Thompson Christmas Card 2020

 


Dear Family and Friends,

 

I have a feeling that so many Christmas letters will sound the same for the year 2020 . . . cancelled travel plans, school changes, economic strain, heartfelt burden for our world, and so many unknowns.

 

In addition to world events, 2020 was a busy one for the Thompsons. Esther turned 3 in February and we enjoy watching her grow up. She has a wonderful imagination, precious love for Jesus, and a great sense of humor. Streator loves playing with her and we like to call him “our little beacon of joy and destruction.” He is such a fun guy but he almost gives mommy a heart attack every day with his crazy climbing abilities.  

 

  


In March, we were expecting orders from the Army for Fort Leonard Wood, MO, so we bought a van and a house sight-unseen. To say this was stressful would be an understatement. We made the decision to go under contract within a week of President Trump’s initial stay at home order. 

 

Throughout the spring, we tried to make the most of our time “in lockdown.” We played with a few close friends and Parker finished up his residency at Tripler Army Medical Center. Streator turned 1 at the end of May and Parker had eye surgery (no more glasses!) 


 


A week later, Parker’s vision cleared up enough for him to return to work and we signed our closing papers on our Missouri house. A few hours later, Parker was in a terrible bike accident that resulted in some serious road rash and a broken clavicle. In the month following his accident, we would prepare our house for a move, undergo surgery for Parker’s clavicle, say goodbye to our beloved friends in Hawaii, move to Missouri, and find out we were PREGNANT with our 3rd precious child.  (It’s a girl! Due February 26th). It is the grace of God alone that got me (Alyssa) through and I could not have done it without so many extra hands and feet! (A special thanks to our TAMC, neighborhood, and Daybreak Church Ohanas!)  









The scene is much slower and less exciting here in Missouri (except for that one time we flipped our canoe as a family on the Big Piney River). While we miss our life in Hawaii so much, the Lord has shown Himself faithful (as He always does) in this season. With so much conflict, uncertainty, and disappointment clouding this year, we rejoice that our Hope is in Jesus Christ alone. We have a joy that runs deep and can never be shaken. May you find hope, joy and comfort in the person and work of Jesus Christ this Christmas. 

 

Love,

The Thompsons

Parker, Alyssa, Esther (3), Streator John (1), Baby Girl (Due in February)

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