Today the North American Safari recognized World AIDS Day in Calgary, Alberta.    This morning the team went just down the street to Rundle College for an assembly and a chance to chat and interact with some of the students afterward.  All the students at Rundle, as well as the whole MCF team were wearing red ribbons to honour those who are affected and infected by HIV/AIDS around the world.

Annastacia & Ramah share how HIV/AIDS has affected their lives

 

Mbithi & Mumina chat with new friends from Rundle College

The MCF Choir with their new friends at Rundle College

 

After the bus got put in the shop for some tire repaires, we had to get creative with transportation to the next venue – The Calgary Centre for Positive Living in downtown Calgary.  It was an intimate concert with a very meaningful way to honour the day.  At the end of the program we had a moment of silence to reflect on the significance of the day, then one by one each MCF team member lit a candle and shared who they were lighting the candle for.  Annastacia lit a candle in honour of her mother, Ogutu lit a candle in honour of his parents, and others lit candles in honour of specific people or groups of people that have been infected and affected by HIV/AIDS all over the world. 

It was a very moving experience and as I walked up on stage to close the evening and saw the sincerety in the eyes of the team, I couldn’t hold back the tears.

Each year I’ve paid specific attention to World AIDS Day, but this year is different.  Today I recognized the day with a group of remarkable young people whose lives have been touched by this pandemic.  Young people who could have given up hope, but who choose to focus on the promise of tomorrow. 

Zubeda wasn’t able to perform this evening but when we got home, she got a chance to light her candle.  Here’s what Zubeda wanted to share about the day:

Zubeda lighting a candle for her mother

My mom died of HIV/AIDS when I was four years old.  It was not her fault.  For many people who are affected, it may not be their fault, so they shouldn’t lose hope in life.  It doesn’t mean that if you are affected you have no life, but have courage in life and struggle for your future.  HIV/AIDS is like another disease so don’t give up in your life because God is the one who has hold of your life.

 Today was World AIDS Day and I am lighting a candle in remembrance of my mom and also all the people of the world that are affected and infected by HIV/AIDS.

 There is hope in life.  In everything that you do, God has a purpose for it.  He has the plans.  I know it’s not easy for someone to speak out his or her problems but you need to find a friend that you trust to communicate to and that will help you to solve the problem.

We are here to speak out on behalf of our many brothers and sisters back home so that you may see the hope that we have and be blessed.

Thank you,

Zubeda