Amish Family Reflects on Turbulent Move to Michigan 22 Years Ago

Lovina Eicher shares memories of the rocky start to settling her family in a new state.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 6:53pm

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An abstract, out-of-focus photograph in warm tones depicting the blurred silhouettes of an Amish family unpacking boxes in their new home, conveying the emotional experience of relocation and adaptation to a new environment.As the Eicher family settles into their new Michigan home, the transition is marked by both challenges and the comfort of close-knit community.Sturgis Today

Lovina Eicher, an Old Order Amish writer, recalls the challenges her family faced when they moved from Indiana to Michigan 22 years ago. The transition was difficult, with the family dealing with a barn fire, adjusting to new jobs and schools, and missing their close-knit community back home. However, Lovina shares how the family eventually settled in and found support from their new neighbors.

Why it matters

The Eicher family's move highlights the resilience and adaptability required when an Amish community relocates to a new area, leaving behind their familiar surroundings and close-knit support system. Their story provides insight into the practical and emotional challenges faced by Amish families who choose to start over in a different state.

The details

When the Eicher family of eight children, along with Lovina's sisters Verena and Susan, made the move from Indiana to Michigan 22 years ago, it was a chaotic transition. On their first day, a barn fire nearly destroyed their new property, requiring help from kind neighbors to put it out. The children also had to adjust to new schools, while Lovina's husband Joe started a construction job with a different schedule. Despite the rocky start, the family eventually settled in, with Lovina's sisters Emma and Jacob also buying a farm nearby to be closer to the family.

  • The Eicher family moved to Michigan 22 years ago this month.
  • On their first day, a barn fire nearly destroyed their new property on March 25th.
  • The Eicher children started at their new schools in Michigan this week.

The players

Lovina Eicher

An Old Order Amish writer, cook, wife, and mother of eight who is recounting her family's move to Michigan.

Joe Eicher

Lovina's husband, who quit his job at a furniture factory to take a construction job in Michigan.

Emma

Lovina's sister, who also bought a 7-acre farm in the area to be closer to the family.

Jacob

Emma's husband, who helped the Eicher family move and get settled in Michigan.

Verena and Susan

Lovina's sisters, who moved to Michigan to be closer to the Eicher family.

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What they’re saying

“If we had been by ourselves, we would probably have lost the barn. So it was a rocky start to our move to Michigan!”

— Lovina Eicher, Amish Writer

What’s next

The Eicher family will continue to settle into their new home and community in Michigan, with the support of their extended family who have also relocated to the area.

The takeaway

The Eicher family's move to Michigan demonstrates the resilience and adaptability required when an Amish community relocates, leaving behind their familiar surroundings and close-knit support system. Their story provides insight into the practical and emotional challenges faced by Amish families who choose to start over in a different state.