Father's Day

How this man loves his children. I remember when Madelyn Grace was born, that beaming pride, the kind that gets you excited about changing that first diaper. He was so handsome holding his new little. Then, Catharine Faith. That valley was dark and painful, long and hard. God grew us so much through that time...I remember when the doctor told us she wouldn't live through the night. I remember watching him as his faith was so tested, and then God stepped in and saved her little life. I can hear him telling that story in my mind to so many, giving glory to the Lord alone. Our third baby, didn't make it---I was 8 weeks pregnant. But, even then---he knew God was in control. And then, Elizabeth Hope. She came unexpected and in a whirlwind of emergency, both of our lives on the line. That man, though yet again his faith being tested, knew God was in control.

I cannot adequately express my gratitude to the Lord for giving me a husband who loves Him so much. Who desires to live a godly life, honoring Him. I am a blessed woman. My kids are blessed too.

Holding Elizabeth for the first time.

Justin's dad. How to even start? Let's just say this. He loves God earnestly. He loves his family proudly. He lovingly supports his children, prays for them, encourages them. But, the love he has for his grand-babies? To them, he is their Pop---gets out the jumpy jump, sneaks them treats, turns on cartoons first thing before they even get out of bed at their house, sets up kiddy pools and other wet toys outside...he just knows how to be a good Pop. Oh how we love this man.

Preaching Justin's Ordination Service

I have never had a daddy. You know, the one you run to arms wide open for him to sweep you off your feet and twirl you around till you giggle? Don't feel bad for me, because you know, God was good to me. See, while I never had a daddy, I had a Papa. My Papa loved me more than I think a daddy ever could have. He let me go through his Texaco with a brown paper bag to fill with all the candy and treats I wanted. He sat me up on a stool in his store so when customers would come in, I would be front and center to greet them. He kissed my cheeks and got my sugar. He rescued me many times from all kinds of trouble we won't talk about. I have always felt his love for me. You know, the kind of love that is blind? Even when I did wrong---his love was strong. He walked me down the aisle. I love that man. I miss him painfully, especially on this Father's Day.

Me and my Papa, my first birthday

My Papa one year ago

Funky

Fog settles into the mountains and it is really beautiful. I could take a million pictures of these mountains. They never get old.

Sometimes we can get this way. We try to avoid it the best we can. We love living in this country, that isn't it at all. We aren't depressed or sad at all, really. We are just in a funk. Justin leaves this Sunday for a week long language class. That'll be a long week for me, and for him. We will celebrate his 28th birthday tomorrow, then Father's Day on Sunday.

Would you pray us through this funk?

We are praising the Lord for a few specific things today:

• The GCR passing at the SBC meeting
• Another missions committed new SBC President
• Cooperative Program
• Good health in our family
• Wonderful neighbors who are good to us
• American goodies that came with my in-laws and through a package from a precious WMU group in Alabama
• The love God has given us for nationals in this place
• Saints around the world lifting us up
• Our precious Lord who saved us, leads us, loves us, etc.

Would love to hear from you. If you want to email, 5martinsinasia@gmail.com will get you to us, also if you aren't getting our prayer updates---let us know!

I haven't bragged enough about how spoiled we got after Justin's parents brought us Wal-Mart packed up in suitcases, took us out to eat many times, bought us coffees and ice creams, so on. But, the biggest and best treat of all, I am convinced, was the Hilton Garden Inn. We were connected to the mall, and yes, it was 5 star. I'm just saying that when you live in a place such as this, where you can't flush your toilet paper (gross, I know) and you have to wait 30 minutes for your water to heat up for a shower that will last you about 6 minutes, as well as an apartment about 550 square feet for a family of 5...well, you know what I'm saying.

There are moments in this country where I feel, oh, sinful. I think, "God, why me?" or, "what can I really do?" I mean there are MILLIONS of people around us worshipping idols, knowing nothing of the One True God who created them. I don't speak their language good enough to save my life, and I just feel like Moses sometimes. I mean, I know the end of the story, but I just get bogged down in my own inabilities sometimes--I'm sure you can't relate at all...

Well, God is so faithful to me, always, but in times like these even more it seems. As we drove home from Delhi, I just watched out the window. Things like babies sitting in the dirt naked outside their hut as their mom rolled dough out into chapattis for lunch. Or, women with huge mounds of sticks on their heads, doing who knows what with them, but man I know that had to hurt at the end of the day. Life going on, as we drove by. Village after village of countless lost people. Sometimes, it is just overwhelming---and then God says through this song by Genny Owens:

"There's a bigger picture you can't see.

You don't have to change the world, just trust in me.

'Cause I am your creator, I am working out my plan,

And through you I will show them, I Am."

So, I'm thankful, for the reminder. I didn't come here on my own initiative or talents. He has a plan. I don't have to change the world, fix all of the poverty stricken issues, or even heal the lame, only He can do these things. I will continue to trust in Him. Oh, He is sooo able.

This afternoon, all of the ladies in my neighborhood were attending a baby blessing time event at another neighbor's house. Her baby boy was 11 days old, and everyone goes to give gifts, see the baby, and eat a major feast of yummy Indian food. I dressed in my fancy outfit and took Elizabeth. It was very interesting, and once again, I was feeling oh so blessed when I sat in this tiny house, smaller than mine, and looked around. My apartment, once again, felt like a 5 star compared to the one I was sitting in. I took R200 (about $4) in an envelope as a gift (that is what my Landlady told me to do) and handed it to the mom, who in turn handed me an envelope that had R10 (about 20 cents) in it. Funny, they pass out R10 to each guest that comes to see their new baby! And they have to fix a feast for their guests. So sad, in our country we expect people to bring US food and gifts! Well, the food was awesome.

