A Letter of Gratitude – Yes, Kindness Makes a Huge Difference

Faith, a young Kenyan woman, graduated from Maasai Mara University with the help of sponsors in the Treasure Valley. She wrote her sponsors a deeply felt letter of thanks for all they’d done. (Courtesy photo) 

By Vincent Kituku 

With all COVID-19 related challenges, the war in eastern Europe, and the punitive increase in prices of available consumer goods, especially the price of gas, it is easy for caring people, like donors, to not think of the good they do for the less fortunate or whatever humanitarian causes they support. 

An email from Faith, an orphan we started supporting in 2013, shows how each donor’s contribution makes a difference. Here is what she wrote to her sponsors, Steven and Nancy: 

“… I write this email with great gratitude to you for being my academic facilitators for eight years. When I first joined high school in 2013, I was not sure I would make it till the end. You made me realize that there (is) no definition for impossible. You took me through those four years and even another four for my university studies. Through Dr. Kituku, you became the light in a darkness that I didn’t know how to escape from. 

I am pleased to inform you that I have graduated from Maasai Mara University with an undergraduate degree in Political Science and Public Administration. I am lucky to have had you in my life because honestly, I wouldn’t have made it without your continuous support. You ensured that I had school fees at the very first day of school which is rare for most students. 

Every single day I pray that God blesses you in great abundance, gives you breakthroughs and fulfills your hearts’ desires. I cannot repay you for the great good that you have done to me. Only the good Lord above can. I hope that He opens opportunities for me because I owe it to you and to the world to become a success and help another child facing these challenges. 

I hope that I’ll be able to meet you in person someday, it will be a great honor. Have fulfilling days full of God’s blessings, grace and favor. Thank you very much.” 

Faith’s appreciation reflects the tens of hundreds of vulnerable children whose lives have been transformed and many others you are still transforming from abject poverty to hopefulness and being productive citizens of the world. 

I have read that message many times. We are touching and transforming lives. I receive seven or more pieces like this a month. After Faith’s sponsors got that message, they decided to sponsor a boy and a girl! I wrote to Faith and told her that her success has led to two other needy students getting sponsorships. 

Dr. Vincent Muli Wa Kituku, motivational speaker and author of “Overcoming Buffaloes at Work & in Life,” is the founder and executive director of Caring Hearts and Hands of Hope, a non-profit organization that raises tuition and fees for poor orphans and other children from poverty-stricken families in Kenya. Contact him at [email protected] or 208-376-8724.