I've returned home to Chicago safe and sound -- and early!? Thank you, all, for the supportive & thoughtful comments. I've greatly appreciated it.
Please continue to check ZimBlog over the coming days & weeks as I'll be uploading pictures & videos of the Caravan -- this time with captions & comments. With the extremely limited internet access & slow connections, I just wasn't able to do so. But now I'll be able to do so with faster internet.
As expected, the re-entry will indeed be challenging. This afternoon after returning home, I went to pick up a few needed items at Target. As I stood in the dairy aisle deciding which brand of milk to get, tears began to run down my face. Here I stood in this big box store with SO many options to choose from while so many people I met over the past two weeks would be extremely grateful to have the luxury to have a choice of food. Stores we went into were filled with barren shelves. Restaurants had limited food. And here we have aisles upon aisles.
How to make sense of this? How do we live in a world with such inequity?
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Friday, October 30, 2009
The Re-entry Begins
I write this from the international airport terminal in Johannesburg, South Africa. We've left Zimbabwe and are now waiting for our flight back to the States (by way of Senegal). For those keeping track -- Johannesburg, Dakar, Washington, DC, Nashville and then Chicago. A nice surprise is that my parents have decided to drive to chi-town to pick me up at the airport and hear about the trip!
It's nice to have strong wi-fi again since it was not working at the Holiday Inn in Harare. Another sign that we are re-entering another world.
It's quite odd. I find myself sitting here with so many thoughts running through my head. The faces of people I met. Images of the beautiful scenery. The sounds of new languages. Laughter. Tears. Anger. Sadness. Joy. Hope.
Thoughts, emotions, prayers.
But too few words...
The pain of re-entry.
How to hold on to all I've seen & experienced? How to convey it all to those who greet my re-entry?
As we return to a land of plenty (excess?), may I -- may we -- never forget.
It's nice to have strong wi-fi again since it was not working at the Holiday Inn in Harare. Another sign that we are re-entering another world.
It's quite odd. I find myself sitting here with so many thoughts running through my head. The faces of people I met. Images of the beautiful scenery. The sounds of new languages. Laughter. Tears. Anger. Sadness. Joy. Hope.
Thoughts, emotions, prayers.
But too few words...
The pain of re-entry.
How to hold on to all I've seen & experienced? How to convey it all to those who greet my re-entry?
As we return to a land of plenty (excess?), may I -- may we -- never forget.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
A few more pictures -- Delivering the supplies donated by Center on Halsted to the VCT!
A few pictures from the "Voluntary Counseling & Testing Centre" at Old Mutare Mission Hospital. The programs there -- testing, counseling & the AMAZING support groups -- will become part of Project Tariro in the new year. It was wonderful to be welcomed into the support group and to meet the staff who do the same job as I do! More soon...
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Another one...
We've been eating most of our meals at the hotel or at Africa University and take a packed lunch. We've always had plenty. However, earlier this week we stopped at the Holiday Inn in Mutare for lunch at their restaurant. It was a surreal experience eating in "The Spur" tex mex restaurant and hearing Celine Dion on the sound system!
Then came time to order. We soon discovered how well off we've had it. We tried to oorder a cheese and tomato sandwich and learned they were out of tomato. We then tried a grilled cheese but they had no cheese. This went on and on and on.
And then the electricity went out. Again.
We ended up with waffles. And a fried egg sandwich. Prepared one at a time on a wood burning, single burner stove.
Inconvenient for us. But a typical day for the residents of Zimbabwe.
Then came time to order. We soon discovered how well off we've had it. We tried to oorder a cheese and tomato sandwich and learned they were out of tomato. We then tried a grilled cheese but they had no cheese. This went on and on and on.
And then the electricity went out. Again.
We ended up with waffles. And a fried egg sandwich. Prepared one at a time on a wood burning, single burner stove.
Inconvenient for us. But a typical day for the residents of Zimbabwe.
Hello again...
Today we experience radical hospitality at Streamview UMC, a new church start in Mutare. We were welcomed like honored guests and seated just off the chancel. A translator was provided as the service was in Shona. I loved the music and the dancing -- it went on for two and a half hours but could have gone on longer.
