first
reaction
to David’s email
how can I hide?
ME: Gail…You are not the kind of person who helps young Nigerians raise funds to pursue graduate studies in the UK.
ME: You’re not?
And, and, and…
What about Giving is Receiving?
You believe that, right?
ME: Yes, and…
I hate it when you call me out on our contradictions!
I have no idea where to even begin to help.
You know he’s requesting I run a gofundme campaign on his behalf!
I’m not doing that—hard limit.
ME: Remember the video about the guy who sent a camera to the Algerian scammer?
(first watch this, then this)
He set out to embarrass the guy and ended up helping the Algerian to help himself AND his community.
A productive I/Thou connection.
ME: Yes I remember, and…
I’m still not running a gofundme campaign.
How about if I ask David some questions?
ME: Sounds like a good place to start…
Once upon a time, I connected with a young Nigerian poet through stories, poems, and comments on the internet.
David has reached out to me because he’s been accepted with partial scholarship to University of Roehampton in London. He’s still short 11,500 pounds.
What kind of person am I?
I am the kind of person who cannot ignore a request for connection.
I do not hide.
What is the opportunity (inside a problem) that has presented?
Any creative suggestions/questions for how David might help himself are welcome via comments or email.
:)
My gut says to set boundaries and say no, Gail. I would not always have listened to my gut, but I've learned to trust it. If you decline David's request, his reponse--to stick around or not--may tell you all you need to know.
Just make doubly sure that this isn't a scam. A lot of scams originate in Nigeria.