Ethiopian Dolls

Cars, trains, Lego's, and balls have been the toy isles I've shopped until as of late. I've found myself turning down the "girl" toy isle recently, only to be completely disappointed.

Finding black dolls are nearly impossible.

At Walmart, the only doll that wasn't white and blue-eyed was "ethnically ambiguous." I was having a hard time deciding if it was Black, Native American, Hispanic, or a really tan white doll. I've also noticed that the black dolls seem to be lacking ethnic features.

Sad to say that as a white person, I haven't given much thought as to how difficult it is for African American girls to find dolls that look like them. My hope is that I will have an assortment of beautiful Black dolls for our girl to grow up with. I want our daughter to know just how unique her features are.

I turned to the Internet and found this great doll. I love her soft curls and dark skin. I went ahead and ordered her since she is reasonably priced and has been selling out. She arrived in the mail today, and she is awesome. Even though I don't know our daughter yet I can still buy her presents, right?! Plus, a portion of the purchase price goes towards World Vision, a terrific organization.




The Heart 4 Hearts Ethiopia Doll


I also found this collector doll. She is pricey, but I love that she is in beautiful Ethiopian Dress and represents Ethiopian history. I hope to bring her home one day.



From Ethiodolls, Makeda Queen of Sheba


Lastly, I remember playing with American Girls when I was younger. I found a line called "The Girls From Many Lands" collection, and was glad to see an Ethiopian Doll. Would love to have her too.



The Girls From Many Lands Collection



Of course I wish these dolls were on the toy isles at our local stores, but I am thankful they are at least available online. It is just a clear reminder to me how "white" focused our American culture can be.

If anyone happens to find anymore great ethnic dolls let me know!

The Farmers Wife Tells All

Each adoption has it's own story, it's own timeline. For many people on the outside it is easy to wonder why an individual family would risk so much, spend so much, and WAIT so long for a child they do not know.

But that is what inspires me about families who adopt.

Following these families who are willing to step out of their comfort zone and love another child is:

Empowering. Miraculous. Beautiful.




There are many adoptive families blogs I read and enjoy. One that I've recently been reading is The Farmers Wife Tells All.

It turns out that this family who was on our agency's Ethiopia waiting list, has changed plans and decided to pursue a private Ugandan adoption instead. They are currently in country right now.

Take a look at The Farmers Wife Tells All blog and follow along.

April Number

I received our new monthly number yesterday, and I was thankful to see a little bit of movement. With all of the unknowns with the government right now and referral slow downs, each bit of movement is something to rejoice about.


For the month of April ou official number is: 71