If you were at Rich Fork on Sunday the 15th (our last Sunday)- you may have heard this song:
Everyone needs compassion
A love thats never failing
let mercy fall on me
Everyone needs forgiveness
The kindness of a savior
the hope of nations
Savior he can move the mountains
my God is mighty to save, He is mighty to save
forever author of salvation
He rose and conquered the grave
Jesus conquered the grave
so take me as you find me
all my fears and failures
and fill my life again
I give my life to follow
and everything I believe in
now I surrender
yes I surrender
Savior he can move the mountians
my God is mighty to save he is mighty to save
forever author of salvation
He rose and conquered the grave
Jesus conquered the grave
Shine your light and let the whole world see
singing for the glory of the risen king
Jesus, shine your light and let the whole world see
singing for the glory of the risen king
Savior he can move the mountains
my God is mighty to save He is mighty to save
forever author of salvation
He rose and conquered the grave
Jesus conquered the grave
You are my savior you can move the mountains
God you are mighty to save you are mighty to save
forever author of salvation
You rose and conquered the grave
Jesus conquered the grave
I can still remember the first time I heard this song. We were downstairs in youth worship and Lindsey Larison sang it... I fell in love. Then I got home and couldn't remember the words. Later on I heard it on the radio and heard the artists name. (I'm not sure if Laura Story actually wrote it, but I know she wrote indescribable). So I went home and immediately downloaded it to my Ipod just before leaving to go to the beach for the weekend. (My whole fam went to see CT's whole fam). Saturday morning I got up to run about 7am... so the sun had already risen a bit. (a) So I had a pump-me-up song, then I had Mighty to Save scheduled next. Before I knew it, I was running down the beach with my arms lifted straight up singing to the top of my lungs! What a great praise song!
(a) Funny thing. Before we left for the beach- I texted my brother because we used to run together when he worked at the PD. I texted to ask him "Hey, Matt- bring your running stuff so we can run on the beach together" He texted back "Hey, Lindy- bring your chainsaw and chase me with it so I'll have a reason the run." I don't know if anyone thinks my bro is as funny as I do... there are a few of you who are laughing aloud out there.
Well my people, I promise the good stuff is coming.. about what the Lord is doing in the slums and with the ministry, it is just taking a little bit to get settled and adjusted. This week things should crank up and you won't have to hear me tell silly stories about making detergent, going grocery shopping or making bread that never rises. CT has plans for evangelism in the streets on Tuesday and I'll bring you a report of the good stuff then. Mighty to Save always makes me think about the importance of evangelism and discipleship, man... I just love it. (Sunday called for an extra tear-fest when the pastor's kids had to sing it...Oh mercy- I can remember when they were born and now they're singing my favorite worship song in front of the church)
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Friday, June 20, 2008
groceries...
Remember how we said that we weren't coming to Kenya alone? That we were bringing you guys with us. Well, we meant it. Today I would like to bring you guys grocery shopping with me. I want you to be able to compare prices back in the US with our prices here.
I have already converted them from KSH to USD. I know you all appreciate that.
6 eggs- $1.51
milk (2 liters)- $3.71 (PS- it goes bad in about 2-3 days)
Pineapple- $1.57 (that's good!)
3 small tomatoes- $0.43
1 Mango- $1.21 (bummer and it was VERY tart)
1 box of Special K - $11.00 (No, that is not a typo- but don't worry I didn't buy it. All I have to say is that it better be EXTRA special for that price.)
Yea people- you can almost eat out for what it cost in groceries.
So as you can see I'm trying to be Captain Frugal. We eat much smaller portions and I'm freezing every morsel of food that has any potential of being consumed. I can tell I'm really going to have to think ahead on my recipes and plan out the weeks cooking schedule well in advance. That way I can buy milk and freeze it by what the ingredients call for. For example if one recipe calls for a cup of milk and another calls for 2 cups, then I will freeze one in a container and two in another. I'll let you know how this works out (I might be crazy). I've never really thought of myself as being much of a planner. I kind of just... do. Guess God is molding me in more ways than I thought.
