The Adoptees

As you know I love a good story about "giving" and "the less fortunate". They usually have adventure, fear and hope as you root for the underdog. These stories get me every time. And yes, if you catch me, I may be shedding a few tears, okay maybe even crying my eyes out. What's more, don't let it be a true story.

Well I found such a story as it is so inspiring to me. Especially when the story continues after you have "left the scene". So picture being in Africa....You are sitting at a long dinner table and the spread of food is magnificent (yes in Africa) . Roast lamb, stewed beef, potatoes and carrots in butter sauce, fresh greens, Ethiopian style BBQ, the spread of Ethiopian Wat and Ingera, line the table before you. The decor is reminiscent of a fine hotel and people you care about surround you.

At the table are three people you have just met on the trip; a young guy and two young girls. The first time you were introduced you learned that the young man is a nephew of the person whose house you are staying in while on your travels. When you met him you found out that he was also on vacation and lives in Canada. He is Ethiopian and works for a major oil rig in Canada. He is to travel to the most popular ancient ruins of Ethiopian civilizations with a tour bus to leave in a few days. The young ladies are his friends and they came for the adventure. One of the young women you meet has been looking for volunteer work to which she will be able to live in the city.

At the table you learn that the host's wife is a wonderful cook and you cannot eat enough although your stomach is giving you the red light. Turns out the host owns a business that was passed down to him by his father. Even the home where you are eating was a gift to him when his father past away. After dinner you discover that the host has also been taken under the wings of the same woman who cares for her "nephew" (the young man) and who has been caring for you as you live in her house.

A year after you travel back home, you have a conversation with someone about your travels and wonder what happened to the young man from Canada. You learn that he was adopted due to the loss of his parents when he was a minor. The girls (who were European) were also adopted and orphans as well. Somehow they found each other. They did go on their amazing trip and get an internship to work helping children.

Six months after that a message comes to you through the daughter of the woman whose house you were living in. In your conversation with her she states how much her mother thought so highly of you and that you were a wonderful person. She said to please say hello to you. That's when it hits you.......... everyone was basically "adopted" and you were included.