What she didn't know is that I was saying all the same things in my heart.

Yes, I was rushing around, trying to get ready for our quarterly AIDchild Community Advisory Board meeting. Big wigs arriving any minute.

And I was worrying about some of the practicalities of the blood drive we were hosting at our site. And wondering if I had enough energy to donate also. (I did.)

And I was considering our latest budget challenges.

And I was nursing a nasty cold.

And I am still trying to recover from my sprained ankle. (A word to the wise: Don't try to slip your shoes on while rushing out the door, down steps, with kids all around. Just not a good idea.)

I'm such a baby. How I HATE to be sick! Honestly, I think this is what so drove me to start AIDchild. When I saw so many orphans here in Africa. Suffering. Unnecessarily. And considered how I hate to "suffer" through a cold or sprain. Well, I had to act. That I know.

As I looked at this sweet, tiny baby, there was so much I didn't know. I didn't yet know if we could get proper paperwork for her. I didn't even who had brought her. I didn't know if she had been immunized, or if she could potentially be carrying something like African measles or chicken pox. (A major concern with dozens of other immune-suppressed kids.)

But I did know two things. 1) Of course we would take her, and 2) We can help her. SO MUCH!

This is such an exciting place. I can barely think of going to sleep tonight.

A new baby!

Hope.

Light.

Less suffering.

I love it!

Thanks to my wonderful staff and to your generous support, we CAN help. Tragedy gets erased. Tears are wiped away. And life--precious life--springs forth.

Thank you so much for standing with us.

--Nathaniel, kids & staff