This is Subirah.

Subirah is twenty-one years old and was raised by her grandmother in Moshi Town, Tanzania.

She remembers staying at the orphanage for 9 years.

Subirah’s dreams, like all the other MAD students, is to use her education to give back.

She is pursuing nursing school and currently in her first year.

 I asked her what is difficult for her right now.

Her response, “Nothing. I am getting education and am happy for that.”

All that she cares about right now is getting a good education. 

Subirah spends a lot of time away from family and rarely sees the ones she grew up with but is happy to get an education.

I asked her what her favorite memory with MAD was. Up until this point, it was very difficult to read Subirah because she is quite reserved and didn’t use many words in her responses.

She had a serious face and only answered what she needed to.

With the favorite memory question, I got a smile and even a shift in positioning on her chair.

She said, “In December, we all get together and make good food. We all enjoy that time together. We celebrate.”

She is a Muslim yet her favorite thing of the year is to celebrate Christmas.

I found that contrast intriguing. While the world is known for destruction between Christians and Muslims, this one girl has the ability to celebrate both and delight in the beauty of belief.

The meaning of her name, Subirah, is patience.

Wouldn’t there be so much more peace in the world if we just practiced more patience?

To learn more about Make a Difference and the children they sponsor to receive higher education, visit their website.
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