Kristen Thomas Photography » Northern Virginia Portrait & Wedding Photographer

Finally working on the photos I took this winter of our girls.  It’s been two years since our last snow portrait session (had a newborn last winter, not sure why I didn’t get around to it!)  It was so fun looking back and seeing how much my babies have grown.  This year I wanted to include Isaiah but it was just too cold.  So even with the girls, we were maybe outside for all of 10 mins.  They listened relatively well, except for plunging their hands into the snow when I warned of how cold they would get.  The close ups of Eliana, she’s actually wearing orange gloves.  The shock of ice cold hands created great big tears.  But I love how they turned out….  tulle, fur, and delicate snowflakes in soft wispy hair…

For those of you who may not know, my husband John, comes from a family with an awesome legacy of missionaries.  They have always been known as a family who loves to serve others and show them Christ’s love and the gospel message.  Growing up, they lived in the Philippines, (moved when John was only 7 months old) serving as missionaries in the jungle for 6 years.  After coming back to the States for a few years,  John lived in Laos with his parents while in high school.  His dad and stepmom are about to move to Thailand in a few months, and John’s sister Beth and family moved to Papua New Guinea one year ago.  Like I mentioned, serious missionary family!

John’s sister Faith and husband Eric spent 4 years living in China and have most recently been pouring themselves into helping the international students at Ben Lippen School.  Their newest adventure begins in three weeks as they have partnered with CrossWorld Missions and will be moving to Chiang Mai, Thailand.  The Thai government has asked the area churches to help them find great English teachers for the schools.  Eric and Faith will provide training, assistance, encouragement and pastoral care to a team of English teachers.  Such an incredible task of serving the teachers and the people in Chiang Mai!

Faith and Eric have two sweet boys.  Jake is 9 and Owen is almost 7.  As they’ve been raising support and preparing their family of four to move across the ocean and adjust the boys to a new home, they learned they will have a new little stow-away!  Faith is expecting another baby boy, little Titus, May 1st.  And I thought our move was stressful!  I can not imagine preparing for an international move, with two active boys, while pregnant.  She’s a pretty amazing sister in law!

They are so close to raising the financial support that is required for the move.  With several churches and lots of individuals committing to give monthly, they are currently at 95%!  Here’s a great video that shares more and check out their “Needhams for Thailand”  Facebook page.  If you’d like to learn more and possibly help contribute to the last 5% that’s needed, go to www.crossworld.org/give.

They would also appreciate your prayers for safety as they travel, continued health for their baby, and all the details when they arrive. That they’re able to find a home, and for smooth transition as Owen starts a new school, Faith as she homeschools Jake and all of them as they learn a new language and adjust to making Thailand their home.

Here are some photos from when they were visiting with us a few months ago…  We’ll miss them so much when they leave!