When we first got here we had to get a few staples to get us through the next couple days. Ot course, CT and I wanted some fruit. So I bought a mango, a pineapple, some tomatoes and bananas. The next day Abraham (our wonderful house help) told me he could get them at a market for much cheaper. I was so excited because I would LOVE to buy them from someone on the street that really needs the money. He also told me that the people at the Nakumat (like a walmart) were not Christians. He says they will hand you produce and tell you it is good and it really is not. (I picked the produce myself). So i guess since they lie in the produce isle, then they are not Christians. :) Looks like we have some ministering to do at the Nakumat.
I'm going to attempt to make wheat bread today. : o ) I figured out that if I can bake 4 loaves at a time and freeze the other 3. We can save money! WooHoo!
Tomorrow I will try to make laundry detergent (5 gallons- Thanks Linds!) Then Saturday I will see about making some Salsa.
Missing you all like I miss my grocery coupons...
Please look at my coffee mug (hope you can read bakerds')
CT has one that says "#1 Grandpa". Thanks Hal and Ruthie!
(Sorry guys, i know you have been asking for some real pictures, but I haven't taken any. i've been busy... I know it doesn't look like it though)
PS- I've been wearing the same clothes for 3 days now... they are the same ones I sleep in (I literally have not taken them off my body.) Not because my suitcase still isn't here, just because I can! Yep, that means no shower either! My husband thinks I smell AMAZING! j/k- i have good deo.
Give me some dreadlocks and a sewing machine and call me Shane Claiborne cuz' I LOVE IT!
I have already converted them from KSH to USD. I know you all appreciate that.
6 eggs- $1.51
milk (2 liters)- $3.71 (PS- it goes bad in about 2-3 days)
Pineapple- $1.57 (that's good!)
3 small tomatoes- $0.43
1 Mango- $1.21 (bummer and it was VERY tart)
1 box of Special K - $11.00 (No, that is not a typo- but don't worry I didn't buy it. All I have to say is that it better be EXTRA special for that price.)
Yea people- you can almost eat out for what it cost in groceries.
So as you can see I'm trying to be Captain Frugal. We eat much smaller portions and I'm freezing every morsel of food that has any potential of being consumed. I can tell I'm really going to have to think ahead on my recipes and plan out the weeks cooking schedule well in advance. That way I can buy milk and freeze it by what the ingredients call for. For example if one recipe calls for a cup of milk and another calls for 2 cups, then I will freeze one in a container and two in another. I'll let you know how this works out (I might be crazy). I've never really thought of myself as being much of a planner. I kind of just... do. Guess God is molding me in more ways than I thought.
When we first got here we had to get a few staples to get us through the next couple days. Ot course, CT and I wanted some fruit. So I bought a mango, a pineapple, some tomatoes and bananas. The next day Abraham (our wonderful house help) told me he could get them at a market for much cheaper. I was so excited because I would LOVE to buy them from someone on the street that really needs the money. He also told me that the people at the Nakumat (like a walmart) were not Christians. He says they will hand you produce and tell you it is good and it really is not. (I picked the produce myself). So i guess since they lie in the produce isle, then they are not Christians. :) Looks like we have some ministering to do at the Nakumat.
I'm going to attempt to make wheat bread today. : o ) I figured out that if I can bake 4 loaves at a time and freeze the other 3. We can save money! WooHoo!
Tomorrow I will try to make laundry detergent (5 gallons- Thanks Linds!) Then Saturday I will see about making some Salsa.
Missing you all like I miss my grocery coupons...
Please look at my coffee mug (hope you can read bakerds')
CT has one that says "#1 Grandpa". Thanks Hal and Ruthie!