The grandmother and new baby boy, notice he is bundled as if it is winter, poor thing.

Sitting with my landlady, Bharti, and my neighbor, Joti.

Elizabeth getting passed around from person to person.

Had to throw in a monkey picture!

Song: "I Am" by Genny Owens

No Lord, he said, you've got the wrong guy.

Simple conversation gets me tongue-tied.

And you're telling me to speak with a maniac king.

Could it be I've lost my mind?

And besides, I am weak, don't you want someone strong,

To lead them out of Egypt when they've been there so long?

And anyway, they wont believe You ever spoke to me.

That's not your problem, God replied.

And the rest is history.

There's a bigger picture you can't see.

You don't have to change the world, just trust in me.

'Cause I am your creator, I am working out my plan,

And through you I will show them, I Am.

Now Lord, are you sure? He's just a shepherd boy,

Too small for battle gear with a giant to destroy.

What on earth can he do with five stones and a sling?

That's not your problem, God replied.

'Cause I can do anything.

There's a bigger picture you can't see.

You don't have to change the world, just trust in me.

'Cause I am your creator, I am working out my plan,

And through you, I will show them,

I Am the first, I Am the last,

I Am the present and the past,

I Am tomorrow and today,

I Am the only way.

Great Lord, she said, I'm just a simple girl.

You say that I will bring your son into the world.

How can I understand this thing You're gonna do?

That's not your problem, God replied.

'Cause, there's a bigger picture,

And you don't have to change the world.

I'm your creator, I am working out my plan.

And through you, I will show them,

There's a bigger picture, you can't see.

You don't have to change the world, just trust in me.

I'm your creator, I am working out my plan,

And through you, I will show them, I Am.

Nana and Pop

We looked forward to their visit for weeks. Planned out what we would do, eat, where we would go. Finally, they were on their way---my girls didn't believe they would ever get to our house! We waited and waited. Madelyn and I got up at 5:15 and waited on the porch for them to pull up. They didn't get to our house until 5:45, which was an eternity for an almost 5 year old!

My throat was lumped with excitement as I watched Madelyn run to her Pop, then Nana! It was a very happy reunion. Lots of hugs and kisses. Surreal for them to actually be standing in our apartment in India. After 7 months of Skyping, they were with us! The morning they arrived was full of opening suitcases and large containers full of surprises and gifts. I was most excited for the coffee and snacks, Justin too. The girls got tons of fun treats, but were most excited about the snuggles with their beloved grandparents.

We did so many fun things while in our mountain city. We took them from shop to shop, restaurant to restaurant. We went on a boat ride, rickshaw rides, scooter rides. They ate tons of Indian food dishes, as well as Tibetan. We cooked, shopped, laughed, took tons of pictures. We celebrated Madelyn's 5th birthday with a fun party including pink cake, balloons, streamers, etc. We were able to introduce them to all of our neighbors and shop owners/workers. It was wonderful for them to see where we live, what our lives are like, and who we are spending time with.

After several days, the time came for us to leave our perfect weather, mountain city, to go to hot Delhi. We arrived at our hotel after a good 8 hours of traveling, and were disappointed with the conditions we found. We took three rickshaws across town to the hotel attached to the 3 malls. When I walked into our room, I actually cried, for many reasons. I will list them now:

1. Bathtub
2. Instant hot water
3. Soft carpet
4. Flat screen TV with English channels
5. Fluffy, soft, princess-ish beds
6. Pack-in-play for E
7. Wireless internet
8. Fancy bathroom
9. Extremely clean
10. As if I stepped out of India and into the U.S.A.

My in-laws are some of the best people I know. They have done nothing but support us, love us, spoil us, pray for us, etc. The time we spent with them in Delhi was precious. We did a lot of shopping, eating out, and hanging out. Justin and Keith were able to go sight seeing around Delhi on one day, which was a lot of fun. There is no telling how many cups of coffee were consumed by the 4 of us. We are some coffee drinking white people :) Oh, and I got a bomb haircut, as did the girls. Shhh, don't tell him I told you, but Keith got a pedicure and foot massage/wash for $10!!!

We enjoyed having the time of our lives with them, in India. I think they loved it here. They were brave, adventurous, flexible, gracious, and well...themselves. Man, I love those two.

As we said our good-byes...there were many, many tears. I thought that I would fall apart when they left. I thought that I would fall into depressed mode--though I'm not prone to it. God is always faithful. He comforted my heart and reminded me of our glorious calling--one that I'm honored to accept. As hard as it will be to say good-bye every time, I am reminded that a worker must not put their hand to the plow and look back. They must stay focused on the task, pressing on to what lies ahead. The harvest is white---He has sent---we have gone---and we are anticipating wonderful things.

Thank you God for blessing our socks off with Keith and Andrea visiting. Thank you for giving us such supportive prayer warriors as parents/in-laws. Thank you for the fun times we had, the great memories we made. Continue to protect our hearts, the hearts of our kids. May we keep our eyes fixed on you, precious Lord. Confirm in all of our hearts that we are in your mighty hands. We love you more than anything and choose to follow you alone, by your grace alone. May you be glorified by our lives. May many in India come to know you as the One True God. May we be a part of that, somehow.