My Funny Boy

I have a thousand things that I need to be doing right now . . . packing for our Florida trip, final touches on my Sunday School lesson, and the list goes on . . . but I didn't want to leave town before posting a few cute pictures and a video of my boy!

Grayson is growing up so fast and is just plain hilarious. 

He has seen Chad and Ava pretend to sing into a microphone so now he grabs anything, holds it to his mouth, and runs around the house yelling singing beautifully at the top of his lungs.  This new trick is actually only funny for about 10 seconds and then we start losing our minds because we can't even hear ourselves think, much less have a conversation!

Grayson also LOVES to clean.  Okay, not so much clean, but he loves to push around a mop or broom. :)  Recently I walked away from the vacuum and came back to find him hard at work.  Not sure why the oven mitt was needed, but he wouldn't take it off!

He's gotten really into books lately, especially ones with trucks or tractors.  How are boys automatically into that kind of stuff?!  Anyway, I found him chillin in his carseat the other day with a few good books!

My little man is also starting to talk more and more and it is SO. STINKIN. CUTE.

I captured a few of his new words on video during one of the rare moments of relative calm, but something is out of whack and I can't upload a video on here.  I'll post it on facebook if you want to here him talk!

We're off to Panama City tomorrow after church for a week of relaxation with my family.  I had intended to post another part of my HIV series before leaving, but it just didn't happen and I sure won't be on the computer this week! 

I'll start the series again when I get back AND I have an awesome raffle coming up the first week of June!

From Little Bro to Mr. Lambert

My little brother, Clay, graduated from Emporia State University this weekend . . . such a huge milestone for him that I didn't want to miss!  We are 7 years apart and have lived hundreds of miles apart for half of his life, but we are still close and huge supporters of each other . . . Clay has been encouraging from Day 1 as we've pursued our adoption.  I'm so proud of all he has accomplished and the man he has become!

Emporia is in Kansas, which is a LONG way from New Orleans!  Our 6 day trip included 4 days of driving.  Bleh.  But it was all worth it to surprise Clay and be able to celebrate with him!

Clay has a degree in Elementary Education and will seriously be the BEST teacher!  His professors, mentor, and the teacher he has worked under all had great things to say about him and have high hopes for Clay!

 
Our time was short, but we had a blast hanging out with my parents, Clay, Kylee (Clay's girlfriend whom we LOVE!), and lots of friends and family!  And Ava loved the extra attention (shocker)!

Pray with me that God will provide the perfect job for Clay . . . I can't wait for him to have his own classroom so he can hang up the prize I made him for Christmas. :)

My parents have a time-share so we're all heading to Florida this weekend for a vacation together to celebrate Clay's accomplishment!  We are SO ready for some fun in the sun and relaxation together! 

The Truth about HIV: How HIV Works

I've certainly learned more about HIV that I ever expected.  Before 2 months ago, I wouldn't even say that I knew the basics . . . I'd long since forgotten what we are taught in middle school health class!

I've studied the science of HIV/AIDS and read too many words that I can't begin to pronounce!  So for this post, I'll just be sticking with the basics of how the virus works. 

What is HIV?

HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus and it belongs to the group of viruses called retroviruses, who have their genetic material on a single strand of RNA instead of a double-stranded DNA.

Like other viruses, HIV can't replicate on its own, but needs a host cell.  It's host cell of choice is a certain white blood cell, called a T-helper or CD4, which normally works in the body to fight off infection.

When the virus finds one of these cells, it attaches to it, forces its way inside, and takes over.  It begins to make copies of the virus until these copies destroy the CD4 cell and spread out in the body to continue this process.

The immune system is weakened as CD4 cells are destroyed.  Initially, the body responds to this attack, which is why people usually have flu-like symptoms a few weeks after being infected.  The virus is driven back, but can't be completely eliminated.  HIV essentially hides out, even for as long as 10-12 years depending on certain factors, producing little to no symptoms. 

But at some point, the immune system becomes so weakened that the person is vulnerable to infections that someone without the virus might easily fight off.  This is usually when a person discovers they have HIV in the case that they didn't already know.

