yours . Would it be allowed to send Gifts to yourself and other family in the Bruderhof?💜

[@nourishnaturalnutritionfor1412]

I love your laugh! :)

[@lynnebunning7273]

Love your videos, would like to see more of you cooking & sharing your receipes with us. Thank you & God Bless for bringing joy & laughter to us. Would also be nice if you could take us for more walks around your community. Love from Australia 🇦🇺🐨🙏🏽✝️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Thank you! Will do!

[@gwainknight4907]

Do the community rules change from one community to the next?

[@apryls.5552]

Are you allowed to get an epidural during birth? How does that process go?

[@carolw569]

One Easter we had big pig walking done the street. My mom said, "Ham on the hoof!"

[@lindamyers5660]

You are pricelessly wonderful

[@erina1142]

If you have an interest in a different job or just feel burned out on what you are currently doing, can you request a new job? Submitting to the needs of your community is likely important, and even more mundane jobs can be done with a joyful heart, but I wonder if there's any room for personal preference.

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Yes you can certainly request a job change

[@damianloder6080]

Hi Laura. I have a question. Brudehof seem very similar to Amish (yet obvious differences). To Brudehof typically have lots of kids like Amish do?

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Many families have 3-5

[@damianloder6080]

@@LaurafromtheBruderhof so not that many compared to Amish. I think the number for them would be between 5 and 20.

[@jacquieful]

Loved this! Is there any volunteer work in the community? I know that you don't get paid for working so it's all kind of volunteer. But do some people not have specific jobs and go around volunteering wherever?

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Some folks volunteer off the community for different organizations e.g. right now quite a few are out giving COVID vaccines

[@amykathleen2005]

How does it work if you have children with special needs who might need extra care and supervision. Would there ever be stay at home parents?

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

The great thing is if a child needs extra care the community provides it so it's not all on the parents.

[@tonyaunderwood6016]

Can you exercise? Like go running? What can you wear to exercise as a woman?

[@Speireata4]

If someone gave you a piece of art as a gift, would that be your personal possession then? I just ask, because when I paint something as a gift for someone I really like, I usually try to put a lot of "personal relationship" into that artwork, giving it a special meaning that only that one person is able to feel/see/understand. (or at least I think so) Therefore I would be angry if the other person would just give it away to someone else after a while, because they can't have any possessions. It would almost feel like sharing a secret or a private conversation with someone else without consent of the other person. Another problem I would have with that is the thought: "I did this for you, not for anybody else and not for any community. Why would you devalue my efforts and our relationship by giving something I made for you to some other people for whom I did not make this?" Maybe I just wouldn't make anything for people/friends in such a community to avoid those troubles.

[@Lootoodle]

I could be wrong but I’ve lived in community before. The teaching where I was would answer this question by saying you shouldn’t be doing anything for the individual to encourage that type of thinking, therefore if what you’re doing was not for the benefit of all it probably wasn’t worth your time investing into. Material possessions were valued very low also which encouraged this mindset

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

I don't think that would happen but I don't think any material thing is all that important. We come into life with nothing and we leave it the same way so...

[@Speireata4]

@@Lootoodle That is interesting. But people who are not in a community think differently and might want to give something to someone, because they like that specific person. But maybe, if they know that person very well, they know not give such gifts.

[@Speireata4]

@@LaurafromtheBruderhof that's true, but I think if God didn't want us to enjoy all those nice things in the world while we are here, they wouldn't have made a beautiful world and they wouldn't have given people the ability to create beautiful things.

[@ReluctantPost]

Among the more conservative Anabaptist communities in general, it's typical not to homeschool so much as homes school. Make sense? The difference with homeschool tends to just be a broadening with the inclusion of other like-minded parents as well as a particular teacher assigned, but most Christians' reasons for homeschooling are the same reasons for joint schooling with each other's families. Independence from others is not something we typically want our kids to prize, as un-American as that may sound.

[@tigermiep]

"Pigs arrive on the scene..." LOL

[@rayandsandy7649]

If an older person,mid 50s, wanted to join your community and has a pension from previous employment how would that work? Would they turn over their check each mounth?

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Yes we pool all our income

[@louisecooper2580]

@@LaurafromtheBruderhof what I'd the person is on disability beneficts with relatively on the outside who would want to send personal gifts to the person in your community what if a member of your community had heart trouble

[@_Claire_88]

Are there many in the community who didn’t grow up there? What are the rules about clothing? The men seem to dress more modern/trendy in comparison to the females clothes (I’m not trying to be offensive asking this). Hope you are well, I really enjoy your videos!

