Homeless, hungry, longing for change, are just a few words to describe my situation when I arrived at Harvest Home on October 9, 2004.  When I received the great news that I was accepted into the program, my first prayer was for God to allow me to be a blessing and to be able to grasp every lesson, teaching, strength and knowledge that was given to me through Harvest Home.  I asked God to open my eyes to the small details.  My eyes were opened on how to take care of my newborn through the many videotapes and parenting classes. I learned how to cook and clean through the mandatory cooking nights and assigned chores.

As my due date grew nearer, I sometimes would go in my room and quietly cry because I didn’t have anything for my unborn son yet and because I missed my husband who lived in another shelter, but the Monday night devotional, the Christian staff and the volunteers held my faith up with their encouraging words and beautiful smiles.  I know that I’m going to be friends with these loving people for many years to come. 

God worked everything together for my husband and I. On Thanksgiving day we got our apartment and that following week Elijah was born.  Harvest Home generously, through the Christmas Club, provided everything for Elijah including a car seat, stroller, pack & play, boppy breastfeeding pillow, Baby Bjorn, bouncer, clothes, pampers and many other things. 

I would like to personally thank all of you who donate your time and money to Harvest Home; if it wasn’t for your donations, my son Elijah wouldn’t have had the warm home and the wonderful baby things that he has now. Neither would the women who live at Harvest Home have a peaceful place to call home, with access to all life’s necessary things.  Your donations make a difference in so many people’s lives in more ways that one. 

In conclusion, I just want to thank God because my life has changed so much for the better. I’m not homeless anymore, neither am I hungry.