Happy 18th Birthday to My Girl Salma!

~ the first day I met Salma

Once upon a time, over seven years ago, I met this girl named Salma. She was so young, so innocent, so beautiful. She was only 10 years old. I connected with her instantly. It was my first trip, and I knew it would not be my last trip to Tanzania, Africa. 

Salma and her sister Saumu

Salma had a hard life, like most young girls at her age, cooking and cleaning, doing laundry and caring for the young children. She lost her Mother at a very early age and was left with her Father. He was not a good father at the time, no job and drank a lot. He could not care for his children so he gave up his daughters, Salma and her sister Saumu to an Orphanage.

Salma, excited for her new bed

This was where I met Salma, at Karim Orphanage, in 2008. After my first trip to Tanzania, with my daughter, I fell in love with the children, the people, and the country. After that, I visited Karim Orphanage every six months and watched Salma grow from a small, uneducated child into this young, beautiful, smart woman. I love her like one of my own daughters and she loves me like a Mama. We have this special connection, a bond, like I do with my own daughters.

I was so proud of her when she graduated. Watching her walk across the stage at graduation was a very special day. Yes, I cried a lot that day! For a girl, in Africa, to get any education, let alone graduate, is a very very special thing.
Salma, I am so proud of you! I can not wait to be on a plane with you, to Canada. I am excited for you to continue your education at Lethbridge College and have your dreams come true. I know you will be everything you want to be.

I just want to say "Happy 18th Birthday to my girl Salma" one of the most beautiful girls I know."  I wish you much Happiness, Joy and Success! I am so excited for you today, on your birthday, that you get to fly for the first time ever! I know it will be sooo exciting and you will have so much fun! I have tears of happiness flowing for you today and I wish I was there to help you celebrate your special day. Mama Irene and I have planned the best ever Birthday for you. Thank you Irene! You are the best.

I spoke with Irene and salma today. Salma is over the moon excited, to say the least. She is screaming and jumping up and down with extreme joy! Crying, laughing and doing a happy dance! She is so grateful everyday for everything that she has and everything that has ever happened in her life. She has a strong Faith and Believes anything is Possible. 

Happy Birthday, my Sweet Salma! Have the best day ever, my dear! 
I love you to the Moon and back.
xo xo xo

Love from Mama Linda