Christmas Card 2018
"For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace." - Isaiah 9:6
Aloha and Mele Kalikimaka to our loved ones near and far:
This has been an incredible year of growth for our family in more ways than one. A year where our eyes have been opened to see God as more beautiful and more believable than the year before. A year where once again, we are in awe of His patience, grace, and mercy. As I write this letter, we have now been in Hawaii for 18 months, which means Parker is now half-way through residency. *Cue "Living on a Prayer."
Esther celebrated her first birthday in February and grows more beautiful, funny, and precious every day. We thank God for her and we see His light shining through her giggles, jokes, and irresistible adoration for her "lovies." Esther made her first international trip to New Zealand with us in May and it was one for the ages. We saw Hobbit holes and waterfalls, lush rolling hills and majestic snow-capped mountains. Sharing that experience as a family was so special. Back in Hawaii, we hosted a steady stream of visiting family and friends and were able to make a few trips back to Illinois as well.
Parker is enjoying the work he does at Tripler Army Medical Center as a Resident in Pediatrics. I am amazed by the gifts God has given him and cannot wait to see where God uses him in the future. When Parker is not at work . . . well, when is he not at work? JUST kidding! Every once in awhile, he has a day off and we take a family adventure to the beach or the mountains . . . whichever are calling that day.
I am thankful for the opportunity to stay home with Esther in this season of life. While being an army-doctor-wife/stay-at-home-mommy has stretched me more than I ever thought possible, it is truly a gift and I am learning more and more every day. Esther and I enjoy adventures with friends, exploring the island, Bible Study Fellowship, and a myriad of other activities during the week. When I can "get away," it usually involves my guitar or a conversation with a friend over coffee.
We have some exciting news to cap of 2018 . . . we are expecting Baby #2 in June! We praise God for the miracle of life and we cannot wait to meet the newest Thompson. Esther is so excited to be a big sister and she always talks about "baby in mommy's belly." She has been taking great care of her babies and lovies in preparation for her new role as big sister.
As I sit back an reflect on this year and think about this Christmas season, a question keeps coming to my mind: "Do we really believe this is true?" If we claim to believe God and His Word . . that a baby was born of a virgin and grew up to save the world from our sins . . . if we claim to believe that He died for us and rose again 3 days later . . . and if we claim that we believe He is coming back to make all sad things come untrue . . . Then we are either crazy, or we have a radical hope that should change the way we live our lives. Like the wonder of fresh discovery, I am waking up to the latter reality.
"Long lay the world in sin and error pining
Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!"
Aloha and Mele Kalikimaka to our loved ones near and far:
This has been an incredible year of growth for our family in more ways than one. A year where our eyes have been opened to see God as more beautiful and more believable than the year before. A year where once again, we are in awe of His patience, grace, and mercy. As I write this letter, we have now been in Hawaii for 18 months, which means Parker is now half-way through residency. *Cue "Living on a Prayer."
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| Kauai, January 2018 |
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| Hobbiton |
Esther celebrated her first birthday in February and grows more beautiful, funny, and precious every day. We thank God for her and we see His light shining through her giggles, jokes, and irresistible adoration for her "lovies." Esther made her first international trip to New Zealand with us in May and it was one for the ages. We saw Hobbit holes and waterfalls, lush rolling hills and majestic snow-capped mountains. Sharing that experience as a family was so special. Back in Hawaii, we hosted a steady stream of visiting family and friends and were able to make a few trips back to Illinois as well.
Parker is enjoying the work he does at Tripler Army Medical Center as a Resident in Pediatrics. I am amazed by the gifts God has given him and cannot wait to see where God uses him in the future. When Parker is not at work . . . well, when is he not at work? JUST kidding! Every once in awhile, he has a day off and we take a family adventure to the beach or the mountains . . . whichever are calling that day.
 |
We have some exciting news to cap of 2018 . . . we are expecting Baby #2 in June! We praise God for the miracle of life and we cannot wait to meet the newest Thompson. Esther is so excited to be a big sister and she always talks about "baby in mommy's belly." She has been taking great care of her babies and lovies in preparation for her new role as big sister.
As I sit back an reflect on this year and think about this Christmas season, a question keeps coming to my mind: "Do we really believe this is true?" If we claim to believe God and His Word . . that a baby was born of a virgin and grew up to save the world from our sins . . . if we claim to believe that He died for us and rose again 3 days later . . . and if we claim that we believe He is coming back to make all sad things come untrue . . . Then we are either crazy, or we have a radical hope that should change the way we live our lives. Like the wonder of fresh discovery, I am waking up to the latter reality.
"Long lay the world in sin and error pining
Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!"
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