Eli and Moise told me Saturday morning that they didn’t expect to do much today. I’m sure they meant it when they said it, but I no longer believe it.
They are no more able to take it easy than I am to fly.
I came back in the afternoon with Maria to check on things, and I found the four walls all laid out flat on top of the first-floor ceiling and waiting to be raised – Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday, depending on when the other workers arrive.
Several people have messaged me saying they will be sorry when the barn is raised; they’ll miss it. I was thinking about that. The story of the Amish has just begun. There is no downtime in Moise’s life or that of his family.
Soon, sheep and goats will come.
Then construction will begin on the new family home, just a few yards from the new barn. More Amish families are heading our way, and a dozen new projects for the farm are in the works.
The story of the Amish here has just begun; it is far from ending; in fact, I doubt it will ever end in my lifetime. That is the nature of the Amish community – work, build, grow, experiment.
I am always amazed at what Moise and his workers can do in just a few hours. But I’m glad I brought them ice cubes; it was hot and sticky.
Maria noticed the notches on the outer wall, and the wall assembled lying on the first-floor ceiling; when they lift the assembled frames for the outer walls, the walls will slip into place and be upright and ready for the nails and screws.
And also for the roof to be built. That will be Wednesday, although nothing they might do sooner would surprise me. Moise ride by the farm Saturday evening early; I happened to be outside.
He waved as he went by and shouted some message, but I couldn’t hear it. He looked pleased.
It is an amazing thing to see right now; I can’t wait for the actual raising of the walls and then the roof. By Wednesday evening, says Eli, the barn will be complete and ready for use.
The first floor is just about done.
That is one hell of a barn(sorry, Bishops). Sheep and goats downstairs, cows and horses on the other side, equipment near the doors, hay upstairs.
Today is a day of worship and rest. I never go on the farm on Sundays; that is their day to cement the foundations of their life, their faith. They should have enough ice cubes to get through it.
The Amish story is important to me and compelling. As the American Empire struggles with economic inequality, corporate greed, a divided country, and government, endless fighting, and grievance, the Amish empire seems stronger than ever.
They are very much together, committed to helping one another whenever they are asked.
They are all about working together, not fighting, and they always seem to accomplish what they set out to do, without rancor or complaint.
I have a lot more to learn about how that is done. Like so many of you, I am stirred by the sight of them working so joyously and enthusiastically together.
The barn isn’t raised yet, but I won’t soon forget the sight of those workers sailing past the farmhouse on the way to Moise’s singing their beautiful hymns, eager to work together for hours in the hot sun to build something, not to tear it down or argue about it.
It can be done.
I was exhausted yesterday, and am looking forward to a quiet day. I’ll pick a few more Zinnia’s for my study – I love that raised bed garden, read a novel, do some chores with Maria.
I will give thanks for my life. I will renew my vows to live a meaningful life, to do good every day in some way, small or large. I look forward to exploring my new friendship with Moise and enjoying it.
So far, it is rich and nourishing.
The Amish bring me hope. So does the renewal of my blog. I am learning and growing. The best response to hatred is to learn how not to hate.
It really can be done.
Having worked in construction as one of my careers, I’m curious what purpose(if any) other than support the inner concrete half walls do. Wondering if they are part of the pens for the animals.
They are part of animal support Jim ..goats, sheep cows, horses
I wish I could both understand and articulate what your stories about Moise’s barn raising touch deep inside of me. Certainly Moise’s barn raising is a wonderful and impressive study of engineering, teamwork, leadership, family, relationships, commitment, selflessness, belonging, brotherhood, vision…and so much more. So much more. Perhaps it is in the beauty of simplicity. Or the simplicity of its beauty. The basics. But the pride I feel for Moise and his Amish family and friends, without even knowing them, I think is rooted in the love and hope and belief and spirit that you witness and write about every day. That lives in all of us. The more you write, the more I feel it. And I feel reawakened to it. Replenished by it. You make me want to know them. Or, know what they know. I am in awe of their barn as a symbol, holy with a touch of magic, and a lot of love, of their lifestyle. Maybe I should stop trying to explain it to myself…just read on, learn the lessons and simply enjoy the good feelings. For me, your words throughout your and Moise’s story, have never been more powerful. Thank you!
Jon, amazing detail photos and words again! I’m glad you and Maria stopped by to discover that “a little work and site cleanup” was actually wall construction.
I also agree that there are amazing things to come as your friendship with Moise, Barbara and family continues to grow. We’re anxiously watching and grateful for your sharing.
‘The best response to hatred is to learn how not to hate.’ I have come so far in my 70 years, but still have more to learn. Your blog is helping…and I do believe it can be done. Thanks.
I noticed the same about the Vietnamese after hurricane Katrina. While the others sat on their porches, waiting on FEMA to fix what went wrong, the Vietnamese banded together and rebuilt their community.
Jon, I think you have found your family
Feels like it Emile.j
I always enjoy your writings. I appreciate you take people on face value and not on others opinions. I am very curious though to know what your perspective would be if you were a women. Not knowing much about the Amish I do know the women have very few choices in life . That may not be bad but certainly constraining. Interesting thought
Susan, thanks for the good question. I can’t really answer it as I am not a woman, and that’s not likely to change. I can only tell you that the Amish women I know are strong and seem content with their lives and secure with their choices. I’m sure some are not but I can only write what I see. I believe the Amish women I meet are as content and their lives as full of meaning as English women that I know, who seem less content in general to me. These women do have choices in life, 15 percent of them choose to leave the faith, they can marry who they wish or not marry at all. No one pursues them or tries to force them to stay if they choose to go at any time. At age 16 many are free to leave the family and explore the wider world before they make any permanent decisions. I can’t tell you what is inside of their heads, but I think at times they have more choices than many outside women – especially poor ones – that I know.
There is a kind of financial, medical, and cultural security that they tell me they value, many say they find the English to be insecure and fearful all the time. My own personal feeling is that I don’t think we Americans ought to be a smug and superior as we sometimes are – our lives for women are not a bed of roses. I appreciate your question, it is important.