Rachel Thompson
Rachel and Derek
Thompson
Hello, precious friends!
I am honored and humbled at the prospect of stepping
into my new role of Charis Coach, but am also
thrilled to be able to work closely with some of you
as you pursue the awesome privilege of serving women
and young families with knowledge and excellence
during their pregnancy and birth. (See the
exciting announcement about Rachel in
last month's newsletter!)
As I glanced back over my introduction in the Charis
newsletter from over four years ago, I realized how
much has happened between then and now. God is
so amazing in how He works and weaves our lives so
beautifully and uniquely to be able to touch others
and be touched by them in profound ways.
Gratefulness wells up inside when I remember the
women whose lives have been woven into the tapestry
of my life and created a gorgeous collage of color.
Each one lends its preciousness and beauty!
|
I gained my Charis Doula/Childbirth Educator
certification in May of 2009, and since I have begun
serving as a doula, have attended over 70 births.
Each birth is such a joy and I never cease to be
amazed at the miracle of birth. The wonder of
how God has created women’s and baby's bodies to
work in this way causes the passion in my heart to
grow! Each time I learn something more
intricate and detailed about pregnancy and birth, my
heart is turned to worship the Creator! |
In addition to teaching childbirth education classes
and attending births regularly, I homeschool five of
my six children. Tabitha, who is now 3 ½,
arrived about nine months after I began my studies
with Charis, and she has been an absolute joy to our
family. Obviously, the baby bug bit me right
away when I signed on! I also love to garden
and am learning the art of growing heirloom plants
organically and year-round. Right now, I have
a small greenhouse full of lettuces and radishes
which we are able to harvest. There is nothing
like fresh greens in the middle of the winter!
greenhouse full of winter lettuces and radishes
Miriam (11), Lydia (6), Beth (15), Caleb (13),
Benjamin (9), and Tabitha (3)
As my husband and I walk on in life, we have been
impressed greatly with the desire to be better
stewards of the creation that He has placed us in
and thus, leave a much smaller “carbon footprint” on
this earth. We are hoping to make that leap of
faith, out of the mainstream, and into a lifestyle
that promotes greater self-reliance (though, I
prefer to think of it as “God-reliance”).
Right now, I have been given the opportunity to
experiment with growing as much of our food as our
little plot of “in town” land permits, to milk
goats, make our own shampoo bars and soap, hang
laundry on the line (yes, even in December!), learn
different methods of food preservation. I
never have enough time to do all the reading that
I'd like to on this subject! Hopefully, all
that I am learning will be able to be put to good
use.
God has taught me so much over these last years
about trusting Him, leaning on Him, knowing that He
will see me through because His grace and strength
are more than sufficient. He has led me
through some dark valleys, but His presence has been
constant and near. He has allowed
circumstances that stretched me beyond my own
capabilities (and some of these were as I served as
a doula), only to show Himself faithful and loving
and trustworthy.
As I look forward to this next season of my life, I
continue to hold it loosely, not certain how the
LORD will use me, and willing to go where He leads
because I know His plans are good and perfect.
I still would love to become a midwife someday, and
I offer that desire up to the Him regularly...He
knows. But regardless of what happens, I love
the path that He has led me down and the privilege
of being a vessel of His love and glory!
Blessings and shalom, Rachel
Orange watermelon which is an heirloom variety
called Orangeglo
is really yummy and very tropical tasting
and grows in the Thompson's garden!
