From the moment my mom brought this little bundle of pink home from the hospital, placed her in my arms, and said, "This is your baby," she truly was. I can't imagine having gone through life without my little sister and best friend. Holding hands through the bunkbed as we fell asleep each night, encouraging each other to grow in our walk with God, traveling to little villages and massive cities around the world--though no longer "my baby," she will always be my best friend.

Though never a fan of barbies or pink, Angela (aka "Angel with an A") has played a special role in my life as my eldest sister and trail blazer. Though she moved to Tennessee when I was only eleven, my frequent trips to visit her and her growing family were always deeply meaningful and fun! As a little girl, I remember seeing Angela through the crack of her door, sitting on her bed in her bright orange room, having her own personal devotions with God. It was her example that inspired me to begin doing the same. I will forever be thankful for this quiet, and yet deeply life-changing example.

Fearless and passionate, Kimberly was never boring. "I have a brilliant beyond brilliant idea!" I heard once or a dozen times. And more often than not, these exuberant words resulted in one of us getting hurt (me) and one of us in trouble (just guess who that might be...). I always looked up to Kim as the brave explorer, athlete, and equestrian that I always wanted to be. I deeply value the support and compassion she has offered to me, and I look forward to many not-so-brilliant adventures ahead! ;)

Eddy and I met more than 15 years ago and connected immediately, but our friendship grew even more during my fellowship in Arizona. His parents’ home is my second home here in the US. Many evenings were spent at his home in L.A. or at my home in Phoenix where we shared and planed and hoped for the future late into the night. I was so happy to see him build his family with Nikki and welcome David into their lives. His friendship inspired me to grow spiritually and to get closer to God in everything I do, including plans for future medical ministry projects. When I found Carissa, but had no contact with her nor common friends, Eddy was instrumental in providing contacts, vouching for my character, and getting the ball rolling—which culminated in Carissa and I being married! Eddy – you and your family will always be close to our hearts.

Hazem and I first started a conversation several years ago at a Boston Temple Church young adult retreat in Massachusetts. Since that time, we have enjoyed our deep discussions, outdoor adventures, and visits to cities on the East coast. Although at times life gets busy, we always continue our conversations like we just saw each other the day before. I learned from Hazem, a talented architect, that every detail in our everyday life surroundings matters and its design makes us more of what we are meant to be or it can impede our growth. Just before I shared with him that there was a special person in my life, Hazem had actually written a wedding speech for me, as a part of an acting class assignment where he had to create a scene that would be very meaningful to him. Hazem, it is a blessing to have you in our lives and to be inspired by your kindness, energy, and curiosity.

I remember when Pavle, my cousin, was born. It was a very special moment, since it heralded the entrance of my cousin, who is like a brother, into my life after a long wait. Pavle was there for me when I came to the US for the first time in 2008. He was the one who took me to my Board Exam and by his presence made me feel more relaxed on that high-stakes day. Pavle grew up to become a pillar in the church, a loving husband and father, and a successful businessman. His home was always a place of peace and blessing for me. It has been inspirational for me to see him became a really mature and consecrated Christian, and approach life successes with humility and life challenges with courage. I have valued seeing him build his family around God’s Word, together with his wife Dusica and their two children. Pavle, you and your family are an inspiration for our new family.