in her own words.

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 in David and Julie’s neighbors, and a few nights ago I got the chance to experience this firsthand when we were all invited to dinner.

It was humbling to see these people open up their hearts and their homes to a complete stranger. They were sensitive to our needs in every way: making the main dish a little less spicy so our American palates could handle it, cooking pasta as a “back-up dish” in case any of us didn’t care for what they originally planned to serve, and balking at the idea that we would even think of helping to clear the dishes.

They avoided the surface-level conversation that often appears at dinner dates and instead asked real questions about how David and Julie were handling being so far away from home and offering practical advice on both big (like buying a car) and small (where to find the best pani puri) aspects of living in this country. I left feeling refreshed and so full I was in danger of lapsing into a food coma on the elevator back to our apartment.

The best part of the whole experience, however, is that this couple didn’t just want to be polite to the visiting friend of their American neighbor. They actually care for us. They make a point to stop and have a real conversation every time they see me in the lobby or down at the playground. The husband noticed Judah and I walking to school one morning and stopped on his way to work to give us a ride. They encouraged Julie and I to enter the neighborhood cooking competition (but lovingly told us it may be in our best interest to avoid trying our hand at South Asian cuisine).

Their love and hospitality is authentic and convicting. I find myself asking if I, a person who knows Christ and is called to love in this way, am extending this type of love and concern for those around me within my circle of family and friends, much less the new neighbors next door?

I think that this is the part of missions that I have grown to love the most: immersing yourself fully in the people and culture of whatever country you are called to, and falling in love with them as a result. I am praying that the Gentino’s relationship with this  dear Hindu family will continue to grow and that Christ will work through David and Julie to bring them near to Him.