We were each asked to introduce ourselves and where we are from. I said Chicago and told what I do. Afterwards people approached me saying either "Obama!" or "Oprah!" It was great. The most humbling moment was when some of our team told me someone was looking for me. I met a woman of about 20 and she introduced herself as Patience and asked if I were the HIV counselor. I said I was. She then wanted to share that "I am living positively." I was so moved that she wanted to share this with me. We spoke for a while and she told me that she is well but does not yet have ARV meds. I let her know about the support group I visited this week and she was excited to learn of it.
Several other women also wanted to speak with me as they too do HIV testing. We spoke about how difficult the work is. I asked one woman what age range is testing positive most often and she said "15, 16, 17. Too many."
Too many world wide.
We were each asked to introduce ourselves and where we are from. I said Chicago and told what I do. Afterwards people approached me saying either "Obama!" or "Oprah!" It was great. The most humbling moment was when some of our team told me someone was looking for me. I met a woman of about 20 and she introduced herself as Patience and asked if I were the HIV counselor. I said I was. She then wanted to share that "I am living positively." I was so moved that she wanted to share this with me. We spoke for a while and she told me that she is well but does not yet have ARV meds. I let her know about the support group I visited this week and she was excited to learn of it.
Several other women also wanted to speak with me as they too do HIV testing. We spoke about how difficult the work is. I asked one woman what age range is testing positive most often and she said "15, 16, 17. Too many."
Too many world wide.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Hello again!
Hello again from Zimbabwe! I'm able to use the hotel manager's computer right now as he seems to have an internet connection that doesn't take an hour and a half to load like the other night!
We are having an amazing experience. Incredible. Yet, emotional, humbling and at times heart-breaking.
Yesterday, I was given the opportunity to sit in the support group for people living with HIV/AIDS which was so awe-inspiring. They are learning to live positively with the virus and are breaking down the walls of stigma in this country. They are making such a difference as they come out of hiding & shame. 40 people supporting each other. Such stories to share.
Through this I was able to meet the women who do the same job as I -- testing, counseling, and support group facilitation! We had so much to talk about! I was thrilled to meet them and they were thrilled to meet me. We compared notes, supported each other and learned from each other. (I'll post the pictures when I return.) But while I and my staff find it difficult to have a positive rate of 3% -- their's is 10 times higher!?! 30%!!!! I cannot imagine. I asked what support they have for themselves and they just smiled and said -- there is no time. My heart goes out to them. Please keep these amazing women in your thoughts & prayers.
And all this for only $120 per month.
But the joy of the people in the support group is infectious! There motto is "don't be negative about being positive!"
I also have video to share of their singing. You will not believe it!
Know we are all well.. if tired. But... it is a good tired.
Love and prayers.
We are having an amazing experience. Incredible. Yet, emotional, humbling and at times heart-breaking.
Yesterday, I was given the opportunity to sit in the support group for people living with HIV/AIDS which was so awe-inspiring. They are learning to live positively with the virus and are breaking down the walls of stigma in this country. They are making such a difference as they come out of hiding & shame. 40 people supporting each other. Such stories to share.
Through this I was able to meet the women who do the same job as I -- testing, counseling, and support group facilitation! We had so much to talk about! I was thrilled to meet them and they were thrilled to meet me. We compared notes, supported each other and learned from each other. (I'll post the pictures when I return.) But while I and my staff find it difficult to have a positive rate of 3% -- their's is 10 times higher!?! 30%!!!! I cannot imagine. I asked what support they have for themselves and they just smiled and said -- there is no time. My heart goes out to them. Please keep these amazing women in your thoughts & prayers.
And all this for only $120 per month.
But the joy of the people in the support group is infectious! There motto is "don't be negative about being positive!"
I also have video to share of their singing. You will not believe it!
Know we are all well.. if tired. But... it is a good tired.
Love and prayers.
Hello from Zimbabwe!!
Hello from Zimbabwe!
We’ve made it finally on Monday morning to Harare Airport & then the 3 hour drive to where we are staying near Mutare. It’s a beautiful – yet in need of much repair – Bed & Breakfast – which is really a converted home from colonial days. I SO wish I could post pictures of the country. It is truly breathtaking.
