What I Didn't Know About Orphans....

When I got here, I was surprised to find out that an orphan by Ugandan standards is any child that has either one parent caring for them or no parents caring for them. I suppose, even if they have one parent, they consider them orphans because of the high rate of AIDS. I'm not sure. So, it becomes tricky when our village is looking for true orphans in need. Many would like their children to be here because of the education they receive. There is an intense screening process before a child is accepted into the village. I admire this organization because they desire to follow all of the proper protocol set by the government and are looking for children truly in need. Some children we accept do have a living parent or parents but that means they are dying of AIDS or are severely sick in some other capacity.

Second, I learned that in order to gain custody of a child here in Uganda, you must first foster them for three years in country. Then, after that three-year period, the case will be reevaluated and guardianship could be granted until the age of 18. This is one reason it is so difficult to adopt a Ugandan. So, Rafiki has custody of these children for three years and must appear before the court again to gain full guardianship. So far, there have been no incidents in which the relatives want the child back, but pray that continues to be the case.

Lastly, when I picture orphans, I envision malnourished children - skin and bones. I was surprised by the pictures of orphans and the ones that we have received who seem well-fed and, at times, even overweight. I was told that, despite looks, they are usually severely malnourished. Their diet is unhealthy - the bad carbohydrates - and the weight is not good weight. Once they come to Rafiki and begin eating the well-balanced meals provided here, the difference can be noticed.

I've learned a lot, and it's only been six weeks!