Letters from Africa

I got two letters today from Kenya. They are from the boys I'm sponsoring for secondary school. I heard about them from Patricia Crossley, who does missionary work in Africa, and who writes the most amazing posts about her adventures there. She mentioned that primary schools in Africa are free, but that secondary schools cost money, and that most children cannot afford them. In a country where a salary is 75 cents a day, school is a luxury. Often it's best the child learns a good trade, but even trade schools are expensive. And bright, scholarly children often find themselves out of school and in the fields digging ditches.

Well, I wondered how much it could cost to sponsor a child so I asked Patricia. She told me that for only 50$ a month I could send a boy to boarding school where he would be clothed and fed. That seemed such a small sum that I asked to become a sponsor. I've always argued that education was the best way to help the poor, and here was a chance for me to really help. So this small sum is sending two boys through secondary school. Aberny and Saisi are my new friends. I didn't think I would be so touched when they wrote to me, but their letters and photos are now pinned to my desk where I can see them.

Aberny and Saisi write amazingly well in English. Saisi "hopes I am fine - as fine as can be"; and Aberny will be learning French and has promised me a letter in that language soon. Both are bright, over-achievers, intent on getting good grades and making something of their lives. I'm looking forward to seeing these young men grow and succeed in their undertakings.
Maybe even some day I will go and visit them in Africa, and I hope that some day they will be able to come and visit me in Europe.