With treatment, HIV can be managed effectively.  However, without treatment, HIV will eventually result in AIDS.

What is AIDS?

AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome and occurs when the immune system is so weakened by HIV that it can no longer fight off illness and infections.  These are referred to as opportunistic infections.

According to the CDC (Center for Disease Control), AIDS is diagnosed when an HIV positive person meets one or both of these conditions:

- The presence of one or more AIDS related infections or illnesses
- A CD4 count that has reached or fallen below 200 cells per cubic millimeter of blood.  (A CD4 count ranges from 450 to 1200 in a healthy person.)

HIV Testing 

The most common initial HIV test actual looks for antibodies that are fighting the virus instead of the virus itself.  If this test is positive, another test will be done to confirm the positive result.

For babies, the antibody test can be deceiving.  An infant can have antibodies from the positive birthmother in their system, but actually be HIV negative.  For this reason, another test must be done after enough time has passed for the mother's antibodies to go away.

In our case, Easton will be given a different HIV test (PCR test) that looks for the virus itself instead of just the antibodies so there will be no confusion on his HIV status.

Pray

Is your heart heavy?  Mine too.  How can it not be after reading about how this virus does so much damage to an unsuspecting person?

After a couple of months of study, let's just say that I am so incredible thankful for the brilliant men and women who are giving their lives to study this complex disease.  So many scholars and scientists are dedicated and passionate, laboring hard to find a vaccine and cure for HIV. 

Please pray with us that this breakthrough would happen soon!

Interruption . . . For Good Reason

We interrupt the regularly scheduled programming to bring you . . .

pictures of my adorable kids!

I've gotten some good ones recently, which happens less and less these days, so I thought I'd better share them. :)

Grayson is in a major Daddy phase.  He cries when Chad leaves and spends from 4:45 pm until Chad gets home by the window anxiously waiting to see his daddy pull up.  He's fine when Chad is gone, but when he gets home Grayson is by his side or in his arms the rest of the night.  Seriously, I get the stiff arm if I even come close.  Hurts this mama's feelings a little bit, but I know it is just a stage and I still get lots of love during the day.  Plus I don't have a wild toddler in my arms for hours . . . not really jealous of that part!


 

Grayson loves playing in dirt.  And not just playing in it, but eating it.  If I let him loose in the backyard, he looks like this in about 30 seconds.  You would think that one taste would do it, but he just keeps going back for more!  He has the cutest "dirty" smile you'll ever see though. :)

And man is this boy cute!  He can say "shoe" now and loves to put on shoes, his or yours!   Here he hijacked Aliyah's crocs during Life Group.  So cute trying to walk them!

Speaking of Life Group . . . we have 13 kids in our group right now!  13 kids eating and running and laughing and playing ring around the rosie in our house each week!  Such a blessing to have these families coming together to worship, pray, challenge, and encourage each other!

 We went to the zoo last week with the Fernandez girls!  Jenny and I have been friends for years and our girls LOVE each other!  So fun!

Besties . . . Noelle and Ava!

We spent the last two days in Lafayette with Chad's family . . . eating all day (isn't that what everyone does with family?!) and most importantly, getting to playing with Penelope!  Chad's sister Leigh Ann had sweet Penny one month ago and we haven't gotten to see again her since her birth.

Ava did so good holding her and giving her sweet kisses on her head and toes.  

Grayson, of course, was crazy jealous!  He wasn't about to let his Daddy give his love to another . . . even if she is a cutie pie!

In other news, I've come to realize that I don't live a very self controlled life.  The problem is clear . . .  now what?  I want to meditate on the Word, knowing that I can't fix myself.  But my Creator and Savior can (and already have really, I just need to walk in that reality).

Anyway, right now I'm soaking in Galatians 5:17-24.  So good!

If you've struggled with self-control and have overcome, please let me know Scripture that helped you and practical things that led you to walk in self control.

Iron sharpens iron . . . let's do this!

Truth about HIV: Disclosure

Part 2 of my Truth about HIV series is all about Disclosure.  If you don't know the background of our story, read this post about how God is leading us to adopt a little boy who will be HIV positive.  You should also check out Part 1 of the series about Transmission if you haven't yet.

