So we load the wagon up and drive the tractor a few blocks to the family barn. Now, this barn is the symbol of everything beautiful with Altenstatt. Here is where Hans-Peter and Lucia had their first kiss. Here is where Hans-Peter’s brother-in-law and his wife had their wedding reception. Here is where the kids jam in the shed to drums and a piano tucked away in the corner. Here is where the entire family gathers for parties. And here is where they run their carpentry shop. Amazing.

We begin to unload the wagon—and here I notice how “naturally” organized the Germans can be. They were impressed with us American’s willingness to help (and might I add, our “strength”). But, I was impressed with how they just naturally lined up for things and new what things needed to be moved and in what way. Very organized.

After a few trips like this, it neared 10:45 in the morning. As we were about to move another load, the grandmother of the family approached the house (from her house down the road, of course), carrying a tray of ham sandwiches. Mmmmmm. Break-time.

And, if you are in Germany and you are having a break from work, what do you do? Why, you drink beer!!! At 10:50 in the morning, I was drinking beer and laughing with a bunch of German guys, helping move their brother out of a house. I was part of their family. I was a German. And I was drinking beer at 10:50 in the morning??!?!

What was so beautiful about all of this was that the men were in such solidarity with one another. This was men truly being men: working hard, doing a good job, sharing some laughs, and some drinks, and just enjoying life. The kids were out in the neighbors’ yards, playing on the swings, laughing, dancing around in the green grass. And the women? They were no where to be found. I know that Lucia was at home, getting dinner ready for our return. And how awesome this was!!! Lucia didn’t mind cooking at all. And Hans-Peter didn’t mind lifting boxes at all. Doing such things made them happy—and were not suffocating roles. How amazing it is when a women is tender and a man is strong. And how ever more so when the family is a mix of this and the marriage a union of them! To see such a beautiful family and to see such a beautiful marriage (Hans-Peter and Lucia, married for 16 years, are sooooo IN LOVE!... I would swear that they were newlyweds!)—to see this is so beautiful. It fills me with hope and joy!

At about noon we came home and ate dinner with Lucia and Johannes and Katharina. A meal all together… wow! And the Spatzel we ate--- OH MY GOODNESS!!! I’m going to make this for you all someday. This is a dish that MUST be had by all. And yes, we had beer.