William Banda is an 11 year old double orphan. He is a very shy and quiet young man. His mother died in 2005 and his father in 2008. William lives with his two nephews, Fred and Isaac and his aunt and uncle. William's uncle says that life is very hard, he works as a security guard where he makes about $100.00 per month and his wife has a small booth at the local market. They do their best to feed the children 3 meals a day. It is helpful that the boys get 2 of those meals, Monday-Friday at RHO Appleseed School.
When I look through William's pictures, I find that his eyes haunt me. They have a sadness to them that I so badly want to be able to change. William has had a hard life. It is so wonderful when he smiles. His smile is a quiet and soft one, but we have seen it more and more frequently. It makes me very happy that William is at Appleseed where he has friends to play with and people who care deeply for him. I have high hopes for his future.
William recently went on his shopping trip for new clothes and food. He had a wonderful time! He loved playing the video games at Shaka's restaurant.
This is William's letter to you, Griffin. We're sorry that it took so long to get it to you. He was very happy to get yours and would like to continue to communicate with you!