DAR ES SALAAM, March 21 -- DEAR nephew Milambo,

I greet you warmly, my dear nephew, and I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits back home in our beloved village of Ukumbisiganga.

As I sit down to put these thoughts into words, my heart feels both heavy with longing and full of gratitude for the bond we share despite the distance between us. First and foremost, I pray that you, together with the entire family and all our people in the village, are doing well under the protection and watchful eyes of our Nyamwezi ancestors.

May the spirits of those who came before us continue to guide and shield you from harm. I trust that the mighty Chief Mirambo himself still stands as a symbol of strength and unity among you, and ...