(Sorry guys, i know you have been asking for some real pictures, but I haven't taken any. i've been busy... I know it doesn't look like it though)
PS- I've been wearing the same clothes for 3 days now... they are the same ones I sleep in (I literally have not taken them off my body.) Not because my suitcase still isn't here, just because I can! Yep, that means no shower either! My husband thinks I smell AMAZING! j/k- i have good deo.
Give me some dreadlocks and a sewing machine and call me Shane Claiborne cuz' I LOVE IT!
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Home Sweet Home (or Africa Sweet Africa)
Showers in Amsterdam- $51
McDonalds Lunch- $28
Destroyed piece of luggage- $84
Arriving safely in Kenya to learn a close friend back home has given his life to Jesus...Priceless!
Thank you for all your precious prayers! We have felt them all. We are reminded of why we fell in love with Kenya in the first place... THE PEOPLE! We have been able to catch up with all our Livingstone team here at the house and they are doing well. We are now ready to get our feet dirty! (and our teeth clean after all that time without a toothbrush...)
As soon as we got up to our bedroom we started opening our suitcases to unpack when we looked at one another then stopped to drop to our knees to commit this to our Savior. My prayer is that this NEVER EVER becomes about Chris and Lindy Thompson- that it be only about the great commission and lost and weary souls coming to know the saving grace and refuge of our Lord. I pray our knees become calloused and our rugs under the bed becomes bare. We thank our God every time we remember you!
We love you all so very much and cannot thank you enough for doing WHATEVER IT TOOK for us to get here. Thank you for the countless hours of cleaning; the late nights before the silent auction; the emptied pockets, dry eyes, and snotty noses. Only God knows the joy of our hearts through your service.
We had a video but it's taking FOREVER to upload... maybe later.... stay tuned!
McDonalds Lunch- $28
Destroyed piece of luggage- $84
Arriving safely in Kenya to learn a close friend back home has given his life to Jesus...Priceless!
Thank you for all your precious prayers! We have felt them all. We are reminded of why we fell in love with Kenya in the first place... THE PEOPLE! We have been able to catch up with all our Livingstone team here at the house and they are doing well. We are now ready to get our feet dirty! (and our teeth clean after all that time without a toothbrush...)
As soon as we got up to our bedroom we started opening our suitcases to unpack when we looked at one another then stopped to drop to our knees to commit this to our Savior. My prayer is that this NEVER EVER becomes about Chris and Lindy Thompson- that it be only about the great commission and lost and weary souls coming to know the saving grace and refuge of our Lord. I pray our knees become calloused and our rugs under the bed becomes bare. We thank our God every time we remember you!
We love you all so very much and cannot thank you enough for doing WHATEVER IT TOOK for us to get here. Thank you for the countless hours of cleaning; the late nights before the silent auction; the emptied pockets, dry eyes, and snotty noses. Only God knows the joy of our hearts through your service.
We had a video but it's taking FOREVER to upload... maybe later.... stay tuned!
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
ETA... unknown! :) but we're all smiles!
So we are sitting on the plane right now... EVERYONE must be sleeping, but me. Love it! I feel sorry for CT b/c he keeps waking up trying to get me comfortable so that I can catch a few Z's. But I'm like a little kid right now i guess...
Where to begin catching you all up! I'll start with all the little servants that popped in to help "fluff" our house Saturday. I mean- these people were NOT messing around! We had youth getting up early to show up only to have their hands stained with furniture polish (sorry CB- we blame naivety), and their fingertips eaten by a poor ratio of Clorox to water. THey have no idea what a difference they made. You all made it so much easier to "go"...
