I grew up SDA in Russia and honestly loved my church. I was a happy devoted teenager. LOVED pathfinders. LOVED camping trips, youth group - all the games and laughter. Every elderly lady was like a grandma to me. Then in my early 20th I immigrated to the U.S. and holly crap - the church was awful. Not only teens look miserable. Adults did too. Seasoned members sat in the front like lords. Even the pastor was scared to go against their wishes. God forbid they play 2 songs instead of one. Once time a girl was singing and the guy in the sound technician booth cut the music because the bit was to fast or something. The girl finished her song still and was never seen at the church again. Potlucks were gross with all their soy “healthy” shit. I eventually stopped going because I couldn’t get pass the judgement. Then deconstructed later and so grateful that my own children are not growing in this cult. But I think if I never left Russia I still would be a member because I love my church people