Dec 1st

It was an ordinary September class day.... well almost. This day, my university was offering free on-site HIV testing. One swab, about a 20 minute wait and you would know your status. I went in there a lil fearful because I went to school with a lot of my church buddies and I was nervous about entering the clinic and seeing one of them. So I went in early, just in case I ran into someone and would have to leave. Getting tested for the first time was a big deal, not to mention the extra stress I was adding to myself. *scoffs*

As soon as I walked in, I heard "Hey Ola!" I looked up and saw my older cousin! My heart sank into my stomach. The gig was up!! Forget church folk! Someone in the family would know I had sex! I don't even remember saying hi back. I just remember seeing him with a smile, the minor panic attack it induced, turning about face, and heading out the door! I completely forgot he often volunteered for different university events. SMH
Much later, much much later, I went back and got the testing out of the way. After getting the good news, I finally took my first breath of life that day.
Yes, Ola Blessed is an advocate for celibacy and holiness and keeping our bodies as a temple and bleh but let's face it, people are having sex. Times get hard and in some parts of the world it's getting pretty cold. It is officially cuffing season!
And now it's time for our
Short Educational Interlude:
Cuffing Season: The slang term for the habitual tendency of young adults to enter into relationships simply because it's cold outside and to get great gifts for the holidays.
This is often followed by many break ups shortly before or after Valentine's Day.
*recomposes*
So as I was saying, if you are one of those people who are sexually active, have safe sex. Go the extra mile and get tested. If it's been some time since you've gotten it cracking *coughs* still go that extra mile and find out your status if need be. It doesn't hurt to know. Regardless the outcome, you may be saving your life and the lives of others around you. According to the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) 33 million people are living with AIDS worldwide and some of them are not even aware they are infected (www.amfAR.org).
If you haven't already, take some time and a buddy and go out and get tested. Even if it's an entire day's event, takes two trains and a short walk with a childhood friend... it is worth it. Trust me, you'll get a lot of stories out of it. And again, even if you do not receive the best news, it's better to find out sooner and FIGHT.

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:)
Ola

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