7/19/1900 Harrisburg, PA Prof. J. E. Bahner Hickory Corners, PA Northumberland County Dear friend, Another week almost gone, so much nearer heaven. I was very strongly impressed with this fact, today, when I witnessed the funeral of a young woman, whom I have known for a long time. She has suffered from cancer for almost two years. During the past year she found that she was not in a healthy state spiritually, and accordingly sought and found pardon. From this time she has borne her suffering very patiently, until released by death yesterday morning. When I see all this suffering and the many, many cripples, I can not thank God enough for my strong, healthy body. I am only troubled with homesickness. Last Sunday, I had the privilege of hearing Rev. Illick teach our S.S. class, again. He had been unable to teach for two Sundays, and we miss him so much. He is always so brimfull of good things himself and has the power to impart a good share of it to his hearers. This is his fourth year as our pastor, and during that time has led me out into many new experiences. In the evening after League we had a song service instead of preaching. But my thoughts would not stay in Dauphin. Part of the time they were in Myerstown, and then a prayer sent me clear across the Atlantic to the mission fields, that is in thought. No matter where I am there is always something to present missionary work. Even Prof. Hunt will attempt to rouse me, more than ever. I wish our folks at home would think as Prof. Hunt or I think, then things would be easy for me; but as it is they oppose me and are trying to persuade me to give up the thought of foreign work. No matter what the earthly opposition may be, when God calls he always prepares the way and I am willing to follow. I have been with my sister since Monday. We have been very busy sewing and talking all the time. Today she has been trying to "duck" me because I tied her fast to a chair; but she has not succeeded. She says, "Tomorrow is another day." S [sic] I will have to watch. I am glad to hear that your sister has fully recovered. I do not know her name, I do not believe I ever heard you mention her name. It was too bad that they did not receive your letter in time but then "we must get used to the raps." Very respectfully, Mary R. Lyter 428 Hamilton Street