A Conversation

We had a wonderful conversation with a Cambodian couple a few nights ago. We have been communicating with them for a few months through Matt, one of the missionaries here. This couple is really interested in working with orphans, specifically, orphans with HIV. They want take in these children, as their own and adopt them. That is really "out of the box" thinking for a Cambodian to want to do this!!! We are trying to figure out how we can support them through this. This couple amazes me. From what we understand, orphans in Cambodia are the lowest of the low, and the ones with HIV are often detested. There are not many orphanages set up or equipped to take in children with HIV. This couple, not only wants to add children to their family through adoption (they already have 2 precious boys), but they also want to educate and advocate for these children and others like them. We talked about the various struggles and trials that might come their way for taking in children with HIV. They fully understand the cost involved. They have spoken to their family members here about their plans and they have the full support of each family member, that in itself is surprising to me. Many people here are not educated about the facts of HIV and how it is transmitted. We are fortunate to live in a country, where most people are educated and accepting of people with HIV. This couple understands that neighbors might not like them or might even harass them, that people might consider them dirty or unclean because they will have such children in their homes, but they want to be faithful to God's call. The wife teared up and said her main fear is that when she loves these children as her own, that eventually they might get sick and die and she worries about the sadness that will bring her. The medicine here is slightly different than in the states. At home, we can do great testing to see which medication will work best with each patient. Here, in Cambodia, they just have a few medicines that they use. However, most of the medicines work well with most people so their future children should have a long life span. This couple has seen people wither away and die of AIDS, so they know their fear is real. I just think it is so amazing that the Lord has brought our families together. We have the same passion for these children. I am excited to see what God will do through all of this. I shared a verse that I had just read in 2 Timothy with them that says, "If you want to live a godly life, you will be persecuted." That verse makes me question my own life... I am really being persecuted for God, am I really living a godly life? So often I am not.