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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