Unfortunately, internet is extremely limited. There is wireless at Africa University but connectivity is so low. I was unable to bring anything up. Another person was able to – after it loaded for an hour. I don’t think I ever even had dial up this slow. I’m now on the internet at the B&B but it’s just as bad. The manager loaned me his Econet Connect Card that is connected to an antenna that runs outside and up onto a stick of bamboo. And I was able to bring up my email after an hour. So I’ve asked my sis to post things that I email to her. (Thanks, Rach!) Hopefully I can do this again at some point.
We’ve seen so much in the short time we’ve been in the country. We visited a primary school, secondary school, & job training centre for OVC (Orphans & Vulnerable Children) – meaning one or both parents have died from AIDS related complex. Heartbreaking. To hear their stories. To see the conditions of the schools & their clothes. But oh, to hear them sing! Truly incredible. Their faces light up. To take their picture and then show it to them on the digital screen – I can describe the joy on their faces. “Again!” The simple joys.
And then to the ”New Hope Old People’s Home.” Even worse condition. People – men & women – human beings – cast off – discarded by society, their families (if they have any since so many have died as a result of HIV/AIDS), the world. Many are from other countries: Mozambique, Zambia, Malawi. Some physically impaired. Some blind – as a result of cataracts – imagine. But the joy in their faces when we gave them clothes brought and when we simply shook their hands, looked them in their eyes, and asked their stories.
I spoke with one gentleman who had said in the introductions thru a translator that he was so pleased to meet people from America as he had always read about it in books.
After all the intros I took the translator with me so I could say, “I am so pleased to meet you as I’ve always read about Africa in books.”
He responded in perfect British English & not in Shona as he had been speaking. We sat and talked for quite a while. I learned he was from Mozambique, was 81, and his name is Golden. He asked me to send him magazines from overseas so he could continue reading about other places. Here he had next to nothing and all he asked for was magazines. I could not believe it. I sat looking him in his amazing blue eyes – listening. We exchanged contact info.
Quite a while later when we were leaving, he waved to me as I got into the car, “Do not forget me, Sr. Gross” were his parting words .
How could I, Golden?
We’ve made it finally on Monday morning to Harare Airport & then the 3 hour drive to where we are staying near Mutare. It’s a beautiful – yet in need of much repair – Bed & Breakfast – which is really a converted home from colonial days. I SO wish I could post pictures of the country. It is truly breathtaking.
Unfortunately, internet is extremely limited. There is wireless at Africa University but connectivity is so low. I was unable to bring anything up. Another person was able to – after it loaded for an hour. I don’t think I ever even had dial up this slow. I’m now on the internet at the B&B but it’s just as bad. The manager loaned me his Econet Connect Card that is connected to an antenna that runs outside and up onto a stick of bamboo. And I was able to bring up my email after an hour. So I’ve asked my sis to post things that I email to her. (Thanks, Rach!) Hopefully I can do this again at some point.
We’ve seen so much in the short time we’ve been in the country. We visited a primary school, secondary school, & job training centre for OVC (Orphans & Vulnerable Children) – meaning one or both parents have died from AIDS related complex. Heartbreaking. To hear their stories. To see the conditions of the schools & their clothes. But oh, to hear them sing! Truly incredible. Their faces light up. To take their picture and then show it to them on the digital screen – I can describe the joy on their faces. “Again!” The simple joys.
And then to the ”New Hope Old People’s Home.” Even worse condition. People – men & women – human beings – cast off – discarded by society, their families (if they have any since so many have died as a result of HIV/AIDS), the world. Many are from other countries: Mozambique, Zambia, Malawi. Some physically impaired. Some blind – as a result of cataracts – imagine. But the joy in their faces when we gave them clothes brought and when we simply shook their hands, looked them in their eyes, and asked their stories.
I spoke with one gentleman who had said in the introductions thru a translator that he was so pleased to meet people from America as he had always read about it in books.
After all the intros I took the translator with me so I could say, “I am so pleased to meet you as I’ve always read about Africa in books.”
He responded in perfect British English & not in Shona as he had been speaking. We sat and talked for quite a while. I learned he was from Mozambique, was 81, and his name is Golden. He asked me to send him magazines from overseas so he could continue reading about other places. Here he had next to nothing and all he asked for was magazines. I could not believe it. I sat looking him in his amazing blue eyes – listening. We exchanged contact info.
Quite a while later when we were leaving, he waved to me as I got into the car, “Do not forget me, Sr. Gross” were his parting words .
