January 2000
Caitlin
I WAS BACK IN SCHOOL when I finally heard from Martin in late January. All the stress and worry that had built up inside me dissipated. I could breathe again.
I gave my mom the letter, with Martin’s headmaster’s name and address.
“Terrific,” Mom said. “I’ll start making calls tonight.”
We both knew that Zimbabwe was seven hours ahead of Pennsylvania, which meant three AM our time was ten AM theirs.
I had a hard time falling asleep knowing we were getting closer to being able to help Martin. I finally drifted off and then awoke to a voice downstairs.
“Sa-KUB-va.”
My mom was speaking loudly into the phone, pronouncing Martin’s hometown as if it were several words. I looked at my clock: It was 4:11 AM. I fell back asleep.
Two hours later, I woke to a voice again.
I jumped out of bed and ran downstairs.
“Okay, thank you!” she shouted into the phone before hanging up.
“This has not been easy, Caitlin,” she said with a sad smile. There was a notepad on the kitchen counter with a string of long numbers on it, each starting with 011-263 and then several combinations of numbers, each scratched out.
“I started with the American embassy in Harare, and they suggested I try calling the British council,” she said. “This was at three AM. I wanted a head start. A lovely lady with a British accent said she would see if she could help me, and gave me the number to someone in Mutare who might know this school.”
My head was spinning.
“Who were you just talking to?” I asked.
“I am not even sure!” my mother said. “The connection was so bad, I could barely hear a word.”
My heart sank a bit. “What next?” I asked.
“Caitlin, don’t you worry,” Mom said. “I’m going to find that school.”
I saw how hard she was working to make this happen. But I began to worry. What if she couldn’t?
The following day, I could barely concentrate in my classes. I kept thinking about my mom, and Martin, and wondering if she got through. I also worried that the money we’d been sending had been intercepted. I couldn’t stand the thought of him back at that market.
That afternoon at lunch, Lauren asked, “Caitlin, what’s up with you lately?”
“What do you mean?” I asked, confused.
“You seem distracted,” she continued. “Honestly, you’re so not fun to hang out with. And I’m not the only person who is saying that.”
I realized this was a test: I could either scream—“Funny you should mention it, because my true best friend may be homeless and starving in Africa for all I know, so I’m sorry if I seem a little distracted! Oh, yeah, and my growth plates snapped off in September, which felt like someone taking a knife and putting it in red-hot coals before plunging it into my back, and then my wisdom teeth were yanked from my jaw last month, but again, I am so, so sorry that I’m not all that fun!” Instead, I took a deep breath and said, “I’m sorry you feel that way. I just have a lot going on.”
Just then, the bell rang for class. I’d never been happier to hear that shrill clang.
“I’d better run,” I said. “Thanks for being so honest with me, Lauren.”
I left her standing there dumbfounded. She wanted to pick a fight, but I had more important things to focus on.
That afternoon, I ran off the bus and found my mom still on the phone. I wondered if she had ever left that spot.
She saw me and frowned. After she hung up, she put her hands in the air.
“This is harder than I ever imagined!” she said. “People don’t have phones in Zimbabwe like we do in the States. I’ll keep trying, but let’s write Mr. Samupindi to be safe.”
We drafted the letter together.
Dear Mr. Samupindi:
We are writing on behalf of our daughter’s pen pal, Martin Ganda. It is our understanding that Martin’s father is no longer employed. This unfortunate situation is making it extremely difficult for Martin to continue his education. We would like to remedy that situation, and sponsor Martin’s educational process.
The difficulty we are facing is how to quickly and safely transfer US funds to Martin. Currently we are exploring options. Martin corresponds that the Western Money Transfer (equivalent to our Western Union) will work. Also a personal check against our account will work. But US banking officials claim that Martin will not receive the full benefit of our written check amounts, as the bank removes some fees, thus reducing the amount our dear friend will receive.
Please advise us as to the cost of keeping Martin in school. This will provide us with an accurate amount so we will not be “guessing” how much is needed. We should like to keep Martin out of the process and only inform him that his tuition is paid and up to date. This is in lieu of sending funds to him. It will also keep Martin safe from anyone who suddenly realizes that this young man is receiving US funds and an easy target for thieves.
In this letter we are enclosing a $20 check paid with US funds, which should provide ample money for Martin to continue his education without interruption. But, from this $20, will you please purchase enough postage to reply to the above address?
Also, since Martin is interested in transferring to the Advanced Level education, we understand he will be writing a public examination. He would like to write nine subjects. Please give us the cost of this as quickly as possible so we do not miss the deadline for test taking.
Thank you in advance for your assistance in this important matter. Any suggestions, ideas, or insights on how best to handle this matter efficiently will be appreciated.
Sincerely,
Anne Neville Stoicsitz
“Perfect!” I said.
“I’ll send Martin a copy so he knows we are going to take care of this. Then he can concentrate on school,” she said.
She then took out another piece of paper to write a note to Martin.
Dear Martin:
Thank you for sending Caitlin the lovely letters. She is sharing them with us, as she knows we are able to help you more than she is. Her gift to you is friendship!
Enclosed is a copy of a letter we have sent to your headmaster. Hopefully the mail will move quickly and he will be able to respond! Rest assured we did enclose a check for $20 to help continue your education. He will tell us what we need to do so funds are put directly into your tuition fund. We are anxious for a reply.
Mom left space at the bottom of her letter to Martin so I could add my own note: Martin, I hope we have helped you with all your needs.
I drew a smiley face. And then I remembered I wanted to share more good news! My family and I will be hosting a German exchange student from April to May. We’re all very excited. Good luck in school! And tell your family I said hello. Keep your heads up and keep smiling!
Right before we sealed the envelope, my mom took out her checkbook and added one final note: Enclosed is a check for your family’s use. If you are close to the deadline for your examinations, perhaps you could use the check for that?