Disclosure refers to your decision to share or keep private your HIV status.  Some people choose to share only with family and close friends while others, like us, choose to share with the world through the modern marvels of a blog and facebook. :)

Legally, a person's privacy concerning their HIV status is protected by US law.  You don't have to tell anyone about your HIV status (except your doctor).  You don't have to tell a school, a coach, an employer, your church, friends, or family.  No one has to know because no one is at risk through casual contact with someone living with HIV.

However, we are choosing to set down our right to privacy and to share openly about adopting a child with HIV. 

Now this does not mean that we will be putting a bumper stick on our car that says "HIV On Board" or that we will feel the need to share Easton's status with every person we meet.  We are disclosing to our family and friends and people who read this blog.  Aside from that, we will be asking God for discernment in our daily interactions regarding disclosure.  

**Disclaimer**

I have learned that disclosure is a very sensitive subject among families living with HIV and even among people who just have an opinion on the issue.  People feel very strongly on both sides.  (And by very strongly I mean that these conversations can get heated.)

I am sharing why our family is choosing to disclose.  Not what I think every family should do.  

I am not attacking families that don't disclose or trying to make it seem like they don't hope for all the things on my list below.  I know and appreciate that each family has to make the decision that is best for their family in their specific context . . . there is no right way.

So please don't send me hate mail if you think that we shouldn't disclose.  Refer to reason #1 below!

**End of Disclaimer**

10 Reasons Why We Are Disclosing

1.  We are seeking God in every step and have been led by the Spirit to disclose.  We did not make this decision quickly or lightly, but spent much time in prayer and seeking wisdom from others.  It feels right to us, but we didn't even want to make the decision based on feeling.  We asked God to speak clearly to our hearts so that we would know that this is the right choice for our family.  And He has!

2.  The timing of our disclosure is purposeful as well.  We wanted to go ahead and disclose now, even before we know who our sweet Easton is.  This allows our family and friends to begin now to learn correct information about HIV, to let go of misconceptions, and to process their fears.  Our hope is that the fear, stress, and anxiety that disclosure can bring will be greatly reduced by the time Easton comes home.

This will also put the focus on our precious son instead of HIV when we are able to joyfully share that we have been referred a child.  HIV doesn't define him and we want it to be that way from the moment we can share about him!  We'll get to focus more on his cute little cheeks and handsome smile instead of at the same time shocking everyone with news that he is HIV positive. 

Sadly, disclosing now also gives people the opportunity to back away from our family if they won't be able to handle being around our son.  We would rather this happen before he gets home.  As one mom said, "If you can't handle the heat, then don't even come in our kitchen!"  We pray that this doesn't happen, but it would be easier to handle rejection now than when I'm holding my sweet boy.

3.  We I can't keep a secret!  If you know me or read my blog, you know that I don't hold too much back.  At times I can over-share, especially when God is at work!  So it seriously stresses me out to even think about having to keep this a secret.  I would be overwhelmed at trying to keep such a big part of our life hidden from those around us.  Not to mention trying to figure out how to explain all the doctor visits and daily medication.  Bottom line . . . I just don't know that not disclosing would have been possible for our family (and with my big mouth!). :)

4.  There is NO SHAME in living with HIV!  Let me repeat that . . . NO SHAME!

In our situation, Easton will have most likely gotten HIV from his birthmother during childbirth or breastfeeding.  This is through no fault of his own.  And before you look at birthmothers as villians, know that they often have no choice in how they contract HIV, some don't know they are infected, and most have no access or money to get the treatment that could stop HIV from being transmitted to their child.  They are victims too.

We will not for one moment be ashamed to have a son living with HIV!  He is precious, valuable, worthy of love and respect, and a child created in the image of God!

HIV is a manageable chronic illness, but it is often treated as modern day leprosy.  People living with HIV should not be shamed into hiding or treated as untouchable.

Again, just to be clear, no one should be ashamed of HIV, but it still might be the best decision for some families to not disclose.  I'm not saying that families who don't disclose do so because they are ashamed.  

