Hetty, you might also be interested in knowing that several families from the Netherlands joined the Amana group (known then as the Community of True Inspiration) before they emigrated to the U.S.
David, it is a wonderful world, indeed. Actually, I have to confess that I didn't always think so. As my wife and I were growing up here--we met at the blue table in kindergarten
--we wanted nothing more than to get away. A common complaint was: "There's nothing to do here and everybody knows everybody else's business." The longer we were away and as we matured, we began to realize what a wonderful heritage we had. Eventually, we found ourselves exploring ways to come back to the Amanas. In 1977 we succeeded and have never regretted that move.
Our home is equidistant from two major cities, Cedar Rapids and Iowa City, only a half hour's drive away. The culture available in each is phenomenal. As an example, Iowa City, at last count, had eight live theatre companies. Cedar Rapids has four or five. Here in the Amanas we have two and only a population of about 1700. Iowa is always known for its corn, hogs, and chickens. But that image is quite misleading. We have farmers who are singers, actors, writers, potters...the list goes on. It's probably our best kept secret. I'm guessing that Sharon (see post above) was amazed at all the culture that exists in the Amana area and in other areas of the state as well.
Keep up the good works Larry! 
