I'm tired so I hope this post makes sense.
A 40 year old woman in Jake's village died today of AIDS. It was his host mother's cousin. She has 6 children. I guess it's not surprising that people are dying of the disease since approx. 30 % of the Malawi pop are afflicted with it... But, it is interesting to hear how they mourn a death. It is customary for the Malawi people to spend the night with the body and weep. They are not afraid to show their emotions in front of one another. Jacob said he awoke to the sounds of people weeping last night. The women crying trigger the children to cry so there was just a lot of crying...Needless to say, Jake said it was very sad to hear it...As we talked about it, I could tell he was still affected by it. Jake said he and his host father talked candidly about AIDS today. Two young boys in his village also died this week of AIDS. As Jake spends more time there, I'm sure we will hear more about this from him. Sad, but true.
Jacob did extremely well on his language exam and promised to send some of what he has learned in a future letter...For you Gerald :)
He leaves for his permanent site next week, so he might be on the internet as early as next week. Hopefully this means an email to all of us...AND he will get to view the website. He said the other volunteers wish they had thought of this!
I guess they aren't lucky enough to have "communcation assistants" back in the states for them...Come on, we're talking about Jake here....what do you expect?
The "hives" have cleared up. He's doing ok physically, but still sounds upbeat.
Please keep Jake in your thoughts as he travels next week to his new home. Thanks for reading.
All the best,
Sarah
Be careful out there Jake!
Posted by: Aidas at April 8, 2004 08:31 AMletter winging its way to you (snail mail). been keeping up to date. All the best from Saule and the weans.
Posted by: Ewen at April 8, 2004 11:11 AMCan I get a recap on how this system is set up-it's teriffic-all kudos to whomever desrves credit.It's like Jake never left and we all really get to share his experience as well learn first hand about the beauty and tradgedy that is africa.
This administration made noises about doing something about the aids crisis in africa,but as usual the pronouncements were empty of anything tangible. I heard Clinton had put together a coalition to supply generic medicine that may be more readily available to africans.
Can't let knowledge of the suffering of others dampen our spirit too much or we are surely lost-so I'm off tomorrow to hike the Lost Coast into the Matolle watershed.
all the best
gerald
I don't exactly know how this works. I am far from the computer expert that Don is. But, I had to take a chance that through this Jake would get my message. Happy Easter Jake. I pray that God protects you while you are away from us, but doing great work for others in need. This journey of yours amazes me...Take care of yourself, stay healthy. Peace and blessings. Julie
Posted by: julie at April 9, 2004 02:18 AMJulie,
Someone will be sure to give Jake your message.
Sarah
Today is Saturday.Just spoke to Jake and tomorrow, Easter he heads up to check out his permanent village. He's stopping in Msuzu for a few days and thinks he may be accessible via the telephone, so try Sunday through Tuesday. He sounds great;very upbeat about the challenges he faces.We all know he's up to it.
Califon Dad
I sent a written letter to Jake,about three weeks ago.I hope he gets it.I tell my friends here in Mexico about Malawi Jake.It is fascinating to get all of the updtdates.Thanks to the people who have made this possible.
Jnana
hmm..this is quite interesting