Each person in attendance introduced themselves and shared how they are related to Amazima. Glory was given to God while discussing all of the ways he has carried our families. Through the hard times and the good times, everyone agreed that God is good- ALL the time!
Following introductions, we started the day by going over basic information about HIV and AIDS. Although basic facts are pretty well known among the Ugandan families, they are often times mixed with misinformation. This educational segment of the day provided us with a great opportunity to debunk any myths circling around the communities. Our favorite truth to promote? HIV is NOT a death sentence!
The first day was mainly informational. During the second day of our workshop, two guest speakers who are HIV-positive discussed healthy lifestyles for people living with HIV. They also talked about the hard issue of disclosure (openness in informing others).
Often times, people who are diagnosed with HIV face stigma and discrimination. A powerful time of group counseling was held where emotions, stories, and thoughts about the individual and communal challenges of living with HIV were shared. Participants told their stories and exchanged ideas about how to cope with some of these difficulties.
By the end of the day, the group expressed interest in meeting again. There was a special feeling of unity and relief in sharing burdens that are culturally expected to be kept a secret.
The grandmother of one of our sponsored children shared at the end of the day,
"This is a disease of acceptance. Sometimes its hard to accept that this is happening to you, but once you accept it, you can move on. Afterall, now we know, this is not a death sentence!"
Thank you to all of those who have donated to our medical care fund and prayed for our HIV and AIDS support workshop. We truly believe hearts will be changed through these times as families gather together. These families have carried many burdens in their lives and need to know that there is a safe place for them to be supported.
We are thankful that no mater what, God is good, all the time!
praying for your ministry! God is doing such a great work in Uganda.
ReplyDeleteOur God is greater than all. Though the world discriminates them, He loves people living with AIDS.
ReplyDeleteKatie,
ReplyDeleteThis past Saturday a friend handed me your book out of the blue. . . and today (Monday - home sick) I read it through from beginning to end. I had lost my way (purpose) and through your book I found it again. I work for an agency (15 years now) that provides permanent housing to chronically mentally ill homeless adults. In this United States where social security & food stamps provide for the needs of all under my care (many on SS have higher income than I do) I've allowed myself to become complacent but your book woke me up. . . mostly to sincere prayer. . . to find purpose in the place God has put me, and thankfully, has given me a different attitude and perspective.
My husband and I want to sponsor Uganda children in your care and look forward to helping in other ways too. Thank you for your selfless ministry and for sharing what God is doing in your book and web site. The stories are so very precious and inspiring and brought new spiritual life into my soul. You, your family and extended family are in our prayers and in our hearts. The bracelet from your web site that I am ordering will remind me of you and the life changing thoughts I read in your book. Be well, dear sister, dear Katie! Dee
Amen Dee! I pray that we would all stop being complacent. We don't realize how blessed we are and how we need to be more dependent upon the Lord. I pray that you be Bold in your job and begin to look at your job as a ministry so that you never look at your job the same. Praise the Lord that he still wants a relationship with us and continues to work on our ugly hearts!
ReplyDeleteCarla
Hi Katie,
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to share a little note that our 8 year old daughter wrote today:
Dear Katie, I am Anna. My Mummy, Sister, Brother and I are reading your book together. Your girls are so cute! You are so kind to them. We live in New Zealand and we homeschool. My big brother goes to school where my Dad is Principal. We are loving reading your story. Lots and lots of love, Anna xx :)
We continue to be inspired, each day, as we read of your journey. Your example of complete dependence on God and your ability to do all things through Him makes us all want to love more selflessly and make a difference. Thanks so much for sharing.
Rosemary
Wonderful!
ReplyDelete