An encouraging letter from a friend and missionary in training...

Dear Mandi,

I'm super sorry that it has taken so long to get back to you, but such is life. Since I've been back, I've actually managed to settle in quite well--Eugene must not have changed too much. As soon as I returned, I enrolled for one more year at Lane Community College, got a job workin' in the warehouse at Harvest House Publishers, moved in with a couple buddies of mine, and have been busily involved with music and other ministries both in my church and with the Navigators. The business as actually been quite pleasant. Money is tough sometimes, and I generally don't have enough time, but I've been able to (mostly :)) stay on top of things. This just a season of life, but I'm thankful for everything and thankful that I can learn still more about God's faithfulness in tough times.

I haven't been keeping in quite as much contact with my Italian friends as I would prefer, but being so busy makes it pretty tough to budget time for people that are nine time-zones away. I actually had a very refreshing call from Maria-Grazia Infuso about a week ago. We had just an excellent time speaking with each other, and I also was able to talk with Matteo too. I was really surprised that I've been able to retain so much Italian since I've been away. Sometimes I speak a little here and there, and every once in a while I think in Italian, but for the most part that isn't too sharp. After a prolonged conversation, it comes right back though! I'm looking forward to budgeting more time and phone cards after the break so that I can keep up with those dear people.

So you're gonna be there in the summertime? That's excellent! I'm very excited for you and for the ministry, that one more laborer may be sent to gather the harvest. Will you be staying with Dan and Alice or how is that all working out? Let me know if you need help with support. I'm dirt poor, but I'd like to give you something. In fact, send me newsletters and your fundraising letter at 2277 Friendly St. Eugene, OR 97405. I'm not sure if this will work, but I may be leading a team for a short term trip in the summertime, so perhaps our paths might cross once more in Italia.

It was great to hear from you and I trust your doing well. Give my greetings to all the others, and maybe I'll get the chance to check out your church sometime soon.

Catch you later!

Mark