And she wrote:

"Great news!! Dan and Alice Simmons (our missionaries over in Rome and Ostia, Italy) are thinking about putting together another team to send to Rome next spring! I was talking with Alice a little while before she left, and she asked me if it was something that I would be interested in. I wanted to give her a huge hug in thankfulness, telling her that I've been waiting so long to be asked that question. She wants my dad and I to come over with them. It would be the best thing ever ... serving God with my dad in Italy, could this be the Lord answering my prayers already?"

- Mandi, July 28th, 2004

Now think, almost a year later, Mandi is in Italy.

Now I lift up a prayer prayed for Hunter and me last year...

"Dear Heavenly Father...

Be with Mandi and her dad today, as they goes into a world that does not know You. Be with them as they face things we cannot see, and endure trials that may seem unbearable.

Be with them as they get up in the morning, and renew their strength day after day, that they might be restored and able to serve You wholeheartedly. Give them energy they have not known before, and let them use it all for You and Your kingdom.

And God, give them rest each night. Surround them with Your peace that passes all understanding, Your unfailing mercy that has no end, not even for the hardest of times. Sing over them, encompassing them in Your love; let them find their refuge and shelter in You and You alone.

May they press on to what You have called them to. You know each day and what it has to offer. Your plans never fail, Lord. Never do they come to ruin; remind them of that.

Assure them of Your presence, of Your protection You have over them day and night, may they feel our prayers. And give us strength here, Lord, to not lose faith.

May Ostia be blessed by this service, and may they return home with victory and new compassion on those who do not know You. Their hearts all sold out for you, Father, and their service for You alone.

Be with them, God...."