How could I, Golden?
Sunday, October 18, 2009
And again...
So we've made it to Johannesburg, South Africa with our stop in Dakar, Senegal.
And so far, that's it...
Since our plane out of DC was delayed, we couldn't make our connecting flight from Jo-burg (as I've learned locals call it... or Josie..) to Harare, Zimbabwe. And the next flight was booked... so while we arrived at 11AM local time on Sunday, the next flight to Harare is Monday at 6:30AM as there are only 2 a day.
So another hotel stay & two more meals on South African Airlines.
AND my very first VISA in my passport. Unexpectedly from South Africa.
The best part is that some of us used this opportunity to explore the city. We arranged a tour of Soweto (South West Township) where the push against Apartheid gained steam in 1976. We went to a Hector Pieterson Museum dedicated to the brave school kids (8-18 yo) who rebelled and where 600 were killed by the police. So powerful.
We drove by the homes of Nelson Mandela, Bishop Desmond Tutu, & Winnie Mandela. Amazing to visit these places in person. And unexpectedly!
We saw many other sights in this city of 7 million including stadiums for the upcoming 2010 World Cup, the "Squatter City" which was devastating where many families live until being able to get city funded housing (which isn't much better), and an affluent suburb.
And the flora & fauna of Africa which is even better in person. I can't wait till I am able to up load photos of all of these but unfortunately, the wireless internet isn't cooperating here in the hotel. But I did want to give you this up date at least.
Well, must head to bed -- the shuttle comes for us at 4AM!? Arrive in Harare at ~9am and then the 3-4 hour drive to Mutare.
I'll update as I can. Everyone's well. We just keep going with the flow and are enjoying this adventure as it unfolds. I must say, I feel like I'm on the Amazing Race! And loving every minute of it.
And so far, that's it...
Since our plane out of DC was delayed, we couldn't make our connecting flight from Jo-burg (as I've learned locals call it... or Josie..) to Harare, Zimbabwe. And the next flight was booked... so while we arrived at 11AM local time on Sunday, the next flight to Harare is Monday at 6:30AM as there are only 2 a day.
So another hotel stay & two more meals on South African Airlines.
AND my very first VISA in my passport. Unexpectedly from South Africa.
The best part is that some of us used this opportunity to explore the city. We arranged a tour of Soweto (South West Township) where the push against Apartheid gained steam in 1976. We went to a Hector Pieterson Museum dedicated to the brave school kids (8-18 yo) who rebelled and where 600 were killed by the police. So powerful.
We drove by the homes of Nelson Mandela, Bishop Desmond Tutu, & Winnie Mandela. Amazing to visit these places in person. And unexpectedly!
We saw many other sights in this city of 7 million including stadiums for the upcoming 2010 World Cup, the "Squatter City" which was devastating where many families live until being able to get city funded housing (which isn't much better), and an affluent suburb.
And the flora & fauna of Africa which is even better in person. I can't wait till I am able to up load photos of all of these but unfortunately, the wireless internet isn't cooperating here in the hotel. But I did want to give you this up date at least.
Well, must head to bed -- the shuttle comes for us at 4AM!? Arrive in Harare at ~9am and then the 3-4 hour drive to Mutare.
I'll update as I can. Everyone's well. We just keep going with the flow and are enjoying this adventure as it unfolds. I must say, I feel like I'm on the Amazing Race! And loving every minute of it.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Delayed again!
We arrived this morning to learn our flight was delayed... again. Instead of leaving at 8am we are now looking at about 10:30 am. And even better, the plane JUST arrived at the gate:
And there was much rejoicing!!
This should get us to Senegal at about midnight local time & Johannesburg at 11am Sunday morning local time (4am EST & 3am CST).
Additionally, I was just given this information:
For families and friends of team members:
In case of emergency, you may contact Africa University Development Office located in Nashville, TN at 615 340-7438. They will know our location and can contact us.
We are all doing well. Keeping in good humor and spirits even in spite of all the delays. We are going with the flow and having fun getting to know each other and preparing our body, minds & spirits for what lies ahead. Thanks for all the comments & well wishes! We've enjoyed them all!!
Next stop... Africa!
Friday, October 16, 2009
The Best Laid Plans...
And astray they went!
