This is a common question my wife and I are asked when we share with people that we are in the process of adopting. I wonder sometimes if there is a question behind the question. However, I'm sure in most cases it is really an inquisitive question. Why choose an international adoption over domestic? Why Africa instead of Eastern Europe or China?
The reason I often give for Ethiopia is that it's one of the poorest countries, so if we're going to help somewhere, why not where it is needed the most. I then explain how there may be countries where the need is greater but that Ethiopia is also one of the more adoption friendly countries, at least for now (this can change at anytime with international adoptions).
However, as our family has studied more about Ethiopia, I've come to realize that I am really becoming enamored with this country. It's a country with a rich Christian heritage to go along with it's great African heritage. It's a country of great beauty as are many countries in Africa. It's a country with a proud history of royalty dating back to King Solomon (yep - Israel's Solomon) and the Queen of Sheba.
A lot of countries have a great history and culture. So why has Ethiopia's warmed my heart so much?
Because this is my son's country and his heritage. That's why I love it.
I can't explain what has happened over the last couple of weeks. But I've started to feel my new son inside of me. I have an excitement growing as if my wife was pregnant (I know this feeling as we have four birth children). We have not even been referred to a child, but I know God has him set aside for us already. I can feel it. I couldn't feel it when we started this process, but I can feel it today.
I have a new answer whenever someone asks me why we chose Ethiopia. We chose Ethiopia because that's where our son is from. Where else would we choose?
4 comments:
Tony-
This is a question we will be answering for many years, I suppose (we still get it all the time). I loved your reasons.
For me it was sort of a "coming home" experience. When I was a child and youth I was fascinated with Africa. In fact, I imagined I would one day go there as a missionary (still a possibility). I would read everything I could on Africa and even wrote a book (my mom calls it a book - which is a stretch) at 13 of why I want to go there one day.
My wife, Amy, has had an attraction to Africa all her life as well.
So, when we began talking about international adoption it seemed so natural for both of us to gravitate to Africa, and then Ethiopia as we learned more about the culture and the adoption process. We couldn't be happier.
blessings on you on your journey.
Chad
That's just beautiful! most people choose to adopt from China. But its the Lord who inspired you to adopt a child from Ethiopia. I also want to adopt someday =)
Tony, this is very exciting to read about, and very touching and inspirational, too. The Gospel is about our adoption, so it's a blessing to read about you doing the same. Keep us posted on your journey to meet your new son!
Steve -
Thanks. I have a more recent post on our progress at Life in Obama Land
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