Another Great Day!

Yesterday was a top ten day in my book. The day started out with the three Muslim girls heading into Nanyuki to go to the mosque and break Ramadan. Turns out there was some confusion and about half the town thought it wasn't breaking until today. The girls called home to Isiolo and their families were celebrating, so Daraja did too!

Around 10:30 I headed into town with six girls to go get HIV tests. The girls were very nervous and were anxious to be the first to be tested and get it over with. I can't even express how great it feels to see a girl come out of the testing room with a giant smile (or jumping up and down in one girls case). HIV is a real fear here. Unprotected sex, rape, and drug use are common. Many girls have watched family members die as a result of AIDS. But they are starting to accept that HIV is not a death sentence, and that they can live full and happy lives if they ever tested positive. That being said, I am SO grateful to report that all 23 girls that have been tested are negative! And one teacher!!!

"I will remember this day for the rest of my life, the first day I knew for sure that I did not have HIV" Faith Form 3

After the testing we walked into town and got some supplies for the end of Ramadan feast! We got sweets and soda for being brave and getting tested, and then I had to wait in the butchery for 25 Kg of meat to be chopped up. I am the worst kind of meat eater and really don't like looking at raw meat, but while I waited I made plans for the woman at the desk to come visit me in New York (she made the plans and I agreed).