Iddy, you are almost 16 now, and I can hardly believe it. You are growing in so many ways, both physically and spiritually. Your body is looking stronger and stronger, and your mind is searching, asking good questions and thinking deep thoughts. Just a few weeks ago, you initiated a trip for your class to go to a local orphanage to help paint some of the rooms, give out clothing, and play with the children. I was so proud of you for having the idea and following through with it to make it happen. You had to get up early on a Saturday morning, but you did it without complaining. You still ask me how you can help whenever I am taking care of the girls or cooking supper. I like for you to cook with me, and you are so good with the girls. Two nights ago you helped me shower them. They trust you and love you completely. I appreciate your help, but mostly, I just like to have you with us. You are fun to be around. You LOVE music, and always listen to music when you are washing the dishes after supper. You are such a good dancer and you dance a lot when you are feeling happy. It makes everyone around you, especially me, smile, and your happiness is contagious. You don't like for anyone to feel left out or get their feelings hurt. You are very sensitive to others being bullied, and you are a champion for anyone who is oppressed or the underdog. I'm still not sure what your thoughts are about God and Jesus and religion, but you always listen really well when we listen to a sermon online and you seem to think deeply about what was said. You and I still read together in the evenings, which is one of my favorite things to do. We just finished reading "Bruchko", which is a book about a man who becomes a missionary to the Indians in South America. Now we are reading the biography of Trevor Noah, a South African comedian that you really like. I feel like you like real-life stories about real people, even though they are sometimes very sad and very dark. I think you would rather learn about things that are true than to read fantasy or science-fiction type of books. During your last break from school, you and I drove to Mombasa together to see "Black Panther". You and Papa had already seen it, but I hadn't seen it yet. The movie was so good, and I just really enjoyed having that time with you. I know that I still am so much occupied with your little sisters all the time, and then when visitors come I am so occupied with them, and then I feel like I am not doing a good job of connecting with you. I hope you always know how much I adore you, and that I am so proud of you. Last night we were watching this silly little video that Mimimo and Bepops made for you of the skit "Who's on first?" It was funny, but you could have easily blown it off if you were "too cool". Instead, you recognized the effort that went into it, and the love that was behind it. You enjoyed it because you let yourself enjoy it and you let yourself be happy in the fact that you are loved and cherished. As a teenager, this is not easy to do, and I don't think I did it myself when I was your age. Iddy, you truly are a wonder!
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