For the last time this is the first batch of the HOPE Project 2010: Tangulu, Pauline, Jessica, Sarah and Dorien. With a tear on our cheeck and a smile on our face we say goodbye to you all. Hopefully it is not goodbye at all, but a 'see you later at some time, some where...'
During the last six weeks...
- We have educated more than 500 students on HIV/AIDS
- We were warmly welcomed in 5 Malaysian Schools and 1 university
- We worked closely together with 2 NGO's
- We have visited 4 shelters for people living with HIV/AIDS
The numbers are nice but actually that is not what counts the most. What will stay with us forever is:
- The warm welcome at the schools and the eagerness and curiosity of the students
- Playing with the really cute and sweet children, enjoying their childhood even though they are HIV+
- The house wife who still feels blessed even though she is HIV+ because at least now she can help other people
- The transgenders who have HIV, but are above all positive and make sure that they smile, laugh and enjoy life every single day
- The drug user who lived on the street but found a way out and is now happily married and helping other people who are in the same situation he was in and opens his house and heart to them
- The doctor who is retired but comes to work in the community shelter every day, helps the patients and makes them feel loved and wanted
- The french family who gave up their known and comfortable environment to use their knowledge for something meaningful
- The patient who helps the other patients to walk again
-...
These are the just a couple of the examples of the situations and people who made this a life changing experience for us.
Thank you to everyone who made this possible:
- The AIESEC'ers at UPM: you are amazing! It was a great pleasure to get to know you all, thank you for everything you guys and girls did and for making it an unforgetable summer for us. We loved your spirit and your friendship, lah ;)
- To the 2nd batch: It was great to get to know you all! We are sure you guys and girls will rock!
- To all the schools we visited and students we had a chance to meet: You made it possible for us to make a difference! Thank you! We can only hope you will all have a wonderful and healthy life! We wish you nothing but the best!
- To everyone at the Pink Triangle Foundation and at M.A.C.: thank you for giving us a chance to get to know you, it was an absolute honor! Thank you for opening our eyes and minds!
- To all the people we met at the shelters: you are the ultimate example of positive thinking and living. You were, are and will always continue to be our inspiration.
- To everyone that does something, big or small to stop this virus and that support people living with HIV/AIDS: there are not enough words for what you do. We have nothing but love and respect for you!
To all the fans out there we want to share the most important lesson we learned: 'Be grateful for the life you have and reach a hand out to someone... it makes a world of difference!'
With lots of love!
See you and have a wonderful life!
Jessica, Pauline, Tangulu, Sarah and Dorien