5.  We want to be a voice for those who aren't able to speak for themselves. There are millions of orphans who are infected with HIV and have no hope unless someone speaks to the world on their behalf.

I also know that families who choose not to disclose do it because it is the best decision for their family, but they would no doubt LOVE to scream the truth about HIV from the rooftops!  We will be their voice and will scream it loud! 

6.  We want to share TRUTH and FACTS about HIV with anyone who will listen!  Awareness and correct information is key to ending the stigma and fear associated with HIV.  We feel blessed to be advocates for those who are wanting desperately to not be made to live in shame, or discriminated against, or ridiculed.  We hope that you'll join with us in sharing the truth about HIV!

7.  God has surrounded us with people who are supportive.  I can't think of a better scenario in which to disclose.  Our families are incredibly encouraging and so ready to love sweet Easton.  We have a faith family at Edgewater that truly desires to make disciples of all nations and to display God's heart  for "the least of these."  We have no doubt that our church and friends in New Orleans will embrace Easton and walk with our family.  We also have tons of friends and even strangers who are encouraging us through facebook, the blog, email, and most importantly through prayer.

We don't take this support lightly.  I've heard of families that have had to leave churches and even move because of the rejection received after disclosing.  We are blessed!

8.  We don't want to walk this journey alone.  The road of adoption is already a tough one and adding HIV into the mix will likely increase the stress emotionally, spiritually, socially, physically and financially.  We will need prayer, support and encouragement.  We will need people to cry with us when Easton is sick or when someone is rude.  We will need people to rejoice with us when the virus becomes "undetectable" in his blood.  We will need people to walk with us through the good and the bad.  Jesus is enough for us, but people being His hands and feet can sure make a difference in our lives!

9.  We desire God to use this road not only to refine us, but to refine others as well.  We pray that by sharing all that God is doing in our family, the Gospel will be made clear to those who do not know Christ.  We pray that by being transparent with our lives, God will challenge and encourage His Church to live as biblical disciples of Christ and show His heart to a needy and lost world.

10.  The purpose of Easton and our family living with HIV is so the works of God might be displayed.  We've held tight to John 9:1-3 since God spoke to us about HIV.  We trust God's sovereignty and truly desire for His name to be made know through Easton's life and our journey.  Because of this, we want to share openly how God is at work in our family.  We want to lift high the name of Christ and declare His works to any who will listen.  To Him be the glory!


Again, we realize that there are some who disagree with us on the issue of disclosure.  But we are thankful to be able to share why our family is choosing to disclose about this road God is calling us to walk!

The Truth about HIV: Transmission

If you haven't read the story of how God is leading us to adopt a little boy who is HIV positive, you can read it here to better understand our journey.

Someone said that if you disclose about your child's HIV status, you immediately become an advocate.  So true!  We are passionate about sharing correct information, hence Part 1 of a series all about HIV!

Transmission . . . this is where fear comes into the picture.  Obviously no one wants to be infected with HIV, but if you don't have the facts, this can lead to unnecessary and unfounded fears.

This is also where the social stigma rages.  Again, out of a desire to not get infected, the answer for some is to exclude and ridicule those living with HIV.  

A family with a beautiful daughter who is HIV positive recently got UNinvited to a birthday party when their daughter's status was discovered.  You can read the family's post here.  This stuff happens.  Fear can drive people to do and say some pretty hurtful things.  

So I want this post to make extremely and overwhelming clear the FACTS about how HIV is and is not transmitted.  I'm praying that the TRUTH will drive away the fear!

(All of the information I will share can be found at credible sources like cdc.gov, amfar.org, and avert.org)

Transmittable Concentrations of HIV are only found in:

- Blood

- Semen

- Vaginal Fluid

- Breast Milk


 

HIV is transmitted by:

- Unprotected Sex (vaginal, anal, oral)

- Sharing needles and syringes (This could include needles for tattoos and body piercings that aren't sterilized properly.  Make sure you use a reputable company for these services!)

