The Harrs: March 2013

January DTS

It's hard to believe, but we are already in week 9 of the lecture phase of the Discipleship Training School (DTS)! It has been quite an adventure already. Matt and I weren't sure exactly what to expect, but it has definitely blown away any expectations we did have. It has been challenging at times, but the school has brought so much life to us. This is the first time Matt has led the entire DTS and we are learning so much! Matt is doing such a great job and I am so proud to see him step into this new leadership role. The students have really connected with him.

The first two weeks were really rough as we experienced a bit of spiritual warfare. From perpetual sickness to car problems to curious bank issues, the enemy was clearly not happy about what was in store for these students and for us! We persevered and we have been seeing amazing things in the lives of the students as well as our own.

The students and staff

Some of the topics that the speakers have covered are the foundations of Christianity, Destiny, Nature and Character of God, A lifestyle of repentance, the Holy Spirit, Marks of a disciple, relationships, and Father heart of God. They will also be learning about worldview and missions, how to study the Bible, making disciples, and the Great Commission. These students are so hungry and are really diving into everything that God has for them. I have been so blessed to have 5 people who genuinely love Liam. They look forward to seeing him and take time to play and love on him. He has been LOVING all the attention and loves to give them all kisses and hugs...most of the time. : ) Because it is a smaller school, we have really had the opportunity to get to know the students really well. We have enjoyed having them over to our house many times as a group as well as individually.

The team will be heading to Kansas City in March as part of a stateside ministry. They will team up with our former base director and his family to help encourage the local church to step out into missions. From there, the team will be heading to Uganda, Africa for 2 months as a part of their overseas portion of the DTS. Our two small group leaders, Whitney and Anthony, will be leading this portion of the outreach. Lord willing, Matt will be visiting the team for a week or so in May. The purpose of his visit is to bring encouragement and refreshment to both the students and the staff halfway through the outreach. I am a bit nervous as it will be only a month after Eily is born. I am praying that some of my family will be able to fly out and help me adjust to life with a newborn and a toddler!

We are so thankful that the Lord has allowed us to be a part of this journey. We have seen so much growth in our personal lives and although it has been stressful at times, it has been worth every minute!

Liam

After months and months of constant ear infections, screaming fits, and a typical grouchy disposition, we were finally given the go ahead to get tubes put in Liam's ears. What a difference it has made! Liam has been so much happier overall and we have not had one screaming fit since. Normal 19 month tantrums yes, but nothing like he was having before. He continues to bring us so much joy. He is so passionate and very excitable. When Liam likes something, you will know about it! His current favorites are Elmo (or MO!!!! as he likes to say), trucks, and trains. He points out every single truck he sees with the excitement of kid on Christmas. They never get old to him. The most recent obsession to Liam are "choo's". He loves the sight and sound of them. From the time he wakes up to the time he goes to bed he is constantly talking about, playing, or watching his choo choos. We recently bought him a train table and it has provided us with hours of entertainment. Liam continues to be quite the mama's boy and we are praying that he adjusts well to having a baby in the house taking some of the attention away from him. We are so blessed to call him our son and look forward to seeing him grow into the boy God created him to be.