A Heartfelt Request

One of the tasks in our adoption process is to write a letter to the government of Ethiopia that will accompany our paperwork as they consider us for adoptive parents. The letter should include our "heartfelt" reasons for wanting to adopt and specifically why we want to adopt from Ethiopia. I finished it this evening and thought it would be nice to share it with you all.

To the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia:

We are a family of three that is seeking to adopt a child from the country of Ethiopia. We have a strong desire to be parents and share our lives with another child.

A few years ago, we decided that we were ready to start a family. Though it was possible for us to have biological children, the urge to help children in need drove our decision to adopt. It saddens us that there are many children around the world in need of a loving home. We are blessed in so many ways and feel it is right for us to use our resources to help orphaned children.

Our interest in Ethiopia began many years ago as we heard of people traveling to visit there. We heard stories of the beautiful countryside, hospitable people and the country’s unique history. Even before considering adoption, Ethiopia had been a place on our wish list of travel destinations.

As we began to learn more about countries that work with the United States in adoption, Ethiopia continued to grab our attention. Ethiopia is a beautiful country, with beautiful people and many children who are in need of a family to care for them.

We then started to research and learn about the adoption process in Ethiopia as well as read stories about other families that had adopted from Ethiopia. We have been encouraged by the successful adoption procedure in Ethiopia and the blessings the children have been as they join their new families.

We respectfully request permission to adopt a child from Ethiopia. We can provide a loving home and many opportunities for our children to become successful adults. A child brought into our home will be taught to be proud of their unique background and birth culture. We know the road will not always be easy but we have a strong marriage, supportive friends and family and the strength of God to guide us along the way.

Sincerely,
Charles and AnnMarie Rudstrom