Dear Friends,

Today is World AIDS Orphans Day – a day dedicated to advocating on behalf of the over 15 million children worldwide who have lost their mothers and fathers to AIDS. Only one in ten of these children receives any form of external support or assistance. There is hope. Thousands of people will gather in communities across the globe to hold assemblies, screen documentaries, listen to lectures, and take to the streets to raise their voices about this critical issue.
There are many ways that you can lend your support on behalf of AIDS orphans:
Spread the word: Tell friends, family, and other concerned individuals about the plight of these children.
Send messages to your government leaders: Tell decision-makers that they should dedicate at least 10% of their nation’s HIV/AIDS funding to children orphaned and made vulnerable by the pandemic.
Attend or host an event: Events are being held across the globe to honor World AIDS Orphans Day, and raise awareness about the orphans crisis. There’s probably an event near you.
It is our shared responsibility to help save a generation of children left behind by AIDS. And as always, thank you for your support and your voice.

Sincerely,
The World AIDS Orphans Day Team

With Mother's and Father's Days just around the corner, this reminder of the world's orphans, our world's orphans, our orphans is especially poignant. For several years now, Aaron and I have been wanting to adopt an AIDS orphan. So far, that hasn't worked out, but I still believe that we will someday be a part of the healing in that way. In the meantime, I'm always on the lookout for other ways we can contribute.

If you haven't yet read There's No Me Without You by Melissa Fay Greene, you really need to get your hands on a copy. Amazon has it for less than $11 and your local library probably has a copy. It is one of the best books I've ever read--a compelling story coupled with impactful journalism. It's hard to put it down and even harder to remain unchanged.

What are you doing to help orphans, especially the millions orphaned by AIDS?