the One Life Experience

The company annual event held at the Bottle Tree Park had ended on time. It's just past 3 o'clock in the afternoon, and I have time to spare today, so I thought I should drop by the World Vision's exhibition booth for the 'One Life Experience' at the SMU.

The One Life Experience (OLE) is a hands-on, interactive exhibit which focuses on the devastating effects of AIDS on young people in Africa, Cambodia and Singapore. The appeal for volunteers to help man the booth was received some time ago, in Nov/Dec last year but I had not signed up for this project. Partly because of the time constraint and partly because, well, I still am not clear on my personal conviction and views on the issue about HIV and AIDS.

Perhaps it's the lack of information and knowledge in this area that I must say that, I am guilty of the stigma and biased views on HIV and AIDS sufferers. I had always believed that the main channels of contracting the disease is through casual sex and contaminated needles used in.... drug abuse? No, it's not a case of being self-righteous, but rather I don't want to have a misplaced sympathy just because there is an huge publicity and event drive. Really, I need the personal conviction to the cause before I could venture to help.

I would say the exhibition was an eye opener. The delivery approach was a breakthrough. There were 3 audio guided track which we can take, - travelling to the African savanna; or be one whose childhood belongs to the poverised Cambodian village, or stay close to home in Singapore. Either way, learn about AIDS through the eyes of its victims and see the human face of HIV.

The experience brought more insight into the life of the HIV and AIDS victim. The suffering in these 3rd world countries are hard to comprehend for us in this blessed land. My heart goes out to them and I pray that their life would be eased and sufferings removed.

It is said, to love the sinner and hate the sin. Honestly, how many of us can do that? So still, for me, the lingering question....... who are the victims, and who are the culprits?