Well everyone, this morning we're heading off to Swaziland...finally! We are so excited! The training we received yesterday was again excellent, and again, as we prayed, wearying. It is good though to have one's soul touched in such a way. We discussed World Vision's Channels of Hope program, which is a big part of their HIV/AIDS intervention. Additionally, we worked toward an understanding of World Vision as an organization (not so much new to us here) as well as through their core model of intervention in Area Development Projects (ADPs), of which, Mhlosheni is one of many in Swaziland. We even received last year's program evaluation report for the Mhlosheni ADP. This is something Erin and I were really hoping to wade through as program evaluation is what Erin spends her time on back home career-wise. I won't bore you with all the details of the report, but please know that World Vision is working very hard with community leaders (church, local village leaders, government) to make a difference. The report doesn't pull any punches and admits where problems still exist. For example, they had a food security intervention last year (planting of drought resistant crops) that was devastated in three villages in Mhlosheni because of hail storms. This resulted in half of the people moving toward the point of starvation. Yet, they are finding many successes as well, even this early in the ADP's development, including their advocacy and educational interventions, community partnership linkages, as well as in equipping the church here in Mhlosheni to erase the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS. The end effect of this is twofold: 1) a decrease in in HIV/AIDS myths (and hopefully infections), and 2) an increase in compassion and practical care for those dying here (for lack of antiretroviral regiments) from AIDS. Which brings me to my discussion topics for today: 1) What questions do you have about HIV/AIDS? 2) What is your opinion of HIV/AIDS and the people who have it? 3) What is the church's (think the whole church, as well as CRCC) role in caring for those with HIV/AIDS? I know that posting such things online is a risky proposition, but we need to begin this discussion, for we have turned our back on it for far too long. So, what questions do you have? What opinions do you hold? Erin and I have learned a lot so far (yet still very little I suppose) about HIV/AIDS and would love to respond to any questions or thoughts you have. So come on, take a few moments to ask those questions by submitting them as a comment to this post. Now I must also give a litte disclaimer in that we're not sure we'll have internet access over then next four or five days. Swaziland is not South Africa. So, if you don't hear a response to your question from us, don't worry, we'll get to it when we can read it! Besides, maybe someone else in our church might be able to respond to the question instead of us! That would be even better! Finally, a note to Abigail and Jackson! While we can't show you a picture, we wanted to let you know that you can be praying for Siphesihle ("Good Gift"), our family's (and our church's) first personal connection with Mhlosheni! She is almost seven and there is a chance that we'll even get to meet her for the first time on her birthday, which is this Sunday! How cool would that be? Anyway, kids, please pray special prayers for her...and for us that we might be able to help her feel love and hope when we meet her. Thank you both for praying for her. We'll bring her picture home so you can see her. And remember, mommy an daddy love you both so much and miss you so much, too! We can't wait to give you big hugs...and Jackson, remember when we come home we'll go to Dairy Queen! We love you all, Reed and Erin