CENTRAL ASIA — Our house guard surprised us one day by bringing his wife, Esin, and their four children to stay with us in our home for a week. They live in a small village, while the husband (our guard) lives with us in the city to earn money.

A few days into their stay, Esin and I went to visit my neighbors together. While we all sat drinking tea, my daughter leaped into my lap for a cuddle.

“I never cuddle or kiss my children,” Esin said. “They know I love them; I don’t need to show it.” She continued to preach to all the women in the room about how we should not wreck a child with affection.

The other women have watched my parenting carefully in the years we’ve been friends, and many of them have even adopted more affection into their own parenting.

But not wanting to stir an argument, I said nothing and let the conversation move on.

A few days later, my closest local friend came to my house with her children to visit. Esin watched with great interest as I kissed her children and gave each of them a hug.

On the last day of Esin’s visit, I saw her again watching me from across the room as I interacted with my own children. This time she smiled, then put her arm around her eldest son, who looked shocked but also touched. She pulled him close and kissed the top of his head.

That evening, she pulled her youngest child into her lap and cuddled him. He, like his brother, looked surprised but instantly melted into his mom’s arms.

Praise God for small changes that show a glimpse of love. Pray for Jesus’ kingdom to come to this land!


Crossworld worker Vicky and her family make disciples in Central Asia. Let Vicky know you prayed.