What I Like About Being the Adoptive Parent of an Ethiopian child.....

Guest Entry by Andrea

The following is a satirical piece written by an adoptive mother of two, Andrea, which was originally published at Family Preservation Advocate Blog.  Please check back on November 14th as Andrea will be writing and gathering the thoughts of others for an entry on the topic of orphans for "World Orphan Day."

What I Like About Being the Adoptive Parent of an Ethiopian child.....

I saved an orphan.

When I say I've been to Africa, people are impressed.

I'm no longer a stupid American; I have a world view.

I feel more relaxed talking to black people because I have proof I'm not "one of those" white people.

My heart for Africa has grown. These days I think twice before buying a latte.

I now belong to a multiracial family and I see the world through the eyes of a person of color.

I'm in a position to educate others about race.

I discovered my creative, resourceful side - I raised half the money for my adoption by selling T-shirts that said, "Made in Ethiopia." I got the other half through donations to a Paypal account on my website. My child will be so proud!

I fell in love with the Ethiopian people - every last one of those beautiful, unfortunate people without bathrooms.

I have a mission: to keep my child familiar with his culture. I do that by attending adoption picnics wearing Ethiopian dresses.

My white friends are constantly amazed at what I can do with that hair!

My biological children learn about tolerance and diversity from living with a black child every day.

My Ethiopian child will grow up and do something important for his people.

I am truly multicultural - every day, not just at festivals.

I can call my white girlfriends "Sister."

I've done something good for the world.

Now that I have my child home, I can focus on fighting corruption in adoption.

No one can call me racist. A racist would never adopt a black child.

I met my child’s birthmother. My heart was broken; I will never be the same.

God called and I answered. I was pulled, led, and I could not refuse. It helped that the dossier for Ethiopia was relatively easy and the people are in such need.

I thank our birthmother everyday for the gift she has given me.