I am in shock.  I still can't believe what happened to me earlier today.

I had gone to do my laundry at the laundromat.  Found out I didn't have quite enough money to do an extra load (or dry), so a woman I had never seen before handed me $20.00 so I could finish my laundry. 

Once I had gotten it loaded into the back of my car, I got in and motored on home.  I then carried the laundry to the house and put it up ... only to discover, to my surprise, an envelope buried aomng the clothes.  When I opened it up, I was surprised to find a wad of bills.  Five $50 bills were inside.

There was also a note written in neat, flowery handwriting that read as follows:  "Know you are struggling; the Lord put it upon my heart to give you this.  I hope this comes in handy; may God bless you and yours now and always! I love you!"

I had no idea who had done this, but to tell you the truth, the money couldn't have come at a better time.  My disabled husband was unable to work and I was his caretaker.  That on top of caring for one preteen and three teenagers under my roof: our own three children (two boys and a girl) and my sister's youngest daughter.

Bills, especially medcial bils, often left us having more month than money.  I worked four days a week at a local RainForst Cafe' as a waitress, but what money I made in tips went to the children's needs or the needs of my husband, and there was often not nearly enough to try to pay off some of Henry's medical bills.  I often had to end up sending $5 or $10 every month to try to pay off a bill, but then more would come, putting us even further in debt.

Collection agencies were always calling, threatening to take away our home or our possessions; it got to the point to where I don't even bother answering my phone any more, for fear of yet another nasty call from a collection agent.  I couldn't handle it any more, so I just put my phone on mute.

I had repeatedly told the collection agents that I did not have the money, but it didn't seem to do any good.  They still harrassed me and it got to be so bad I had no choice but to turn off my phone.  Maybe not the smartest move I had ever done, but I had no other choice.

I had gone to church for prayer.  I go to a rather large Assembly of God chuech here in town, and people there know of my current financial problems, so they have been lifting me up in prayer.  The same goes with my co-workers and my boss at my job.  I know they all have their own problems and situations, but it is nice to know that they care.  They have all been extra nice to me, which I greatly appreciate, but nothing has really come until today, when I found the five $50.00 bills.  Three hudnred dollars.  And the $20 bill that was given to me, so I could finish my laundry! 

WOW!!

What a blessing!!

I plan on sending $200 of it to the hospital to try to pay off some of the bills, then keep the remainder for myself to get food for the children, Henry, and myself.  I may be broke in the end, but right now food is important; we need to eat!

It looks like a trip to the grocery store is in order this afternoon!  I just wish I knew who put the money there in my laundry basket, so I could personally thank them for their generous spirit!