Esther Royer Ayers

I grew up Old Order Mennonite in the small farming community outside Columbiana, Ohio. When I was in my teens, my mother became a Moses of a Mom when she moved me and my seven siblings into the WILDERNESS, actually, Akron, Ohio. There we entered the World, a place we had been taught to fear. We survived, despite many setbacks and mindblocks. I write about Old Order Mennonites because I have been there.

I have been on both sides of the fence: On one side is a religion that operates in the Past; on the other side is a world that operates in the Present. Old Order Mennonites do not allow their children to attend school beyond the eighth grade. To me, the lack of a good education is the hugest harm my siblings and I encountered when trying to "make it" in the world.

Because of mindblocks, I have never truly understood why my religion made us live in the Past. After years of study, I have finally arrived at an understanding. I have surprised myself at what I have learned, and am currently writing a memoir of self discovery entitled "Girls in the Cult".

Please see my website: www.EstherRoyerAyers.com for further information about me.