Original? No. I've seen it all. I've seen countless stories of orphanages burning, of mothers dying, and of deaf priests in Nigeria trying to start churches. There is no end to how low they will go to try to gain trust and sympathy. I experience this first hand, almost every day, and it gets more and more frustrating as I go along. I actually thought they stopped using the orphanage story because people were wise onto it, but apparently not.
School? Library? Or internet cafe in Abujas, Nigeria? In the couple of months I've posted here, this is not the first time I've seen a scammer, trying to pose as deaf. Heck, I see it everyday at my job. If you were able to view their IP address, I bet you anything it would not trace back to Kansas. They are also notorious for trying to gain affection through using words live "love" and "honey" a lot. Within minutes they'll be saying "Hello, love. I want to get to know you, love. Can I trust you with money, love?"
If you think they're a deaf orphan from Kansas named Cindy that loves you, then I'll send you a cashiers check for $10,000. Cash it, keep 2000 for your troubles, and send the $8000 back to me.
Please don't think I'm trying to be facetious, but I'm just really annoyed by these people.
I don't think you're being facetious at all, and I understand your frustration, but, I didn't realize until now this happens so often, and they use these awful excuses to gain someone's attention and trust. Especially with this recent disaster with Hurricane Katrina, I am sure there are so many children that have been orphaned by this horrendous storm.
O-K. 
Cental for the warning!!! Boy, will this ever stop? Wonders never cease what they will say next. The orphan thing is quite originial don't you think?