Iddy, your birthday was last month and you turned 15. There is so much to say about you, where do I start? We had a great time on your birthday. We gave you a new pair of Nike shoes, and I think you liked them a lot. We got up the morning of the 3rd and had breakfast together... baked oatmeal and smoothies. Then we loaded up and went to Mombasa. Fabish and Ismael were with us. In the car on the way there you opened cards from Mimi and Pop-pop and Cindy and Roger and got a total of $70. Cindy and Roger's card played "Can't Touch This" and, thanks to your sisters, we listened to that the whole way to Mombasa! I think Mimimo had given you a baseball cap for your birthday earlier. When we arrived we went to Java for lunch... your favorite. We all enjoyed lunch and got milkshakes for dessert. Then, you and Fabish and Ismael and Papa went to play paintball. After paintball you and your friends went to see "War of the Planet of the Apes." We stayed in Mombasa a few more days after that, but I think you had a good time, although you never felt good about going off with your friends and leaving me and Papa behind.
A while ago you told me that when you were little you used to believe that babies came from the market. I thought that was so cute!
You make me proud in so many ways and you are a deep thinker. One day we were talking about a conversation you had with a friend at school who said he didn't believe in God. He said that digestion of food starts in the fingers and that that truth is written in the Quran. You told him that there are things written in Holy Books that aren't true, but that doesn't mean there is no God. The more I thought about what you said the more I found it so deeply profound. What you said so simply and in such a matter-of-fact way and at such a young age has taken me years to grasp. I think that you still aren't sure exactly what to think about God, but I realize that, neither am I. What I also love about you is that you really think about things, your mind is searching, and you aren't afraid to believe differently than those around you. You have no idea how rare and precious and wonderful that is.
I sometimes find it hard to connect with you because I can't keep up with you in sports anymore. You are growing so strong and coordinated. You and Papa like playing basketball and volleyball and ping-pong together. But you and I still find ways to spend time together. Last Friday night we went to Osteria for supper, just the two of us. I loved it so much! We had great conversation and talked about all sorts of things. You are doing well in school and planning ways to keep up your school work when we are in the States for three months. I read one of your English papers last weekend and I was so impressed... your writing has improved so much. You work very hard in school and it shows.
Last weekend you invited Lucas's son, James, over to spend time with you and Ismael. You are always thinking of others and going out of your way to make someone else feel special or included. I love that about you, so very much. There is so much to be proud of... I could go on and on. I love you so very much!
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