Sitting Under a Shady Tree.... Using the Psychology of Art

Armed with a few supplies from the local Nakumatt (Kenya's Wal-Mart), a group of us made our way to the Mbugoni district of Mombasa today to conduct a Teen Couseling Session at the local clinic. These sessions are held monthly for adolescents who are enrolled with the clinic, as a way of supporting and reinforcing the importance of their treatment.  With children who might not have parents to help remind them to take their medicine or to drill into them the importance of taking their medications daily, the counselors at the clinic supported by AFCA take on this role, as we.  They are amazing women and men who work with the kids in various ways, with this remote teen counseling sessions being one of them.

So it was under a shady tree that a group of 10 youth, ages 13-17 years, introduced themselves to us and listed off the medications they were taking. For me this was the moment of reality - these chlidren are infected with HIV/AIDS, coping with their circumstances and here to attend a support session where two new foreigners are sitting and watching.. I'm sure it was daunting.

Lucy and Sister Regina took the children threw a drawing session to bring forward some of the emotions and feelings that were being kept deep inside. I must say that each child had considerable talent... very expressive in their piece and what they drew about. They were asked to explain the significance of what they drew.

And then a couple of new Nike soccer balls were brought out and we played with the children for a while. There was enough time for me to show a couple of the young boys the famous Ronoldo step--over move. They seemed pretty amazed that "mzee" (old man) still has some fuel in the tank.

A very gratifying day.

We Paint... and We Paint... and We Paint Some More

They say that beauty comes from within. This clinic in Mikindani has done some of its most beautiful work withiin its four walls.... treating those with little to no options related to HIV/AIDS, TB and a host of other infections. But this institution now needs a makeover of its own, so we embarked on a painting project this morning that would give back to this building some of the same shine that we find on the inside.

"Pole" (slow) is a word you come to appreciate and use quite a bit in Kenya.... but "pole sana" (very slow) is gernally the more apropos term. Took a while to get the troops all set up and ready to work this morning, but we quickly came together and put our minds to the one task of giving this old lady (our medicial centre) her day at the spa.

Some children and mothers waiting in queue for treatment or counseling were also introduced to our friendship bracelets. They say a smile is worth a thousand words... what they don't say is that it's worth 10 million shillings to these children in Kenya :-)

From Painting Walls to Soccer Balls

After being in Mombasa for a few days, you become accustomed to the sites and smells that are so uniqure to this part of Africa. It was my first time in the Mikindani part of town this morning. We were ready for a full day of work at the Volunteer Counseling and Testing Medical center.

We worked shoulder-to-shoulder with a local crew prepping the medical center's exterior facade for painting. Everyone chipped in equally, using "msasa" (sandpaper) and "fhagia" (broom), not to mention a variety to other tools, to get the exterior ready for painting. Unfortunately, painting must be a booming business in Mombasa, as our painter did not show up... but we will get to the fun part of the job tomorrow.

But this allowed us time to visit a couple of adjoining schools and surprise the young primary children with brand new Nike soccer balls. To see the action and excitement is something that cannot be put into words. A typical ho-hum recess was turned into complete euphoria.

We hope to do more of the same in the coming days.
                                                                             -Al

Beth and Al in Mombasa, Kenya

Beth (Nike) and Al (Board of Directors, AFCA) arrived in Mombasa, Kenya on Saturday. They are working at the Mikindani slum -painting the clinic AFCA supports. They are also spending some time with the children in the program, playing and getting acquainted.

Here's some photos sent by Beth today.

What is Nike Up to?

Good question! Some Nike employees are busy raising funds and getting into shape so they can climb Kilimanjaro in September. While this might not seem like such a big deal, it really is. These 12 folks are climbing to save the lives of children affected and infected by AIDS.

Check out this little video to learn what Nike is up to - it is amazing what this team is doing. I find it inspirational and hope that many others folks, from all walks of life will decide to do something for others. If you want to volunteer with AFCA or if you want to organize a hike or climb to raise funds for kids in our programs, please get in touch with us. We'll get you going!

Helen Does it Again!

Helen Clark, volunteer extraordinaire, has done it again! Read below to see what this young lady has been up to this summer:

"Helen won both of her events at the 4H Competition: Project Achievement - International - there are 40 project areas, of which International is one, with over 2000 4-Hers competing in one. Helen won 1st!

She also was one of two winners in the state Leadership In Action event. Students submit portfolios about there community service projects - many spring from their Project Achievement work, just like Helen's. She was one of the two state winners and earns a trip to next year's National Conference in Washington, DC - she went this year as one of four state delegates chosen in a stiff application and interview competition! She is so, so excited to be able to go back again.

But the BIGGEST news is she was awarded one of two $1500 grants to continue her leadership project work!!!!! Mosquito nets for kids in Uganda!! This is really coming together!!!! Thanks to Jason Mills, this grant, and all the kids who'll participate, the mostquito nets will be made for the kiddos...so happy about that!

We are exhausted. Tonight is the big banquet with 100s of donors coming. Helen will have at least three groups of donors with which to interact and thank. I hope she can get a nap today as she's getting a little cranky. Pray that she will get a chance to rest and be at her best. She will have great opportunities to talk about AFCA and the mosquito net project in addition to the medical supplies collection work.

Thanks SO much for your work with Helen and me. It's been amazing."

Helen, thanks for caring and thanks for helping our kids. You are an inspiration.

Don't forget the other people

This year has started with a slew of natural disasters, affecting thousands of people. Because of all this suffering, it is hard to decide whom to help. Whatever you do, whomever you help, please be sure not to forget other programs which still count on your support, though!

And, be sure to vet the organizations you help...make sure you know where your donations are going and what they are accomplishing. There is nothing worse than giving because you care just to find out that a LARGE percentage never made it to the people you intended to help. Guidestar.org and other watchdog organizations are good sources to help you figure out these questions.

Thanks for caring!