the neighborhood. Tuesday, July 19, 2011   I love how Martha’s visit and picture-taking allow us to view our neighborhood with new eyes.  Here are some of our everyday sights (above: nighttime view of our city from Richey and Keli’s balcony):   the street in front of our apartment complex.  our apartments are to the left. we see (and smell) lots of this: sewage and garbage. Martha’s fruit stand, on the way to pick up Judah from school. Judah’s school is a ten-minute walk from our apartment (the school year is in full-swing, and, though he complains about having to go, he secretly loves it). the busy street corner…

  for martha. Monday, July 18, 2011   This afternoon Martha and I got in a taxi and sat together for the hour-long ride to the airport.  I felt the silence stretching the whole length of the seat between us, filled-to-bursting with all the things I couldn’t say.  Sometimes I clam up when I am most sad, and I hate that about myself. I dropped her off at the airport, with her suitcases and a letter that I hope helps to form that silence into all the gratitude I feel in my heart.   We said our rushed good-byes at the door, in front of a crowd and an airport attendant…

  saturday. Saturday, July 16, 2011      

  in her own words. Wednesday, July 13, 2011   In the sixteen days since I landed jet-lagged and excited in the Gentino family’s new South Asian home, I feel like I have changed in drastic ways. My view of missions, of the people of this incredible country, and even of myself have been affected by this experience, and one of my favorite things about being here is the people I come into contact with. Seemingly everyone from Judah’s teachers at school to the man at my favorite fruit stand is smiling, welcoming, and eager to help me find my way. This same mindset can be found right next door…

  oliver ryan mcwilliams. Wednesday, July 13, 2011     Meet the newest member of our family, born yesterday, 8 lbs, 20.5 inches.  My heart can’t make up its mind between rejoicing over this little guy, and grieving that we can’t be there to hold him.  We love you so much, sweet Oliver!  

the zoo. Tuesday, July 12, 2011 I was sick all weekend with bad headaches, so the rest of the gang and some friends took a day trip to the zoo on Saturday.  David and Martha got some great pics of their experience . . . I don’t know if it made me feel better or worse to learn that these chickens are actually alive.

  our week. Monday, July 11, 2011   I wanted to give you an update about last week, since many of you have been praying for us. We bought a car!  The process took from Monday until Friday, but David drove our little gray four-door Suzuki hatchback home Friday evening in time for a whole-family ride around the block.  We are so, so grateful for the way God is providing for this car, and the generosity of those who are helping to make this purchase possible.  We are also grateful for Martha’s care for our children, which freed us to pursue this monumental task, and to pursue some other bits…

  the birthday girl. Sunday, July 10, 2011     Happy two years old, Amie-girl!  We love you so much!  

  the presents. Sunday, July 10, 2011      

  the cupcakes. Sunday, July 10, 2011     The cupcake flavor was Martha’s idea: dark chocolate with peanut butter icing.  They are to die for.  Last night we had dinner with some neighbors and took a plate to share, and there were more left over for today’s celebration.  Yum, yum, yum.