To all WAIT friends and family:

Washington AIDS International Teens

WAIT teaches people of all ages, races, religions, and cultures about the science of HIV. We advocate getting tested, living abstinent until a lifetime partnership, and good health care for those infected. We teach through the performing arts and other talents and skills, including electronic media and communication. WAIT works with anyone wishing to stop to AIDS in their communities and across the globe.

From the global front:

My WAIT visit to East Africa

By Marshall de Souza

On April 4th until the 11th, I embarked on an exciting visit to Uganda and Tanzania in order to see things there myself, and to be able to make real plans for the WAIT UK trip this summer. Even a fifteen hour delay at Heathrow Airport at the start of my journey didn’t put a damper on this very worthwhile and fruitful journey...

Read the full story...

News from the State Teams

State teams are now encouraged to grow to the “next level” by becoming trainers of new teams.  The Ohio and Kentucky teams recently joined two one year trainers in Detroit to teach the Michigan youth the “ropes” of being a WAIT team: song, dance, fundraising, clean up and family-style collaboration.  Here are some of their reflections on that experience.

Reflections on the Detroit Training by Ohio Trainers:

"This was my first training…I thought that everything went well and the schedule was good.  The Michigan team learned a lot and were inspired to continue with WAIT." (Hiro P.)

"I was really happy to learn three new acts, especially “Beauty from Pain.”  I feel I can directly relate to it.  I love how intense and pure the emotion in it is; it’s so strong and it touches people." (Harmony B.)

"It feels like most of us gained from this, and I feel more open to meeting new people and speaking to strangers." (Yong Sung M.)

"It was the best training I’ve been a part of so far…It was really amazing to work with them, they were extremely positive, hard workers."  (Il Seuk M.)

"This was my first time being a trainer officially.  I tried to push myself to be active and focused at all times, and that worked out pretty well."  (Andreas C.)

"Seeing a new team gave me inspiration to work harder.  The new team worked so hard and grew so much that I don’t doubt one day they could be teaching us.  Internally, I learned about how much the heart matters in our message.  Externally, I learned 3 new acts.  “Wait For Me” is a great song, I’m proud to have learned it. “Desert Rose” is an amazing and beautiful dance about unity, an awesome dance that reaches all races.  “Beauty from Pain” is such a touching, beautiful and graceful dance, and I’m happy I learned it.  It fits our message greatly and touches the audience to tears."

(Grace B.)

"When in Michigan, I felt like it was a test for me to take more initiative and to try to get many things done in a short period of time." (Chris C.)

"I’ve been in WAIT for nearly three years and have never REALLY understood why.  The Detroit training helped me to understand that I am doing this to save lives, and that I can really change the culture.  I now know that I have the power to change the minds and hearts of people and lead them to a better lifestyle.  I gained the desire to grow and now I want to take more responsibility for the KY WAIT team. I hope that I helped someone from Michigan to grow as much as they helped me to grow."  (Elizabeth W.)

"I was very happy and grateful for the presence of two WAIT trainers from Washington D.C., Christella and Juliette.  They brought a strong, bright spirit and made a huge impact.  I personally find my true self in the situation where I have to give.  As “busy” as I was back home, with my studies and such, I knew very well that there was no way I could not invest myself in the Detroit WAIT team.  There was no question about it, so even for just a day, I pushed other things aside and am so happy I did." (Claire M.)

"Andreas surprised us with his testimony on how to take care of at-risk youth, with a true heart and authority of an elder brother.  He shared his deep realization on why those who date know very well that they should not, but giving lectures is not what they need.  LOVE is missing in their lives, and this is what he is giving to his friends. 

"We had a parents meeting with about 10 parents.  This was a big breakthrough that happened naturally; I am gaining confidence in talking to a large audience and dealing with many small situations. We thank you for sending two precious WAIT trainers, Christella and Juliette, who did a wonderful job of teaching, training and embracing the younger brothers and sisters with a beautiful and untiring heart." (Aunt Aye Jin M.)

Check the Detroit trip report!

Share your heart! Contact us on what you think!

E-mail: info@waitteam.org

Phone: (301) 577-1094

Address: 7752 Decatur Rd., Hyattsville, MD 20784