VMS - July 29, 2009

Monday afternoon Khathu, the VMS outreach coordinator and her assistant introduced us to a local support group of HIV+ women. Aside from needing an accepting social group, these women are desperately trying to find income producing activities which will enable them to support themselves and their children. All are currently on ARV drugs and receive a small disability grant from the government. Ironically, as their health continues to improve and their CD4 count increases, the government discontinues the disability stipend forcing the women to stop their medical regime in order to keep their meager benefit. Senseless to us but inexcusably true.

Fortunately we were able to introduce the idea of producing beads made from recycled glass to the women attending today's support group meeting. Naturally they were excited and anxious to begin the training, however, initial steps need to be taken before this project can move forward. We are feverishly working to throw together a proposal and a bare bones budget before we leave Africa. Next we will need to brainstorm ways to raise this working capital. The good news is that we know this project is doable and the investment is minimal.

We wish that we could properly convey to you how little these women and children have and how grateful they are for the smallest gesture, the slightest recognition, the most minuscule gift. A friend from Westfield gave us a bag of self-adhesive stars to share with the school children. As we peeled off the backing to put a star on each paper, the children quietly held out their hands to also receive the small paper backing covering the adhesive. They have very little and are grateful for everything.

Attached are a few pictures of the woman's support group, children from VMS and the bus they arrive in.

Vhutshilo Mountain School July 28, 2009

Yesterday, our first day at Vhutshilo Mountain School (VMS), was full of dichotomies. Sue-Ann, the founder and director of the school, picked us up at 6:45 am before she made her daily school transport run. We climbed into the back of her "bakkie" equivalent of a pickup truck, which was equipped with 2 long wooden benches replacing cushioned seat. A thin piece of foam lay on the floor between the benches to accommodate Tshavhu, a paralyzed 2nd grader as well as several 2 to 3 year olds. By the end of the run 13 young children had piled into the back of the truck along with 2 school teachers (plus Nancy) and off we went to meet the rest of the students at school. The morning was quite cold and although we listened to a cacophony of sniffling and coughing, not all were dressed for the the chill. Immediately we noticed that each child was eager to go to school...even the little girl who wore no shoes. All of the children are fed breakfast (a type of vitamin fortified porridge) and lunch (cooked tins of fish and rice)which may be the only nutritious food they get for the day.

While at school, the children split into 2 groups; an overwhelming (32) pre-schoolers, the youngest about 1 and a half years old and 19 first and second graders. While they have no textbooks, the children are eager to learn and the teachers work very hard to give them the basics. We were both able to assist the teachers with "crowd control" and "staying on task" as well as teaching the children a few finger play songs, alphabet lessons and math for the older children.

These children have very little but we were stuck by how loving and kind they were to each other. They appreciated everything including a hug or simply a smile. There is still so much more to share with you but the day was overwhelming and we must stop now. Tomorrow we will tell you about the woman's monthly HIV/AIDS support group we attended in the afternoon. The stories abound. Thanks for listening.

July 27, 2009

While at KNP we once again had the opportunity to see nature as it was intended. Crocs mingling with hippo; grazing impala; kudu, nyala, buck; herds of giraffe, zebra and elephant within feet of our vehicle. We even saw a black mamba, one of the most venomous and dangerous of snakes. Our final thrill was seeing a male lion lying sitting next to his fresh buffalo kill. Fi and Fliss, our hosts, have been a wealth of knowledge re: animals, bird, trees, KNP and SA history in general. From 6 am until the park gates close at 5:30 pm they took us down deserted dirt roads on game rides as the rest of us game spotted. Obviously no one left the vehicle since the danger was real and the horror stories of tourists leaving their vehicles were abundant. Monday is finally school day at Vhustshilo Mountain School...Yeah! More about that tomorrow. Pictures were too difficult to upload today...will try again tomorrow.

July 23, 2009

Just a few minutes before we leave for Kruger National Park, a 9 hour drive to our overnight accommodations. Wanted to thank all for your comments and encouragement. Your support is appreciated.

Leshiba - July 22, 2009

So sorry that we have been out of touch but we've spent our first few days at Leshiba Wilderness which lies in a hidden valley atop the Soutpansberg Mountains, one of the country's most spectacular bio-diverse environments. This wildlife sanctuary is special, offering a uniquely African experience with spectacular unspoiled views and dramatic wildlife. On day one a white rhino and her baby walked alongside our vehicle, a bit later we walked behind a family of 6 giraffe, and by the end of our brief stay sitings of impala, kudo, wildebeasts, wild boar and the hind quarter of a fleeing zebra continued to enthrall us.

Our walking guide wove us through natural paths and up rugged terrain pointing out ancient botanical medicinal plants as we made our way towards splendid rock art depicting shamans with antelope features. It's hard to spend time in the African bush and not be affected by it. We were grateful that we had no electricity to spoil the splendor of our surroundings. It is truly a unique experience to wake to a family of baboons peering in one's window then dashing off looking most annoyed at the intrusion.

Athough we've been here for a short time, we continue to be struck by the general kindness of the South African people, their ready smiles and their willingness to help. Even in this vast unspoiled wilderness we were able to experience the generosity of people who have little to give but are still willing to share. While at Leshiba we discovered and were offered an unused kiln and a 16 year old South African boy who is willing to teach a group of Venda women how to make glass beads from recycled bottles. The cooled beads will then be fashioned into necklaces. Hope for Limpopo is thrilled to be able to provide seed money to launch this initiative which will enable HIV positive women to maintain their ARV maintenance regimen.

Pleae check back in a few days when we'll once again be able to access internet.

Day 1

Arrived Johannesburg after 16 hour flight from Atlanta, GA. Struck by the brown terrain of winter. Early morning flight to Polokwane on a small 30 passenger plane was surprisingly efficient and smooth. Met in Polokwane by Fiona, friend and director of TVEP. As we traveled the 2 hours to Thathe Vando, Fiona & Felicity, another representative and host, briefed us on the local situation. Although TVEP and Vhutshilo Mountain School have made amazing progress, it is obvious that there is much more to be done. Women and children from areas north of the Limpopo River continue to pour into the region seeking refuge and aid. Information we are receiving is overwhelming. Today we will receive more specific information from the TVEP office re: the need for housing for homeless extended family.