This picture has a story. First, it is important to note that this photo has not been enhanced in any way. This is an actual photo of a lion lounging by a pond in southern Uganda. It's also important to note that a zoom lense was not used and that this was the actual distance from camera to lion. I, Melanie Brown, am the photographer, and I took this picture while standing in a truck along with six friends and a guide on safari in November of 2007. We drove right up to the lion, noisy in our approach. Not only did he not budge, he barely acknowledged our existence. I was flabbergasted, but mostly curious. I asked our guide, "Isn't he scared of us?" Our guide answered nonchalantly, "No, he's the king of the jungle." Then reality struck hard. I should be the scared one. This lion rules this land. He has no reason to be scared. He knows his role in this world and is comfortable and confident in it.

I asked a second question, but this time in my head and to myself, "What is my role in this world?".

Whatever one's belief system in this life, no one can argue that there is an order to things here on earth. Some will be kings of their realm, whether by birth or achievement, and rule with confidence; some will serve the kings and maintain the order and balance; some will simply exist, their presence having little to no impact; and others will live only to be victimized, abused and abandoned.

The last category of people is the reason for HIHIA. The continent of Africa is filled with people who go unnoticed, their suffering unattended. Far removed from the king(s), these people are filled with fear and insecurity about the future. Andy and Gay Wilkinson, the founders of HIHIA, were overwhelmed by the absence of awareness and services to those infected with HIV/AIDS in Southern Africa. Today, HIHIA supports individuals and projects devoted to caring for the needs of the infected and affected, helping them find hope, courage and confidence--allowing them to imagine, perhaps for the first time in their lives, that they have a role to play, an impact to make. 

My first day as Executive Director for HIHIA was Dec. 1st, 2011. It also was the day I answered my second question.       

**Melanie Brown is Executive Director for HIHIA. "Executive Director's Cut" will be a regular blog posting. To contact Melanie directly, send an email to melanie@handinhandinafrica.com. 

Resego needed to see a pediatric neurologist.  It would be July before she could be seen. But, the call came the day we landed in South Africa that a cancellation would allow her in the next day! She passed with great applause. Just need an EEG to prove it!

First, on the agenda of 2011's oversite trip was Kenya. Andy and Gay visited old friends and colleagues to encourage and network. Results were a new contact. Welcome Dickson -- best cheetah guide at Rekero Safari Camp! Dickson is asking HIHIA to come to his home Masai village to do HIV/AIDS awareness campaign. Keep an eye on this request. . .

On to SA next, visiting Tabitha Ministries in Kwa Zulu Natal with Elias Mashishi and Bethuel Motau from MFCC. Only if a child has no family member and no village family able to take  him in does the child become an orphan.  Andy holds one of Tabitha's 5 infants in the baby care at this time.

Time with our dear friends, Rob and Helena Henderson and their church and friends, all supporters of MFCC and caregivers to Wilkinsons while in country allowed us to hear the heart of locals and process the status of South Africa from an urban viewpoint. On to the rural villages and lots of visits with our "children and grand children." Time with the Board of MFCC, staff of MFCC and a new Peace Corp Volunteer assigned directly to MFCC, Melissa. Visits were made with local hospital officials; several large gatherings in village churches; meetings with BGR Regional Director of Sub-Saharan Africa, Mark Hatfield, wife, Susan, and daughter, Rachel; visits with AIDS patients to thank them for joining in the new campaign efforts; training sessions for the early childhood Learning Basket; and networking with whoever crosses our path while traveling in the rural. Last stop: Johannesburg! Networking with educators from Europe, more "sons and daughters" visits. We were shopping for products to make African crafts available in American retail shops for a profit to HIHIA!!! After 6 weeks a 17 hr overseas flight for a total of 21 hours of air time! At last, our own bed in Canyon TX so we could get used to the 9 hour time change before tackling 9100 feet elevation at our home in CO. Thank you all for your support while we were gone and all you do for HIHIA year round. Please consider getting involved on a financial basis--DONATE NOW on this website.

On to SA, we visited Tabitha Ministries in Kwa Zulu Natal with Elias Mashishi and Bethuel Motau from MFCC. Nursing Sister Gail Trollip directs Tabitha. She and her staff of volunteers care for 60+ orphans, fund 3000 children in school uniforms and shoes where they receive not only teaching, but a much needed meal a day. Tabitha through its doners moved 20 tons of food into Sweetwaters Community in Fall 2010--which did not ensure a meal a day for a family -- child headed households!  Please consider getting involved on a financial basis--DONATE NOW on this website.

Saturday, April 9 Andy and Gay met with the board of MFCC in Mmametlhake SA. Lots of new ideas were exchanged. New to the focus for MFCC is "community awareness campaigns." These public forums include information about how you get AIDS and what your options are for a quality life with HIV. MFCC is partnering with the local medical clinics at these campaigns. Testing is available at the campaign along with pre and post test counselling.Local AIDS sufferers are finding relief at declaring their status publicly at these campaigns as well as encouraging others to "know your status."