These pictures were displayed on another blog entitled, Ethiopian Joy. The first is of a hair salon at the orphanage, the second is the kitchen, and the third is a photo of the "older boys" living space. The more images we are privy to, the more urgent this process becomes. Knowing that somewhere out there is a little boy in need of a home continually confirms what a blessing the adoption process can be. We've been asked many questions along the way - "Can you not have children of your own?" and "Why not adopt a domestic child?" While we cannot fully explain our tie to Ethiopia, what we can express is that we feel a sincere desire to open our home up to a child who needs us. While I fully affirm domestic adoption and have witnessed what a blessing it is, one cannot deny that the conditions in other countries are certainly worthy of our attention. We know that what our child will bring us will far surpass any love that we are able to extend. I find it interesting that the idea of adoption seems so foreign to some - it's almost as if we should all want to have biological children if we are able. Perhaps one day, we will all open our doors to those in need and call them our children - regardless of where we came from, or who gave birth to us. For me, watching others around me adopt and moving toward the process depicts for me the true meaning of family - loving not because you have to, or because one is biologically "yours" but rather because it's what comes naturally if we allow ourselves the opportunity.