Your quote, "I had only myself to blame." I beg to differ, Ruby. I am sorry you learned a painful lesson and that you now see the pattern of exploitation that your "friend" engaged in. But I truly hope it doesn't permanently dim that wonderful and caring light that you obviously have. There are lots of people in truly desperate circumstances who want to make their lives better. And we can tell by how they respond when we do help. They make tangible efforts to improve their situation.