Since my visit to Bo De Pagoda yesterday I have been battling with myself about a decision that I have had to make about the rest of my time at the Bo De Pagoda. Once I had made the decision I then had to figure out whether or not to share it with you; Rightly or wrongly I have decided to share with you the decision I was faced with making and have come to despite any consquences that I may have to face as a result of doing so.
Yesterday when talking to one of the other volunteers she quite casually threw in to the conversation that some of the children have HIV and it is not known which of the children do and which of them do not. Prior to this I did not have any knowledge of this so was taken aback and quite shocked to say the least, as this was part way through the day I still had a few hours left at the Pagoda with the children. On reflection leaving the Pagoda was not my immediate thought but I'd be lying if I said my safety was the first thing that did spring to mind immediately and how much risk I was at. I continued as I was for the rest of my stay and after leaving I raised the issue with the placecment co-ordinator who confirmed that what I had been told was true and the reason I had not been made aware of this is because tests are being carried out next month to establish which of the children are affected. I was not happy to say the least, however, as i was already in Hanoi being angry about the lack of information provided to me was not my biggest concern, my concern was 'what do i do about the rest of my placement?' My options as I saw them were to either call it a day or continue at the Pagoda to do what I came to do.
When I got back to my hotel I did some research into working with children with HIV and I learned that I am not at great risk with the work that I am doing if I am careful, this means:
- avoiding any blood or bodily fluids contact;
- making sure I have no exposed open wounds; and
- seeking medical treatment immediately if either of the above occurs.
I have therefore decided to continue with my placement at the Pagoda.
I came to the decision after taking into account many thoughts and questions I posed to myself which included the following thoughts and rhetorical questions 'if everybody walked away from these children they would have even less then what they have now which is near enough to nothing, these children did'nt do anything to deserve getting HIV but they have it so does that then mean they should be avoided and treated less favourably? does this mean they don't deserve to be happy and have fun? or have the life of a child who does not have HIV?'
If my being at the Pagoda and spending time with the children makes just the tiniest bit of difference in bringing a smile or a moment of happiness to their lives then I am not going to take that away from them. I won't lie the thought of leaving some money for the children at the Pagoda for me not continuing with my placement did cross my mind even if only very breifly but deep down I know that I would not have been able to do that because what I know and truly do believe is that spending time with somebody is irreplaceable and something that money will never in a million years be able to buy.
Once I had made my decision I started to worry about (and to some extent still am to be honest) whether I will be treated differently when I return home having spent time with children who have HIV. My only response to my concern is that I hope I don't and I hope that people can see why I have decided to continue here.
Mina, I'm not going to lie to you and say I'm not worried about you and your safety however I for one will not be treating you differently. In this country its our own decision to tell our fellow colleagues or employer whether we ourselves have contracted the virus. Therefore we could be friends with people who do have HIV. That does not stop us from living in society. I understand that this is slightly different but its also the same. If, which I know you will be, and only if you take l caution then you will fine. People all across the globe work with people with Aids or HIV Lady Diana for example!.. And for us your an asian Lady Diana. SO continue to do your work knowing I for own as well as many others will be supporting you! I hope this helps!
ReplyDeleteMy mum has stated that you must recite Gods name and do what you set out to do. Mother Teresa worked her whole life with people from all backgrounds and with many difficulties and wasnt affected. It isn't an easy task but she is praying for you and know you will do well.
ReplyDeleteHey Mina, do not worry, we will not treat you differently at all, in fact we are all proud of you for sticking to your commitment for helping these children out, even though you found out that they have HIV. This show's that you have a lot of courage and we are grateful to have you as our cousin as well as those children having you.
ReplyDeleteAs Nesha said "GO ASIAN LADY DIANA!" And don't worry, God will be there to help you through out this whole journey.
Love Asha and Ram.
xxx
Hear Hear Asha!
ReplyDeleteHi Sis,
ReplyDeleteWell what can i say your nothing but a angel.
Take care Alex xxx
Hi Mina
ReplyDeleteSounds like you have had a very intersting few days!
Firstly, I'm no expert but I doubt very much that you have to worry about contracting aids through contact with children. You will be aware that they have been born with it, being the issue of infected parents. The vast majority of victims have caught it through sexual relations,blood transfusions, or are drug addicts swapping needles. There may be a tiny risk from bodily fluids but they have to somehow enter your system and as I understand it in some quantity. We probably have all been in contact with infected people without ever knowing it. I wonder how many people who are HIV positive work in the catering trade for instance.
The greater risk in the far east is from waterborne infections such as dysentery and some varients of hepatitis, so watch what you drink (including ice) and be wary of uncooked veg and salads.
Best thing to do is give yourself a big pat on the back, you're very brave, most of us wouldn't have the guts to have got on the plane!
Neil
Hey Mina,
ReplyDeleteI spent 5 months in Africa living ina village where it's estimated that 1 in 5 had HIV. You absolutely have made the right decision to crack on ahead. As long as you're careful the risks are minimal.
Nobody should treat you differently at all - HIV shouldn't be such a taboo subject. The fact that it is sucha taboo subject has most likely been a contributing factor towards its awful increase.
Keep smiling!
Mike W.
x