Conversation with Miss M.

Me: " ..... and so they are indicating that adoptions will be decreased by 90% ..... and I don't know how much more of a delay we can take .... and if in a few months nothing has changed, we might call it quits .... and maybe this is a sign.... blah, blah, blah...."

Miss. M. (my 16 year old ET student adopted last year): "Mrs. P., you have got to fight to the end, until you get to the point that you absolutely can not do it any longer, then maybe see it as a sign. It is so hard for girls and kids in Ethiopia, and so many need a home that you can give. Many young girls have babies and they can't take care of them. Many girls I have known have had their babies in (pit) toilets and leave them die. If the baby lives, their life is hard. I had to sell toilet paper as a child on the street. It was illegal and when I was caught by the soldier, I was whipped (leaving me sick for a few days) or had to stand in a petrol can of very cold water for a long time. When I was not caught and men were just jealous of how much I sold, they would whip my ankles with sticks and throw rocks at me. I was small, so I learned to run and jump fences quickly to get away from them - even with my swollen ankles. I don't believe God would not let these children find homes like yours, so I will be praying for you and the children."

Seriously - I pinch myself daily to remind myself how lucky I am to have had this amazing young lady walk into my life. Her conversation reinforced the need to hold on for the sake of us - for the sake of the child meant for us, to send out positive universal vibes, meditate, pray, and basically anything to just help this work out and have our baby home soon.