- Pregnancy and Childbirth

- Breastfeeding

These are ADULT behaviors, not behaviors of a child.  I heard a mom say that she told people who were nervous being around her young daughter, "Don't worry.  We are very strict with her.  We don't let her have sex, share needles, or give birth!" There is NO risk! 

HIV is not transmitted by:

- hugging

- kissing

- holding hands

- coughing

- sneezing

- from a toilet seat

- changing a diaper

- sharing a cup/plate/utensils

- biting

- scratching

- bathing

- swimming

- insect bites, including mosquitoes

- playing sports 

- through the air

- urine

- feces

- tears

- sweat

- spit up/vomit

- saliva

- snot

There have been no cases of HIV transmission in a household or other casual setting since anti-retroviral medicines were introduce in 1995.

There have been NO documented cases of HIV transmission in a sports environment.

There have been NO cases of HIV transmission from one child to another.
 

Other Facts about HIV Transmission:

- HIV is a fragile virus and does not survive well outside the body.  HIV is also unable to reproduce outside its living host (some bacteria and fungi are able to do this). 

- People receiving HIV treatment can have the levels of virus in their blood brought down to "undetectable" levels.  This reduces the risk of transmission even more in case you were exposed to HIV through one of the adult behaviors listed above.  

- A friend's Infectious Disease Specialist (an expert in HIV) said that for HIV to be transmitted from a wound, a person would have to have a gaping wound touching the other person's gaping wound with blood flowing into each others body for one hour for there to be a small risk of transmission.  This scenario does not happen in our normal living!

- The Center for Disease Control monitors HIV transmission very closely.  If there were other ways that HIV was transmitted, they would know about it and would educate the public. 

- A person's HIV status is protected by law.  You do not have to tell anyone that you are HIV positive because there is NO risk of transmission through casual contact.  You probably come in contact with people each day who have HIV and there is no need for you to know . . . no risk!

How Can You Protect Yourself Against Transmitting or Contracting HIV?

- Do not have unprotected sex (This is for people not in a faithful, monogamous relationship where you know that both of you are HIV negative.)

- Do not share needles or syringes for drug use and make sure that proper sterilization has occurred for tattoos or body piercing. 

- If you are HIV positive and pregnant, seek HIV treatment immediately.  You DO NOT have to pass HIV to your child.   With treatment, the risk of transmission can be cut to 1%.

- If you are a mother who is HIV positive, give your infant formula instead of breastfeeding.

-  Practice UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONS (all school, sports, childcare, and church settings should already be doing this) . . . When coming in contact with blood or other bodily fluids, use gloves or some other barrier (towel, wipe) to protect yourself.  Skin is a natural barrier, but you should use another barrier, especially if you have an open wound.  Use safe methods when you dispose of materials with blood or fluids on them.  Thoroughly wash your hands and any other area after coming in contact with blood or bodily fluids.

- Teach your children what to do if they see someone bleeding . . . Get an adult immediately!

Now That You Know . . .

As you can see, children with HIV are perfectly safe to be around, hug, play, share food, and invite to birthday parties!  There simply IS NOT a risk of transmission through casual contact!

After reading all these facts, you still might be afraid . . . and that's okay.  

But you can choose not to walk in that fear.  

You can choose not to reject a child or family living with HIV.  You can choose not to discriminate or ridicule.  You can choose not to be a part of the stigma that shames those living with HIV. 

You can choose to hug and love and play with a child living with HIV.  You can choose to invite that little one to your child's birthday party.  You can choose to babysit to give those parents a night out.  You can choose to support and encourage a family walking this road.

You can choose to pass on this information to all who will listen so the fear and stigma will stop!

PLEASE share this info on your blog or facebook.  Please share this truth when HIV comes up in conversation . . . or even when it doesn't! :)  Getting the FACTS about HIV out there is what will end the cycle of stigma and fear!

A Surprise for Us, but Not for God

From the very beginning of our adoption journey, we have been in awe of how God has spoken to us.  The God of the universe, the Great I Am, the Holy One . . . He has spoken in very clear and specific ways to guide us each step of the way.

