Trip Up North

We needed some serious refreshment so where did we go? Up north to visit our friends, the Trzeciaks' and Bryan Galloway! The first 2 1/2 days were spent hanging out in the day to day life of Ryan & Jen who are raising their two little ones, Jake (2 yrs.) and Warren (1 yr.). Ryan and Glen go to seminary together and so they are staying up there for the summer. It felt very natural being around them, almost 'contagious'. So thankful for their hospitality!

Here we are with Ryan & Jen riding the fun San Francisco cable/trolley cars. Overall, the city was very cool...

Here we are with Bryan Galloway (he and Glen have been friends for over 6 years). He led us around in his nifty blue sports car the last part of our trip and showed us some additional sites. He even treated us to lunch at Bubba Gump's restaurant, Glen and I love it there. Thanks Bryan!

Duh duh duh, the famous Alcatraz island. Glen must have taken at least 20 pictures of this place from every angle, it was definitely one of his favorite sites. This small island houses the prison which is notoriously known for housing famous prisoners in the early/mid 1900's. It's about 3 miles away from the big city. Only 3 prisoners ever escaped from there but to this day there is no evidence to prove if any of them survived. The prison shut down in 1963.

Vacation Bible School

Well there he is... Mr. Ryan himself all excited for an awesome night full of games, singing, crafts and surprises at VBS! Glen and I led our first VBS at Han Yang from July 9th-11th. There were a total of 35-45 kids registered. And despite our sad news during week, God gave us (especially Glen) the energies and strength to make it a success. Enjoy the pics!

The Theme: Galilee By The Sea (the kids got all dressed up in Middle Eastern robes, so cute...but it only lasted for one night...oh well, we tried).


Glen teaching at the Synagogue where he dressed up as a rabbi, doesn't he look lovely...


Glen and Richard Nix (the adult pastor in the English ministry)


Me playing a fish net game with the kids. We pretended to be the disciples (like Peter & John who were fishermen) casting our nets to catch the fish. It was pretty hilarious :).


Last night of singing worship as VBS was coming to an end...

Miscarriage

On July 11th, after our 3rd sonogram at the doctor's office, Glen and I found out that we had what is called a 'missed' miscarriage where the yolk sac (that holds embryo/fetus) continues to grow but the embryo stops growing (for us, it was at 5 1/2 weeks). The doctor ordered an immediate surgery the following morning to have everything removed from the uterus. This was so it would prevent further harm to my body. Since the surgery yesterday, we have been home recovering and going through this grieving process. We cling to our Savior who loves and cares for us during this time and do not lose hope. We also take comfort that our baby is now with God in heaven. Thank you to all who have prayed, have come alongside us with meals/flowers and who continue to pray. We are truly thankful and blessed beyond measure!

Waiting...

As most of you know, we had our first doctor's appointment on June 28th and then a second one on July 5th. At both visits the doctor could not see the fetus or heartbeat yet. So we do not know in fact if everything is going well with the baby's development. Everything else is developing normally otherwise but he would like us to come in again this next Wednesday, the 11th. This has been a difficult thing for us but we are taking comfort in waiting on God for the outcome. As I was doing a study on 'waiting on the LORD' this morning, I was amazed to see how many verses actually there are! Here are a few that have ministered to me greatly:

"My soul, wait silently for God alone, for my

expectation is from Him."

Psalm 62:5

"The LORD is good to those who wait for Him,

to the soul who seeks Him."

Lamentations 3:25

"Wait on the LORD; Be of good courage,

and He shall strengthen your heart;

Wait, I say, on the LORD!"

Psalm 27:14

There is also a cool quote that I read from one of C.J. Mahaney's book called 'Humility: True Greatness'. It states, "Waiting is an active trust in God to provide fulfillment in His perfect timing, according to His ultimate purpose of glorifying His Son. The righteous person shall live by faith--and that faith requires waiting." So regardless of our circumstances, we will trust God during this time for He knows what is best. Please keep us and baby Thompson in your prayers :). Thank you already for all the prayers and wonderful support. We will keep you posted after our 11th doctor visit~

Fourth of July

There is just something about the 4th that brings excitement to our hearts. Maybe it's because Glen and I love to learn about our nation's history; or because him serving our country for 8 years in the military. Regardless, it's pretty high up there as one of our favorite holidays. This year, we had the privilege of hanging out with Richard & Kazumi (English ministry adult pastor & wife), Pastor Kang (Korean ministry adult pastor) & family and another couple Dennis & Tina with their son Kayden. We ended up going to the Rose Bowl down in Pasadena. Last year we went with our dear friends, Emily & The Trzeciaks', and we enjoyed it so much we wanted to go again this year. They do a great history portion of our country and special tribute to our fallen heroes. And the 1/2 hour fireworks show is amazing! It was a nice time of getting to know one another more and enjoying the beautiful weather. One amusing sidenote, Kayden was pretty hyper during the all happenings and then when the LOUD, EXPLOSIVE fireworks began he fell asleep in my lap. I guess he got bored (ha ha!).

Think Blue!

Last week my boss gave us tickets to see a Dodgers game, even though I (Shilo) have to admit I'm still an Arizona Diamondbacks fan at heart. We ended up asking our friends Chris & Michelle Grazor to go with us and had a great time together! Although they aren't big sports fans they were great sports. We especially loved Michelle's little b-boppin' during the batters' songs. What we appreciate about the Grazors' is their compassion and care for others, so thankful that we were able to share the time with them. And one little side note, they are expecting their first baby too (in December) :). Let's Go Dodgers (clap clap--clap clap clap)!