For three months I went to a former high school (Cate) teacher, Jim Durham for writing. Ha, he would laugh if he is reading my blog right now- my writing is still raw like the day I met him. Religiously though, every Tuesday afternoon, I arrived at his house with the door slightly ajar. I always found him sitting on the tan sofa, reading a Hemingway or something rather. His house smelled of yellowed pages and a scent of presence. Slowly, he would put on his slipper and walk to the kitchen to meet me. The teakettle was already on the fire. I always had tea and he always had a cold soda. Those were the memorable days. Writing, talking about books, playing guitars together. What he taught me, was passion. “Reading is like having sex, why rush?” he would say. And writing is to write what you believe. When you do, you are convincing and you are smooth.
Well, working at Etafeni is also all about the magic- when you believe. Everyone, everyone, here is here because they believe in the change they make. Some have lost family members and some are affected, others simply can no longer stand the ignorance. Up to administrative work and fundraising, down to every beadwork or even cooking rotation, things happen on their own. Nkosi, who is always there counseling his patients. Teresa and the ladies of Income Generating Program, who bead, sew, and sing simultaneously. Luvuyo and him typing nonstop in front of his little computer scene. Pumeza and colorful classroom for the 5 years olds. Vincent, who cares for the center like it is his own house, sweeping, weeding, watering, and watching over every plant in the garden… I almost thought they were partying when I walked by a meeting of theirs. Honestly, it was lively and full of laughter. I guess, they’ve all seen the worse and life is to make the best and most of it. They are full of love. No matter how little the pay, they are all content- they are doing something right. There is no competition because everyone is trying his best. Their goal is simple. Stop AIDS. It is magic, when you believe.
Comments