After sitting in Washington Dulles Airport for 4 hours, we learned that our South African Airlines flight to Johannesburg was cancelled. Instead we were beginning booked on the next flight -- tomorrow morning at 8am!?? Due to those mythical yet ever-present "mechanical issues." We wonder if those "mechanical issues" had anything to do with there only being 50 passengers on our international flight.
So, instead of Africa, we ended up at the Embassy Suites in Herndon, VA. South African Airlines put us up here along with dinner & breakfast. Now, here I sit in the front room of the suite where the first flat screen TV is -- the second being in the bedroom in front of the king size bed. Really?
Oh -- but we got to see our first wildlife of the trip:
The silver lining of this delay is that I got to spend the evening with my great friends, Jen & Carmelo Landis-Santos, and their son, Pablo. (BTW, when did he get to be four?) It turns out that they live about twenty minutes or so from this this hotel. So after my free dinner, Jen came to pick me up and brought me back so I could see their new house -- which is very lovely! Pablo gave me the tour and then insisted that I play soccer with him in the living room.
After he went to bed, the rest of us had a great time talking and catching up. What an incredibly unexpected blessing for which I am most grateful.
After sitting in Washington Dulles Airport for 4 hours, we learned that our South African Airlines flight to Johannesburg was cancelled. Instead we were beginning booked on the next flight -- tomorrow morning at 8am!?? Due to those mythical yet ever-present "mechanical issues." We wonder if those "mechanical issues" had anything to do with there only being 50 passengers on our international flight.
So, instead of Africa, we ended up at the Embassy Suites in Herndon, VA. South African Airlines put us up here along with dinner & breakfast. Now, here I sit in the front room of the suite where the first flat screen TV is -- the second being in the bedroom in front of the king size bed. Really?
Oh -- but we got to see our first wildlife of the trip:
Swans in a pond in the lobby.
Really?!
The silver lining of this delay is that I got to spend the evening with my great friends, Jen & Carmelo Landis-Santos, and their son, Pablo. (BTW, when did he get to be four?) It turns out that they live about twenty minutes or so from this this hotel. So after my free dinner, Jen came to pick me up and brought me back so I could see their new house -- which is very lovely! Pablo gave me the tour and then insisted that I play soccer with him in the living room.
After he went to bed, the rest of us had a great time talking and catching up. What an incredibly unexpected blessing for which I am most grateful.
The adventure continues bright & early tomorrow early with a cab ride at 5:45am to take us back to the airport for an 8am flight to Johannesburg.
The World Becomes Smaller
As we sit here in Washington Dulles International, we are discovering the fun of traveling with technology. Two of us have brought laptops (thank you, COH, for lending me one!) and we've logged into our email & facebook & twitter & on & on.
Here is a picture of us on our computers looking at Facebook...
As the world becomes smaller for us, I hope it does for you, too, by following our journeys!
Here is a picture of us on our computers looking at Facebook...
In addition to ZimBlog, you can also join Friends of Project Tariro group on Facebook.
As the world becomes smaller for us, I hope it does for you, too, by following our journeys!
Thursday, October 15, 2009
The Rest of the Story
Completely humbled & grateful. Beyond this, I have few words.
I learned today - for the first time - a more complete picture of how I came to be selected for this Caravan. I do not know how to appropriately express gratitude other than to be humbled by the compassion and grace at play. I learned today that a person gave up her own grant to make this journey because she felt I needed to go. And not only that, she lobbied to make this happen.
May I be able to embody this grace, mercy and sacrificial giving in order to share it with all I meet in Zimbabwe.
I learned today - for the first time - a more complete picture of how I came to be selected for this Caravan. I do not know how to appropriately express gratitude other than to be humbled by the compassion and grace at play. I learned today that a person gave up her own grant to make this journey because she felt I needed to go. And not only that, she lobbied to make this happen.
May I be able to embody this grace, mercy and sacrificial giving in order to share it with all I meet in Zimbabwe.
Orientation
So I finally made it to Nashville -- only 6 hours late. Oy vey. I was the last to arrive but many others had had difficulties with travels today.
I met the team for the first time today and am very pleased. Some great skills and experience represented around the circle. I am, however, the youngest and one of three men. I believe, I am also the only person who has not traveled internationally before. A good number have even been to Africa before this.
