3 days

Since returning to the bush I have tried my best to adjust again to bucket baths and an outhouse....it's not bad but I'm missing the little luxuries of running water.

7-06-10
I was in the lab observing some tech guys taking blood and testing patients for various diseases. It has been really good to watch and ask many questions about their way of testing. Two patients that came in was a 4 yr old boy and his 7 yr old sister. There was an older woman who accompanied them, she seemed to really care for the kids. I was so impressed at the kids for not crying and making a huge fuss while they were drawing the blood. I found out that the children were orphans, both their parents had died from AIDS and both of them were dealing with the disease. I can't imagine the pain they must be going through. They are so young and facing some huge struggles and they have much more to face. I hate hearing stories such as that and be able to do anything, I have continued to pray about them and the many other children who are suffering through the exact same thing.
Each of us has extra money to spend on a "special project," there is no program for HIV kids set up at the clinic yet. I would love to spend my money on these kids but I am still praying as to what should be the best and most productive area to put the money towards.

7-07-10
Today I joined another team in going to a girl's school and teaching about sex education. This culture doesn't talk or educate on sex (not saying the states does a good job but at least it is discussed a little more). There were around 150 girls present and all of them new about condoms but were not educated about them at all. The team goes out and teaches on abstinence but they also talk on the use of condoms. I was thankful. In my opinion having sex is not something you can control. Most of the girls are either bribed for sex by male teachers in exchange for good grades, some have been raped, and some have sex because they want to. In this culture women don't have any rights and are told or forced to do many things, education is crucial for them to not to get pregnant or contract an STD. The team offers a yearly course to every school they attend, they encourage the school to administer the program to further educate the children. I was impressed by the course and was glad to be part of it. I had so many girls ask me, "condoms are safe, right? I won't get an STD or get pregnant if I use one, right?" We answered as many questions as we could. After our 6 hr session I was wondering how many girls were feeling overwhelmed by the information we were giving out or how many of them felt guilty from past decisions or rapes. The families don't talk on this topic and the schools aren't being educated on this....who provides moral support and counseling for these girls? I was really sad to find out all of this and am still figuring everything out.

7-08-10
Me and Josh went on another mobile clinic...we saw more pregnant women and babies. It was good. While out there we met another team of Americans, they were in Kenya for two months working in the schools. They slept in tents the entire time, I can't imagine! I really have it good. Ha! I love meeting new people and seeing/hearing how God is working through them. It was great.

"Do I really dare to let God be to me all that He say He will be?"