Sadly, Mrs. Fletcher and the girls retuned home to the ethnic violence that followed Kenya's disputed election. More than 500 have been killed and the violence -- from the shantytowns of Nairobi to resort towns on the coast -- has exposed long festering tribal resentments.

Many residents have written to Mrs. Fletcher to inquire about her and the girls' safety. They are fine. She sent the following e-mail to "supporters of Hekima scholars,'' in the South Hills.

Things have been sad and awful these days since the Presidential Election on Dec. 27. It seems there were discrepancies on both the incumbent and opposition sides of the aisle.

Raila Odinga, [opposition candidate] who desperately wants to be President, is calling for the President [Mwai Kibaki], who was hurriedly sworn in, to step aside.

In the meantime, anarchy rules with burning, looting, murder, and those things which you have seen on TV and in the press.

Everyone is hiding in their houses, praying for peace. The TV is running prayers and calls for peace. All the newspapers are running suggestions on how to get the two parties talking.

Bishop Desmond Tutu was here trying to talk sense to Mr. Odinga.

We see the TV pictures of looting and burning after the fact as we have no live coverage. Everyone looks like a 20-something young man who is probably jobless, hopeless and has nothing to lose. The country is losing a billion shillings a day; hundreds have died, property damage and loss of livelihood is staggering.

It goes to show that words are a tremendous power, for good or ill. Mr. Odinga promised the people the moon if he was elected and after peacefully turning out and standing in six-hour lines, they are not liking it that the incumbent is again in place. They were hoping for a greater share of the land, the money, the resources and now feel defeated and angry. No reason to kill your brother and rape your sister, but there's enough sin to go around and always has been, isn't there?

It is all so, so sad.

Do keep praying for us. And, to those who asked if I should be coming home--how can I leave my children? Were the thugs at the gate, I would rather die first, than run. But, I thank you for your love and concern.

May 2008 begin to be better, as we all pray for God's will to be done here as in heaven.

KATE FLETCHER

Hekima Place

Nairobi, Kenya

For more on the school, visit www.hekimaplace.org.

I am writing in reference to "Motorcycle club helps protect military funeral" [Jan. 3, South].

As a member of the organization the Patriot Guard Riders, I would like to inform you that we are not a motorcycle club of any kind. Our purpose is to honor and shield the deceased veteran and family from uninvited guests who wish to disturb this time of grief. It is a solemn and serious mission that we have and we request you to not label us something we are not nor have any intention of becoming.

We take our mission and reputation very seriously. We are a grassroots organization of veterans and non-veterans, bikers and non-bikers, men and women, who have several things in common: they are patriotism, respect for our military and their families and the desire to assist the mourning in whatever way we can.

JAY GOODMAN

Finleyville

The writer is an Assistant Ride Captain for the Patriot Guard Riders.

A similar letter on the subject came from Joe Camblidge of Proctor, W. Va.

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