Greetings, Family!

What a blessing family is.

Last weekend, my dad's side of the family had a big reunion on the shores of a little lake near where I'm from. The day they all got home from the lake, a bunch of them had gathered at my parent's house, and I was able to have a nice little Skype chat with so many of my aunts, uncles and cousins - many of whom I haven't talked to in a few years - not because I don't love them, but because we just live too far away from each other. What a blessing it was to be able to feel like such a part of the family, even though I'm way out here in the middle of Africa.

And as I've been hearing stories this week from various parts of my family, and seeing everyone's photos on facebook and on the official "reunion raconteur" blog, I just have such an overwhelming sense of blessing. I mean, really, look at this amazing bunch of people I belong to:(Thanks to Rob, who thought our family wasn't SO bad and actually married into it, for posting this photo on the Reunion blog). As I looked at so many people, from a few different generations, gathered together (and no, this isn't all of them - there are more of us scattered in various parts of the world who couldn't make it back home for the reunion!), I almost started to feel a bit teary eyed.

I am so blessed and privileged to be a part of a big family of people who love each other, who make time to come together, to be a part of each other's lives, and, most importantly, who love the Lord. What a heritage it is, to be so surrounded by such a group of people who, in their own unique ways, give honour and glory to God.

I sure wouldn't be out here, doing what I do, if I didn't have the support and blessing of such a family. So thank you, to each one of you, who are part of this crazy family (crazy, because, as you all know, we do have a few quirks - just look at my dad and Uncle John's repeat accordian rendition of "On Top of Old Smokey"!) for being a family.

And thanks, also, for keeping me as part of your family, too, even though I'm not really there very often! I love all your notes on facebook, your prayers, your emails, and yes, even your money :D

There, how's that for an Oscar speech... too bad I haven't won mine yet...

(by the way, I'm wondering if my nephew Ethan can somehow photoshop me into the family photo?!)