Its time to write again tho I don't know why I don't do this more often.
Well since our last June entry we have been on quite the roller coaster and for now I think we are off but now we are feeling all the dizzy effects. There is so much wrapped up in Roller Coaster ride, thrill, excitement, dizziness, puking, screaming, and we are just looking for the norm, you know the steady ground that we felt before the ride.
For those of you who don't know what I am talking about, Ricky lost his job in July and we moved back to our house (that was currently for sale) in Joplin, only to find that getting a job that was non-ministry to support our family and let Ricky go to school (2 years left) was not going to be possible. Through a process of getting down to the basic necessities and priorities,and giving any concerns to God, we decided that we wanted to keep Ricky in school and give our house back to the bank. (we are currently trying to short sale the house if you know anyone who wants a good bargin on a house in Joplin.)
We moved in with my parents in Seneca Mo. They live on 18 acres and have a 3 bedroom 2 bath house with large living spaces. My parents have graciously remodeled a previously enclosed 2 car garage by texture/painting the walls and putting in carpet. They also added central heat and air to the room. They did all of this so we could have a comfortable space to move into. We pay rent and Ricky does a lot of work around the house.
As a family we have been greatly blessed by the the family of God, since Ricky lost his job. Its hard to explain the blessing The Church has been because some of our deepest wounds have come from The Church. We have and are receiving financial, physical, and spiritual help. We have been attending College Heights and are in a small group. We are currently trying to build community tho we are challenged in what that should/ does look like. Friends are so important to us right now, but we are so needy, I worry that we will wear people out, or even so that we would choose not to go to them because we don't want to wear them out.
Ricky is taking 11hours of school. He has continued to teach for Virtuous Reality and is working 10 and 12 hour shifts, on the weekends, overnights at IHOP. We are trying to get the ballooning art business going and I have become a Mary Kay Consultant as well. Chrysanna started pre-school on Monday the 16th of Nov. after turning 3 on the 10th. Blayze has grown right out of all of his clothes (right on schedual) and he is growing in Christ everyday. He seems to have a heart for people who don't know Jesus in other countries. Dominic is climing anything that lends to it and everything that doesn't. His new favorite phrases are "I love you" and "I know". I am working on having a joyful heart and reaching out to others.
Life at the Harter house is still happening and we are so thankful for the support of our family and friends. They have certainly lessened the effects of this rollercoaster.
I am so thankful that God is our provider, our comforter and our strength.
