An update..

It’s been a while so I need to give you a small update on what i’ve been up to. I’m still working for the organization in the mountains, and we go out and talk to youth, parents and teachers about HIV/AIDS, birth control, STDs and more. During the HIV talks I share my experiences from the clinic in Riobamba. The kids are always excited to see me and I love working with them.

   The clinic where I work and my favorite boys from the adolescent Sunday group

If we don’t go out and talk we stay in the clinic and I have taught Elsita how to work Powerpoint so we are creating new materials for presentations. One day I got creative and made some HIV info pamplets or fliers that they put up on the wall. See below. We have been in some incredibly remote and COLD areas where im in 3 layers and 2 jackets and still freezing, then you have little kids with barelegs and no diapers running around. I’m assuming they have adapted but I have no idea how.

 My artwork lol 

This program I’m working with is sponsored by Planned Parenthood so we had a visit from a big group from Planned Parenthood. The teens had prepared a play/socio drama about HIV that they acted out and they spoke to the Americans about what this program has done for them personally and how its helping the indidgenous communities of this region. This was all a great experience besides for the fact that me and Elsita, that I work with, had to stand outside (it’s very cold this far up in the mountains) for an hour on the side of the road waiting for the bus with the Americans to show them the small road turn they had to take to find the school they kids were doing their presentation.

 Here is the school

There is a what looks like a deserted shack along the road that has become my favorite restaurant in this area. See pictures below. This lady is here daily for lunch and cooks up the most delicious meal ever for $1 or less.

  Fine dining!

The organization that I work for also has a youth group that meet on Sunday mornings and they learn about safe sex, STDs, self esteem etc here and after a certain time they can go out and educate other youth. I showed up there 2 Sundays ago and one of the ladies told me she had to go for a little but for me to go in and start talking about HIV. Totally unprepared as usual.