The children are my inspiration to create or make new things. ‘The Bridge of Hope’ is a book that shares the emotions and feelings of orphan children living with HIV/AIDS.

How do the children feel? What do they think about themselves? What do they think about adults and society? For a year and a half, I have lived with these children and have come to love each one. I am amazed at how they all come from different backgrounds and are able to live together as a family. The children are the strongest, bravest and most patient children that I have ever known. They all understand the importance of taking their medicine and to maintain the inbalance in the various situations they encounter inside and outside the Center.

The closer I get to the children with their stories about their families, the more I find the value and meaning of life from the words of these innocent children.

The emotions, feelings and imagination of these CHILDREN has been represented by a symbol that the children feel represents their life. You will know what these children have faced. They did not choose to be born HIV positive. This book is called, “The Bridge of Hope” Hope”. Every human being in the world should be a bridge for these children living with HIV/AIDS and help them reach their destiny, where they can meet the ‘hope’ of a new and betterlife. Their lives have the same value as that of oth er human beings. The good feeling in their hearts is a gift from God. This gift is the power and strength that will lead them to move forward and overcome all obstacles. This is possible through the love, cooperation and help of society.

Thank you to the 20 children that were willing to share their life story in this book. Thank you to teacher Ekkarak Pinijpornprapa, Nurse Nijaree Tulatarn, Mother Mayo and Georgina who also told us about how they feel about these children.

Also, thank you to Khun Karun Asawachatroj, Khun Suchitra Loidoenshai, Khun Kul Sukwong and Khun Nopawan Sinsombat who helped translate the book from Thai to English. Thank you to Georgina and Paddy for editing the English. My hope is that this book will be helpful for everyone to understand the emotions, feelings and imagination of our children living with HIV/AIDS.

A special thank you to the Director of the Camillian Social Center, Father Giovanni Contarin, M.I. who allowed me to produce this book and have it printed. May God bless everyone for their assistance.

Sister Rita Anutranont, IJS.