Everyone has been asking me for about 2 weeks now "Are you excited?" I never knew how to answer that b/c I hadn't really had time to figure out what I was! Well, to answer your questions... THE EXCITEMENT HIT! It hit the minute Jana and Richie walked in the door. I knew at that moment that whatever wasn't done... just didn't matter! Most of you know, I said "I don't want anyone at the airport- we are not making a scene!" We chose Jana and Richie because we are pretty used to going long times without seeing one another. I knew there wouldn't be tears. :) Some people like to be rebels (Special K) and show up anyway... but I decided he and Skyler were a God send b/c our luggage was over 2-3 pounds on all 4 pieces (I thought I had just lost weight on our home scales- to my disappointment they were off) so we had to take some stuff out to give them to take back home. But I did manage to keep my ice cream scoop! We got through security and sat down. I was so relieved to sit down knowing that those things that didn't get done we actually going to get done by precious friends. (BTW, didn't know they were going to do it like... RIGHT THEN- Gez!) So we got on the plane with fellow servants at home cleaning and tending to paperwork and turning in modems etc. We couldn't be more rich...
Sunday-
Whew what a doozy! We cried a whole lot. We went to bed about 1:30am with massive headaches from our sobs.
I loved Michael's sermon last Sunday (he hasn't been messin' around either. Go on brotha! He tells it like it is and I LOVE IT). I'll give you guys a tid but, but you really need to go to the website and just listen to it. He was using scripture out of Luke (14:25-27) about the cost of being a Disciple. I didn't recognize it or really get it at first. In this scripture Jesus, being Jesus, had a big fan club following and traveling with him- he turns to the crowd and says this "If anyone does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters- yes, even life itself- such person cannot be my disciple." Bottom Line: We have to expect there is a cost to follow Jesus Christ. If you don't give anything up, how can you sacrifice anything for the kingdom? [He also made a comment about how it would be hard selling stuff and getting rid of alot- Let us assure you THAT was NOT the hard part of leaving. The hard part was leaving YOU...reading this blog]
The scripture goes on to say "And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple." Let's think about carrying a physical cross.. I mean that would be tough, right? It would be heavy, painful, there would be splinters, cuts, sweat, maybe even tears: sacrifice, right? Now figuratively, to bear the cross means to support it, take responsibility for it- but you have to know and expect there is some cost involved. I rest in knowing that any sacrifice I ever attempt to make will never touch the sacrifice of our Savior. Didn't Jesus walk around teaching and preaching EXPECTING THE COST and sacrifice of his body to be broken in two so that we could truly live. So why shouldn't be give all we can so that we have to Him so that we can be completely free?
(several hours later...)
okay- so we missed our connecting flight in Amsterdam, yet again. So we have a pretty big layover now here in lovely Amsterdam (chuckle). CT was able to check our carry on baggage all the way through to Nairobi at the beginning of the last flight which was a great idea, except I had some stuff in it that I really needed. So looks like I'm gonna be wearing the same clothes and have morning breath forever! It's all good though, I just keep reminding myself that William Cary (first missionary to India) went in a boat and it took him 3 months. Yikes! How blessed are we?!
Love you guys and we'll let ya know when we get there!
Where to begin catching you all up! I'll start with all the little servants that popped in to help "fluff" our house Saturday. I mean- these people were NOT messing around! We had youth getting up early to show up only to have their hands stained with furniture polish (sorry CB- we blame naivety), and their fingertips eaten by a poor ratio of Clorox to water. THey have no idea what a difference they made. You all made it so much easier to "go"...
Everyone has been asking me for about 2 weeks now "Are you excited?" I never knew how to answer that b/c I hadn't really had time to figure out what I was! Well, to answer your questions... THE EXCITEMENT HIT! It hit the minute Jana and Richie walked in the door. I knew at that moment that whatever wasn't done... just didn't matter! Most of you know, I said "I don't want anyone at the airport- we are not making a scene!" We chose Jana and Richie because we are pretty used to going long times without seeing one another. I knew there wouldn't be tears. :) Some people like to be rebels (Special K) and show up anyway... but I decided he and Skyler were a God send b/c our luggage was over 2-3 pounds on all 4 pieces (I thought I had just lost weight on our home scales- to my disappointment they were off) so we had to take some stuff out to give them to take back home. But I did manage to keep my ice cream scoop! We got through security and sat down. I was so relieved to sit down knowing that those things that didn't get done we actually going to get done by precious friends. (BTW, didn't know they were going to do it like... RIGHT THEN- Gez!) So we got on the plane with fellow servants at home cleaning and tending to paperwork and turning in modems etc. We couldn't be more rich...
