This seemed, to me, a good night in which to share some photos with all of you. :) I hope you'll enjoy a glimpse of our family life.

This is my sweet Anna (8). She and all her friends had gathered at a home to enjoy a "welcome home" tea for a little girl named Yvette. Yvette had a nearly-fatal accident years ago, and God somehow allowed her to survive, bringing Himself immense glory , in the process. The little girl will never be "the same" again, but in one sense, I think she will be better. Her heart is an amazing testimony to loving God, even through the worst that can find us. She serves in her family's ministry with tireless dedication, and she's only twelve years old. That , my friends, is humbling. Her life is one of the greatest gifts the Lord has ever given my sister, Anna. Their friendship has been an absolute joy to witness. Yvette had spent about a month traveling the U.S. with her parents, and she wanted to show her friends all the photos from the journey. She hosted a tea, and I was fortunate enough to be invited, too. I have the great honor of being her mentor. :)

This is just a picture Bryan took while we were visiting the zoo, a few days ago. I've been visiting this beloved zoo for years and years, and I must admit, I'm uncommonly fond of it, or at least, of the memories that surround the place. :) I like this building, especially. It's the aviary, and there are all manner of marvelous birds housed there. (In truth, I'm probably more drawn to the unusual construction of the building and its air conditioning.) :)

Now, you must understand, I absolutely adore these kids. I'm such a blessed sister. They are, from left to right, Peter (6), Bryan (12), and Anna (8). You still have yet, I believe, to meet Brent (17 nearly), but he's a dear, too. This picture was taken at the San Antonio Zoo, also. I think they're somewhere near the the Komodo Dragon or Reticulated Python exhibit. (Not my favorite area of the park, I concede.) :)

Ah, yes...a picture of my beloved harp. God provided it through an absolute miracle of His grace. Isn't He so good to His children? Any of you "music lovers" would have a great deal of fun in our living room. At the moment, it's filled with two grand pianos, a guitar, an electric bass, nine violins, one viola, a cello, Irish whistles, recorders, two concert harps, and a more expansive worship library than you could hope to find anywhere else in the city. :) One of the pianos belongs to a missionary couple that was serving in Sri Lanka. (They arrived there only a week before the infamous tsunami of 2004 struck. They ended up being the main liaisons between the government there and all the aid organizations seeking to serve the people.) They sold everything they owned, before going on the mission field and were going to sell us this piano, too. It's a lovely instrument, but we felt very strongly that they should keep it for the sake of their young daughter, who was showing an uncanny aptitude for music, even at the age of three. Obviously, they would be unable to carry the piano across the ocean with them, so we offered to "board" it in our home, until they returned to the U.S. They returned here, last year, after having poured themselves out as an offering for the Lord and the people of Sri Lanka. Just today, I received a call that they were finally safely settled in a home and were able to receive their instrument. I'm so happy for them, and I've been blessed to have the piano with me, for the past two years. It has been a constant reminder to lift them in prayer, and I'll cherish its company for a few more days until it departs on Wednesday.

I think these are the only interesting photos I have available to share tonight. Perhaps, more will surface later. :) I pray God will bless each of you and continue to hold you in His precious hands. All my love, dear ones! Have a wonderful week!