As you can see, Bernie is helping me with baby Elam, and Groot, Jamila and Tyler’s pit bull is standing guard beneath my chair. There have been many challenges on this journey—a trip full of intensities—but I cannot complain about my family and the dear friends who have welcomed me on my visit.

Life is short,
And we do not have much time
to gladden the hearts of those who
make the journey with us.
So… be swift to love,
and make haste to be kind.
And the blessing of God,
who made us,
who loves us,
and who travels with us
be with you now and forever.

AMEN