You may be wondering of all places for us to adopt, why we have chosen Ethiopia. There are a number of reasons why we feel led to this country. The first time I saw glimpses of innocent children living in extreme poverty was from a missionary visiting my church. I was mesmerized that even in such despair, the children were happy. They smiled and played. I was just a little girl at the time, but those images have never left my heart.
Throughout high school and college I always dreamed of going to Africa for a medical mission. My desire to help this country is partly why I chose healthcare as a field. I’m still hopeful that this dream will come to a realization one day.
And of course because Ethiopian children are beautiful! I mean really beautiful!
As you see, Ethiopia was an easy choice for me. Nate felt drawn to Africa as well, and it turns out we only really qualify for Africa with adoption agencies due to our age primarily, the shorter wait time for adoption, and our hope to get a younger child.
This adoption is going to be a long process, probably 12-18months. In fact, our baby probably hasn't even been born yet. Even so, I can't wait until the day I see that sweet little face. That is what motivates me to get through this long road.
It is overwhelming for all of us to consider what is going on in Africa. The HIV/AIDS epidemic is devastating. Ethiopia is a nation that has been severely afflicted by AIDS. An entire generation has been annihilated in the child-raising years, leaving hundreds of thousands of orphans.
Some daunting statistics include that 1 out of 4 children die by age 5. And nearly half of Africa’s population is under the age of 15.
Facilities in Ethiopia caring for orphans are seriously overcrowded and most do not accept children known to be HIV positive.
There is much misinformation and superstition surrounding HIV/AIDS within the Ethiopian population, which has resulted in widespread stigma and shunning of persons with the disease. Relatives are often reluctant to accept children whose parents have died from AIDS. Accurate education about HIV/AIDS is essential to both prevent the spread of AIDS and to end the shunning of those who are infected.
Widespread abandonment of children to the streets or to institutional care has caused them to lose family and ethnic identity, two very important elements of the Ethiopian culture.
It is hard to speculate how many decades of this destitution will endure because of the AIDS epidemic.
Someone described Ethiopia to me as a place that I will love and be devastated by all at the same time. I imagine this to be very true. I am thankful I don't live in this poverty and desolation, but more than that, I feel compelled to do something about it. I don't think my journey will end at the finalization of our adoption. I know it won't.
I will teach my children about the rich culture and livelihood of this Nation. I hope that I will be able to travel again, to help, to show my children that there is a greater calling in life to serve humanity, rather than most of the frivolous things we do worry about in our daily lives. Most of all, I hope to help other families who feel led to adopt from Ethiopia. I want to give back to them, as I know many people will be giving to us. Many people will help bring these children home to their families and for that, I am truly grateful.
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