February
Hello Community,
I’m currently sitting at the coffee shop where I always write these updates. It’s actually a shipping container turned into a coffee shop. The canopy overhead is strung with beautiful lights, and right now, monkeys are scampering through the trees. These moments—the sounds of the birds, the monkeys, and this coffee—make my heart ache at the thought of saying goodbye to the simple things that have made Kenya home.
Truthfully, I’ve found it a bit difficult to write an update on this season. Partially because I’m soaking up and pouring into each moment as much as possible. Between ministry at the church, counseling at Tumaini, and time with friends, I wish I could capture it all and take it with me back to Canada. I’ve also found it challenging to put into words how I’m doing—how I’m feeling—in this season.
I’ve been reading a book called Looming Transitions. In the first chapter, the author emphasizes the need to live in the tension of the in-between. To not “move” too quickly—mentally shifting to life in Canada and focusing on what’s next—so much that I lose sight of what’s right in front of me. Yet, they also warn against moving too slowly, leaving without proper goodbyes and unfinished loose ends. The point is to live in the tension of now and not yet.
I’m moving in six months, and even writing that brings tears to my eyes. Those tears hold both grief for what I’m leaving behind and deep gratitude for what Kenya has meant to me—the community, the ministry, and the growth it has brought over these eight years.
The truth is, I could cope with that grief in a few different ways. I could rush through the transition just to get it over with, or I could avoid acknowledging it altogether. Neither would allow me to fully embrace this season. So, the other week, a couple of good friends from Canada visited, and they paid for us all to take a trip to the beach together. It might be the last time I see the Indian Ocean here in Kenya. Reflecting on this idea of living in the tension, I put on my sad music, walked the shoreline, and bawled my eyes out. I thought about all the memories I’ve made on the coast—the friendships deepened, the laughter shared. I let myself sit in the sadness of leaving this place I love and call home.
Ministry Updates
Tumaini Counseling has been such a wonderful place to work (I never use the word “wonderful,” but it truly fits here). Lately, I’ve been reflecting on how incredible it is to support missionaries in the field—many of whom need a space to process and feel heard. Just last week, I held space for people navigating family relational stress, parenting challenges, trauma, body image insecurities, anger issues, grief, and self-judgment. And that could easily all be in one day!
But through this work, people are feeling lighter, more empowered, and more equipped to fulfill their callings. I often think of how a single pebble can create ripples in a pond, and I wonder what ripples are being made through simply being a compassionate, non-judgmental listening ear.
I’m also hosting a Relational Intelligence Workshop at church over six weeks. We have 96 people signed up, and each week, about 40–60 attend. A friend is co-hosting with me, and we’re covering topics like relational patterns, active listening, building trust, and understanding + communicating needs.
My favorite part? We offer three different lanyards for participants to choose from when they arrive:
🟢 Green – I want to engage in discussion.
🟡 Yellow – I want to engage at my own pace.
🔴 Red – I don’t want to engage in discussion.
In Kenyan culture, wearing a red lanyard can be seen as rude or not community-oriented. Last week, a woman stood by the red lanyards and said, “Wow, if only I were brave enough to take the red!” With enthusiasm, I told her, “If you want to, go for it! Neither choice is better than the other—it’s just about what you need today.”
So, she took it. She sat alone, wrote in her notebook instead of talking to a neighbor, and seemed so at peace. Later, during a group reflection on what it feels like to be truly listened to, she raised her hand and said, “Even though I didn’t participate in the activity, I feel heard just by being able to wear this red lanyard and have everyone respect it. Thank you for this. I wish all of life were this way.”
It was incredibly powerful to witness—someone not only recognizing what she needed but also communicating it and being respected for it. Beautiful.
Moving Updates
At this point, I’m truly unsure where I’ll end up. Through prayer and listening to the Lord, I wonder if He’s calling me to the west coast of Vancouver Island (Tofino/Ucluelet area). I’m still holding this before Him, waiting to see what He’ll do with it. A few things—like a job and housing—would need to fall into place for that to happen, but I’m excited to see what unfolds.
One big favor to ask: Do you have extra household items you no longer use that are still in good condition? If you’re doing some spring cleaning and find yourself with extra kitchen appliances, rugs, couches, lamps—please think of me! Since I moved straight from my parents’ home to Kenya, I’ve never actually set up a home in Canada. Which means…I need everything.
You can text me at +254 795 288 106 or email me at breanna-e-thompson@live.com to check if I need it. I can collect things in late summer when I return, or you can drop them off at my parents’ place in Parksville.
How You Can Pray
For my transition back to Canada – That the Father would go before me in each step and that I would faithfully follow His guiding. I’ve been specifically praying that my love and priorities would align with His. The prayer on my heart has been:
“Teach me the language of Your longing that I may rightly respond to Your majesty."
Please pray for both the details of this transition and for my heart in the midst of it all.
For the participants of the Relational Intelligence course – That they would be open to receiving whatever the Lord has for them. Please also pray for my friend Marissa and me as we lead—that we would have clarity, confidence, and wisdom in what to say.
For the clients I counsel – That the Lord would reveal His deep care and compassion to them in their circumstances. Lately, I’ve noticed a strong theme of shame in the people I meet with. Would you join me in praying that their hearts and minds would experience the freedom and lightness of Christ? That they would know He does not judge them in their struggles but welcomes them with love.
For me as I finish well here – That I would say goodbye well (something that doesn’t come easily for me). That I would fully soak up each moment instead of avoiding the hard parts. Please pray for the Spirit of courage and softness to help me step into the difficult emotions rather than retreat from them.
Below are some photos from the past few months—moments that have meant so much. A beach trip over Christmas with friends, the lanyards from the Relational Intelligence course, everyday meanderings, and a visit from two dear friends from Canada (who I’ve known since Kindergarten).
As always, thank you for following along!
– Breanna
