Created by Sister Mary Roy Weiss, SSND
Dear Sister Mary Patience,
At this time, I want to thank you on behalf of me and my family for helping us so much in adjusting to being in this country.
As immigrants, we left our native land to come here. We were scared to live in our old country, and maybe just as frightened to come to this one, with all its new ways of living.
It was a long journey to get to this point. Yet, when we arrived, you were so welcoming. Your smile was so encouraging, especially when we knew so little of a new language and could only smile back.
We are grateful that you tried to learn our language, too. It meant so much to us!
By tutoring me, I learned your language so well, that now I can write this “Thank you” letter. My brother and sister are doing better each day in school, too.
I paid attention to how you taught me, and now I try to help them the same way.
My parents still struggle with the language, but they are happy because we have made friends in our new country. They trust you and are grateful for all your goodness to us.
You have been a bridge-builder for us here—trying to connect us to other immigrant families and introducing us to the culture and customs of this new country we are in.
Remember when you took us to buy food for the first time? You were kind to help us find what we needed, and we noticed how you were kind to the salespersons. You would even ask them their names, which made them feel special.
You always made us feel special, too! You really live your name—thanks for all the patience you showed us!
I hope this letter shows you that your patience and kindness really paid off!
On behalf of my whole family, THANK YOU! We give our love to you, and we will always remember you! God bless you!
With Much Love,
Your Immigrant Student
