The following is a composite of actual thanks that have been received. If you wonder who they are from, think about Matthew 25.

Dear Ministries At Main Street.

I am actually writing this note on the end table you got for me at the thrift shop. It and the chairs are perfect. I almost didn't leave my apartment the first two days.   It was so nice to have my own space.

It is so hard to believe that it was almost two months ago when I met you at the Welcome Center. It still doesn't seem real to me, all that time in the hospital only to come out and find I lost my job. I remember how patient you were as I kept breaking down in tears and was not able to answer your questions. I felt like such a burden on my friends and family. I needed to be on my own.

I know that first night I didn't sleep much, but the fact that I had the extra blanket I asked for, was so nice. I remember the person who was serving the meal, must have asked me 3 times if I didn't want something hot to eat. She just wouldn't let me be. The shelter manager just kept calling me sweetie and reminding me that sleep would make me feel better.

The first few weeks were difficult. I didn't know what to do with myself. It is amazing to me how helpful everyone was. It seemed like the staff had advice about most things. They would wake me up early to get to the bus if I needed to leave early. Do you remember the night that you drove me back from my final follow up doctor's appointment? I was convinced that I was going to 'starve' because we had to wait so long to see the doctor. You were late to cover intake and Ray had to cover for you? I thought for sure that we were going to get a speeding ticket. And yes, you were right; Dianna did set aside a plate for me.

That night was the turning point for me. Knowing that the follow up was good, that I could get back to work was such a relief. I'm sure it felt like every day I was nagging you for bus tokens so I could somewhere to apply for a job. But without the cell phone and the note explaining my situation, I couldn't have gotten any job.

Please pass along my thanks to the churches that kept me safe. I think I gained 10 pounds from all the good food. I wasn't looking forward to the holiday's but the way they kept open and spent the day with us was so much nicer than I thought. Even the way they helped us get some wash done was a big help.

I won't be a stranger and I plan to come back to help and give back.   I just need to get my schedule sorted out first. Give everyone a big hug for me. Thank you so much.    

           - A Guest