Rejoice

So yesterday I got my computer back after its lengthy stay in the emergency room. After extensive surgery on my hard drive I was able to recover pretty much all of my important files, which prompted me to let out a massive sigh of relief. It really is amazing, in this day and age, how dependant we are on computers. It took this recent scare to make me fully realize this very point. I also found it ironic that, as an HIV/AIDS Research Associate, I was almost brought down by a deadly computer virus. From now on, I think I’m going to wrap my computer in a giant condom

I’m also very excited about a proposal that I am working on for a potential partnership between MMF and some MFIs in Swaziland. I will be traveling to Swaziland in early January to observe some of their work on HIV/AIDS and determine what areas MMF could provide technical assistance. The future prospects look promising and it is exciting to be a part of a visionary process for HIV/AIDS and microfinance in this part of the world. Swaziland also holds a special place in my heart. When I visited the Swazi homesteads last month and heard the emotional songs of HIV/AIDS from the children I was overcome with grief for the dire situation facing these communities suffering under the incredible burden of this terrible disease. It prompted me to write the following,

“How can one not be moved to a point of tears by this continent?

It’s darkness
And it’s unforgettable light

It’s sorrow
And it’s admirable strength

It’s pain
And it’s encapsulating joy

She has drawn us from all over the world
And we’ve all left her behind

Her rhythm beats in our hearts
And her suffering brings us to shame”