Christmas Letter 2011

                                                                   Merry Christmas                               December 2011

                        As the fall comes to an end and we put away Thanksgiving decorations and begin unwrapping the Christmas ones, I know this Christmas is going to be a blessing for our Barber Clan. Last year was difficult as we came to terms with the reality that our precocious Ryan has left us for his heavenly home. This year we are going to be celebrating the year that was 2011 with all its highlights.

                       

In August, Cameron was ordained as a pastor in Calvary Church and will serve as associate pastor until all the pieces fall into place for them to move to the Northwest. Cam, Britt and their adorable three munchkins have accepted God’s call to Plant a Church in Lakewood, Washington. The faith of this family humbles me. They are truly trusting God’s timing as they try to sell their two houses, find the right job, and place to live. This young family is embracing the uncertainty that comes from going where called. Until then, we are enjoying our three grandkids who like to come to Papa’s house and Noni’s park to play. It will be difficult seeing them move but we know this is God’s plan.

                       

Tanner is continuing work on his paramedic degree and is in Albuquerque with his lady friend, Emmy. Our family is blessed to have her as a new member. Emmy is beautiful inside and out and has brought joy in her smile to our family. Tanner is working for Nate Gentry’s Senate campaign. It makes me smile that God has placed my son in a conservative, Christian campaign. 8-)

                       

Natalie is loving life as a bus assistant for kids who need her love as much as she enjoys giving it. Some of my students ride her bus in the afternoon so I am blessed each day as my exquisite daughter jumps off the bus to give me a hug. She and I are taking sign language classes together in Santa Fe. We are in different classes since she is so advanced of her mother. This Spring, she is taking classes and looks forward to where life will lead. Her compassion for all creatures who are persecuted will surely play a role in where God leads. Next summer, she hopes to volunteer for a month at a Young Life camp in Minnesota or head back to Discipleship Focus in Tennessee. I see a road trip in our future. My mom better keep her bags packed.

                       

Dorothy and Elissa have moved into their own place in Flagstaff. They came for Thanksgiving with my Mom this year. Dorothy has been with Petco as a talented groomer for almost four years. Lissa went with us to Seattle this summer and kept me companion the drive home without Ron. He flew home to help evacuate from the forest fire that fortunately spared our home and neighborhood.

                       

Ron still enjoys working at the lab after thirty plus years but gets out to do his Stone Calendar research at every opportunity. He has been giving his talk all over the Southwest and is headed to Santa Barbara in February to give another talk. Buying boots and tires to scramble to various petroglyphs sites surely is a way he helps stimulate the economy.

                       

I was asked to teach the district elementary behavior, autism class this year. It felt like I was coming home to this program. This is where my heart lies with students who struggle with control and emotions. Recently someone asked me when I plan to retire. What? I adore the challenges in what I am doing and the differences I am able to make in my kiddo’s lives. No way I am retiring anytime soon.

                                   

A year ago, I had no idea how I could write a family letter with Ryan’s death so fresh. This year I see the blessings we have had even through this family tragedy. So many hurting in our world today. Ron and I are going through the leader training for Celebrate Recovery. A group of us hope to bring healing to our community. This is a Christ centered recovery program for those with hurts, habits, and hang-ups. That pretty much includes all of us.

                        We ask for your continued prayers for our family as we keep you and yours in our prayers. There is no guarantee what the future holds, only a guarantee of who holds the future.

Merry Christmas,

Joyful

11-28-11