Dear John, Abraham, Elijah, Gabriel, Piol, and Deng, I have heard stories like yours, and they are all very sad. Please know that the world is aware of your plight, and many of us care, but are too far away to help personally. I will do what I can to tell as many people as I can about your life, and we will see that you get an education at Hopewell. I know it is not much, but be thankful that you have each other. Together, you will succeed, and we will help. Feel free to write to me at any time, and I will always answer you. The world can be an ugly place, but now you have reached safety (at Hopewell), and you will have enough to eat and live among people like Rashid who wants to help you succeed. Of course, you have already succeeded; you are alive! That in itself is a conquest of the spirit, and it shows what courage you all have. I am proud to know you, and to have met you personally.