Sunday-
Whew what a doozy! We cried a whole lot. We went to bed about 1:30am with massive headaches from our sobs.
I loved Michael's sermon last Sunday (he hasn't been messin' around either. Go on brotha! He tells it like it is and I LOVE IT). I'll give you guys a tid but, but you really need to go to the website and just listen to it. He was using scripture out of Luke (14:25-27) about the cost of being a Disciple. I didn't recognize it or really get it at first. In this scripture Jesus, being Jesus, had a big fan club following and traveling with him- he turns to the crowd and says this "If anyone does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters- yes, even life itself- such person cannot be my disciple." Bottom Line: We have to expect there is a cost to follow Jesus Christ. If you don't give anything up, how can you sacrifice anything for the kingdom? [He also made a comment about how it would be hard selling stuff and getting rid of alot- Let us assure you THAT was NOT the hard part of leaving. The hard part was leaving YOU...reading this blog]
The scripture goes on to say "And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple." Let's think about carrying a physical cross.. I mean that would be tough, right? It would be heavy, painful, there would be splinters, cuts, sweat, maybe even tears: sacrifice, right? Now figuratively, to bear the cross means to support it, take responsibility for it- but you have to know and expect there is some cost involved. I rest in knowing that any sacrifice I ever attempt to make will never touch the sacrifice of our Savior. Didn't Jesus walk around teaching and preaching EXPECTING THE COST and sacrifice of his body to be broken in two so that we could truly live. So why shouldn't be give all we can so that we have to Him so that we can be completely free?
(several hours later...)
okay- so we missed our connecting flight in Amsterdam, yet again. So we have a pretty big layover now here in lovely Amsterdam (chuckle). CT was able to check our carry on baggage all the way through to Nairobi at the beginning of the last flight which was a great idea, except I had some stuff in it that I really needed. So looks like I'm gonna be wearing the same clothes and have morning breath forever! It's all good though, I just keep reminding myself that William Cary (first missionary to India) went in a boat and it took him 3 months. Yikes! How blessed are we?!
Love you guys and we'll let ya know when we get there!
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Answer to prayers
I have been told multiple times that I need to start updating the blog every other day- especially once we get there. I promise to do my very best.
Today I wanted to share an answer to prayers. About 8 or so months ago we can remember sitting in the basement of a couple's home sharing what God had laid on on hearts about going to Africa. We talked about how absolutely sure we were that God was pulling us to go soon. They reciprocated that exact thought, only about foster parenting. They received their foster parenting license exactly 9 days before we were to leave for Kenya. Jessica and I both confessed our prayers (unbeknownst to the other) that we were praying Chris and I would get to meet the little one God put in their arms before we leave. Last night Chris and I got the incredible privilege to hold, pray over, and cry over a beautiful, tiny newborn. What a perfect family to share God's love to such a tiny guy. We couldn't be more excited or thankful for the Beaver family. Please pray for this family as they receive "baby D" into their home and begin their many sleepless nights. Praise God for people like them who don't mind being uncomfortable, loosing sleep or getting dirty to spread the love of our precious Savior.
