Tues, Sept 8, 2009 from Cleveland

My dear Bashir, my heart is both happy and sad when I read your latest email. My heart is happy to think about how God brought us together in this world, and happy I am able to help you get your education, and happy you are so hard-working, grateful, and brilliant! But my heart is very sad to think about how you have suffered in poverty for many years.

I want to tell you this: even if you felt helpless, you have shown great power! You have studied hard, learning English and many other subjects. You have kept dreaming your dreams of studying engineering and visiting America. You work very hard, you play football and keep yourself healthy, you are honest and loyal, you love your family and your friends. So even though you have lived in poverty and hardship, you have shown your inner strength and your determination to succeed. So you see, you are not helpless, you are powerful, because you have power in your spirit.

I always think of you smiling and laughing, taking good care of me on my visit to Dar Es Salaam, and all the fun times we shared. You have great energy and intelligence and the desire to learn. So you see, you have not allowed poverty to take away the spirit of joy and strength that God gave you -- you have always kept working and you never gave up. You are a great inspiration to me!

Okay, next I would like to send you some money to buy new clothes for your classes at the Learnit Institute. It will be very good for you to have some new clothes which will help you feel confident and happy. Maybe Mr. Iddi can go shopping with you so it will be fun!

Please tell me how many shillings it will cost for you to buy these things:
3 or 4 shirts
2 or 3 pants
2 pairs of shoes
socks
neckties

Also, what items do you need for rainy season -- do you need a raincoat? Do you need boots?

Let me know how much these items will cost!

My best to Mr. Iddi and God Bless You for your goodness and faithfulness!

Yours truly,
Nicole