It was a beautiful day (yes, I’m learning Pennsylvania Dutch), a beautiful sunrise, a beautiful barn raising, as I write this more than halfway done. It was just as incredible a sight as I imagined, and a score of townspeople came over to watch as the Amish proved once again what people working together could do.

With no tools but one leveler and a lot of hammers and sheer will and muscle power, Amish workers from all over the area gathered to help Moise build his barn.

I’ll be going back and forth today, but I wanted to get home and put up some photos; I know many of you are waiting for them. I can’t imagine any ordinary photo can do just to the incredible work these people did in just a few hours. I got up at 5 a.m. to get ice cubs to keep the Gatorade drinks warm; Maria came with me.

I did my best to keep my camera in my pocket, but I just lost it and stepped back towards the road at crucial times. To be truthful, there is no way I couldn’t catch some pictures of what I saw. There is so much to see and wonder at.

 

The physical agility of these Amish men is astonishing; they could all easily qualify for high-wire walking jobs at the circus. They are fearless; they all work as one and work together.

They walk back and forth on thin planks and are sure-footed. They know what they are doing, and they do it. This will be an all-wood barn, no metal roof.

Moise came out to me once or twice. We had to make some calls for a taxi to take some of the workers to the bus station this afternoon.

Barbara is planning a lunchtime meal for the workers; they plan to finish the barn today. I’ll post more photos as the day goes on. It was as magical and stirring as we imagine.

Maria and I felt fortunate to have seen it, and it isn’t over yet. Amish people seem to defy gravity.