One question that we often answer when sharing about our adoption is: Why did you choose to adopt internationally versus domestically?
Well, it isn't a quick and easy answer to give . . . but to sum it up here are a few of our reasons for choosing international adoption. First, both of us have overseas experience as missionaries. Eric spent six months in Kenya in 1999, one month in Mexico in 2000, and 1-year in Cambodia in 2003-2004. He also traveled to Guatemala for work projects in 2001. April traveled to Trinidad and Tobago in 1998 for a two-week trip, and spent four months in Singapore and four months in Macau, China in 2002, and also spent a few weeks in Hong-Kong, Indonesia and China while in the "area." Due to our cross-cultural experiences, we value the richness that other nations and people bring to our lives.
In both of our experiences, we were touched by the children. They were so easy to befriend, lovable and adorable. Most of April's missions experiences involved working with children's ministries and outreaches.
Having also spent time outside of the US and seeing first hand how blessed and fortunate we (as Americans) are - even our orphans, which are placed into foster homes instead of orphanages - has had an impact on our decision to adopt cross-culturally.
But mostly our decision lies in the fact that we feel God has called us to Ethiopia and to adopt internationally. We trust Him with the decisions that involve our lives and our family.
The pictures come from Eric's time in Cambodia. We "email" dated that entire year and this is one of the pictures he sent me. He made friends with two dear little girls while he was there that still have a special place in his heart.
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