Amish teenagers

I've just finished watching a very interesting documentary about a group of Amish teenagers who leave their community in America and travel to London to experience an alternative culture. Some might think that the Amish are a cult. They are certainly going against the grain in their lifestyle and beliefs but the young Amish people came across as being very genuine, wholesome and content. There was no sense that they are brain washed or weird. In fact they were very refreshing. There is much to admire in the way they life their lives. They live simply and peacefully, work hard and live out the Word of God in their daily lives, like 'love thy neighbour'. I don't wish to romanticize their life but they seem happy. Much in contrast with our secular society. The group of Amish teenagers meet and spend time with some London teenagers, experiencing modern things like street dancing and beauty parlours. Their response is interesting. They are a bit bemused and taken aback at times but they are open minded. I think the Amish guys could take to the different culture more easily than the girls. The Amish teenagers don't compromise their own beliefs and they speak their mind openly but respectfully, which I greatly admire because I know from experience it so hard to speak about your faith and religious beliefs to people of a secular mindset and lifestyle. It takes courage, integrity and an inner strength. It's something I wish I had. And to give the London teenagers credit they are very respective and accepting of the Amish and their ways. They both get along well, even though their lifestyles and beliefs differ, and there is a genuine affection between them. The Amish seem to find many things challenging and thought provoking, which is not necessarily a bad thing. Maybe they can learn something from us or maybe it will just serve to make them appreciate even more their sheltered and safe community life. They might feel that they are being denied some things that are good and enjoyable, like art and music and learning about other cultures. I don't think I could live exactly like the Amish. I wouldn't be typing this blog if I did because they don't use elecricity. They don't use any modern technology. There is nothing wrong with this although most technology is good or bad depending on how it is used. Medicine is an obvious example and it would be interesting to hear their views on this. So while I couldn't totally embrace the Amish way of live, part of me is still very attracted to them. It would be nice to have a happy medium. If I won enough money in the national lottery I would buy a tropical island somewhere in the pacific, invite all my friends and build a Utopian society. We would live in harmony and peace. There would be no crime, no poverty, no boybands. Anyway, while I dream of this I must do the best I can, living in the city, to be true to my Christian values and not get too attacthed to material things. The Amish teenagers might be conservative and even square but they have a peace and sense of belonging which many of our urban teenagers don't have. It is both sad and uplifting at the same time. Well done to Channel 4 for producing such a well balanced and insightful documentary.

2010 World Cup analysis

Best players: David Villa (Spain), Iniesta (Spain), Xavi (Spain), Puyol (Spain), Ramos (Spain), Schweinstiger (Germany), Lahm (Germany), Ozil (Germany), Muller (Germany), Sneijder (Holland), Robben (Holland), Forlan (Uruguay), Suarez (Uruguay)

Best goals:
best individual - David Villa (Spain v Honduras)
best counter attack - Klose (Germany v Argentina)
best strike - Van Bronckhurst (Holland v Uruguay)
or Tevez (Argentina v Mexico)

Worst challenge: De Jong's karate kick in final

Worst hacker: Van Bommel

Biggest flops: Rooney and Ronaldo

Best teams:
1) Spain
2) Germany
3) Brazil

Worst refereeing decision - Lampard's disallowed goal

Best refereeing decision - Lampard's disallowed goal