Ethiopia, you say?

I have been putting off this post for quite some time. I think the reason for my procrastination is that I wanted to have some big exciting story describing how we chose to adopt from Ethiopia (cue dreams, visions, miracles, etc.). I don't have that story. But I do have a story of God's faithfulness in spite of my selfishness. And that is worth telling.

After having a clear calling to adopt, the next question was "where?". We first researched, discussed and prayed about the options of foster care, domestic, or international adoption. We truly believe that there is not one adoption route that is "better" or more important than another. Every child that is without a family is in need, no matter what part of the world they were born into. I love that every family's calling is different, that's how God gets things done! We were both drawn to international, which led us to "which country?". I read all the requirements for each country (some which included parents having a specific BMI...what the what?) and that narrowed it down. Ethiopia was one of the few we actually qualified for.

*Disclaimer: Ugly confession ahead. Please proceed with forgiveness.* At this point I must be honest and confess that I initially was against this since it seems that Ethiopian adoptions are so numerous and I hate to be a bandwagon jumper. (feel free to smack me in the face here) But after I got over my dumb pride and realized that this was the path laid out for us, I saw the amazing blessing in having a strong community of Ethiopian adoptive families around. Praise the Lord!

Since then, I have been steadily falling in love with this beautiful country and people from afar. I feel so honored and blessed to be able to welcome an Ethiopian child into our family. We have much to learn about their culture and heritage, but I can't wait to dig in and become an Ethiopian-American family.

Here's a little Ethiopia info from our adoption agency's website: http://www.westsandsadoption.org/ws/countries/ethiopia/

"Ethiopia is the oldest independent nation in Africa, a land of stunning natural beauty covering an area twice the size of Texas. It is a land of rich diversity of culture and geography. It is considered the cradle of civilization with the remains of “Lucy” dating 3.5 million years old and Homo ramidus afarensis dating 4.4 million years old. Over 80 languages are spoken, the national language being Amharic. The climate is dependent on the physical terrain and its position close to the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean. Much of the year is warm and pleasant in the Addis Ababa (the capital) area where you will be staying. There are two principal seasons, rainy from June to September and dry the rest of the year. Ethiopia retains the Julian calendar and has 13 months. We use the English or Gregorian Calendar when we plan your trip.
Ethiopia has a population of over 75 million people. Its main Religions are Muslim (45 to 50%), Ethiopian Orthodox (35 to 40%), animist 12%, other 3%. Its main exports are coffee, quat, gold, leather products, live animals, and oilseeds. Per Capita GNP is US $1,000. Life expectancy is 49 years.There are 500 people for every doctor. It has been estimated that there may be as many as 2,000,000 or more orphaned children living in Ethiopia."