HIV/AIDS Workshop

Yesterday I spent nearly the entire day in the village of Klabani attending an HIV/AIDS workshop led by Janice Cole, a retired nurse from the U.S. who is now a missionary in South Africa. The purpose of this workshop was to educate women from area churches about HIV and how to care for those who are battling AIDS. It made for a long day, especially since I already knew most of the information taught from my nursing education, but I'm glad that I went. It was interesting to see how Janice was able to take what she knows and convey it to these women who have no medical background.

the church in Klabani

We arrived at the church in Klabani at 8:30am, and the 50 women attending the conference were singing African hymns and praying aloud. Their singing was so beautiful! I was disappointed when they finally stopped singing at 9.

From 9am until noon, Janice talked to us about the basics of HIV: what it is exactly, how it can be spread, common symptoms, etc.. She also talked a lot about prejudices against those who contract HIV and the importance of showing Jesus' love to those who are infected regardless of how they contracted it.

Janice Cole speaking to the group

At noon, we got a 5-minute break to stretch our legs, and then we talked for another hour or so about how to counsel someone who is infected. Janice stressed the importance of respect, being genuine, and being a good listener.

Finally at 1pm, we got a lunch break. I was excited to discover that the lunch being served was real South African food, the kind that most of the people who live in the villages eat. I had a slice of bread, mealie pop (top), mince meat (left), and maltabella (right).

my lunch

In the afternoon, Janice taught the women about providing home care (even if you have no nursing skills). She discussed how to care for a person with a fever, a sore mouth, or a cough and reviewed the basics of proper nutrition. When Janice finished shortly after 4, the women did some more singing and a few different people who were involved in hosting the workshop said a few words. Then Janice drove me back to the shelter for the evening.

the group attending the workshop

The workshop was a great experience, but I definitely don't think I could ever do HIV/AIDS education like Janice does. I'm not sure I would have the patience, or if I did, that I would really enjoy what I was doing. I suppose it's good to figure these things out now, so that I don't end up spending my time doing something I don't have a passion for.

P.S. I met two missionary women from the United States at the workshop yesterday, and each one separately tried to set me up with her son (both of whom are about my age and "looking for a godly wife"). I thought it was pretty funny. :)