Today was the first day with the teachings. It was good that the children slept a bit longer, until 6 am, which was nice for the staff who lives in Amun. It was a tough day, today, because the teaching was all about HIV/AIDS and some children don't like to hear those words. I did the first session, about the virus, what does it do and how does it harms our body. I had several pictures and animations to show them how it works. We had a beamer and we projected it on a white cloth. As you can see on the first picture, they were very attentive. I also spoke about ARV's and what they do and why they need to take them every day. I believe that when they understand, they will see what they can do themselves.
In the next session Margaret and Isaiah (both YWAM Soroti staff) spoke about acceptance. This has also to do with the fears you have, which hinders you to accept your positive HIV status..
Here is Margaret speaking, she also knows the children, and she has been working with a project of YWAM Soroti, reaching out to HIV+ people in the villages.
In the afternoon we went into groups. The older teenagers went together in a group and the rest was divided into ages. The teenagers were really talking and sharing together about deep things, deep fears and also thinking together what they can do about those fears. It was so encouraging, they were so open and felt safe in their group.
This is the report of another group, most of them were 9-12 years, if you read what they wrote down than you really feel it. A child that is talking about the fear of death, I had to swallow several times!! All the groups felt that sharing the HIV+ status was important, but you have to be wise with who you share it. And also our theme of the week: "plans for Hope and a Future" came back, God will help us to get that future, but we also have our own responsibility. We did not play the games, we had planned. The children were just talking and kicking a ball, using our swings and just hanging around. The day has not been an easy one, but I think a very important one!!
Will be continued....
What a wonderful path you are on Els, helping all these children find hope in their fragile lives. My granddaughter Cydnee (from Alberta Canada) is in Amecet right now, so we are following her blog daily as well as yours. Will keep you and your children in our prayers. Sincerely Therese
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