Yet, what I bring to the table is my knowledge, training, and experience with HIV/AIDS. It's already become clear that I will be the HIV/AIDS expert for our journey. This afternoon, we ran out of time during orientation for all of the information that we were to cover. So the orientation leader (who is not going on this caravan to Zimbabwe) asked me to cover HIV/AIDS more in depth when we arrive in Zimbabwe because she kept turning to me for more information anyway.
I'm honored to be able to contribute to the trip in this way. And just like I told you in the HIV/AIDS/STD Dept. at COH, I bring you with me through our collective experience and knowledge. Thank you for the education you provide me as we work together and continually challenge each other to push to the next level.
Tomorrow, the real travel begins. The shuttle arrives at 6am to take us the airport for the next leg of our journey. Please continue to keep us in your thoughts & prayers.
And the anti-malarial meds begin.
An orientation... in more ways than one.
I met the team for the first time today and am very pleased. Some great skills and experience represented around the circle. I am, however, the youngest and one of three men. I believe, I am also the only person who has not traveled internationally before. A good number have even been to Africa before this.
Yet, what I bring to the table is my knowledge, training, and experience with HIV/AIDS. It's already become clear that I will be the HIV/AIDS expert for our journey. This afternoon, we ran out of time during orientation for all of the information that we were to cover. So the orientation leader (who is not going on this caravan to Zimbabwe) asked me to cover HIV/AIDS more in depth when we arrive in Zimbabwe because she kept turning to me for more information anyway.
I'm honored to be able to contribute to the trip in this way. And just like I told you in the HIV/AIDS/STD Dept. at COH, I bring you with me through our collective experience and knowledge. Thank you for the education you provide me as we work together and continually challenge each other to push to the next level.
Tomorrow, the real travel begins. The shuttle arrives at 6am to take us the airport for the next leg of our journey. Please continue to keep us in your thoughts & prayers.
And the anti-malarial meds begin.
An orientation... in more ways than one.
The Travel Plan
To begin, I am waiting for my flight to Nashville. There I will meet up with the rest of the group traveling to Zimbabwe. Feeling a bit anxious about that part as I've not met any of these 10 people before; however, we, from varied backgrounds & parts of the country, share a common purpose and for this I'm grateful. In Nashville, we gather for orientation for our travels and for group formation (I'm having unfavorable flashbacks to HS!)
We stay over night in Nashville and depart Friday morning for Washington Dulles to transfer to our international flight after a several hour layover. Friday afternoon/evening we take off over the Atlantic Ocean for Africa. Eight hours or so later we'll land in Dakar, Senegal where we'll switch flight crews, possibly refuel and then continue on our way. Another 8-9 hours later we'll land in Johannesburg, South Africa where we'll transfer to another flight which will take us into Harare, the capital city of Zimbabwe. We'll stay over night in Harare and worship in local congregations on Sunday morning before driving eastward to Mutare, Zimbabwe which is on the border of the country with Mozambique. Mutare is where we will be for just over a week. Mutare is the home to Africa University, Old Mutare Mission Hospital and Project Tariro.
In all -- 22 hours in the air... one way. Not counting the additional air travel to Victoria Falls while we are in Zimbabwe.
I must say... quite an adventure for a someone from small town Ohio who has never traveled out of the United States.
But first... to get out of O'Hare...
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
S.O.S.
Since receiving this email, I have been trying to imagine living conditions where an urgent S.O.S. is needed for dandruff shampoo. In four days, I will no longer need to imagine.
Off to shampoo aisle and then to continue (finish?) packing.
Just over 32 hours till the first flight...
Saturday, October 10, 2009
* Mary Knightwright for recommending me for this caravan and those who selected me to receive the travel grant from the General Board of Higher Education & Ministry of the UMC
* Jill Dispenza & Tico Valle at Center on Halsted who have been so extremely supportive of this opportunity.
* The HIV/STD Services Staff at COH for their supportive encouraging words and the wonderful donations of medical supplies for the clinic -- and Richard for organizing the donations!
* The NIL Order of Deacons & the entire staff of COH for their prayers & support
* The Dakotas Conference of the UMC for the extremely generous support of this journey thru their Global AIDS Fund. I look forward to sharing this journey with you and for being with you in person in the New Year. Thank you, Jenny, for coordinating this!
