The day promised to be bright and clear, but humid and hot. August was holding the heat of the summer. An Englisch neighbor, David Bolling, was in the construction business. He offered a big truck and drivers to help haul any material needed. He also offered to furnish some picnic benches and tables for as long as they were needed to serve food.
Dr. Jonathan Alicea and his wife Catherine came to be available in the event there was an accident. He also had a tool belt on and was willing to work. Catherine was wearing brown slacks and a yellow blouse, but was willing to work with the women. Their sons, Conrad and Marshall, offered to do what they could. Would Catherine be accepted?
Catherine came hesitantly into the house carrying two hundred yeast rolls and two cakes she had baked. She was welcomed and put to work preparing vegetables for a stew.
By six O’clock, the yard held thirty some buggies and more than ninety boys and men were ready to go to work. Children from eight to twelve were given the task of bringing water and lemonade around often for the hot, tired workers.
Jacob took charge as he was the most skillful builder among them. He divided the men and older boys into four groups. Each group was to take a side of the barn and start building a frame for it. All of the Amish men were skilled in building because they did their own work. It was a very rare occasion when an outsider was needed.
On the previous Friday, concrete had been poured and pressure treated posts had been set in for supports. Adam, Matthew, Kyle, Gerry and Michael had taken the responsibility for this.
As the men worked someone would start singing a hymn. They would all join in. This really was joyful and entertaining for them. Musical instruments were forbidden in church, but Oliver Snader and Anthony Raber had sneaked harmonicas into their pockets. Nothing was said when they began to play. It wasn’t a religious service, so Deacon Verkler decided it was all right.
The women were preparing fried chicken, beef and vegetable stew, ham and liver as well as a variety of salads, vegetables and more desserts than could surely be eaten. Everyone had breakfast at home before the day started. Lunch and dinner would be served on the Hershberger grounds.
By noon all four skeleton sides were completed. The skeleton framework was ready for lifting. Before the men were seated Deacon Verkler called for prayer. There was complete silence until he cleared his throat to show he was finished.
Younger teen girls brought out big baskets of hot yeast rolls. Butter, jams, and seasonings were already on the tables. Boys helped carry out the heavy baskets of food. The women, who had come to help, had brought china and tableware as well as food. Soon everyone was “eating themselves full” meaning eat all you want.
It is a good thing they were in the open because the sautéed onions to go with the liver were smelling mighty strong. Men joked about keeping the insects away from them as they ate liver and onions. The three big hams were cut at the tables. Mashed potatoes, potato cakes, pickled beets, green beans, asparagus, baked corn pudding, squash, zucchini, peas and slaw were a few of the vegetables served. Cakes, pies, puddings and homemade ice cream were desserts.
Dr. Alicea had worked as hard as any of the Amish. Fortunately all he had to do was treat splinters and a few cuts. He was impressed with the skill, friendliness, and dedicated work the people exhibited.
After the men had eaten, the women and children sat down to eat. Catherine Alicea was impressed with the welcome she had received and that she had been put right to work with the women. She could hardly wait to try some of the recipes she had collected.
The men rested for about a half hour and then went back to work. Half of them gathered on one side of the building to help raise the skeleton framework for the sides. The back and front did not require as much work because they would make doors another day. Also at the back was a big window over the door with a rope and a wench to lift heavy bales and any items to be stored in the loft.
There was some hammering, but, for the most part, round oak pegs with square heads were made to fit in holes and hold boards to the framework. Metal V shaped pieces had been purchased to hold the angled boards together for the loft.
All four sides had been filled in, but another day would find them working on the rafters. Then doors would be put in place and a shingle roof put on. A room had been built for storage of feed and tack. Stall partitions had been built in.
Thankfully the cow barn had not been damaged. While the men were working, the younger teen boys and girls were washing the kees udders and attaching the milking machine to each one. Each kee was eating while she was being milked.
It took three days in all and everyone was pleased with the work. The barn had even been painted by the teen boys.
On the third day, one of the men had slipped, while on the roof, and tumbled off. Thankfully he only had a broken arm. Dr. Alicea and his wife felt inspired while working with the people and he determined to be available whenever he was needed at a reasonable price for his services. He realized they had little money; only what they earned by selling things they had grown or made by hand. Sometimes the older teen and younger twenty boys, who were in Rumspringa, would work in town for a contractor or in some other business. They would give most of their pay to the parents.
As Dr. Alicea left he thanked the men for allowing him to be part of their working crew and told them how much he admired their fortitude and perseverance as well as their loyalty to each other.
Benjamin Lapp pulled his long full beard and said, “Ve mir lewe uff hoffning ue and Gott. (We live on hope and God.)”
“Forgive me if I’m out of line, but I do want to be your friend and I’m curious about some things. Why do you wear beards but no mustache?”
The Amish all looked to Deacon Verkle. “In the old countries, many years ago, our families were persecuted for being as they were. The soldiers wore full mustaches, therefore, we don’t want to look like them. We follow Leviticus 19: 27 that states Do not cut the hair at the sides of your head or clip off the edges of your beard.”
Dr. Alicea thanked them again and told Kyle he did not believe Kyle could be guilty of murder. “After what I have observed while working with all of you, I would even say you have all earned a place in Heaven.”
Deacon Verkler then quoted Matthew 7:21 Not everyone who says Lord, Lord will enter the kingdom of Heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in Heaven.
“I’m impressed with the way everyone helps all the rest and doesn’t expect pay.”
