Walking Some Talking

In my last post I meagerly attempted to raise awareness of the church's "orphan care movement" and how some of the language used can be harmful to adoptive families, specifically adoptees. I've never intended to have a political blog, and I'm not about to start. I'm no activist, just a mom who loves her daughter. Now that I am off of my soapbox (well, maaaaybe), I'd like to follow-up.

I mentioned that there are many ways people can care for the millions, yes millions, of children who are without families here in the US and abroad. This staggering tragedy should not be ignored. Children are suffering. And though I am not interested in twisting anyone's arm by posting shocking photos that trigger guilt, those photos accurately represent the reality for millions of children. Noemi eventually found a family again. But there are many children who wait. And wait. And eventually reach an age of no longer being allowed to be adopted. They simply "age-out." And though I would strongly suggest adoption for people who are in the position to expand their family, it may not be possible for everyone.

But caring for the children on this planet IS for everyone.

Noemi's hometown, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia, is stunningly vibrant. It is also extremely poor. It is the second largest city in Ethiopia and sits near the Somali border. It has been hit hard by recent droughts. While we were there, we were witness the effects of a devastating flood that happened years prior. Nothing could prepare me for the things we saw during our short visit and for the emotions we felt while absorbing Noemi's people. It was hands-down the most beautiful and agonizing day of my life...and I am only now beginning to process much of it.Our adoption agency recently started expanding its work to Dire Dawa. They now have programs that sponsor at-risk children so that they can remain living with their families and go to school. They also provide social supports to help prevent the cycle of poverty and disease, specifically for girls--which, ultimately, prevents children from loosing their families and needing to be adopted in the first place.

If you feel compelled to act, you can read about some of the sponsorship students here and related programs in Dire Dawa here. For our family, it is our way of honoring Noemi's hometown and the people who gifted her to us. It is our way of caring about what put her in the position of ever needing to be adopted.