internet magic

Today I discovered the meaning of our younger boy's name -- and through my search I discovered a great deal about the region the boys are from, and "met" a generous-spirited person. This is one of the ways in which the internet is wonderful.

I started by Googling "L" along with Ethiopia, Ethiopian names, etc. I found a person with that name, and when I got to the link, it was to a paper he had co-written with another person about damming in Ethiopia and the cost it had on the health of a certain population there. It was either through that, or another link, that I discovered not only was he involved in a grassroots relief program for the region that the boys are from, but he was from that region himself.

I took a chance and emailed him, wondering if a World Bank employee would have the time to read, never mind answer, an email from a complete stranger. I'm so glad I did! Never could I have found a more generous, sympathetic or kind person. He was very interested in our adoption, and also supportive. The region the boys are from is especially poor, facing catastrophic environmental degradation and all of its resultant problems.

Beckmann and I had not had much luck finding any information about the region of their birth, not to mention finding it distinctly on a map. We had general information about Ethiopia, gotten from books, websites, and other people's travelogues. But finding the website and corresponding with this gentleman brought the reality closer. When we actually go to Ethiopia, and hopefully, to the boys' birthplace, it will become more real. Never as real as it would have been to have lived there, but no longer a distant image.

I think sometimes, when we are caught up in becoming a family, we can unintentionally separate our children's birthplace from our children. I don't mean to speak for anyone but myself, btw. I knew intellectually that Ethiopia and our future children were intertwined, and that we would do our best to integrate our kids' culture and honor it in our own lives. But as I alluded to above, all of these things are concepts I have yet to fully experience and understand. My own understanding of Ethiopia has changed a great deal since we began the process of adopting. This new development -- finding someone intimately connected with their birthplace, someone who understands firsthand the situation there -- well, it's pretty intense.

Grown "L" nicely gave us his phone number, so if we need assistance translating for the boys, he says he would be happy to. There is also the potential for us to meet someday, given that Beckmann's dad lives in DC, and Grown L travels to NYC on occasion.

I'm thinking of asking him to phonetically give me some words in their native tongue to express basic concepts, actions and emotions. Beckmann and I were going to make some Amharic flashcards for ourselves, but maybe having some words in their more regional language could make communication just a tad better?

What does "L" mean? Joy and happiness. Grown L is sure that the brothers will bring us and our community much joy and happiness. They already have.

Comments

[abebech]

This is so wonderful I'm crying! We had a fabulous experience with Ethiopians in NY this week, so generous with us and our children and so joyful about our adoption.
Dh's experience in ET was truly lifechanging. I know yours will be too.
Grown Lire sounds wonderful, and small Lire's name is such a gift! I have no doubt that your boys will deliver on that promise!

[leisa]

Is the picture of the angel a clue to where the boys are from? How wonderful to have such a supportive resource. Definately get the regional words to help with those first few days. Do you have a travel date?
Leisa

[MEMF]

Wow-this is a wonderful blog entry!!
Whenever I read "Ethopia" I always remember that 5th grade slide show. The girl who was in school for one year only (Becky?). The only thing I remember about her is that her dad was in the peace corp(?) and introduced us to Ethopia. Now, zillions of years later, you're going to be going to that place from the slides and hug your two sons. Amazing.

[bek]

I hadn't checked here in a while and OH MY GOSH!! Congrats on your sweet boys. I have a boy that is two years and 4 months....... it is quite a ride. But, raising boys is such a fun thing for a mom to do.... they love their mammas.

How exciting!!!!!

[Erin]

Oh, how wonderful that you were able to connect with this man and, in doing so, connect yourself more fully to your sons! It's amazing that we have the ability to do these things now!

[Blaine]

These are the moments that make me love the internet! Wonderful!!!

[rebekah]

I'm not sure how I came across your blog, you know how the internet movement goes, but I am so glad I did. My husband and I are just beginning the process to adopt from Ethiopia. I appreciate your sensitivity and openness with your feelings as you've found your two boys. I am thrilled for you and think your kids will thrive in your care.

More so, you and I seem to have similar approaches to life. I am also a natural researcher, like yoga, move too fast both physically and mentally for my own good, which is where the yoga helps. So your writing helps me quite a bit. (also love Anne Lamott, I've read her stuff for years and have seen her at a few readings)

I think there has been some strange thing going on bringing me to where I am today. For example, when I met my husband, I knew we would have a little blond haired, blue eyed joyful boy, and we did. I have not been able to see the next child and so have been ambivalent about it. Until Ethiopia. Now it is clear in my mind's eye that my son will have an Ethiopian brother.

I can't discount the power of the internet in this journey. I have read and seen other families' doing this and it has been incredibly powerful. And a priceless body of information. Thanks so much for sharing.

[swerl]

What a great, thoughtful post.

If you'd care to add me to your blogroll, I'd greatly appreciate it:

http://swerl.blogspot.com