So here I am at my first clinical day in South Africa. This is a hospice clinic for
AIDs patients. My first day I didn't actually do much work in the clinic. Rather, I went out with members of the supporting church into the surrounding community it serves,
Mpophomeni. The township has an 80% unemployment rate. The clinic is involved in many ways with the community. They teach skills which can turn into a profit, such as knitting or candle making. The
careworkers at the clinic have multiple roles as well such as social worker, advocate, educator, fundraiser, nutritionist, pastor, and numerous other undefined titles. The clinic has four beds and is run only by donation as it is a private organization.
Here are my classmates who were assigned to the same clinic.
This is the building. One story, two bedroom, one bath, kitchen, and small waiting room.
During my clinical, I and the members of the church visited four different homes of people who are HIV positive bringing food and fellowship. The volunteers visit weekly, to the same four houses assigned, bringing food donated and clothing. They connect with the people, have a bible study, and prayer time. The experience was such a
privilege to be part of. They have led many people to salvation in Jesus Christ through this ministry.
Cows, goats, cats, and chickens all roam the streets of
Mpophomeni freely. The housing conditions were far below standard. During the rainy season (which we are entering), water enters into the homes through the holes in the roof, holes between the brick walls, and seep in through the ground. AIDS patients are already
immunocompromised; the conditions certainly do not help maintain their health.
After our community visits, we had a going away party for two of the volunteers. The
careworkers at the clinic sang many beautiful hymns in Zulu. The volunteers at the clinic are primarily from a very rich neighborhood nearby. It was remarkable to see how this common goal and the power of the Gospel brought people together on equal ground in close knit friendship.
No, this is not a headless chicken. I just happened to snap the photo as the head was turned at some awkward angle. I just think this photo is hilarious :)
So here I am at my first clinical day in South Africa. This is a hospice clinic for AIDs patients. My first day I didn't actually do much work in the clinic. Rather, I went out with members of the supporting church into the surrounding community it serves, Mpophomeni. The township has an 80% unemployment rate. The clinic is involved in many ways with the community. They teach skills which can turn into a profit, such as knitting or candle making. The careworkers at the clinic have multiple roles as well such as social worker, advocate, educator, fundraiser, nutritionist, pastor, and numerous other undefined titles. The clinic has four beds and is run only by donation as it is a private organization. 
Here are my classmates who were assigned to the same clinic.
This is the building. One story, two bedroom, one bath, kitchen, and small waiting room.
During my clinical, I and the members of the church visited four different homes of people who are HIV positive bringing food and fellowship. The volunteers visit weekly, to the same four houses assigned, bringing food donated and clothing. They connect with the people, have a bible study, and prayer time. The experience was such a privilege to be part of. They have led many people to salvation in Jesus Christ through this ministry.
Cows, goats, cats, and chickens all roam the streets of Mpophomeni freely. The housing conditions were far below standard. During the rainy season (which we are entering), water enters into the homes through the holes in the roof, holes between the brick walls, and seep in through the ground. AIDS patients are already immunocompromised; the conditions certainly do not help maintain their health.
After our community visits, we had a going away party for two of the volunteers. The careworkers at the clinic sang many beautiful hymns in Zulu. The volunteers at the clinic are primarily from a very rich neighborhood nearby. It was remarkable to see how this common goal and the power of the Gospel brought people together on equal ground in close knit friendship. 
No, this is not a headless chicken. I just happened to snap the photo as the head was turned at some awkward angle. I just think this photo is hilarious :)
THAT BABY!!! I took a picture with that beautiful baby. Is his sister still alive?
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