it would be virtually impossible to go back and try to catch up on all that has happened over the past 4 wks.
anyway, apparently today is World AIDS Day... which i didn't know, until i walked into town and saw crowds of people and signs hanging up all over declaring "keep Kalimpong AIDS free!", and then a guy shoving a red marker in my face asking me to sign the banner.
a few weeks ago, i met a lady at the hospital named Geetu, who counsels AIDS victims. as i sat and listened to her stories, my heart ached. only in the past few years has "AIDS education" come to this area. Geetu shared of the many, many young people who are testing positive for HIV and heart breaking stories of "call girls" who are seemingly unaware of the dangers of their chosen lifestyle. the "call girls" are mostly from local universities, probably girls that i pass on the street weekly, but never know the secrets and shame hidden in their hearts.
kalimpong is a small town - seemingly far removed from society, yet somewhat modern. it's a huge melting pot. there are mosques, hindu temples, buddhist monasterys, churches - just pick your religion. surprisingly, it's a peaceful area. minus the random strikes now and then, and the Ghorka's who won't relent until their have their own state (Ghorkaland) separate from India. (kinda like Palestine and Israel)
not only is it a melting pot of religions - it's also filled with the nations. so much so that half the time i cant even tell who's Tibetan and who's Nepali :)
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