The many adventures of the Mazunga crew

Tuesday
Today we broke into two teams at seperate locations. Our objective for the day was to accompany those from CHAP (Community HIV/AIDS prevention) who are administering HIV rapid tests and councelling with the VCT (voluntary councelling and testing).
Taryn and Randy went to St. Thomas Church in a rural area. They had the opportunity to assist in testing and counselling. Randy poked while Taryn recorded and councelled clients who tested positive. The total for their day was 173 tested and 8 positive.
They experienced an hour and a half of a much needed African rainfall. Because of the delay in testing they ventured into the Pastor's home for lunch, good news no fish heads, but had the opportunity to enjoy a taste of fresh cow's milk straight from the source in the backyard. yummmm??? :}
Meanwhile..... back at the ranch or Kijyndi village
Pastor Bill;), Wilma and Amy accompanied Collins and Patrick to another test site in Kijndi, a fishing village near Lake Victoria. We assisted in making cotton balls and watched the testing process. We caught ourselves waiting for the facial expression of those receiving results. Of the 86 tested, 11 were positive and received counselling. During the long process the Mazunga's (yellow people, us) were an attraction for all the young children. Bill started teaching letters and numbers but the children bored of him and Amy and Wilma heroicly took over. Starting with a free horse ride on the knee, to outside playing games like duck duck goose... Even without being able to communicate verbily the children caught on quickly and enjoyed the many games and songs. The adults looked on in laughter. It was an enjoyable time outside with the children, laughing and playing like we were kids. Bill was left behind standing guard of our bags. Needless to say we slept like babies.
Wednesday
Today we were scheduled to teach at 9 in the schools but because of African time, we are now bumped to 10:30. The pace is much slower and laid back and to be honest we are quite enjoying it. The days are very full, leaving us physically and emotionally exhausted at night.
Daily
We travel on the crazy, bumpy red shale roads with lots of dust, pot holes are an understatement and our backs and bums will never recover :). There are times we fear for our lives because of the travel on the crazy, narrow roads. Everytime we pass a vehicle we shreak and Wilma closes her eyes. The passing is so close and fast we could reach out and touch them! Travelling in itself is an experience.