Life

We have had a crazy past few months- even weeks. It seems as though in the Harris family there is always something different and new. We have been racking our brains to figure out what we can do about our "home" that is sinking and stinking. We have looked into many different things. We several weeks ago while praying about what to do we were lead to an answer (we think).

Steven had found listing on craigslist for free brick. We thought that we could use it on our property somewhere so we drove down to get it. In talking with the couple we found out that they are members of our same church. We started to share our story of how we moved here to save our son and family and that we put everything into the farm. When they were told about our house being uninhabitable they suggested a straw bale home. We have always wanted to build a house out of something different. We asked about how much it would cost. They said that they have run the numbers on their floor plan and could have it dried in for $10,000. Since the other options have run short we decided to give it a try. So now we are on a quest to build a straw bale house.

In other areas of our life we are no longer staying on our farm. Several weeks ago we had gone to Lebanon to stay with a friend and her daughter or a few days over an exceptionally hot spell. We were decided to stay a few days longer because Chantelle was feeling better there. That Wednesday she lost her job- the company had tried to grow too quickly and needed to downsize.
The next Friday our friend we were staying with had some medical problems that needed a constant "babysitter" as she puts it. So we have been staying with her and trying to fix our housing situation. Chantelle has been acting as her medical adviser and advocate when she goes to her appointments.

The girls have done okay with adjusting. B-man has had a hard time. Steven takes him out to the house every other day so he can get away from the noise of the city and try and calm down. Overall we are doing just fine.

One thing that we have really learned since we have started this venture is this: If you place a seed or grain of rice on your flat hand and blow it rolls right off. If you cup your hand and place the same grain in your hand and blow it doesn't blow away. The flat hand is like the world. The cupped hand is like living in the hollow of God's hand. I feel such peace knowing that we are living in the hollow of God's hand. I hope and pray that each of you who read this can have that kind of peace.