Busy busy busy! We are working quite hard and typically only spend meal times taking a break. Working on side projects, blogging, preparing lesson plans for teaching, sorting materials, meetings with different agencies and ceremonies are very much worth working hard. Today's adventures started off by teaching at all different schools. Many of us have created "lightbulb" moments where children finally get a specific concept. It is particularly special when we have a small part in creating that moment. Children here are so happy and always have a beautiful smile which is contagious.
We visited the Kalingalingli Hospice which was anticipated as being a challenging trip but many were still eager to go and learn about the program. A few different nurses showed us around the hospice and it was very clean and the facility had a church area, cooking/kitchen, and a few different wards. All patients in the ward are HIV positive, and there is also an outpatient clinic where other services are provided. It was interesting to learn that people do not die from AIDS/HIV, but because the virus weakens the immune system, they will die from other infections and diseases. Typically people who are HIV positive or have AIDS die from diseases like malaria, TB, parasites, cholera, pneumonia and meningitis. We also learned more about antiretroviral treatment (ART) which if taken correctly extends life expectancy and boosts immunity to diseases. One of the biggest challenges in Zambia has been getting people to continue taking their drugs/medicine when they start to feel better. AIDS treatment needs to be for life. Very rewarding trip!
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