Samuel Amofa

Samuel and his scratchboards

Samuel was in my 3rd grade art classes, and he became my buddy during the week! The day before we had to leave Samuel had a necklace on with the African symbol for "accept God," and he wanted me to have it. I told him thanks and that he could keep it, but he insisted I take it. So he took it off and put it on me. Even though this might have been the only necklace Samuel had, he wanted to give it away to me. The children gave so generously of what they had...I was honored to accept this gift from Samuel. On Saturday, September 13th I received a letter in the mail from Samuel. He wrote:

"Dear Jenny Flowers,
I am very sad that we are not here together. Please I have been praying. Thank you for being my friend. Also I hope I will see you soon and if I remember you and think of you, I'm crying. I hope your family is fine by God's grace. Please don't forget that you have a friend, his name is Samuel Amofa, and please don't forget that God is with you and your family. Please if I say that you will take me as your brother and I will also take you as my sister. Please write your best friend."

I was surprised to receive a letter so soon from the Village of Hope, but it was awesome! I wrote Samuel back already and sent him these two pictures, stickers, and a soccer necklace. I hope he gets it because mail in Africa is not as certain as here in the United States.