In January of this year, I made my annual visit to Vietnam. This time I brought along my kid sister, Rose, who lives in Omaha. Our purpose was to work on a project I have been involved with since 2007, in support of orphaned children with HIV/AIDS.
I am fortunate to work with a team of 25 wonderful volunteers in Vietnam who have a passion for improving the lives of children in very desperate situations. We now work with over 100 children in 3 provinces. Our team is called “The Warm Hold Association.”
We believe that it is a better situation if the child can live with and be raised by a caretaker (preferably a relative) rather than go to an orphanage or other institution. This provides the best chance for the child to live a more normal family life, and helps those who love and care for the child. So it becomes critical that we address the needs of not only the child, but of the caretakers and the whole family, as their lives are interwoven.
Each child and family has a different set of issues and these issues will change over time. The Warm Hold Team members exercise care, creativity and resourcefulness in addressing critical issues like:
- Health: Support for regular medical treatment and testing including overcoming transportation barriers. Also counseling on safe & proper HIV practices.
- Economic Stability: Provide transitional support when the caretaker has no home or insufficient income as they take on a new child. Help caretakers develop or improve their situation and capability to support themselves and the child or children.
- Nutrition: Provide food security, especially when caretakers are unable to work.
- Education: Address educational needs when the child is kicked out of school because of discrimination, or taken out of school by their caretaker to earn money for the family.
- Safe Environment: Identify areas of neglect, exploitation or abuse. Help provide a living environment where child is protected, safe and cared for.
- Emotional Support: Provide counseling, peer networks, entertainment; social activities and home care for children.
During our visit, we spent a lot of time in rural and impoverished areas. Iwas very excited to see results of our activities in 2015. We built 3 new homes, and had successes in all the categories listed above. At the same time, I am overwhelmed with how many issues there are and the magnitude of the work that needs to be done. I’m inspired to work harder than ever, as I know our work is making a significant impact on the lives of so many people. People who would otherwise have little hope.
I’d like to thank Hope Church and its members for the generous donation to this project through the 2015 Christmas offering. And for all who sponsored my daughter Elyse and I during our ½ marathon run in September. The Warm Hold Team in Vietnam is keenly aware of and appreciates the ongoing support they get from Hope Church and its members. The results of your kindness and care are reflected in each of the children we work with, and we look at Hope Church as an important part of the Warm Hold Association Team.
Please go to our website to see more about our January Vietnam visit at: www.danfishervn.wordpress.com
Thanks for your ongoing encouragement and support.
Peace to all, Dan Fisher
