Sitting at breakfast during a consultation last past week, I became acquainted with a new friend who is completing an adoption in Ethiopia. In fact, he and his wife hope to pick up their daughter from an orphanage in Addis Ababa next month. They are so excited that after a year of waiting, the day of her coming home has finally drawn near. I rejoice with them and join them in prayer for this great day.
In the course of our adoption journey, we have met many adopting couples and rejoice with each of them in the growth of their families. What makes this story different from the adoption stories of many of our friends is that Anwar and his wife are Ethiopian. They are part of a small, but growing number of Ethiopians pursuing domestic adoption. This is a great thing in helping more children know the love and security of a forever family.
Domestic adoption plays a vital role in caring for the children whose lives have been disrupted through the loss of parents through disease, poverty, war and the realities of a broken of our world. International adoption agencies lead much of the work in in-country adoption and in-country adoption awareness overseas. My friend and his wife are in fact conducting their adoption with the help of an international adoption agency.
Recently, our own agency, America World, shared this photo of an ad they sponsor in Addis Ababa promoting in-country adoption.
Earlier this year, much was written about the “market” created by foreign adoption that fuels corruption in the system. First, let me be clear, all corruption must be eradicated wherever it is found. However, corruption is not the norm. Most adoption agencies want to care for kids, who through the circumstances of their lives are now up for adoption. Parents motivated out of love, no matter whether from within the country or from without, have a great love for that child they will adopt. It is so great to see these agencies partnering with parents - international and in-country - to provide loving families to children. Far from a "market," most involved with adoption really do want to care for kids as best as they can.
For us this is a long process with lots of waiting.This morning, we met with our case worker to update our home study and renew several items of paperwork. As we talked with her, updated and confirmed things about our family that have happened in the last year, it continued to make us think of this little one out there.
Beyond that, there is not much new to report. Our paperwork has been in Addis Ababa for about a year. It could be up to two more - or we could receive a call tomorrow. We don’t know. But we do know that we love this little person already - whoever they might be and look forward to a time, like Anwar and his wife, when we are counting the days until that special someone’s arrival.
For now we wait - and celebrate with friends in their time of joy!
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