[@_Claire_88]

Just found a video about the clothes! Very practical & sensible - sounds great!

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

yay! thanks for asking 😊

[@jloubelle]

Hi Laura, I just watched a documentary series about a community in New Zealand called Gloriavale that reminded me of the Bruderhof. But then I googled it and found disturbing information about physical and sexual child abuse, women being punished for not submitting to sex, and even a girl with Downs Syndrome who choked to death in an isolation room that had the doorknobs removed. It made me worry, Laura, that there might be an ugly side to the Bruderhof too. I think you wouldn’t be able to say if there was. Just know I am thinking of you and very much hope the people in your community do not suffer this way.

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Yeah I've heard of Gloriavale and it's pretty horrific. Protecting our children is a top priority for us. You can read about how we approach doing that here www.bruderhof.com/en/safe-environment-policy. Thanks for responding!

[@jloubelle]

Thank you for replying and for the link, Laura! You have eased my mind!

[@troy5352]

Jloubelle…..that was so sweet of you to reach out and ask Laura instead of just wondering and worrying about it and never saying anything at all! I have always been fascinated by communities like this one but in the back of my head I always questioned whether any place could be this good. It sure seems like it is paradise. I’m glad Laura is ok.

[@TheCerealluvr]

i love the approach described in collective childrearing.

[@D.N..]

Did the 3 pigs break loose from their pen? I hope they don't get in trouble and they found their way back to their pen !! 🍀🦋😳☺️🌹🌸🥀

[@soniariley8821]

Do you have emergency medical care 24/7 a day or do you go to an outside facility.

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Yes we have medical care although for real emergencies would refer to an outside facility

[@juliocastillo1945]

Hi Laura, I'm sorry if this question has been posted here but I'll like to know if you're as Bruderhof Community had been registered as a charity or religious association with the government? Thank you very much.

[@Noone-rt6pw]

I was checking out the Bruderhoff long ago, where all Mennonite lineages are interesting. I would prefer to been with the Bruderhoff than where I've been the last 10, 20, 30, 40 years.😂. Especially the last 30, as the last 20 hasn't done much to recover from the previous ten which was very descriptive of hell. Which a better neighborhood it may have been recuperative😉 Except I can not say I'm so much for social justice as it may have other connotations than its name implies.

[@kaykalda9674]

I would like to keep my wedding dress. It was made from a ww2 parachute. It's silk and my mother, my sister and my grandmother all had a part in it. My wanting to keep it is because of their handiwork nothing else.

[@cindiloowhoo1166]

Isn't the Hudson River rather nasty and polluted to consume fish from there, or has it been cleaned up?

[@ServiceDogRosie]

Hey Laura, do you guys share cellphones

[@ashleyladner7620]

Do the members of your community have to pay mortgages or do they get housing by being members of the community?

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Hi Ashley! Thanks for asking. Since all members share everything, nobody has to pay mortgages. Members live together in community housing/apartments. Here's a video I made awhile ago showing my apartment 🏠😁: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mJWyd5-Jo9mEepY

[@soniariley8821]

My child school asked that all students need a laptop to use in the classroom for their classes. A lot of their school work is online now so that it doesn't waste paper. Do you need to buy the computers for each child in the school.

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

We don't actually use computers in the schools for the most part

[@soniariley8821]

@@LaurafromtheBruderhof So if not a laptop do they have to carry all their school books to each class. And do you have teachers per each subject or one teacher that does it all? Do you have education support workers for the student that struggle with lessons in the classroom?

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

In the elementary school there are a couple teachers per class who teach all the subjects. In the high school it's like anywhere else with a math teacher, science teacher etc.

[@soniariley8821]

@@LaurafromtheBruderhof do you have a speech therapist and how do you support children with behavioral is in the classroom. What about children with dyslexia or autism. Do you have a special school for children that can not cope in mainstream schools?

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Yes we have teachers who are trained to work with children with those challenges

[@juliejacobs9424]

Have the bruderhof started having the covid jab yet? Or will you have the jab? I love learning about you guy's. ❤️

[@chefevilee9566]

@Peregrin Porter I wouldn’t either.

[@chefevilee9566]

@Peregrin Porter Oh that is so kind. But I have such a wonderful husband. I will bet you that there may be a young lady on the Bruderhof already waiting for you😳😉!

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Yeah we're getting the vaccine. Mostly the older folks so far but as it becomes more available hopefully more can get it.

