Rejoicing in new life
As Christians around the globe celebrate the miracle of the resurrection this Eastertide, we continue to seek the new life that springs forth from the brokenness in our world today. It is this assurance that out of despair and darkness we witness the risen Christ that gives us hope for renewal amidst human suffering all around us.
Canadian Lutheran World Relief witnesses to this renewal in its commitment to helping make life better for those in need around the world. Glimpses of new life are revealed in the stories of those whose lives have been touched by this work. Alice's story is one of many.
Alice was born in Maputo, the capital city of Mozambique, in October 1968. She is married with four grown children. Her favourite colour is yellow and watching soccer is a much-enjoyed pastime.
In 1991 Alice travelled to South Africa looking for a job. She worked in a restaurant in Johannesburg until she got sick and had to return home in 2003. After being hospitalized, tests revealed that she was HIV positive.
Not long after, Alice was connected with CLWR-supported nurses and volunteers (activistas) working with HIV and AIDS patients in the Chamanculo area of Maputo. During home-based care visits she received counselling support, had access to health services, anti-retroviral (ARV) medication and was provided food baskets to ensure she had proper nutrition.
By late 2003 Alice had recovered her strength and though she continued to live with HIV she wanted to help others living with HIV and AIDS by becoming an activista herself. First she wanted to break the silence about living with HIV. She used her own experience to sensitize community members about the virus, persuading them to go for testing, helping them access ARV drugs and encouraging them to adopt a hopeful attitude.
In 2006 this courageous and persistent woman became the LWF Chamanculo project Counsellor. Due to her strong character and professional qualities she has became known by various humanitarian organizations and is often invited to take part in meetings and workshops to share her own experience with other people. Recently she was invited by the World Bank to take part in awareness-building sessions on HIV and AIDS in the work place.
Alice gives thanks for the new life she has personally experienced in her own struggle for survival. Her commitment to helping others gives them hope for renewal as well.
