HIV Workshop at the Modern School

This morning, we woke up really early, and went to this beautiful school to conduct our last HIV workshop-this one focusing on drug and substance abuse. The group was about 30 students in "class 12" who were participatory and eager to answer our questions. The workshop began with a brief summary of HIV/AIDS, then we talked about discrimination and stigma. The students brainstormed adjectives for how they feel when they are accepted in a group and when they are discriminated against. We explained that people who are HIV positive often deal with discrimination on a daily basis. Then, we discussed how to balance power and fight stigma. The students had encouraging responses, such as, "treat others the way you want to be treated" and "become educated and aware of HIV." After a brief skit about a girl who became HIV positive after having unprotected sex when she was drunk, I transitioned into drug awareness, ways to talk about drugs with your family and friends and ways to say no. The students seemed to have a strong grasp on the subject matter. Even though they said that they didn't encounter pressure to do drugs, they made it apparent that it was an issue that other students at their school face and that they would likely face if they went to college. I always get a sense of gratification after the workshops. If I helped keep one student drug free today, it was a success. If they can remember one message about discrimination that was discussed today, it was a success.

Also, some promising news on the dance show....it looks like it will possibly be happening on Wednesday! Blog readers: KEEP YOUR FINGERS CROSSED FOR ME!!!

Yesterday was our last day with Winnie and the General. They left for the USA last night so they had us over for a delicious, mouth-watering lunch. I will truly miss the tomato paste paneer. It is my most favorite Indian dish, with such a savory medley of sweet and creamy flavors. The squares of cheese squish between your teeth with an almost squeaky sensation. This other dish, which resembles white chunky lumps, has been slowly growing on me as well. From what I can tell, it is chick peas mixed with sour cream and something else to make it rather watery. Dripping this on top of red beans and rice is such a lovely combination of tang. Then, it must be mentioned...the vanilla ice cream (unlike any vanilla I've ever tasted, a heavenly, out of this world delight) and mango dessert is truly a scrumtrulescent highlight of the meal. I will definitely miss Winnie and the General's powerful presence in the office. They are the most kind and generous people, yet without words, they demand respect in a way that is unmatched. I've never felt so welcome and comfortable and yet simultaneously on the tip of my toes and uneasy in my life.

I can tell that I am getting anxious for the next leg of my journey. I received the documentation and travel itinerary yesterday and last night, I couldn't sleep because I was so wound up thinking about how much room I will have in my suitcase, and what I need to bring. There is so much to think about! This part of the trip has been poorly planned, likely because it is at the very end and because I figured it would all be taken care of through the tour agency that I'm going with. But after reviewing the information, I'm realizing that I need to focus on what is in my near future....Bangkok, Cambodia and Vietnam.

And, I'm homesick. Terribly homesick and tired of traveling. My whole body is tired and I am yearning for the comforts of home. I know that I just need to buck up because I will look back and think of this trip as one of the best experiences of my life. However, at this point in the summer, going on a trip where I'm traveling somewhere new every day and sightseeing from sunup to sundown sounds like death. I'm just ready to sleep in my own big bed, see my beautiful dog and eat a burger. Enough of this vegetarian shit.

Peace.