Why Ethiopia?

Over the last few weeks, Scott and I have had the privilege of sharing about our decision to adopt. We have seen quite a variety of responses. All of the conversations center around "Why Ethiopia?"

Let me first start by saying that I think that there is no place better than another. I feel that every family that pursues adoption feels drawn toward an area or even a situation. For example, I have several friends that are either in the process of adoption or have already adopted and each have a unique calling. One friend feels very strongly about pursuing adoption through the Foster Care System. Their family's desire is to leave a healthy, loving impression on as many children as possible. We know other families that have heart strings toward other countries such as: Guatemala, India, China, and the Ukraine; they have engaged adoption internationally, as well. Still other families feel that domestic adoption is their calling. After all, there is a large number of children that need homes here in the USA.

For the Page family, we were drawn to Africa immediately. In fact, we tried really hard to think outside of Africa, but just couldn't! I told Scott years ago that if he wanted to move there to work in an orphanage or dig wells for those who needed water- I WAS IN! I think this is partially because of my gift mix. (You see I score really high on the "Helps" section of the Gifting Test.) I think the other reason I have a tender spot for this area is for this time in our lives. The Lord has been preparing my heart and paving the way to our son.

Over the years we have been trying to teach our family the importance of looking outside of ourselves. (This is a hard concept for all of us.) We want them to understand there are people outside of the United States that have value and importance. For Scott, this is one reason he loved the idea of international adoption. Through the adoption of our son, we will have a forever connection to this country. In the future we want to travel there for extended periods of time and serve in an orphanage, help in a school, provide humanitarian aid, etc. Our true desire for the Page Family, for generations to come, is to have an active role in sharing love, peace, and the one TRUE HOPE to a place that's hurting.

The raw numbers really got to us! There is roughly over 4.6 million orphans alone in Ethiopia. The number is climbing due to poverty and the Aids epidemic. One out of ten children will die before their 1st birthday. Many are dying from malnutrition and dehydration. The more we read about the situation the more heartbroken we became. This in itself was really hard to get over!

We have several friends that either have or are in the process of adopting from Ethiopia. It is so comforting to know we are not alone. I love the idea of living in community with families that share a similar story. I think this will be so important for our son, as well. Our dear friends Mike and Corrie just brought home their sweet Sosi a few weeks ago. What an amazing celebration! Our family had been anticipating this day! Rosie, our youngest, had been walking around for weeks carrying her picture. "Loving and kissing Sosi." That evening at the airport was so special; Rosie immediately recognized and reached for her friend we had been praying for and talking about. I anticipate the day we will be on the plane bringing our baby boy home! What a great day that will be!