Plot Synopsis

When members of the Amish community leave their way of life, they often choose to live in homes of some of the largest ex-Amish communities, and Mose Gingerich, the most famous ex-Amish and de facto mayor of one community, mentors them and eases their transition into the "English" world. Being surrounded by like-minded people from very similar backgrounds makes it easier for men and women of all ages to transition from their Amish lives to the outside world. They are met with acceptance and understanding even as they are often shunned and ostracized from the homes and communities in which they grew up. By discovering and sharing what it takes for the ex-Amish to survive and assimilate into our society on a day-to-day basis, these individuals are determined to tell their stories: Jonas, like many American teens, is thrilled to get his driver's license, but a terrible car wreck causes him, and those around him, to rethink their life choices because driving is seen as a complete disregard for the Amish way of life; Esther is trying to become the first ex-Amish actress and is dating an "English" guy; Chris has started cage fighting and has his first amateur fight in front of an audience; Abe still yearns to return to his Amish family after five years, but is quite a fan of NASCAR, girls and beer; and Michael, a friend of Chris and his older brother Reuben, wants to leave the sect, but it isn't as easy for him as it was for his friend. On Wednesday, December 8, 2010 at 8pm ET, Nat Geo premiered a 60-minute special, AMISH: OUT OF THE ORDER, which also featured Mose Gingerich.