Friends and Family –
As I am writing this letter, I am thinking of each one of you. I am so grateful to have you all on my mailing list, and a part of Word Made Flesh. Your prayers and financial support over the past seven months have been deeply felt and admired. Even if I am not hearing from you monthly or experiencing a daily connection, I still feel your presence in my life and it brings a smile to my face at just the right moment.
Our WMF International Office went to a beautiful Benedictine Center in September in Schuyler, where we retreated as a community and spent time growing together in Enneagram formation. The Enneagram is a personality platform that allows you to know yourself more intimately and clearly. The staff who I have easily come to love are all amazing individuals, who have the most admirable attitude towards the call of serving Jesus amongst the most vulnerable of the world’s poor. It has been a COMPLETE joy to be a part of this organization, attempting to make a difference in small yet vast ways. Below is a passage from Mother Teresa that we reflected on during these days of quiet time.
“People are unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered.
Love them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish ulterior motives.
Be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some false friends and true enemies.
Succeed anyway.
The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow.
Be good anyway.
Honesty and frankness will make you vulnerable.
Be honest and frank anyway.
What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight.
Build anyway.
People need help but will attack you if you help them.
Help them anyway.
In the final analysis, it is between you and God.
It was never between you and them anyway.”
Thank you again for welcoming me into your mailboxes with such open arms! I value your friendship, and would love to hear from you.
Peace to you,
Hope
Financial Update: I am at 8.5% of my monthly support goal. If you feel a desire to make a monthly financial pledge, it would be very impactful. It has been a challenging yet beautiful road to walk during this stage, but I have seen God provide and allow opportunities for me to share about my deep passion for WMF and the poor that we serve.