A Call for Help (perhaps a welcome distraction from the Primary Wars)

[Mythsaje]

I got this email from one of my fellow authors yesterday. I told her that I'd pass it along to DU because it's (in general--ignoring the blood and fury of the Primary Wars) a tight-knit group of progressives that like to help those in need. She wasn't aware of the existence of DU, so it's certainly possible she'll join at some point in the future, or at least drop by to read occasionally.

This man's circumstances are of particular interest to me because I at one time worked with a very nice young fellow who'd fled Sudan to escape the violence there and I have heard enough to make me very concerned about the fate of such people.

I have edited out some of the contact information for Henry's security--figuring anyone who might be able to help in any way could either reply on the thread or send me a PM or e-mail me (my direct e-mail is available through my webpage).

All the fellow is looking for is a line into a better job than working the concession stand at a movie theater.

Anyway--here's the info.

Dear Friends,

You are recieving this message because you are on my list of friends, or you are an author or reader within my network (or all three!).

I'm hoping that you or someone you know can help an individual who my husband, Ray, and I met at the movie theater. A young man from Kenya, Henry , waited on us at the popcorn counter, and we couldn't help noticing his bright smile and courteous nature. We chatted a bit and learned that he was seeking political asylum here in the USA. We left him our phone number and a few days later, he called. We have been continuing our conversation with Henry.

We learned that since a rigged election in his country on December 27th, 2007, more than 650 people have been killed and 250,000 driven from their homes in a burst of violence that has ethnic and socioeconomic roots but has been fueled by politics. Henry told us that his mother and brother were planning to participate in a protest yesterday, and we have yet to hear how it went. If you want more information about the political situation in Kenya right now, here is a link to an article about Kenya published January 25, 2008 in the New York Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/25/world/africa/25kenya.html?ex=1359003600&en=5345baf2a1455839&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss

I realize it's difficult for one person to save the world, but sometimes we can help one person, even in indirect and small ways. Henry is not looking for a handout - he is looking for better employment. He has only been in the USA 41/2 months, and his dream to help his family in Kenya and seek a better life for himself is strong. He wants to attend college eventually. He has experience in restaurants, and is currently looking for work as a waiter. Perhaps you know someone who can help him get a job in this capacity. Tips can be lucrative, and I am confident that he will do well in this area. Some people have a special quality about them - you can sense their integrity. Henry has that quality, and he lifts the spirits of people around him, so working in a people-business will suit him well, I believe.

I think he might be willing to relocate, since he hasn't really settled anywhere yet, so if you have any information for Henry in this regard, will you let him (or me) know? I am including an email (below) he sent me after we met, which includes his phone number. Please only call him if you have positive news. I don't believe he has time for idle chatting. If you'd like more information, you can call me at XXX-XXX-XXXX. His email is unedited, and it does not carry the tone of elegance that he demonstrates in person. Yet, it contains information about him that might help you understand him a little. Thanks so much for reading this, and feel free to call me if you have information that may help him.

Warm Regards,
Kathe

Here's the e-mail from him she's referring to:

Hi,
Hope our Lord's love and peace is with you.My name is
henry,we met at the Krikorian theatre where am working
part time.
Am happy to say that am okay and trying to
participate well in the struggles of life and i thank
GOD for everything.
I come from a family of 8siblings,3boys and 5girls,am
the last born and we have all been brought up by a
single parent,my mother.
I have been here in the USA for 4 and half months now
and its my first time ever and am leaving with some
room mates who are friends,i met one of them back in
my country while he was working in the American
Embassy,he's in the military(marine corps).
Back at home i was working in the restaurants and bar
tending,which am good at.I have experiences in
different fields.
The reason am here is to try and better my life and
the lives of my people back home,its not easy though
because for one its extremely expensive here and am on
my own,but the best part is am a fighter in life and
am used to struggling and i know the hand of GOD is
with me and am sure there will be light at the end of
the tunnel.
Am off today till friday,so incase you have time we
can always meet and chat more.And yes like you asked
i'd love to go back to school its the key to a better
toorow.

[Swamp Rat]

1. k&r

[baby_mouse]

2. Well, dude, I'll give you a kick.

Bearing in mind the way your other post on this topic was received I think you deserve that at least.

[Heidi]

3. Kick.

:kick:

[flashl]

4. K&R n/t

[ixion]

5. kicked and recommended

I don't have the wherewithal at my small business to take care of this, but hopefully someone out there does.

[Cooley Hurd]

6. A kickeroo for visability...

:kick:

[Cooley Hurd]

7. Another kick for the late risers...

:kick:

[Cooley Hurd]

9. Monday kick

[WilliamPitt]

8. .

[countryjake]

10. kick