Hello! My name is Mandi. I grew up in Buffalo, NY, and have lived in Rockford, IL, for ten years. Before coming to Rockford, I had no clue this city existed! I find many similarities between the two cities, such as the landscape and weather. So, when it comes to pizza, Buffalo outshines Rockford's pizza and chicken wings by a long shot.
I was introduced to RHK through their monthly newsletter delivered to my former work. I love working with kids of all ages. I stepped out of serving through the church a few years ago and felt a void from not teaching for over a year. But God brought to my memory the encouraging stories the RHK newsletter shared (sometimes tragic and sad), and the pictures of smiling, happy faces in the letter each month attracted me. I reached out through their website to fill out and submit a volunteer form and began mentoring the middle school teens who attend on Thursdays in February of 2023.
I volunteer because we are in a spiritual battle; sometimes we can see it, but most of the time, we don't see what's really happening under the surface of their forced smile. If I can be an encouragement, a listening ear, "that lady that teaches on Thursdays," or someone who cares and "sees" that struggling, hurting, boisterous kid, then I know I am in God's will. Some nights are rough and rowdy, but if you are thinking of becoming a volunteer, check it out and go for it! You won't know the blessings of being a blessing until you step out and do it.
My life verse is 2 Thessalonians 5:23, 24. "Faithful is He that calls you, who also will do it." v 24. P.S. If you're wondering how to pronounce my long last name, it sounds like, "Where's your house key?" but Whoa-ja-house key 😊
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