YES! Email makes the difference between my being out here and me being shipped home in a cage. Keeping in touch with family and friends in the states staves off feelings of loneliness and homesickness on an almost daily basis.

Here, though, is an example of how email has eased some tension in the family. Last year, in Language school, we had a baby, Willem. He turns one tomorrow. Our close-knit family in the states has been able to forgive us for having a baby so far away from home, mostly because I've been able to email them photos and written updates on a regular basis. I send out a weekly "Sunday Report" with details about the day-to-day goings on of the family, primarily the boys development and changes, plus the occasional photo. I know it has made a huge difference for the family "back home", especially the grandparents.

For a family like ours, which comes late to the field and has little missionary history, communication with family and supporters is an essential lifeline.