The Beauty of Adoption

Last year we went to a birthday party and met this gentleman, who is in the picture, with his adopted daughter from Ethiopia. The host of the party took this picture of them around the time of early adoption. She was 5 years old at the party and my husband and her father was speaking almost throughout the whole party. Turns out his wife had died shortly after the adoption and he had been taking care of his new daughter by himself. She is the sweetest thing and my husband was so impressed with this gentleman. They exchanged contact information at the party.

The other day as I was blog-hopping, I found two amazing sites on adoption. One of them was so inspiring, I grabbed their button and you can see it below, on the bottom right hand side called "Ethiopia or Bust". They have an Ethiopian son and just adopted an Ethiopian daughter. I also found another site called Addus aBaby. They have a whole listing of other Ethiopian adoption blog sites. This wonderful couple adopted a beautiful baby boy. I went through so many of them and was very impressed with all the families who adopted. There are some good sites for couples who want to adopt as well, just be careful to do your homework.

Quotes from adoptive parents:

"Somehow destiny comes into play. These children end up with you and you with them. It's something quite magical." -Nicole Kidman

"By choice we have become a family, first in our hearts and then in our flesh and being." -Richard Fischer

"However motherhood comes to you, it is a miracle." -Valerie Harper

"We look at adoption as a very sacred exchange, it was not done lightly on either side. I would dedicate my life to this child." Jamie Lee Curtis

Uganda Bombing Killed 74 World Cup Fans

I do not like presenting news about deaths of innocent civilians but the sad truth is we live in a new era of violence. On Sunday, July 11, 2010, as fans were enjoying the football match between Spain and The Netherlands, in an Ethiopian Village Restaurant and at a popular Rugby Club two bombs exploded. Sixty-four were reported dead on Sunday. Of the 64 that died, 10 were Ethiopian and/or Eritrean and 1 American was killed. The death toll has risen to 74 as of yesterday. Sources say both attacks were bombers from a Somali terrorist groups.

Ethiopian Music-Radia Mohammed

I love this song.

Speak Up

"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy." Proverbs 31:8-9

Ethiopian Soccer Tournament 2010: Spotlight on New York Team Abay

Ethiopian Soccer Tournament 2010: Spotlight on New York Team Abay

With the soccer event being watched by thousands for who gets the world cup, there is another soccer event that should also be televised. The Ethiopian Soccer Tournament based on Ethiopian players in different regions of the US. This year it is the 27th anniversary being held in San Jose, California. I went when it was held in Washington DC and I tell you, it was a lot of fun. The vendors really made the event extra special with authentic jewelry and souvenirs and yummy tasting food and treats. This just in: according to the Ethiopian Sports Federation in North America (ESFNA), The winner is LA Stars Division I and Las Vegas Division II. Kansas will also be entering the tournament for the first time for the 28th Annual Event. Last year this event was held in Chicago. I wonder where it will be held next year? Check out the link above for a more information or ESFNA. Happy 4th of July.

My Alumna Address

It was awesome. I had such a good time. Looking out at all those young faces. Future graduates that would go out and make a difference. The Keynote speaker was great! He was a Champion Fencer and member of the United States Fencing Association Hall of Fame. He did an excellent job. I presented the Alumna Address. I was so nervous but by the middle, I was confident.

It was held at Maritime College in a beautiful outdoor arena. Parents were taking pictures continually. Students were fanning themselves, the teachers and advisers were cheering the students on. The Principal did a great "Go out there and get them" speech. Some had fancy shoes too high for me to walk in and others wore high top bright colored sneakers. Guys wore their cool shades while the Principal asked one young man to take the tooth pick out of his mouth. All I thought about was my graduation from this school and what it was like to be young and adventurous.

They announced all my previous work and accomplishments just before I went up with "graduate of class of 1986". The crowd repeated with giggles. They looked around for this old lady. Where could this old prune be. I must admit I looked fabulous with a lime green top with sparkles around the V-neck, a cute knee high black ribbons of chiffon skirt and shiny black leather high heels. My hair was a cascade of curls with my sun glasses to hold back my hair. I stepped up to the podium and announced "yes it is I, graduate of 1986". Everyone who knows me says I look young so they were shocked when I started speaking.

It was one of the greatest day for me as I have dreamed about giving back to my former high school. I have always wanted to inspire them for greater things. I really enjoys motivating our youth as they are our future professionals. I encourage you to go out there and make a difference for our young people. They need to know that those before them believe that they can do even greater things than us. You can see my speech below or here. My husband helped me to modify it a bit. I spoke to them about Opportunities and Obstacles, Failure and Success.