Saturday, December 1, 2007

World AIDS Day

Today is world AIDS day. As a mother embarking on a journey to adopt a child who's life more than likely has been touched in some way by AIDS, I am passionate about this cause. The AIDS crisis in Africa is no secret. But as we sit in our cozy little homes across America and get lost in the hustle and bustle of life and the holidays, it is all too easy to forget that our brothers and sisters in Africa are dying of a disease that medication and education can help eradicate. Take action today...first, become educated. Because it is World AIDS day, there are tons of links on top news and web browsers with great information right at your fingertips. GO to joinred.com and be a part of the RED campaign started by Bono and making huge strides. GO to the Lutheran World Federation website and find ways you and your family or congregation can make a difference, LOG on to unicef.org and make a donation. And as you shop for holiday gifts, look for the product (red) items. Even a little bit, done by enough of us will make a difference. If it all still seems to distant, the goal to lofty, imagine my daughter...a child that most of you reading will have in your life. How will we be able to look her in the eye when she is older and tell her we were too busy to do anything to help her people, her country, her very soul? Take action...YOU can make a difference!

1 comment:

Kjo said...

Good words on our responsibility regarding HIV and AIDS, Erica. In the past ten years I've learned far more about it than I ever imagined - my first experience was walking with a health worker in the early morning hours in Bouar, Central African Republic as she made home visits. My experiences and learning are still slim - but I too am committed to being part of the solution. One of the ways I do that is through support of the Mashiah Foundation in Jos, Nigeria - run by ELCA Global Mission colleagues.
Keep urging us to think!
Mom