When we started out to adopt 2 years ago, I was clueless about adopting children with HIV. I have learned so much from parents who are willing to share their stories. Now, none of my children are HIV+ but it wouldn't scare us to adopt a child with HIV. For some kids, getting the good nutrition they can get in the States is enough to boost their immune systems. For other children, for as little as $60/month, they can be treated and live a full, healthy life, able to have healthy children and live to see them grow into adulthood. $60/month is so little when we have so much here in the States.
In many countries, however, these children will be turned out of an orphanage when they reach 12-15 years old and the stigma of being an orphan with HIV will follow them. They will not be able to work, find housing or medical care- for no fault of their own. Some children will be transferred to an institution where they will live the rest of their lives without the love of a family.
Reece's Rainbow does an excellent job of advocating for orphans with significant medical needs, including HIV. Copy this link and look into the eyes of these beauties who are in desperate need of homes. http://reecesrainbow.org/category/waitingchildren/hiv
Happy Adoption Month!
There are 33 million people living with HIV/AIDS. 47% are women and 16% are children. People threw rocks at my girls house in Africa. I wonder if it was because their parents were HIV+.
ReplyDeleteAmen! Doesn't scare me at all either. ;0) Thanks for the sweet comment on my blog. Amy
ReplyDeleteYou have a beautiful family.
ReplyDeleteOur youngest little guy (turned 3 today) tested positive for HIV when he was born. He is clear now and is such a blessing to us. He's been home (along with four others- we have eight children adopted from Haiti and 10 bios) since Feb. 25th. You have an awesome family, and I am very excited to find out that we are neighbors! (MN!)
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