Hi Shimeliss & Staff, The following is a recap on our adoption story in bringing Alemitu home along with some pictures attached. Please use it on your website/blog or other advertisement as you see fit. We would love to promote your agency for future adoptions as we had a great experience! Thanks again for all you do!
I don’t believe it’s possible to walk into an orphanage in the heart of Ethiopia and not be changed by the experience. This change began for me several years ago when I met my 5 1/2 month old adopted daughter, Aliya Joy, for the very first time.
Not long after coming home it was amazing to see how Aliya Joy so naturally became a part of my life. We’ve all adjusted to a daily routine although it is subject to change at any given moment. Aliya is a busy three year old who loves to talk nonstop, dance, sing, play, and cuddle with our Siberian husky. She adores spending her days with papa and grandma while I am at work. She brings so much joy to my life as well as her extended family.
As the months have turned into 3 years, I am constantly reminded of the hopeful faces of those left behind in Ethiopia. Had they found families? If so, will those families show them the love of Jesus the way it was intended to be or have they lost the flicker of hope that once shone brightly in their eyes? God has been and continues to ignite a passion within me beyond anything I would ever dream of or think of myself to be possible which was to adopt again.
It has been my desire for the second adoption to find an adoption agency that was more established in Ethiopia in giving back to its beautiful culture, to the lovely people and who have focused their priority on caring for the orphans from ages birth until working age. After praying, searching the internet and asking other families who have adopted, God lead me to Hope. After a missed court date originally scheduled for 7/10 due to the flu, we along with the Hope staff decided to pursue the escort option to bring our baby girl home. It is with great joy that we welcomed 6 month old, Jocelyn Joy home on 9/10. The constant care, communication and even the extended stay (for the director himself) in Ethiopia as we waited for the paperwork to process and escort her home will never be forgotten.
I love being their mom. They have never lived inside of me but they have always been in my heart. It is my hope and greatest desire for Aliya and Jocelyn as they grow into adulthood that they will not only honor their birth mom’s decision to give up their own flesh and blood for something greater than themselves, but that they will truly come to know the hope of our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ.
If you are interested in keeping up with our daily adventures, please visit our blog at http://amysadoptionjourney.blogspot.com.
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Amy Gillette
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