As they all did, the woman's eyes widen slightly as she sees the observers red hair. She greets the observer and the counselor, hands the two pieces of paper to the counselor and sits down, adjusting slightly the infant who sleeps securely tied to her back. Jane opens the two pieces of paper, glances at them then asks, as she has asked them all, "What will you do if you have HIV?" They talk for awhile about it, about life with HIV, about God's grace then Jane tells her that both she and the baby are positive. For just a moment the woman's face crumbles, then just as fast, strengthens. "You must not think of this as a death sentance" Jane says, "You have an illness, there is no cure yet, but there is medicine that will help you." Jane tells her about what she and the baby must do next, then asks about other children. There are three more children. "They must be brought in and tested," Jane says, "and your husband too." The woman shakes her head. She lives with her mother because her husband left her when she started being sick all the time. They continue to talk, Jane encouraging the woman, helping her to accept that her life has just radically changed, telling her what she must do to give herself and the children the best chance of survival. With a small smile the woman thanks the counselor then leaves, taking the paper that she will give to the lab for the next series of tests that will determine the level of her infection. Only after she leaves does the observer allow her tears to fall.
Thursday was a very difficult day for me as I sat with Jane. This incredible woman - one of several couselors at Faith Alive - works with people as they come over from the lab, holding the results of their "rapid test" in their hands. The results are sealed so that the counselor can talk to the client and do their best to prepare them for the results of the test. Most of the results on that day were negative and Jane talked to them about how to keep from becoming positive. The four that were positive were more difficult, but through it all, Jane stayed encouraging and loving, doing her best to cushion this difficult blow
I have spent most of the week observing in all of the different departments of Faith Alive. In the lab I watched as they administered a "rapid test" to a young woman who was there with her three children. It is a lot like a pregnancy test - one stripe and you are negative, two stripes and you are positive. I prayed as we waited, and gave a sigh of relief when only one strip appeared. I also observed in the pre-natal clinic with Dr. Ogbey, worked in the outpatient clinic with Dr. Peter taking lots of "snappies" of the children and thier mothers. There were too many of the green folders as the people came in to see the doctors. My "snappies" were a big hit in the sewing and knitting clinics, where woman (and some men) learn skills that will allow them to survive and thrive as positives.
I am just astounded at what this hospital does, the number of people they serve, and the knowledge that along with medical help, they dispense hope and a belief in the future. They work in conditions that are challenging - to put it in the best light possible - and yet they manage to gbet done what they need to get done and to see all who come to them.
Now before you think that it has been all work and no play, let me reassure you that I am doing lots of other stuff too. On Tuesday I went with Naiomi to exchange my American dollars for Nira. The exchange rate is about 125 Nira to a American dollar. I wish that my wallet bulged like this all the time. We have gone out for dinner to Afri-One for fajitas and they were great!. Today we went to the market and bought material for clothes. If you think I dress brightly now, just wait until you see the incredible colors of the materials that I bought - and I was conservative in my choices!
Nigeria is a land of music and colors. It seems that there is always somebody singing - sometimes it is from the bar across the street - sometimes it is the church next to the bar and sometimes it is our nieghbor as she washes her clothes outside. The colors and patterns of thier clothing is fantastic.
Although I miss you all more than I can tell you - I am quickly coming to the realization that a piece of my heart will always be here in Nigeria with Dr. Chris and his incredible staff.
Thank you all so much for the e-notes and messages of encouragement that you are sending me. I read and appreciate all of them - even if I can't respond to all of them.
Biana sends her greetings and says thank you for sending to her. For some reason she feels better having somebody to cook for - and I sure am enjoying her cooking. (Even though Baba cooks for us most of the time - when it is just the two of us, Biana cooks). Biana and I are having a great time together.
Dr. Chris told me that a wife with a big butt is a sign of weatlhy man - because he can afford to feed her well. If this is so - then I am worth my weight in gold! Health-wise I am doing great! Not only had my diabetes stabelized, today I have reduced the amount of insulin I need to take. All of the walking around and the lack of junk food is having a great effect on me! I have adjusted to the lack of running water, and the spotty electricity - proof that the human being - even at 53 - can adapt to her surroundings.
Well, enough of my nattering on. I love you and miss you.
Until the Shout!
Valerie