Last week in Upington

---

Leaving tomorrow for Cape Town so today is my last full day here! I'm excited to explore Cape Town and hopefully see some pretty cool stuff.

Tuesday was my last day working at Oasis. The kids made me a necklace, a bag, and a little beaded purse.. it's all so cute. I've worn the necklace out twice already. I went to see couple movies this week with some of my friends that I've met here. I'm going to miss them. I go to this little cafe here in town and have coffee and read occasionally. I'll definitely miss that little cafe!

Willem, the dance teacher at Oasis asked me more of his questions Tuesday and I went to say goodbye to his father. It's kind of fun when he asks me questions. He asks me akinda of stuff just to see how I answer. He likes to learn from people of other cultures so he enjoys talking with people. He asks me things like "what is the american dream? if you are a bad person what happens when you die? do you believe in life after death? will you teach your little girl about God? do you believe in love at first site? what age do you want to get married? what are your goals? why do you admire? if you had 12 seconds to talk to your worst enemy what would you say?". His questions make me think a lot, but it's good. I have learned a lot about myself this way! 😊

I went to a support groupmeeting Wednesday and met 5 members who are living with HIV. We talked a lot about the stigma and things that they go through. One woman in the group has been treated very badly by her family since she disclosed her status to them. They make her use her own bowl, her own, spoon, her own cup, and they ask her to sleep in a different area and sometimes ask her to leave the home. Her sister gets drunk and goes around the neighborhood telling the community about her sister's status, trying to get them to treat her badly as well. Her sister also physically abuses her and other members of the support group take her to the hospital when this happens. This has been going on for 3 years. It was terribly sad to hear the woman talk with us about what she goes through. I knew the stigma was bad in some areas but I didn't think about what it would be like for your own family to treat you badly. My family is very important to me.. so I can only imagine how bad this treatment makes the woman feel. Other members of the group talked about how community members will whisper things about them when they walk by

---

Comments

[Ron]

upington
its great what you did for the people in upington. however, ive been there for eight years and its a tough life. people get all in your business and the amount of gossiping is amazing!

[Dave Williams]

Unselfishness
Krista....I am Dave from Applebees here in Jacksonville. Your mom told me about your travel blog and I have been reading it every now and then. It is so good to meet such an unselfish young person like you. I know your mom is very proud of you and she misses you very much. Hope you have a safe trip home next week and hope to see you when you get back......take care....David Williams

[Austin]

It's been so awesome reading all of your entries..I try to imagine all of the situations that you've been through there, and it seems like you have learned so so much! And that you've really taken advantage of your time there! Have a great last few days!!!