DAR ES SALAAM, July 4 -- DEAR Nephew Milambo.

I greet you in the mighty name of all our Nyamwezi ancestors, led by the fearless and ever-victorious Chief Mirambo, whose wisdom still echoes through the hills and valleys of our beloved Ukumbisiganga.

May our great Nyamwezi God Limatunda continue to spread His mighty shield over you, your family, our relatives, the elders, the children, the goats, the cattle, the chickens and even those stubborn village dogs that bark at visitors as if they own the entire kingdom. I hope that everyone in our beloved village is in good health and good spirits.

I trust that the rains have been kind to your crops, that the granaries are filling up nicely.

Here in the confused city, we are all doing well by ...