Every Picture Tells a Story Don't It

That's about all I remember from a Rod Stewart song back in the early 70s.

While the words are obviously true, we often need some help to understand just what that story is.

Here are four random photos I pulled from Dar's iPhoto files.

Each of these boys lost their mom at Place of Peace, Jumpah's center for families living with HIV-AIDS. They don't remember their dads, who all died before we met the families. One can only imagine what they may dream about while taking an after-lunch nap under the large shade tree. 

Three very special brothers. Some of you have met them. We wonder what they remember of their mom. We show them pictures of her often. Vung continues to regain strength in his leg since surgery to repair a clubfoot and other issues. Compared to their condition even one year ago, Chang and Pic, both HIV positive, are growing physically and emotionally in an atmosphere of love, acceptance and opportunity. But Pic still has bouts of depression and takes a long time to recuperate from simple colds, soar throats, and infections.

Three teenagers from three families living with HIV-AIDS are finally enjoying childhood, friendships, education and opportunities at Place of Peace. Here, posing for a quick pic while moving dirt, it is so obvious that their lives have been and are being transformed.

Not every picture tells a 'good' story. These three young sisters and their mom and dad came to Jumpah three weeks ago. Mom and dad, both HIV positive, were gaining strength, and the kids were getting adjusted to a very new life. As the sun came up a few days ago, Jumpah staff members found the house empty. The family had left after dark the night before. We don't know where they went. We don't know why they left. We know the mom had an important doctor's appointment coming up. She has serious health issues that need to be addressed. It is extremely unlikely they will now be diagnosed and treated. Similar stories of families or individuals walking away from Jumpah's help are actually quite common. Our hearts ache especially for the children, who are innocent victims of parental decisions. For the sake of these three little girls, we hope and pray that mom and dad will decide to return.