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:

I used to vlog on the Bruderhof channel. See all my old videos in this playlist:

*****

What is the Bruderhof?

More info is at:

[nataliejones]

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?"

[suzannepeck]

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!

[lindaf.]

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!

[emmabown]

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. 🇬🇧♥️

[kellitigh]

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. ❤

[swampophelia]

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

[alexandravia]

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.

[lunashynesparkles]

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 💖💯.

[harrisofcanada]

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?

[passiflorapassiflora]

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

[saraschneider]

*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 YouTube channel?

[saraschneider]

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?

[benfir]

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

[georgiaamanatides]

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?

[zappawench]

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 YouTube? Or is this a common possession amongst community members?

[margaretknowles]

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?

[mwatts-riley]

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

[erinnkrausz]

You just seem so happy! It's delightful.

[rosesandgold]

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

[suzybausch]

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