December 1. World AIDS Day. As much as HIV/AIDS seems to be on the decrease in Africa and other areas, we are sadly aware that this disease is on the increase in Ukraine. The stigma associated with HIV in Ukraine is so strong that many people will simply not be tested, even if they are…
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So much has taken place in our past few months that I am kicking myself for not writing daily! There is no way to catch up on ALL that has happened, but I will give some highlights over the next days! We have moved our official USA home address from Maryland to Ohio. The Ukraine…
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Since our return to Ukraine in August, Jim and I have suggested to each other that we go visit our friends at Children’s Hospital #1, but it seems that something always interferes with our plans. But Friday, when Viktor called to see if he could come by before he went to the hospital we quickly…
Read MoreRead this update about our work with hospitalized HIV+ patients at Okmatdet, the national children’s hospital in Kyiv. UMO is so thankful for such a creative teacher who loves working with these children!
Read MoreLast night’s dinner. Long-awaited. Long-anticipated. But finally a reality! We like to gather the ‘team’ here for dinner on a regular basis so that we can all get to know each other better — outside of a hospital setting — and also so that we can understand frustrations and successes in the ministry. Last night…
Read MoreWhat a blessing to be in a position to watch children minister to children. There is just something so innocent when children opt to reach out to other children. Unassuming. Genuine. This week at the HIV/AIDS unit of the National Children’s Hospital in Kyiv, a new family in town visited our favorite little patients. Such…
Read MoreA recent article in The Washington Post claims that tens of thousands of AIDS patients in Ukraine are untreated due to corruption. Read the full article here.
Read MoreA recent report in The Economist revealed some disturbing information about the HIV/AIDS problem in Ukraine, and also the government’s response. Details on Marianna’s blog. The general public needs much education concerning truth and myths regarding this disease…the stigma associated with it includes unwarranted fear that then results in condemnation and isolation.
Read MoreWhat a wonderful morning! The Coalition for Children at Risk met at our flat for the purpose of sharing information, fellowship and networking. Nineteen people represented 10 different ministries, and following the formal meeting there was a buzz in the room. And not just because of the delicious snacks and hot spiced apple juice! People…
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