We started with a blank slate, laying every question before Him, and begging for His will to be made known.  We (meaning me) could walk in the ways that seemed best to us or we could wait for His Will to be revealed and follow that alone.  We chose the latter.

This road has lead us to the process of adopting a son from Ethiopia.  We've had confirmations and an unwavering peace that this is God's path for us.

But another part of our call hasn't been as clear.  We both also felt a desire to adopt a child with special needs.  We just had no idea what that would mean.

In your adoption education you have the excruciating task of going through a list of every disorder, disability, and disease you can think of and literally checking Yes, No, or Maybe on whether you would be open to a child with this condition.  Honestly, it just felt wrong.  You don't choose with a biological child and so it was really weird to consider what we would or would not be comfortable with.  (Chad actually said that we were burning those pages when we got our workbook back!)  So we decided to be open to most disabilities and really only said no to things like TB or HIV that we felt would endanger Ava and Grayson.

We've continued to wonder for the last 5 months whether we would in fact be referred a child with special needs or whether God just wanted our "Yes" to special needs.  Little did we know that God would end up asking us 2 months ago to adopt and love a child that we had deemed "off limits."

With joy, we'd like to share that God is leading us to adopt a little boy who will be HIV positive and we are choosing to walk in obedience.

Shocked?  We were too!  Just like us a few months ago, you probably have a lot of thoughts/fears/questions going through your mind right now.  I want to tell you how this all came about and try to answer some of the questions you probably have.

Two months ago I had a friend in my adoption facebook group post current information about HIV.  She felt the Spirit leading her to share and she will forever be a part of Easton's story because of her obedience!  (Never underestimate the power of obedience or the cost of disobedience . . . that moment forever changed my life!)  I normally would have scrolled right past it, but I really felt like I should read the information.  I was shocked!  I realized immediately that I was so uneducated about HIV, had many misconceptions, and that my fears were simply not valid.  I couldn't get it off my mind and spent two days researching information, reading blogs, and looking up resources about HIV.  At that time, I didn't necessarily feel that God was telling me this is what we needed to do, but I felt like Chad and I needed to make an informed decision instead of a decision based on fear and old information like we had 5 months ago. 

Two days later, I shared all of the info I had learned with Chad.  The thing that made my stomach sink (and felt like God's nudging) was this statistic . . .

"HIV medications available in the West have made this a manageable chronic illness, but in poor countries, 50% of children who are undiagnosed and/or untreated will die by the age of 2 yrs." 

HIV is literally a death sentence to children in countries such as Ethiopia where medication isn't available or affordable. 

I wasn't sure how Chad would react to all this info.  Like I said, we were unified when we said no months ago and our decision was in the name of protecting Ava and Grayson whom we dearly love.  He listened quietly as I poured out all the facts and statistics.  I finally quit talking and waited for his reaction.

His exact words were, "I'm in.  How could we not?"

I love that man more than words can express.  Our hearts were again unified, but this time on a journey that we never expected.  I can't even describe the peace that flooded in and the joy that we have had from walking in obedience.  There is nothing, absolutely nothing, better than hearing your Father speak and following after Him.

We have come to realize that the road and the destination aren't as important as the One you are following.  He makes all the difference.  He gives peace on a road full of unknowns.  He gives joy on a road sure to be full of heartache.  He gives strength on a road tough to travel.  He is enough.

We continued to pray for confirmation that this was the road God was calling us to walk.  Confirmation came.  Then we began to tell those closest to us and asked them to pray with us.

We shared the news with our social worker who actually said that she almost mentioned HIV as she did our homestudy, so she wasn't surprised at all by our news.  I'm so thankful that she didn't mention it then.  We weren't ready (obviously) 5 months ago to say yes.  I look back at my blog posts over the last few months and now it all makes sense.  God has been transforming our hearts by His Word so that in His perfect timing, we would be ready to obey.

I've talked about how blessed I am to have Lisa as my best friend . . . this moment was no exception!  She didn't spend one moment asking about the "What Ifs," but immediately said, "Do it.  We'll walk with you."  I can't tell you how much I needed that confidence and encouragement!

