July
Hello Community,
A few people have asked lately, "What exactly are you doing this next year?"
Such a good question!
For those of you who are just beginning to follow along, I have been living and serving in Kenya for the last seven years, most of which I have worked as a teacher.
In the past year, I completed my counselling internship, becoming a fully certified counsellor. In the upcoming year, I will be joining a team of missionary counsellors at a centre in Nairobi. This team supports missionaries across Eastern Africa, offering mental health care to ensure their well-being and longevity.
Are you interested in my heart behind this ministry? Check out this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QA9lDN4BI_A&t=3s&pp=ygUgYnJlYW5uYSB0aG9tcHNvbiBjb3Vuc2xsb3Iga2VueWE%3D.
How can you partner with this ministry? This is a volunteer position, which means I do not get paid but instead invite individuals to financially support this ministry. I am at this point 75% fully supported and I am looking for additional financial partners who wish to sow into this ministry. Your choice to support monthly or through one-time gifts can bring this ministry to fruition.
If you are interested in knowing how you can partner, check out...
Sign Up to Partner: https://gcfcanada.com/projects/breanna-thompson
Support Info: http://www.breeelizabeth.ca/life-in-kenya/2023/5/5/support-information
If you are interested in partnering and have any questions or would like to meet up to learn more, I would be thrilled at that opportunity. Please contact me at breanna-e-thompson@live.com to connect.
If you are not a part of the email list and wish to join, please sign up with the link below. I share ministry updates monthly.
Email Sign Up: http://eepurl.com/b8Bapf
A General Update:
For June, I've been on leave on Vancouver Island. It's been a wonderful time of rest and learning. Here are some things that have been happening this month.
Visiting friends and family has been a wonderful experience for me here on Vancouver Island. My parents and I have enjoyed playing games together and going for walks. Additionally, I've had the chance to reconnect with friends and supporters during my visit.
My mom turned 60 years old on June 17th. I took charge of organizing several surprises for her that weekend. Her brother, sister-in-law, and nephew flew from Winnipeg to surprise her. We threw a surprise party at the house and arranged for people to join a Zoom call to wish her a "Happy Birthday." Additionally, we coordinated with loved ones to write her letters. Leading up to the birthday weekend, I joked that it felt like a part-time job with all the planning.
While on Vancouver Island, I have spent some lovely time relaxing and pursuing hobbies. I have found great joy in watercolours and crocheting, which have kept me occupied during my stay here.
I have been continuing to see clients online while I've been here. The number of people I've seen has reduced a bit due to the natural slowness of summer, but it's been wonderful to continue ministry while here.
Additionally, I've been taking some time to undergo trauma training to prepare for the coming year. I've been focusing on two main modalities: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Somatic Therapy. Both of these forms of therapy can help facilitate deeper neurobiological healing, allowing the nervous system to recover from traumatic incidents.
Prayers
Africa-Based Orientation: When I return to Kenya, I will be attending a 3-week orientation for the counseling center. Please pray for energy, intentional connections, and an open mind as I learn the ins and outs of this new ministry.
Wisdom and Direction: I have been prayerfully considering how to integrate and allow the focus of counseling sessions to be driven by Christ. Please pray for this process, that the Lord would direct my words and thoughts as I seek to be Christ-focused in my ministry.
Financial Provision: Please pray with me that the Lord will provide for all my financial needs. Also, pray that my trust will be unwavering in the process of waiting for provision.
Praises:
I had a wonderful time with my family and now I feel rejuvenated and excited to return to Kenya.
I'm thrilled about the opportunity to join the amazing team at Tumaini as a counselor. Every time I think about it, my heart feels so full. This team is made up of highly trained and dedicated individuals who support missionaries in the field. It's truly a huge blessing to be able to work with them.
*Pictured Below: Pictures from May-July. Including last few days in Kenya to the present.
As always, thank you for following along!
-Breanna