Living with HIV in an Orphanage in Thailand

I write from Thailand.

Yesterday I helped take 31 little kids who are HIV positive to the hospital for check ups and new meds. I juggled, played while they waited and tried to comfort the ones who were not happy to have blood drawn! Conversations were minimal, but I did help a few of the older ones get the basics of juggling.

It was an exhausting process and I was neither responsible or one of those getting stabbed with a needle!

Agape Home has 70+ orphans, with only a couple not HIV+. They do an amazing work with mostly local staff. There is a need for a couple of specialised people we might be able to train in or recruit from NZ.

They need a counselor for the children and an development & educational specialist who can help the kids reach their full potential. That would require focussed attention on each child and a personalised plan so each is treated as an individual. The counselor's position would cost approximately $500 US per month if a Christian Thai with the qualifications could be hired. Pray for these steps forward.

It's hot here, but not unbearable. The people are mostly friendly. I'm loving the food! This is an entrenched Buddhust country with teachings played over loud speakers at mid-day and spirit houses on many properties and at intersections. Pagodas and shrines, temples and spirit strings are everywhere. Grace is not.

Will write more when I'm not on a keyboard with too many characters shown so as to accommodate all the alphabets & languages. Very confusing for a girl from Indiana living on the North Shore.