Joshua Kime said Blessed is he who has regard for the weak; the Lord delivers him in times of trouble. (Psalm 41:1)
“My goodness,” Dr. Alicea looked startled, “ you have a Bible verse for all conversations. Do all of you memorize them?”
“Ja,” Jacob answered, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against thee.” (Psalm 119:11)
“I don’t know what to say. I’ve been in church all of my life and have studied the Bible, but I’m ashamed to say, I have not memorized everything I studied. Well, we must be going. Thank you again for allowing me to be part of your work crew,”
Watching them go down the driveway, Charity said, “It’s a crying shame that all Englisch are not as kind-hearted as Dr. and Mr. Alicea.”
Jacob looked sternly at her. Charity had been speaking out more than an Amish woman should do. But then, he smiled to himself, she’s more like me than any of the boys are.
Adam was so good working with wood and making animals. Charity asked him to teach her some of what he was doing.
“Charity, this is considered men’s work. Why do you want to learn? I haven’t wanted to tell you but the Bishop and the Deacon have talked to me about letting you be so free and get by with so much.”
“What ?!” She stomped her foot. “How dare they accuse you of something I’m doing on my own. Oooo, I want to tell them off.”
Laughing delighted, Adam hugged her and swung her around. “That’s what they are talking about. You are too free to speak out with your thoughts. Amish women just don’t do that. They let the men do the discussing and----”
“Too free! Do you mean to tell me I’m not permitted to think about anything and express myself?”
“Nee. It is just not seemingly for a woman to be so verbal in public. Talk to me all you want, but try to control yourself around others.”
“What did you tell them?”
“I told them I had an intelligent, loving wife who excelled in cooking, sewing, keeping house and being a good Christian woman. I did not want to cause you any emotional pain to where you would stop thinking or talking to me. I think I confused them and left them wondering what kind of man I am.” He laughed loud and long.
She spun around with her arms out. “Oh, Adam. I do love you and am so proud to be your wife. I think I made the best bargain to get you for a husband. Gott is gud.”
“Ja. God is good, and I thank Him every day for what we have.”
Each evening, before going to bed, they read from the Bible together and had prayer. “I can hardly wait to teach a little one from the Bible and our songs.” Charity hugged herself and got a mellow look in her eyes.
“Ja. As the head of the house it will be my duty, and my pleasure, to teach our little ones. You can tell them stories from the Bible and teach them songs.” He held one of their wedding presents, a family Bible.
Adam carefully placed the big, heavy Bible on the small table reserved for it. He turned to take Charity in his arms and hold her close. They finally held hands and went up to bed.
The next morning Charity was very thoughtful. “Adam, I’m worried that we have not heard any more about the death of that Kennedy man. Do you think his parents will have enough influence to declare Kyle guilty and put him in prison? I could not stand that for his family. It isn’t common knowledge, but he has been escorting Michelle Lehann home after the singings and it sure looks as if they may be published. I hope and pray nothing keeps that from happening.”
“I saw Deputy Glenn Woodward at the market last weekend. He said they are still talking to Darren’s friends hoping some of them will remember something that will help solve the case.”
“We are all praying for the truth to come out soon. Now how about showing me how to use your wood working tools.”
“You are determined aren’t you?”
“Yes. When the boppli comes I’ll be kept indoors a lot, especially with winter coming on. I would love a hobby of making birdhouses.”
He sighed loudly. “All right. Let me get my tools and some wood and I’ll show you.”
Charity waited anxiously while he got everything that would be needed.
“Now Charity, listen carefully. These tools are very sharp and can cause a very bad wound with careless handling. First I want to show you how they are to be used.”
Adam spent about fifteen minutes telling her what each tool was and its purpose. Charity was artistic and she was sure she could do well. He then took a piece of wood and a broad-tipped pencil to lightly draw a design on it. “When you gain some experience, you won’t have to draw the design first. You’ll see the finished product in your own mind and can work on it.”
By the end of a week Charity was doing well enough until Adam left her on her own. She was elated when she had the pieces for a birdhouse. After putting them together she did something she wasn’t sure the Bishop would approve. She painted the house to look like an Englisch cottage.
“Charity! What are you doing?”
“Adam, the Englisch will mostly be buying these and I want to make them attractive for them. I’ll make some for our Amish friends.”
On the next Saturday that they went to town to an open market, Charity took ten of her birdhouses. Adam took some of his and three dog houses. They were pleased when they sold out soon after lunch. Charity wanted to walk around and see what others were selling and maybe find friends to talk to.
“We’d better not. We still don’t know who killed the Kennedy boy or why he was placed in the Snader barn. The Bishop thinks it’s to cause more trouble for us.”
“Adam, that is so unfair. None of us did anything to cause the trouble and we have to be the ones being so careful.”
“I know. It’s better to be safe than sorry. Isn’t that what your daed says?”
“Ja. I’m sometimes unhappy that we have to turn the other cheek.”
“We need to live according to Gottes wille. (God’s will)”
She sighed deeply. “Ja, I know, but sometimes it is awfully hard for me to turn away. It is even harder to forgive.”
“I know my wunderbaar glatzkeppich (wonderful stubborn) wife. I naemlich do (love you). Remember, if we can’t forgive how can we expect Gott to forgive us our sins?
“Ja. I know all of that and do believe. We’ll teach all our kinner the same, but there are times that I feel we should do more to protect ourselves.”
“Charity, my darling wife, that’s for Gott to do. Protect us. If we talk about His will, but don’t trust Him enough to take care of us, then we will be a failure as a community. Too, we are better witnesses to the Englisch if we follow His teachings and do as He wants us to do.”