* The BOM of the NIL Conference for their continuing education grant
* My wonderful family & friends for their generous financial support:
Aunt Bette & Uncle Jerry
Uncle Chuck & Aunt Marian
Aunt Pat & Uncle Mel
Grandpa & Grandma Schaller
Vern & Joyce LaSala
Gordon & Rosa Good
* Medical donations from Dale Bertke of Schweiterman's Pharmacy & dental donations from Curtis Kline, DDS -- both of Coldwater, Ohio. Thank you for supporting this local boy!
* Berry Church (especially Ellen, Ginny & Sherrie) for having been so supportive that they've already invited me to come speak about this journey and hold a fundraiser for Project Tariro & Center on Halsted
* So many friends for their wonderful words of encouragement, especially Arjun, Amit, Mark, Jason, Jen & Eleanor. And my consultation group: Caralynn, Elaine, Sarah & Ruth
* Levon for listening to my endless concerns and calming my nerves. (And letting me borrow his camera! ;)
* My family for wholeheartedly supporting me in this adventure from the very beginning.
Thank you
Thank you
Thank you
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
I’ve been asked why I would want to go to such a depressing place. To be honest I cannot even fathom the question. I wish that all I had to do was stick my head in the sand, and these situations would suddenly go away. But…
Through this opportunity, I hope to be able to learn. To experience a small bit of what people across this world each and every day. To step outside my comfort zones.
I don’t anticipate it being easy. I’ve never been outside the US let alone to the 2/3rds world. I’ve never had to worry about electricity except in the case of freak & violent storms.
More importantly, I look forward to working alongside those are engaged in this work daily in Zimbabwe -- those who find satisfaction in supporting others IN SPITE of these overwhelming obstacles. I look forward to joyous worship celebrations with Zimbabwean United Methodist Church. I look forward to being a humble visitor in another culture. I hope and pray that I may open myself to the lives and experiences of others which are so different than mine – so that I may be graced with the similarities that connect us all.
I end with a prayer that is often on my lips:
“May the Spirit comfort the afflicted and dis-comfort the apathetic.”
May this be so.
Through this opportunity, I hope to be able to learn. To experience a small bit of what people across this world each and every day. To step outside my comfort zones.
I don’t anticipate it being easy. I’ve never been outside the US let alone to the 2/3rds world. I’ve never had to worry about electricity except in the case of freak & violent storms.
More importantly, I look forward to working alongside those are engaged in this work daily in Zimbabwe -- those who find satisfaction in supporting others IN SPITE of these overwhelming obstacles. I look forward to joyous worship celebrations with Zimbabwean United Methodist Church. I look forward to being a humble visitor in another culture. I hope and pray that I may open myself to the lives and experiences of others which are so different than mine – so that I may be graced with the similarities that connect us all.
I end with a prayer that is often on my lips:
“May the Spirit comfort the afflicted and dis-comfort the apathetic.”
May this be so.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Since this all happened, I have been doing all I can to educate myself about Zimbabwe. I’ve learned that it is the fourth most impacted country on the planet by HIV/AIDS. An estimated 4000 people die each week as a result of the pandemic and the average life expectancy is now only 34 years of age!? This truly hit home as it is only three years older than I am now…
Each day I work with people infected and affected by HIV/AIDS. They are living, surviving, and thriving in their own ways. It is never easy to give the news that someone has HIV. But, thankfully, I am able to say “But it is not a death sentence.” The latest study I read says that if someone is diagnosed in their 20s or 30s, they can expect to live into their 70s. Medications have come a long way from AZT. HAART (Highly active antiretroviral therapy) is turned HIV from a fatal to a chronic disease.
However…
This is only IF the person has access to the meds. Here in the US there are drug assistance programs. Thus, even people without insurance can receive these extremely expensive medications. But this is not the case in Zimbabwe where only 12% of those living with the virus have access to medications.
I’ve also been reading about the history of Zimbabwe. I’ve read selections of 28 Stories of AIDS in Africa by Stephanie Nolen and am still working on House of Stone: The True Story of a Family Divided in War-Torn Zimbabwe by Christina Lamb. It’s an awful, storied history. Whenever I read about such atrocities for the first time, I must admit that I’m ashamed that I didn’t know before. Embarrassed that I get so caught up by the little things in my life and am ignorant to the plights of others.