[@juliejacobs9424]

@@LaurafromtheBruderhof I'm getting my first one this afternoon. Shouldn't be too much longer before everyone who wants it will be done. Yehhh for getting back to normal. 🍀🤞🙏🏽❤️

[@chefevilee9566]

@@LaurafromtheBruderhof well I know that you spend a lot of time with the Catholic Church. A great deal of catholic churches are warning their people not to take the vaccine. Because of the aborted baby fetus problems. How do y’all work around that problem?

[@mamareader2874]

Does the community have to approve the content of your videos before you are allowed to upload them?

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

I talk about what I'm going to post with Chris and one or two other friends before I post a video

[@mamareader2874]

@@LaurafromtheBruderhof Thank you, Laura. That's great to hear you have the freedom to post what you want.

[@KCGLivingInGray]

I am very interested in visiting a local community near Michigan. How does one set up the experience? I am a widow, and my children are adults.

[@dylanmurphy572]

In the UK we can request a visit on their website. I’m sure it will be similar in the US

[@georgiaamanatides4207]

None of you receive an income thus none of you file yearly taxes. That being said one would then assume no one is a recipient of social security, either as an senior citizen or disabled. Is that correct?

[@kellylorang6845]

@Georgia Amanatides I'm guessing that social security or disability income isn't needed as they take care of their own. However, perhaps they do earn Social security although their paycheck is signed back over to the community. Good question.

[@georgiaamanatides4207]

@@kellylorang6845 I am asking for a reason, Kelly. I'm interested if I get a reply and, if so, what it is.

[@Caleb.S.Spangenberg]

Why would you have membership vows, if a Christian ought not to swear oaths?

[@billedwards6985]

Are bruderhof women allowed to shave?

[@galileegirl08]

Has anyone else mentioned that the communal aspect of the Bruderhoff is very similar to the Israeli kibbutz? Communal child care, kitchen/dining hall, laundry, housing etc. and assigned jobs and salaries that go to the community.

[@lailja21]

Oh... to laugh with Laura (✷‿✷)

[@jenny3pm824]

I’d you’re not a member of the community can your child attend school there? We currently homeschool.

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Yes that happens

[@HeyLetsTalkAboutIt]

The pigs!!!!! 💙💙💙

[@canningcraftingcrochetingt7910]

I gotta know, what was the story with the pigs? Your reaction was hilarious. Are they pets belonging to someone? Like dogs, one gets out and they all follow. 😂 Speaking of pets can you own a cat or a dog, fish, turtles hamsters, etc?

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Another family looks after them and they escaped from their pen. Some folks have "normal" pets and some get a little more exotic.

[@nikitab92]

From my visit at one bruderholf (years ago) no animals were allowed to live inside the building i.e. Cats, dogs. I personally only saw one dog...that was in a crate outside. No live animals inside were witnessed by me.

[@nickvierling7052]

Regarding the question about technology I hope you guys don’t start to use technology frequently. Widespread use of television and now the internet has created the antisocial environment of America today in which we don’t interact with our neighbors. The appeal of the Bruderhof to me is the true community and simple living which would be eroded by people walking around with smartphones.

[@jennytillery6408]

With an oink oink here and an oink oink there.....Too funny the pigs seemed to be photobombi.ng

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

🤣They totally were!

[@mwatts-riley2688]

Do you, or are you allowed to wear a wedding ring? I understand that wearing jewelry is rather austintatios, but as for a wedding ring the symbolism far out cries the statement that it's prideful or worldy. What is the community stance? M.. IL. ❤

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Thanks for asking! Yes, I wear a simple wedding band and I agree, that symbol is important.

[@sassy3923]

Speaking from experience, video games are addictive to the brain like drugs. They can rob your child of many years worth of time - as it did my son. Please do not get started with video games in the home. I wish I could turn back the years and never have allowed my children access to them. But at least learn from me and families like mine.

[@swampophelia2098]

Why did you stop vlogging, did the leaders not like how Popular you had become

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Lol! Thanks for asking. Nope--just super busy with family and work. Hoping to post again soon! ☺️

[@MissDomy23]

The pigs are having the time of their lives 🤣🤣🤣 who can blame them haha 😍

[@GiftSparks]

Maybe you have answered this before. But are you allowed to keep pets. Like a cat?

[@LaurafromtheBruderhof]

Yes! 😊

[@cindiloowhoo1166]

Rules like the toilet paper ~~~ must go over, not under ~ I think God may smite those who dare to put it under!!!