Thompson Christmas Card 2019

It has been another FULL year in the Thompson household and we are so thankful for all that God has done.

Aside from our steady stream of visitors, we were able to visit the Big Island (January), Maui (February and November), and Illinois (September-October).

Watching the Lunar Eclipse on Mauna Kea (Big Island)

Riding a Combine in Illinois

Homecoming Parade in our small town (IL)

Wearing Wheaton gear for fall!

Esther got to ride a horse in Illinois! Her new obsession.

Our family at the Haleakala Crater, Maui


Parker started his third year of residency this summer and graduates June 2020. His newest hobby is drone flying! There are so many beautiful places on this island and it is fun to capture them with a bird's eye view. You can see an example of his footage HERE. God's creation is breath-taking! Parker also rode over the mountains on his bike (via the H3) like it was no big deal. We were very proud of him.

Daddy's cheering section


Esther has grown up so much this year. Her major milestones included turning 2 (February), potty training (March), and becoming a big sister (May). We are so thankful for the joy she brings to our lives. In a typical day, you can find her making up songs, "packing up" to take her babies on outings, or taking care of her baby brother.

"Classic Esther"


Streator made his appearance on May 26th, just two days before mommy's birthday. We call him our "butterball" because he is so very round and squishy. Streator is a very passionate momma's boy. He is proud to be sitting up and he got his two front (bottom) teeth for Christmas! To read more about how we chose his name, read THIS.

Streator John


Streator, the heart-breaker


I (Alyssa) made it a goal to blog and read more this year. Some of my favorite reads were Pilgrim's Progress, Risen Motherhood, and In the Land of the Blue Burqas. I am enjoying staying at home with my kiddos and exploring this beautiful island. I have also enjoyed being a part of our church momma's group and playing music for kids worship on Sundays.

As a family, we have grown in so many ways this year. We are so thankful to the Lord for His mercies that are new every morning. We are also very thankful for our Gospel Community (a small group from our church that meets weekly.) They are like our family here and we have enjoyed sharing life with them and growing together in Christ.

1st family campout - at Bellows with our GC

Annual GC Nativity play

The new "million dollar question" is "where are you headed next?" Only the Lord (and Uncle Sam) know at this point, but we are hoping to know in the next several months. At any rate, there is a good chance we will be moving back to the mainland this summer. We are excited to see where the Lord will take us and we are grateful for these last precious months on this beautiful island. Above all, we are thankful for our Savior, Jesus Christ. We believe that He is real, that He was born of a virgin over 2,000 years ago, that He lived a sinless life and was killed for our sins. We also believe that He miraculously defeated death and rose from the grave 3 days later.

This is ground-breaking, earth-shaking, life-changing news. What will you do with Jesus this Christmas? He is real. He loves you. He has made a way for you. The power that raised Jesus from the grave can change your life too.

That, my friends is the best news I've ever heard.

Merry Christmas! Love, The Thompsons


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