We are a host home and recently received this note from an artist who stayed with us in mid October. Re: I'm interested in staying at your house! "wow! where do I even start?? I am sitting at this computer, home from the longest and roughest tour of my life, almost in tears at the love, affection, and physical/financial help you and your family provided!!! When I sat down to write my thank you notes to all our wonderful ryfo host homes, a part of me dreaded getting to you guys, because there is nothing I could ever say or do to show you how much you mean to me and nico!! This message really should just end hear with a simple thank you because I seriously cant put into words what you have done for me!! but I will try!! The first thing I did when I left your house was text my parents and let them know that there's was a new part to our family!! A new mom and dad (or aunt and uncle cause you guys aren't old like my parents haha) and new brothers and sisters!! I hope that you see me and nico as a new part to your family as we see you as a new part of ours!! Words can not describe how thankful and blessed I am by the help you provided!! From buying us groceries, to taking us to church, providing a warm place to sleep all weekend, to just being there as someone for us to talk to!! Your kindness to a complete and total stranger like myself has seriously amazed me!! I can honestly say that I would not be alive today if it weren't for you!! the food you provided kept us nourished enough to survive the long and hard trip!! It also assured me that as I continue in the mission God has called me to, that he provides for me through angels like you and your family!! I sit here with tears of joy streaming down my face in literal utter amazement!! If there's one thing I can do it is encourage you that YOU are the most Christ like people I have ever met in my entire life!! You saw the hungry and you gave us food, you saw the homeless and gave us shelter, you saw the weary and you gave us rest, you saw the lonely and you were there for us!! and Im sorry this is all sappy and emotional but I just need you to know that thank you could never express what you mean to me and I hope to talk and see you again very soon!!" This letter I feel speaks the heart of so many ryfo host families. thanks -Charlie
