Why Lobsters?

As we're sure most of you are wondering, where did "Wandering Lobsters" come from? To put it simply, it's a reference to an episode from the sitcom, Friends, where the character Phoebe explains her lobster theory to show how she knows Ross and Rachel were meant to be. She states, "It's a known fact that lobsters fall it love and mate for life. You can actually see old lobster couples walking around there tank holding claws." We picked up the nickname ourselves when we first started dating in college, and for whatever reason it has stuck with us since then.

Monday, November 26, 2012

This is HIV/AIDs Awareness in Kenya


When we arrived in Kenya, I was hoping to be able to volunteer at the hospital offering HIV/AIDS awareness and counseling at the nearby hospital. While I have been able to volunteer inside the small pharmacy at the hospital clinic, the opportunity to counsel hasn’t been available as I expected (the Kipepeo volunteer, Jesse, who usually does counseling is now taking classes in Kisumu which is an hour away).
Still, we have met one amazing person who is making a difference in the community, and we were able to spend a day with him.  His name is Dan, and his is HIV positive himself.  He’s been positive for many years and was very sick at one time.  Many people in Kenya refuse the treatment for HIV/AIDS because they are in denial they are sick.  There is still a strong stigma in the community when you let others know your status, and some would rather waste away in their homes than seek help.  This is mindboggling to us, especially since U.S.AID provides all the antiretrovirals at no cost.

This is Dan! He's 51 years old now

Dan was in denial many years ago, and he was prepared to die and take his family with him.  He dug a grave in his backyard and bought a coffin.  But something changed within him and he decided he should face the disease and start taking medications himself.  Now his work is to go throughout the community to convince others that are not taking medications to start taking them and live their lives. We were able to follow Dan for a day, and we got to visit 3 people whose lives he’s touched.  We brought them a few gifts and were able to learn their stories about gaining their health and strength back over the past months since they started taking medications.
Giving gifts!

She was so happy to have us visit her home

Dan also goes throughout the community and paints messages about HIV/AIDS on big rocks that can be seen from the road if someone drives by.  So the four of us (Sam and myself, and also the Japanese volunteers, Yumi and Mariko) hiked down the road one morning to find our rocks.  You can see our message below!





(Written November 22nd)
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1 comment:

  1. AnonymousNovember 26, 2012 at 6:57:00 AM EST

    Erin: What an amazing and uplifting story! Thanks for sharing your gifts and talents with others.
    Love, Kathy

    ReplyDelete

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