Tears did come to my eyes as I stood on the hill, watching the Amish workers climb up on the new roof they were building and start hammering. Their mutual aid philosophy is inspiring to me.
I could almost touch the excitement at the Miller farm when I came early. I got up at 6 to bring six bags of ice cubes to them. I passed four or five Amish buggies on the way to the raising. Between 15 and 20 additional church members are expected at the farm.
Another 50 or 60 are coming by the raising, which is on Wednesday. Donut Friday was canceled today; the kitchen is filled with church seats, the church will be at Moise and Barbara’s house on Sunday.
I got the ice coolers they wanted; I’m going to watch the construction this morning and pick up some visitors and family at the Glens Falls bus station this afternoon.
I imagine they will need some more ice later in the day.
I visited this morning, and I see Moise and his crew have begun work on the floors below the second floor. Fourteen more feet of wall to go before the roof.
Last week, I couldn’t imagine how this barn – Moise says it’s about 1600 feet – could be finished by the 28th. I do not doubt it now.
I feel as if the Amish Community – everyone living with a couple of hundred miles – is on their way to help Moise build his farm. This is a wonderful, very emotional, very inspiring thing to see.
Our news presents us every day with the very worst of humanity; the Amish present elements of the very best. That gives me a lot of hope.
Community is not dead; the truth is not exhausted yet; the love of human beings for one another is much more powerful than the news or one political party.
I love taking the above photo.
It was just after sunrise; they had already been working for an hour when I arrived. There must have been at least 10 Amish buggies passing my window since I got home, more coming from the other side.
How lucky I am to witness this remarkable ritual and share it with all of you. Thanks for watching with me.
Thank you for sharing! I’m way out here in Colorado and I can feel the excitement through your posts! Your photos and posts are so enjoyable and the anticipation for the barn raising just keeps building. Thank you for writing about the good in people, it makes me want to be kinder and more helpful to my family, neighbors, and friends. You are a blessing Jon.
It will be good to see that the horses will have a good shelter, too. Now all they need is a border collie to help herd the sheep they’re getting. What a wonderful group of people they are, and thank you for letting us share your experience with them.
I am very much enjoying the community build and your observations. I am food gardening this summer and feel your glee at success with flowers for your bride. Seems to me that Moise might find building an ice house to be a good use of time and effort, certainly cheaper in the long run. Thanks for this, Jon.
I just read your post,and, I have to say, I too had tears in my eyes, as well as goosebumps. What a wonderful world it would be…if only. Thank you sooo much for posting . I look forward to reading and seeing the photos. Please keep them coming. Soo enjoy them.
uplifting. thank you.
How do they get all the lumber there? Is it delivered?
Thanks for sharing this. It is so encouraging to see this community and how they work together.
My husband and I were in construction for many years, and this is very different!! 🙂
Very different. They have a lumber operation, they sell lumber. They have it delivered also.
Beautiful photograph, with the sun shining upon this endeavor. You really captured the grace of the moment.
I am so enjoying your posts about this family and community.
From the Phony Farm:
I am glad you have taken an interest in the Amish. They are fine people and good neighbors.
Outstanding photo, Jon, with a significant word picture also.
You were inspired to write:
“…the Amish present elements of the very best. That gives me a lot of hope.
Community is not dead; the truth is not exhausted yet; the love of human beings for one another is much more powerful than the news or one’s political party.”
I agree “,,.the love of human beings for one another is much more powerful than…” insert whatever phrase we ‘English’ might choose. It gives me comfort to know that for the Amish, “community is not dead.” It gives me hope that as we ‘English’ who see these pictures and read your posts, with the accompanying affirming comments, begin to also understand the words of Jesus, by which the Amish live and demonstrate to those around them – the value of humility, the example of forgiveness and the power of unconditional love. If, but from an Amish barn raising in upstate NY, that spark might burst into a small flame then, yes, there is hope for us all.
Keep sharing the Amish example, Jon. We are blessed!
How lucky I feel to be following your friendship with the Amish! This feels so exciting – I can feel your excitement about the barn-raising! Can’t wait to read more, Jon!
Excellent morning shot of the barn in progress. The sun shining above and through it captures a very sacred meaning. Thank you so very much for reporting on this amazing Amish endeavor. I find the entire project fascinating and fresh reading.
Hi Jon,
Thank you for your wonderful articles on these fine people. When I was young, back in the 60’s, I remember every time a family moved across town or a new family moved in, the men in our community would always show up with pick up trucks and the women would help pack and move them. As a kid, I saw everyone have fun pitching in and enjoying it. It made a huge mark on me as a sense of community. No one got paid, it seemed to be a community event rather than the drudgery of moving we all know. Sadly, I don’t see that sense of helping out your community anymore.
Your articles deliver hope in many ways. I’m a little long in the tooth now, but it would be awesome to be part of the Millers community experience. Thank you for showing it to us!!