At 11:30 today, I went to the HIV testing center, meeting 7 of my activists there. We watched a video about a woman who is living with AIDS and the social issues she deals with every day. It was pretty sad, but to cheer us up, was followed closely by a video about a couple who were debating going to the testing center. It was a good mix of typical Mozambican discussions, humor, and facts regarding the testing center. It was believably acted and didn't use elevated language.
My students enjoyed the videos, then we all piled into the counseling room to go over what a typical session is like, and what the students can tell other students about the testing center. It was a great experience - 3 of the students had done the test the day before and 3 more did it that day. They're pretty excited about going to the hospital for AIDS patients next Friday. All told, it seems like they are becoming more confident in their abilities to help others and not just simply memorizing information. They get frustrated from time to time that things seem to go slowly, but I tell them that they need to show up on time!
It's thundering outside. We're in the middle of a good-sized storm, but hopefully that doesn't mean the house will get flooded. It leaks like a sieve.
Reminds me of going through the car wash in my father's old Studebaker for the first (and last) time. Due to an unfortunate combination of old weather-stripping and general lack of foresight as to the existence of jet-powered car washes in 1962, we inside the car were cleaned just as well. We had a box of Kleenex, but we might as well have been trying to stop a dam.
Now, in this house, water comes in a broken window (broken by wind, nonetheless), through the ceiling, and through the gaps in the doors. There's really no stopping it, only hoping it doesn't break something.
Good, busy week.
Peace
John
