Guardians of Hope

On Thursday Andre who is the manger of Guardians of Hope joined us for the day. Guardians of Hope is a partnership of CBM and AEBR. The focus of the program is to assist families infected with HIV/Aids. Andre explained that they are a number of components to the program. After his introduction we drove to the community where we have been building the classroom. We visited the church where a number of families and the local association of Guardians of Hope had gathered to welcome us. There was a number of speeches and prayers. Then several members presented gifts to us in appreciation of are visit. They also gave us some mais (corn) to eat which was very special because the did not have enough for themselves.

We then went into the village to visit with four families infected/affected by HIV/Aids. This was definitely the most difficult and emotional part of are trip so far. We took gifts of rice, cooking oil etc. to each family. The first family was a mother and five kids. The mother is very, very sick but still allowed us to visit. After presenting the gifts some of the team prayed for her. We them proceeded to visit the other three families who all appeared to be doing well because of the support and assistance from Guardians of Hope. Two of the families were very proud to show us the rabbits they had received from CBM that now allow them to generate income for their families because the rabbits are so prolific. One family also had a couple of goats the had received from CBM. A team member prayed for each family. Our visits to these families included what seemed like the whole village as we were followed to each home by a crowd of children and some adults.

After this emotional time John explained that he was taking us to rest at "Paradise".