My Girl Salma is Graduating!

The first day I met Salma, September 13, 2008

October 2009

October 2010

October 2012

October 2013

October 2014

Back in September 2008, on my first trip to Africa, I met this young girl named Salma. She was only  11 years old. Over the past 6 1/2 years, I have watched her grow into this beautiful, smart, young woman. Now at the age of 18, she has graduated from St Teresa School for Girls and has a dream to go to University to become an accountant. This past October, I flew to Tanzania and surprised her at her own graduation. The look of surprise and the excitement on her face when she saw me, I will never forget!  

Then, the big warm hug I felt as she wrapped her arms around me so tight, like I was her real Mama and she said "Thank you, Mama, for coming, I love you so much." It was a long hot day filled with lots of music, dancing, speeches and excitement! There were 175 graduates and all their families. Maybe 2000 plus people in the crowd and I was the only 'Mzungu' (white person) in the crowd. But I was just as excited as everyone there, as, 'My girl, Salma, is graduating.'  

As I stood at the front of the stage waiting for Salma's name to be called, this feeling filled my body and my eyes started to fill with tears. The same feeling I had when my own 3 children walked across the stage to receive their diploma.  Then I heard them announce "Salma Issi". The tears started to flow as I watched her walk across the stage with her head held high, to receive her certificate. She stopped, looked at me with the biggest smile ever! She was so proud, as, was I.  After the ceremony we had so much fun as we celebrated with some great food, soda and a beautiful cake, that Mama Rehema bought. Salma was extremely grateful for all the gifts that family and friends sent. 

To watch Salma and her friends walk around so proudly in that graduation gown, is something that is hard to explain.  I can not put it into words. It is such an honour for a girl in Africa to go to school and sit in a classroom, let alone graduate.  

For me, it was a dream come true to be a part of Salma's graduation and see her dreams unfold. A lot of people say, "those children are lucky to have you in their lives" but I think I am the one that is blessed to have them in my life!

Of course, none of Salma's education and graduation was possible without the help of my friend, Mama Jody and her family. They sponsored Salma her last 4 years of senior high. I know Mama Jody is very, very proud, as well.  I would like to say 'Thank you' from the bottom of my heart, for helping change this girls life! 









 Salma has grown into such a beautiful young woman today. I am truly blessed to have been a part of her life and watch her grow up. I told Salma to never give up Hope, always Believe that anything is possible, and Dream big! My wish for her now, is that she'll receive a scholarship so that she can attend university to continue her education and make her dream come true.

 There were lots of hugs and tears when we said our goodbyes this time. I don't know why, but it seems to get harder and harder, not easier, to say goodbye as these girls get older. I have truly grown to love Salma like my own daughter. They are all so very very grateful and truly love me like a real Mama. Salma said to me "don't say goodbye, Mama, say see you soon" and then she put this letter in my hand and said "I love you to the moon and back."