Ben relaxing with Cosmas.

My name is Ben, short for Benedict James Bernard Raphael Sullivan, and I am eighteen years old. It is now the 23rd of November, I return to England in 5 days, my name is now Uncle Beni. I have two brothers back home, and I don’t think any of them will be having children for at least another decade, so I didn’t think about becoming an uncle any time soon.

However, I feel blessed to now have over 200 nephews and nieces. Words are difficult to describe my time here, but, seeing as Sister Mariola demanded that I wrote a literary masterpiece or she would not give me any more sweets, I felt it absolutely necessary to write this for our readers to enjoy.

You see, I need Skittles, if only to conduct my experiment of which is the most popular colour (I conclude that it is red, the strawberry flavour). I am grateful to Sister Mariola, not only for the enormous amounts of sweets she gives me (I really think I’ve put on weight!), and not only for the pain she must have endured by having me stay here, but I am most grateful for her forever giving me a home where I can come (so long as she will have me!).

Actually I’ve changed my mind, Sister has just passed me the most delicious chocolates I’ve ever tasted- this is definitely what I am most grateful for (mmm tasty!). I feel that I have won an Oscar (….one day Ben, one day….) and must take this opportunity to thank everyone.

Firstly I must thank all the Sisters, who have made my stay so enjoyable and looked after me so well. In particular, Sisters Maria and Janina, both of whom I don’t think I have ever seen without a smile. All of the Sisters are an inspiration! Equally, Brothers Edson and Gibson, who have been here at the same time as me, as well as Nena, Malitina, Nelly and Sarah. Everyone has been a key ingredient to my stay.

Most importantly, I would like to thank the children, who without knowing it, have changed my life. They are so happy here, and spending time with them has been remarkable. It is the experience with the children that I find most difficult to describe. I suppose if I tried my best, I would say that they make my soul feel fulfilled.

There is nothing better than sharing in their happiness, and hopefully creating some of it. The only way to fully understand what I have tried to say, is to come to Kasisi yourself. I recommend nothing more….. except maybe these Cadbury chocolates I’m eating.