When I began my adoption journey, it was through fostering children here in the United States. As a single, full-time, teacher, God had given me so very much in my life and I knew that I was being called to give back through fostering. I had fostered a number of children and was on track to adopting my first, when I was asked about accepting the placement of a child with HIV who would be available for adoption. My heart said yes before my mind could even begin to ask what this meant.

Prior to this I had no knowledge of HIV.

The first night Olivia was in my home I wondered if I had done the right thing, was I endangering myself and my foster son, would I be able to know what to do. And then the next morning, life started.

It was day to day living just like with any other child. There was NOTHING to fear!

I learned and read so much and saw first hand from other families living with HIV how doable and wonderful it was. Aside from taking her meds every 12 hours, which is completely routine for us as a part of our day, and visiting our wonderful team of doctors every three months to check levels, HIV is barely registered. Olivia is my "healthiest" child who rarely misses school, rarely gets sick, and is strong in so many ways.

Her HIV status is "undetectable." She has had wonderful care and has not had any related illness or issues. She is learning at an age-appropriate level what it means to have HIV. So far all of our friends and family have responded in a positive way when learning her status. Although we have not kept her HIV a secret, it is also not broadcast to the world. Those who know treat it with respect. Olivia herself is anxious to share it with friends, but I don't think she has found the right time. I pray for that day, that they can be open to what she is sharing, but I know that whatever the reaction, she will be ready.

She has dreams of her future. She doesn't understand what life with HIV used to be like in our country. She knows no limits.

Adopting a child with HIV is doable, is not frightening, is not something to shy away from.

So many children around the world await a family. Simply because in their country HIV is something to fear. These children need love, just like any other child. They are not worthy of fear, but are in need of happiness. God has brought me so much through my call to adoption. My children are my most precious gifts. They are my inspirations.

-Lisa Bushman

http://little-did-i-know.blogspot.com/