The banner Julie made for the first AIDS Memorial celebration in our area, three years ago.
Outside they set up the cross and bamboo for the candle lighting service.
What a great team
Back on the homefront, I’m fighting a migraine and finishing the AIDS Memorial quilt/banner.
The quilt has squares that people wrote last year in memory of loved ones who have died of AIDS.
Finally the day arrives, and we’re back that chapel setting up all the booths.
Outside they decide to hang the banners in a different location.
Check out those arm muscles. Good work Elizha!
Looks like everything’s ready outside
Inside some of the girls cut out more quilt squares so people can write on them for this year’s quilt.
Thanks for the help!
We also get some brochures ready to distribute
Diane folding a brochure
Mama Cathy tries to figure out how to set up the homecare booth
Some of the girls tune the guitars
Some of the posters we brought along
The UTB booth
The VCT booth
And the booth where people can write on quilt squares.
Now all that’s left is to wait for the people.
Joe, Diane and Agnes help with the UTB booth
Jevalyn, Alex and I head up the Memori laplap booth
Julie and Mama Cathy are ready at the homecare booth
And now the people start to arrive
Julie talks to some people about how to care for loved ones who are sick
Elizha talks to some of the youth about how to be tested for HIV
Diane and Joe give people info about how to get involved in spreading awareness
And over where I am, people write messages in honor of loved ones who have died. We got about 60 squares!
Some people start to take their seats for the service. Unfortunately we have a blackout and the service is delayed for an hour.
Judy wonders if this will help with the blackout- haha!
Finally the power is back on and the service begins. Willie serves as emcee.
The Pimon committee and some of the students sing a welcome song about no matter where you come from, we are all united as one.
We also sing a song about the light of Christ in our lives. Both of the songs were written by two of the teachers just for this occasion.
UTB performs our AIDS Memorial Day drama.
Dr. Raymond speaks about the physical aspects of HIV and testing
Kia speaks about how to break down stigma
Rev. Phillip Kiso speak about how HIV affects our community
Paul Teko, one of the teachers at St. Paul’s, speaks about the purpose and need for HIV education
Elizha speaks about HIV’s effect on the youth of society
Pastor Solome speaks about HIV’s effect on the family
Daphne speaks about the significance of the candle lighting and remembering
Some of the children lead us into the time of candle lighting with a song.
Then Mr. Kapau, the principal of St. Paul’s, Mr. Bell, the principal of Four Square High, and Bishop Piso begin the candle lighting.
Gradually everyone files outside.
Everyone makes their way towards the cross.
And in memory of those who have died and in commitment to breaking down stigma and stopping the spread of HIV, people place their candles at the foot
And we remember… all the children who have died
All the parents who have died…
All the youth…
All the loved ones…
All the people just like us…
It is a beautiful moment of remembrance
As we gather around the cross…
We know that we are one. One body in Christ.
We must never forget
There is a light in the darkness
And the darkness does not overcome it.
After the service is over, those of us who helped plan and prepare the service file into the teacher’s lounge
Some of the teacher’s have prepared dinner for us. Good thing too because it’s now after 9pm and I am hungry.
More and more people file in
Excited and tired all at once
Every corner is full of people
Waiting for the food.
Still waiting.
Finally it’s time to eat.
Digging into the rice and chicken. It’s finger food right? Because no utensils can be found.
Receiving our nightly bread;-)
Some of the youth from my church. How I love these girls:-)
And so many wonderful people. I am privileged to know you.
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