December 1, 2007

United Arab Emirates Embassy
HE Reem Al-Hassimy, Deputy Chief
3522 International Court , NW
Washington DC 20008

Dear HE Reem Al-Hassimy,

I share this open letter to you and my websites viewers that disseminate from over sixty-five countries. I hope that I would be sending you an email from the Spirit of Zayed, but that's not the scenario this time. I do want to wish His Highness Khalifa bin Zayed al Nahyan President of United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, The Ruler's of Dubai, Ajman, Fujariah, Ras al-Khaimah, Sharjah, Umm al-Quwain, The Federal National Council, your Embassies & Consulates worldwide, Emiratis and Expatriates a happy 36th Commemoration of the United Arab Emirates this Sunday. May God continue to bless your nation.

On this day, I made a promise to the late Pope John Paul II at the Vatican.

The promise was very simple. "With the blessings of God, I'll row across the Atlantic Ocean for the global awareness of HIV/AIDS and honor my ancestors of The Transatlantic Slave Trade."  Although the Pontiff was very ill at the time, he said "God Bless you my son and row." My audience with the Holy Father was done with the assistance of Cardinal Francis Arinze and the Diocese of Rockville Centre, New York.

Nine months after I returned home, their was still no major cash sponsors for my first rowing attempt. I was forced to build my first boat. With the help of in-kind support, I was able to get to Senegal. As the story goes... my boat suffered a leak and only lasted three hours in the water.

I hold you to the highest regard. You trusted my sincerity when I said, with the blessings of God... I'll row across the Atlantic Ocean for the global awareness of AIDS in a boat named "The Spirit of Zayed". Thank-you for your moral support and for sharing this with the royal family of Abu Dhabi.

When I traveled to the Emirates this summer, I learned a little about your heritage and culture. When the locals went to sea in their dhows, sometimes they failed in bringing back precious pearls. However, they didn't give up. I use this simple analogy to say: "Although I failed in achieving the financial sponsorship needed for this project, I haven't given up".

After I prayed for the soul of His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan at his grave, I also made a promise. A simple one: "With the blessing of God, I'll honor your legacy and named my boat after you. Thank-you for the sand that was sent for Paddle for HIV/AIDS 2002 - a Tribute to the Heroes and Victims of September 11th."

I returned back to the United Arab Emirates for the last week of Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitar.  I wish more people could have experience what I saw. Enshala, perhaps in the near future many more people will board a flight to the United Arab Emirates.

Money is important in most projects, but it's not the root of humanity. Many people are dying from a disease that's preventable. Orphans are left to fend for themselves. We all have a obligation to do something. With God's blessing, I plan too continue and row "The Spirit of Zayed" across the Atlantic Ocean.

Keeping my promise,

Victor Mooney
World AIDS Day 2007