HIV POSITIVE ORPHANS

Many of you know me well.  Some only as an aquaintence.  But how ever you know me you know that I'm a very passionate and giving person in what ever I do. In case you don't recognize me from the pictures, I"m Joyce Berger, or Joy, the founder of Le Chateau Exotique,ltd.  I've given so much of my time, energy, and money for those in need within  those communities I've been involved and served in.  But when I retired in January the last thing I thought was that I'd be finding a community that needed me more then any I'd seen before.  In March of this year I visited Nepal on what I thought would be my first real vacation in maybe 20 years.  It was an extremely emotional experience for any number of reasons both positive and heart breaking.  But mostly because I was introduced to Raj Kumar Pun.  He houses, acts as father, and educates 23 children between the ages of 4 and 14, all of whom were born with the HIV virus.  Raj sold his home in 2009 so that he could put a roof over the heads of these amazing kids.  HIV in children is a horrible thing anywhere.  But in Nepal it can and usually does mean that they will be denied an education, a home, family, and worse.  These children are usually abandoned once diagnosed.  They are sold as servants, prostitutes, live on the streets, and starve.  For those children not helped it is most likely a death sentence.  Raj rescued each of these children from a life of torture and shame.  Still life isn't kind to them.  They are not allowed into the public schools because of archaic thinking and fear of others being infected.  So Raj got permission to open a small primary school.  Though only grades 1-5.  He still can not get permission for the older grades.  The children can  not play or intermingle with other children outside of their home.  Then the worse that could happen did happen.  Last year Nepal was hit with a terrible earthquake that destroyed their home.  They are now all living in a small space that has to work as their sleeping quarters, school, kitchen, and social area.  You'd think they'd complain and be miserable.  But not these children.  When I met them they were wonderful and hopeful.  They told me about their dreams of a future.  It truly broke my heart.  Just like every other child they wanted to be actors, pilots, even mechanical engineers!  One little girl sang me her version of the "ABC" song.  Of course she sang LMNOP 4 times.  It was so great. I just loved her.  Pretty amazing when you realize that her native language is Nepalese.  I later found out she had just come out of the ICU where she spent 6 days.  I just wanted to eat her up she was so adorable.  The children love each other and support each other.  They are all they have in the world.    I am asking all of you to help to give them more.  They need help to rebuild their home.  Everything they have is funded by private donation.  They are literally rebuilding brick by donated brick.  I saw it myself.  If I hadn't been there I'd be skeptical.  But you all know me.  Some





of you I've helped at some point or another in some way or another.  Now I'm asking you to help them.  Anything helps.  $2, $5, 10, or if you if you can do more believe me it will all go to them other then the small fee go fund me takes.   This is not a tax deductable expense.  But what you will be doing will make an enormous difference.  Unlike in the US there is no fallback system.  If you are hungry there, you starve.  If you lose your house you sleep in the street.  These children did nothing to deserve the life they have gotten.  There but for the grace of God go I.  Many of you, my friends, are affected by HIV.  But we have medication they can only dream of maybe 10 or 20 years from now.  While our system isn't perfect it's 100 times better then theirs.  Please help me help them.  You can read more about them at Babylifehome.org.  Ultimately I want to raise $140,000 to allow them to rebuild and get on their feet.  I realize what a lofty goal that is.   What I'm trying to start with now is enough money to get them a Van large enough for all of them to ride in together.  It may take time to get them all that they need but I will be asking you to fund raise for them.  Many of you fund raise for causes.  Please make this one of your causes.  I promise you, it's one of the most important things you will do in your lifetime.  

hugs,
Joyce Berger ( Joy )
Founder of Le Chateau Exotique, Ltd.