We told our parents and close friends, which made me a little nervous (I knew there was no way for them to expect what we were about to throw at them!).  Some were understandably concerned, but supportive and encouraging, especially after we shared current HIV information that alleviated their fears.

We have gotten a tremendous amount of support so far and our hearts have been so encouraged by family and friends willing to face fears, let go of misconceptions, and choose to walk this journey with us!  We realize that this decision doesn't just affect us.  It affects everyone involved in our life.  So the support we have received is a blessing that we don't take for granted.

Through my research, I learned that most people's thoughts about HIV are based on the information available in 1987 . . . a lot has changed in 25 years!  My eyes were opened and my fears washed away when I learned the current facts about HIV.  I desperately want the same for you!

The truth is that the stigma and fears that still exist because of incorrect information are what make living with HIV so hard.  FACTS can stop this!

Here are some main points for you to know about HIV . . . 

(This information is from credible sources such as www.cdc.gov, www.avert.org, www.amfar.org)

• HIV is not AIDS.  It can lead to AIDS if left untreated, but with treatment people can live their whole life without developing AIDS. 
• HIV is now considered a manageable chronic illness instead of a terminal disease.  People with treatment can get married, have HIV negative babies (with treatment) and live a normal lifespan.  
• There is still no cure for HIV, but the medications are highly effective and can reduce the amount of virus in the blood to undetectable levels!
• HIV is transmitted through adult behaviors . . . unprotected sex, sharing needles, childbirth and breastfeeding.
• The virus is transmitted through blood, semen, vaginal fluid, and breastmilk.
• The virus is NOT transmitted by saliva, tears, sweat, vomit, urine, feces or snot.
• You CANNOT get HIV from hugging, kissing, touching, changing a diaper, drinking from the same cup, from a toilet, from a water fountain, coughing, sneezing, bathing, swimming, or from mosquitoes.  
• Since the medications were introduced in 1995, there have been NO documented cases of HIV being transmitted through normal living conditions in a household, educational, or childcare setting.
• People with HIV aren't required to tell anyone about their positive status . . . not a school, not a coach, not an employer.  There isn't a risk of transmission so no one has to know!  This privacy is protected by law in the US.  Without knowing it, you probably come in contact with people who are HIV positive quite often since there are 1.2 million Americans living with HIV.

If you are like we were 2 months ago, then much of this is new information.  It just isn't talked about a lot and even when it is, incorrect information is often given.

Which is why I'm going to do a series of posts in the next week or two with more information about HIV.

Part 1:  Transmission (I know this is what everyone wants to know!)
Part 2:  Disclosure
Part 3:  How HIV Works
Part 4:  Life with HIV
Part 5:  History of the HIV/AIDS Epidemic
Part 6:  What You Can Do
Part 7:  Answers to Your Questions

Please know that we are open and welcoming to discussing HIV and answering any questions that you may have!  Don't be afraid to ask.  It will not offend us at all for you to share your concerns.  And chances are someone else has the same question and would benefit from the answer as well. 

We understand that this is scary . . . we said no to it just 5 months ago.  We get it.  But we also know that the fears about transmission are not in proportion to the actual risk.  Truth can alleviate fears and current information is crucial as we work to fight the social stigma that still exists.  Please share this information . . . join with us in spreading the truth about HIV!

As I said earlier, no one has to share their HIV status.   I'll share more about why we are disclosing in the series, but we are choosing to share so that fear and shame can be eliminated and the Gospel can be proclaimed.

I've reflected deeply on my adoption by God over the last couple of months . . . I was an orphan, with the terminal disease of sin, with no hope of saving myself, with nothing to offer, and the cost was high and painful for my adoption.  But God did it . . . out of love and for His glory.  God has poured out His grace in my spiritual adoption and we see His calling for us to adopt Easton as just more of His grace!

We've held to John 9:1-3 as we've prayed for Easton.  The disciples ask Jesus if a man's blindness was because of his sin or his parents' sin.  Jesus says that it is neither, but so that the works of God might be displayed in his life.

We are clinging to God's sovereignty and praying that His works truly will be displayed in our family and in Easton's life! 

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