Jan/Feb. Update

So just a few recent happenings in my village:

I organized an HIV testing day at my center for last week. That one, along with another unplanned visit by a clinic and its testers, allowed for some relief. There were 75 people in total tested, and 73 were NEGATIVE!!! Huge. And so relieving. For real. I was brainstorming with my supervisor and other volunteers how we would be working out an ARV schedule and education and ARV buddies and clinic transport for visits...Now it's only two people, which is plenty do-able.

I miss Ausi Tsepiso. That brat left Lesotho to go travel around South Africa's coast and now she's in Ethiopia (I think). Then India. Then she will end up home in Israel around June. I'm jealous, but not, because I'm sure she's spending a boat load of money...and that's something I can't do. But either way, I still wish she was here some days. To say funny things and laugh and complain together.

My parents are coming to visit!!!! March of 2009!!! I'm excited. It will be a very touristy visit, but that's okay. They will be coming to southern Africa, a place I'm sure they will not visit twice in their lives! They're the best.

Thanks for the birthday boxes, Judy, Ashley, and Mom & Dad & Obi!! Judy, all the Snickers are now gone, as well as the pretzels. I only shared with two other people. (I'm quite the stingy one when it comes to Snickers...) I even remember the secret candy drawer where you ALWAYS had a stash of them in your kitchen... =) Ash, like I said in my text, my fingertips were throbbing one night. I'll have to start putting tape on them or something. The smelly reeds and pic are cool too. My house smells good and the pic is magnetically sticking on my heater -- I don't exactly have a frig to stick it on...! =) Mom & Dad: You know I brought my pink blanket here, but didn't have room for my pillow when I was packing way back in June. And now I have them both here!!! Thanks!! The M&M's were enjoyed by many other volunteers, as I set them in the middle of the four computers when we were here ALL DAY, and later we all had the worst stomach aches!!! And the speakers and book and little slipper/booties/moo-moo boots? Thanks for thinking of me!!

Pevel, I love the pictures of Leila and the letter, and especially the hair bands and BubbleYum! I hope you got my text. And yeah, don't try to text back. It only worked with one person in the past. And he had Nextel. And I think it was a fluke anyway. But now, you can only text me with Skype. Which is awesome, but I don't know how much it is. No worries. I <3 snail mail the best!!!

Anyway, I must khotso out! Stay well and Happy New Year's and Happy MArdi Gras &...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KIM AND SARA MELICK!!!!!!!! Ha ha you're both older than me!! =)

<3 Am