Completing How Great Thou Art has been a goal that has actually spanned several decades. My family had often suggested how valuable it would be to write these testimonies down so they would not be lost, or the facts distorted, over time. The actual writing, however, proved to be both a labor of love and an exercise in frustration! How much, or little, detail to include was a constant challenge, but in the end, I hope I painted an accurate picture rather than just a rough sketch. While these testimonies are intended mainly for my family who are already familiar with the people involved, I also wanted to make the story interesting and compelling, even if the reader is meeting the Van Esler family for the first time! I have peace knowing that my legacy to our grandchildren and great grandchildren is now safely tucked away between the covers of my story, our story, How Great Thou Art.