Background Questions

Last April when Grant and I were in Boston and we were getting to know Aliyah’s parents (see the post “Why Ethiopia” to learn more) we were very inquisitive about their experience and we were asking them all sorts of questions to learn as much as we could. One question that we asked was in regard to Aliyah’s background and what information they had concerning why Aliyah had been available for adoption. Their answer was that this information needs to be Aliyah’s to share if and when she is ready. It’s best for an adopted child to learn about their history from their parents at the appropriate time.

This idea was also brought up in the pre-adoption class we attended and in many adoption books that we’ve read. After much thought we’ve decided that we will take this same approach with our child. We do understand that this could create some awkward situations but we know people will understand. We still want you to ask us about the process but we appreciate your understanding that some information will be kept confidential.

Since specific details won’t be given, keep in mind that poverty is the underlying factor that determines why children are not able to be raised by their birth family (see the post “Why are Children Available from Ethiopia” and the New York Times article to learn more).

Thanks again for being part of this journey with us! Please continue to pray for the health and safety of our soon-to-be baby. Blessings, Anna