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THE STORY OF THE CHILDREN AT STARCROSS:THE PRESENT

For what happened before this go to BEFORE 1986 and/or AIDS.

The years from 1991 to the present have allowed us to regain our rhythm and focus. On a trip from Romania Brother Toby and Sister Julie had a stopover in Italy. While visiting Assisi they placed one of Tina's prized " ‘arbles" (marbles) in the wall of the Basilica of St. Claire. They said a prayer and then walked over to the phone booth to call home. Sister Marti gave them the delightful news that 15-month old Holly was now testing negative for the HIV virus. There were health issues to be faced because of the drugs she had in utero but at least she did not have AIDS.

We felt greatly blessed when it turned out that Andrew was not infected either. The two of them and David present us with the welcome challenge of raising healthy children to adulthood. As they grew and began school we discontinued having live-in volunteers in order to provide them with a more regular life.

In May 1996 we had a gathering to celebrate our 20th anniversary at Starcross at which time we announced that we would not be taking more babies. That phase seemed to be over. Once again, God had other plans. Two weeks later we were begged to take a terminally ill infant who did not need hospitalization and had nowhere to go Isabel had a rare genetic disease, not AIDS. Her five months of life with us were peaceful and serene. Shortly after Isabel died we received a letter from Africa to help (see STARCROSS KIN WORLWIDE) and we have not made any more predictions about children!

We recognize ever more clearly that our calling is no longer to change the policies or agencies concerned with AIDS. Our job is to be a small, monastic community responding as best we can to the needs around us. For now that means being family to the wonderful children who have been entrusted to our care. It includes helping them develop their special gifts. We have been challenged to learn not only about AIDS but, thanks to David, to learn about great music performance and composition. Each child inspires us to expand our horizons in unexpected ways.

For more information on the individual children go to THE FAMILY.

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