Children with HIV

I read a great article on adopting a child with HIV on Friday, from a family who were in process to adopt an Indian infant when they discovered she had HIV. They didn't have up-to-date information on children living with HIV at first; I remember that long night of internet searching myself.... I was willing to adopt these three little children, one of whom had HIV, even not knowing the life expectancy of that youngest child, who looked so much like my Peter. But I cried tears of joy when I found out how GOOD things were for people with HIV, how much things have changed. The little boy will likely live a long, healthy life and grow up to do whatever he wants with his life.

By the time we called to inquire about these three siblings, however, they were no longer available. Lots of people who are adopting know that HIV is just not a big deal.

(For the record, M. does not have HIV. But it is a special need we are open to.)

Here are three children who are living with HIV and doing really well:
















I am always struck by how Marjorie, Christian, and Octavia look like they could be siblings, but all three were born in different months of 2002. They are nine years old, born in April, June, and September. It's quite possible they could all be adopted together; they are in the same orphanage, and have likely known each other quite a while if not all of their lives. Their country allows the adoption of unrelated children. Of course, it's also possible to adopt any one of them separately. There's not a whole lot of information on what they are like. Marjorie is smart and wants a family. Christian is well-liked. Octavia has ADHD (and possibly fetal alcohol syndrome too, or instead). She is noted to have a mild delay.

These kids are likely in a very good home--children with HIV go to school and sometimes are adopted in their country. They would probably do very well in a family. Is one of these three your son or daughter?

Sweet girl in China

This is Tara. Doesn't she look like a sweetie? Sounds like she is adorable--expresses emotions well, developing physically, loves to dance.

Tara is nine years old. But that's not too old to need a mommy and daddy. It's not too old to need a family who will take care of her and teach her and love her all of her life. It's not too old if you're her mommy. And she needs a mommy.

Update on one of my favorite little girls

Can you tell who this is? It's Xenia!

Xenia's doctor is not worried about her vision--so while there may still be some issue, it seems likely to me now that it was just the way the light/camera caught her eyes before that had people worried.

Here's hoping that this will lead to her getting a family soon!

Sweet 4-month-old boy

Justin is just 4 months old. If you started the process to bring him home today, you could have him in your arms before his first birthday.

Justin has Down Syndrome. So many therapies and treatments are available today that there's less and less difference between kids with Down Syndrome and their typical peers.

Adopting a young baby is not without challenges but most say it's a lot easier than adopting an older child or toddler... and kids like Justin need families too. He doesn't ever need to be transferred, or malnourished, or watch mommies and daddies coming for younger kids... but if no one goes for him, it will happen. It's great to help a kid who was in an institution bloom, but it's great to keep a kid from ending up there too.

And don't forget my Hannah's favorite sweet baby Juliet, who is still only nine months old.

Juliet and Justin are both in Russia waiting for their families to find them.

Is he yours?

Mickey is musical and cooperative, kind and loved. He will be a great son. Do you think he might be yours? He is six and it sounds like he's doing great. He looks so happy... wouldn't you just love having this guy around?

What is the difference?

These two boys are Keith and Steven.
















These two boys are Mark and Jonathan:
















How are Mark and Jonathan different from Keith and Steven?

They aren't. All four boys have Down Syndrome. All four boys are precious to God. All four boys need families.

But Keith and Steven have families coming for them, and Mark and Jonathan do not.

Mark is in Latin America and has a $3000 grant. He's five.
Jonathan is in Russia and will turn 3 in February. Reece's Rainbow does not have his complete medical information.

Someone thinks that Keith is worth taking a chance. Mark is too.
Someone thinks that Steven is worth all the money international adoption takes. Jonathan is too.

But there just aren't as many families stepping out as there are children who need families. God wants these little boys to have mommies and daddies, maybe brothers and sisters. He has a plan for Mark and for Jonathan. You just might be part of it.

another blind girl

Wendy is 5 years old and blind. She was born quite prematurely. She also has CP. She is a beautiful little girl. She is facing transfer very soon--she may have been transferred already. Wendy deserves a family.