Special thanks to St. Joan of Arc and Our Lady

How did it start?

Well, it started with my name: Mallory Joan Glafcke.

First, I have the same initials as my dad: MJG. Nearly all of my siblings are named for one of our ancestors. My middle name, Joan, came from my Chinese great grandmother on my dad’s side, Joan Wu.  Most of us have a saint or holy person influenced name, as well. I got a double package:  Joan for my great grandmother and Joan of Arc, the young warrior saint. Because of this, I have long had a connection to Saint Joan of Arc.

When my family discerned missions with Family Missions Company, we donated heaps of our toys, books, clothes and general belongings, but decided on renting out our house. Then my parents got a call saying that there was no room for our family to come into missions for  Intake 2018. I was sad and mad, basic 6-year-old emotions. Why did we give away my toys if we weren’t going to see the horses? (My favorite animal at that time was a horse, and during our first visit to Big Woods I was delighted to see horses in the pasture.) 

My family, unsure what we would do, started praying. We prayed a novena to Our Lady Undoer of Knots. The day after the novena ended happened to be my saint’s feast day: May 30. I was ready to celebrate, but I didn’t know there would be much more to celebrate than St. Joan of Arc and I sharing the same name.  

On St.  Joan’s feast day, my parents received another call from FMC. This time my parents were asked if we were still interested in joining Intake 2018. Miraculously and unexpectedly, a spot opened for our family. Without a moment of hesitation, my mom exclaimed, “YES!” Man, did we celebrate and rejoice that day. I was still going to be able to see the horses AND there would be loads of kids my age to play with at Big Woods! 

Riding a horse during our Intake in 2018

Without the intercession of  Our Lady Undoer of Knots and Saint Joan or Arc, I wouldn’t be standing in my kitchen typing this, sharing with you how my faith has led my family and I through every twist and turn of our lives: from my home in Wisconsin to Louisiana to Mexico to Haiti to New Zealand to Asia and to Rome. We are blessed and grateful for our amazing saints and angels, and even more so for our faith in Christ Jesus.

Riding a horse with new friend Luciens in Haiti

Selfie with an Asian elephant

Picking berries near my new house