From: Elizabeth (Beth)
To: Consolee

Dear Consolee,

I would like to thank you for the chance to write you and for the opportunity to earn your friendship. My name is Elizabeth, I am married and am the mother of two little girls. Anika, my oldest daughter is three years old and Maya is about fifteen months old. We live in a suburb of Chicago, in the USA.

Before having my daughters I worked as a newspaper journalist. I stopped working outside the home shortly after Anika was born so I that could take care of my family. Since “Women for Women International” sent me a photograph of you I thought it only fair that you receive one from me. So I have attached a recent photo of the girls and I from a trip we took a few weeks ago. It’s not very good, but at least you’ll get an idea of what we look like. From your photo I can see you have strikingly beautiful eyes.

I’m not sure what if anything, you’d like to know about me or where I live, but I’d be very happy to answer any questions you may have. If you choose to write me, I would be grateful for anything you are willing to share. Even everyday tasks would interest me because I would love to learn how different, and perhaps similar, some aspects of our lives might be.

But even if you choose not to write me, know that we already have a bond and that you are now in my heart as well as my prayers. You are a courageous woman, and across the globe, you have a proud sister.

With Love,
Elizabeth

From: Sue
To: Fahrije

Hello Ms. Fahrije

My name is Sue and I have received a little information about you and your family from “Women for Women International”. I would just like to tell you how much I appreciate this opportunity to write you. I am very interested in getting to know a bit more about you and your life as well as your community and country.

I live in Madison, Wisconsin, the capital city of Wisconsin. I am now enjoying the change of season from summer to fall. The leaves on the trees are turning color and it is beginning to get a bit colder. We will soon have snow and very, very cold temperatures, which I am not looking forward to.

I am married and have two children; Jenna age nine and Jacob age six. Jenna is in the third grade and Jacob is in first. We also have a dog, named Bear, whom we just added to our family. It is my 40th birthday tomorrow and I am happy about that! We have no special plans. My children are busy making “secret” birthday cards for me, my favorite gift!!

I am currently working as a teacher. I teach second grade reading, writing and math. I am really enjoying it. I have not taught for the past six years. I stayed at home with my children when they were small and worked at home typing reports for doctors and then sending them via computer.

I am not sure what to write about so if you have any questions please feel free to ask me anything. I am really interested in hearing about you and how you became connected with “Women for Women International” as well as about you and your family. I understand you are married and have children as well although older then my own. I am wondering if they live near or with you. Do they have any children?

I hope to hear from you in the coming months.

Warmly,
Sue