Graduation.

   Yes, I have graduated again!!! But not from school this time.  For the past four weeks, the three of us at the clinic have been taking HIV/AIDS counseling classes at the clinic.  This past Thursday, we had our “graduation” and received certificates that allows us to do some counseling in the clinic and around the township for the HIV/AIDS virus.  I was pretty excited about the certificate, but I’m really thankful for the course and all that I learned.  It really broke my heart, but also inspired me to want to help more.  Regardless if a patient comes in to the clinic for a test and is positive or negative, I still have the opportunity to inspire them to make lifestyle changes and encourage them for a better tomorrow.  

The Graduates:)

   
    On Thursday after our little ceremony, Sister Rohen(the head nurse), called me into her office to help her counsel a lady who came in to find her out her status.  The kicker was that she was 5 months pregnant with her first child.  It was crazy.  I was able to discuss with her the virus itself, transmission, prevention, confidentiality, healthy living, stigma, and also how the test works and all that stuff, but also sit in with Sister Rohen as she gave the woman her test.  It was mind boggling to me.  I was nervous and scared for her.  Thankfully she was negative, but for many people and new moms here they aren’t so lucky. After the test, I had to discuss with her again how important it was to not only protect herself, but also the beautiful baby that is growing inside of her.  It was shocking to me how little she new about the virus.  It is one of the very things that is devastating her own country, but she knew nothing about it.  No wonder it is so rampant here.  Crazy.
    It was a good experience for me to have.  I’ve never been apart of something like that, but I hope with the training that I can do more before I head home.  People here need to be educated.  They need to be inspired to hope in a better tomorrow and how to protect themselves today. Right now.  It is important. 
    Pray that more locals will step forward to want to be apart of change. Out of small class of about 20 students, there were only 4 locals involved.  I think its huge for them to get involved.  They have far more impact than I will ever have.  This is their people. Their home.