Dear family and friends,
First of all, thank you so so much for your overwhelming support. So many have you have spoken encouraging words to me, given generously of your own funds, and prayed for me.
I hope all is well with you. Life has been strange in Toulon, Ill., where I am taking for granted the housing and food my parents are providing me and the temporary job I have at the Stark County News that allows me flexible hours and some pocket money while I wait for the move to Omaha.
My grandfather, Bud Bates, of Galva, Ill., passed away at the tail end of July. He was one of the most loving men I've ever known. It is interesting to contemplate how the bad so often brings about good, the way a funeral brings togetherness of family. We had time to cry and laugh together as we recounted so many fond memories with such a wonderful man. I was blessed to have grown up just 15 minutes away from those grandparents (and right across the street from the others!), and I very often forget what a rare privilege I had in such a close – not just in distance – family.
Grandpa used to wear a rubber mask of an old man with Einstein-like hair. He'd grab a broom and chase his grandkids around the lawn, as well as strangers who parked on his lawn for the Fourth of July. But he was shy. Grandma remembers how he trembled during their wedding ceremony. However, as soon as he put on one of his masks, he lost all timidity and became someone else.
In some strange way, this reminds me of Christ. We can become people we didn't use to be, capable of things we didn't use to be capable of, when we put on the loving name of Christ. I was so fortunate to see my grandfather come into closer communion with his Lord over the last several years of his life, and the first several of mine.
Hundreds of people came to the funeral of this shy old man, who had always led by quiet example. We cried a lot at his services, but we also laughed hysterically. How wonderful to be able to truly celebrate a life so dear.
So, life hasn't been “normal” for a while. I have spent a lot of time in Galva with cousins and extended family. And all the while I am waiting to move to Omaha. I need to raise two months' worth of my salary first. At last count, we were at $765. I'm figuring that is about 20 percent of how much I need to raise before I move out there, and about 2 percent of the salary. Thank you so much for your contributions and prayers. I am, meanwhile, trying not to feel like a transient. My friend Jim reminded me that each day matters, no matter if I am in Toulon, Omaha, or Calcutta. This is not just a “waiting” period until my real life begins. This is today, a gift from God.
I needed that reminder! I have been frustrated, questioning my decision to move six hours from home, especially when I've so recently been reminded of how important family is and how nice it is to have them within a hat's drop if I need them. But I am trying to remember much of the rest of the Word Made Flesh staff, the ones who travel overseas for years to love people who don't have a family that loves them the way mine does, the people whose families do grieve their position but can't make ends meet to change it. In these places, are lives not celebrated? Are family members less in mourning and more grateful that this loved one no longer has to fight to survive, or no longer has to be taken care of with limited funds?
Maybe we can't change the world. Oh, but I hope we can make a change in some of the lives which are a part of our own. Thank you for the impact you have had on my life. I would not be sending out so many letters if I were not blessed with people who have invested in me. I suppose moving away is another “bad” that brings about good.
Grateful for your continued love and support,
Mandy Mowers
In case you didn't get my August prayer letter, I just wanted to let you know about my exciting upcoming position with Word Made Flesh, an organization devoted to serving Jesus among the poorest of the poor. I will be with the advocacy department in Omaha, a position funded entirely through support that I raise through churches and loved ones. I'll be sending you a monthly prayer letter, each of which will contain a slip you can fill out with my name if you want to be a part of this ministry (checks are made out to “Word Made Flesh,” without my name on the memo line). You'll also receive The Cry, WMF's quarterly publication, which I will also be working on. I welcome conversations! J