Friday, June 6, 2008
Words of wisdom from the world of little people
Yesterday my college roommate,Jana, drove up from Charlotte to have lunch with me at Monkeez Brew. As a matter of fact she took a sick day just for this special occasion. Jana is a Kindergarden teacher (and so cut out for it). She shared the most precious thing with me and I could not wait to share it with you all. Sitting in front of me I have 16 papers from her students. Some with questions, some with comments... ALL with pictures. They tickle me to death! Here are a few of their questions and comments:
Do you have a DS sey or No? - Shaneem (He meant a Nintendo DS... like a play station)
(picture: someone playing play station under an apple tree)
Do you have a ape? -Davon (I think Jana told me he was trying to write house- but it turned into "ape")
(house, apple trees planes and a mosque)
What will it be lick? I wish I code go too! Rille. - Skylar (She drew pictures of a christmas tree and our plane with us in it. The last word is "really" in case you didn't get that)
Lindy and Chris Thomqson this is angelique holness i hoqe ya'll time. (those stinkin' p's and q's always got me too. She left out "have a good") oh- she drew us laying in hammocks... is that what we'll be doing? :)
"jordan Lindy Chris Thompson Bye hop e I love you Jordan
Lhindy
chRis
ThoMPSoN" (I think it is a picture of a monsoon and the sun- which has our names written in the sun...interesting)
"Alicia Ha Lindy Thompson Chris Thompson?
Do the pepplon (people) chrch (hunt) animals to eat?_____!
Nice to mech you. My name is Alicia. Have fun at africa. What animals will you see wen you get they (there)?____. Trec (take) gut (good) cer of (care of) them very ren ceffornl (careful)."
(again... we are laying in hammocks)
"Lindy and Chris are you going to see anmles? yes or no
have a grat fry. (Let's hope he meant fly) I hop yor have a grat stay! - Indya
(Yellow Skyscrapers)
Lindy Chris I see achrey (a tree). -Mekhi (Pictures of us, I'm a little heavy set with really long arms)
Lindy Thompson Chris I bit you or the bis frenbs! and I bin on a playn. (... if you don't figure that out you are missing out!) -Aneem
(Apples tree, sun, and christmas trees)
Chris Lindy Dog! (Do you have a dog) - Jeffery
(me, chris, Lex, a monkey and a dude with a hockey stick. oh and the sun with sunglasses- i mean- if I were the sun I'm pretty sure I'd need glasses too)
Lindy Chris Thompson frum AndrewH. have a grat tim of flowr for Lindy
(This picture is SO well drawn. It is Chris and I in the desert, hats on, with an elephant and lion. (I am holding the flower Chris gave me b/c he was told to)
Do zay have swime Pls? (Do they have swimming pools?)
Do zay have Iscrem? (would I really be going if they were no ice cream? j/k)
I cat wat wen you telvs wut you sey. ( I can't wait when you tell us what you say)
Lindy Chris -Raven
(sun with glasses, lots of rain and purple snakes- but don't be afraid Chris and I are sailing above the ground in the rainbow sky hanging on to umbrellas)
LiNdy good day LiNdy Chris Thompson and Chris hAve a good time were goig to mis you. (This is an autistic child who asked his friend beside him to help him write something. HE drew a beautiful rainbow) -Bradley
Lindy and Chris have a good Time! (Rainbow and plane) -Jarod
Lidy Christ hompson Masrayerar rasrom (I dunno- Im up for suggestions. Anyone good at mad gab?) - Alondia
(looks like an orange skull, but i could be wrong. also a cyclops)
Have a good tim. Have a rely good tim at africa. Have a rely good tim Lindy and Chris.
(Sun, rainbow, plane...hmmm I wonder who was sitting at a table together?) -Adnan
Hope you enjoyed these half as much as I did!!
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Yard Sale Success!
WHEW! Done-ski!! The Yard Sale is over and was a huge success! We were left with very little (until I found a yard sale stash in the guest bedroom I forgot to put out!) We have some free-stuff left over if you need any clothes, shoes, or other randomness- please stop by and pilfer through! We took some stuff to goodwill, but we wanted to leave a few things still in the garage for you guys to grab.
Thank you so much to all of you who came and bought! You have truly been such a blessing in getting stuff off our hands!
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!
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