I look forward to the world becoming even smaller.
Each day I work with people infected and affected by HIV/AIDS. They are living, surviving, and thriving in their own ways. It is never easy to give the news that someone has HIV. But, thankfully, I am able to say “But it is not a death sentence.” The latest study I read says that if someone is diagnosed in their 20s or 30s, they can expect to live into their 70s. Medications have come a long way from AZT. HAART (Highly active antiretroviral therapy) is turned HIV from a fatal to a chronic disease.
However…
This is only IF the person has access to the meds. Here in the US there are drug assistance programs. Thus, even people without insurance can receive these extremely expensive medications. But this is not the case in Zimbabwe where only 12% of those living with the virus have access to medications.
I’ve also been reading about the history of Zimbabwe. I’ve read selections of 28 Stories of AIDS in Africa by Stephanie Nolen and am still working on House of Stone: The True Story of a Family Divided in War-Torn Zimbabwe by Christina Lamb. It’s an awful, storied history. Whenever I read about such atrocities for the first time, I must admit that I’m ashamed that I didn’t know before. Embarrassed that I get so caught up by the little things in my life and am ignorant to the plights of others.
I look forward to the world becoming even smaller.
Sunday, October 4, 2009 -- World Communion Sunday
Late this summer, a colleague of mine, Mary Knightwright, forwarded an e-Newletter to me asking me if I would be interested in some event called a “Caravan of Deacons” that was being highlighting. I had no idea what this caravan was about but Mary felt that I’d be a great fit due to my work as the Clinical Manager of the HIV Testing & Prevention Program at Center on Halsted You can also read about my ministry in this article that was recently published.
It turns out that this “Caravan of Deacons” consists of a group of UM Deacons from across the country who would travel to Zimbabwe to be involved in HIV/AIDS work through Project Tariro
Having always wanted to travel to Africa, I expressed my interested to Mary, but stated that I could not afford such a trip unless there was scholarship or grant assistance. Several weeks went by and she put me in touch with the trip organizer. I expressed interest, told him about my current work, training & experience, and again made an inquiry about grant assistance. Several more weeks went by and the next thing I heard was that I was in!?
I must express my gratitude to Mary who not only brought this caravan to my attention but for advocating for my inclusion with Paul, the organizer. I am grateful that she remembered my work and ministry with persons living with HIV/AIDS at Center on Halsted.
Additionally, I am extremely thankful for my colleagues at Center on Halsted, especially Modesto Tico Valle, Executive Director, & Jill Dispenza, Director of State of IL AIDS/HIV & STD Hotline and HIV Testing & Prevention, who, when I told them about this opportunity, were nothing but supportive and quickly said “Go!”
In Zimbabwe we will work with Project Tariro, Africa University and the Zimbabwe UMC to learn about the HIV/AIDS pandemic in Zimbabwe. We will be involved in the support groups in the clinic and take part in the home based care. Above all, we will learn from those on the ground.
I invite you to join with me on this caravan by following this blog which I hope to update throughout this journey – as internet access allows!
Having always wanted to travel to Africa, I expressed my interested to Mary, but stated that I could not afford such a trip unless there was scholarship or grant assistance. Several weeks went by and she put me in touch with the trip organizer. I expressed interest, told him about my current work, training & experience, and again made an inquiry about grant assistance. Several more weeks went by and the next thing I heard was that I was in!?
I must express my gratitude to Mary who not only brought this caravan to my attention but for advocating for my inclusion with Paul, the organizer. I am grateful that she remembered my work and ministry with persons living with HIV/AIDS at Center on Halsted.
Additionally, I am extremely thankful for my colleagues at Center on Halsted, especially Modesto Tico Valle, Executive Director, & Jill Dispenza, Director of State of IL AIDS/HIV & STD Hotline and HIV Testing & Prevention, who, when I told them about this opportunity, were nothing but supportive and quickly said “Go!”
In Zimbabwe we will work with Project Tariro, Africa University and the Zimbabwe UMC to learn about the HIV/AIDS pandemic in Zimbabwe. We will be involved in the support groups in the clinic and take part in the home based care. Above all, we will learn from those on the ground.
I invite you to join with me on this caravan by following this blog which I hope to update throughout this journey – as internet access allows!
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