Who Are You?

We enjoyed a wonderful opportunity yesterday at the International Ethiopian Christian Fellowship Church in Sioux Falls. We found the seminar to be thought provoking and we have been thinking about issues discussed with regard to ethnicity  - Ethiopian vs. "black", culture, religion. How do you see yourself and where does that identity stem from?  Research presented offered that some Ethiopian children found it hard to fit in, they were not accepted by the "African American" black culture, but they didn't feel Ethiopian because they didn't necessarily speak fluently the native language (Amharic for most) and how that affected their identity.  The information gave us a lot to think on as we continue to prepare for the child who will join our family. We will have to make a concerted effort to keep alive the Ethiopian heritage of our child as they assimilate into their American family.  It was noted that many Americans participate in symbolic celebrations of their ethnicity -even 6-7 generations removed from their homeland - for example: St. Patrick's Day for the Irish.  These symbolic celebrations are a way to re-visit a heritage and keep it alive, which is a helpful tool in maintaining a healthy self image of your originating culture.  After the program, we were served a delicious Ethiopian meal and the opportunity to meet other families who would be adopting children or had adopted children from Ethiopia. We were fortunate to be welcomed to a table with a family who has 4 girls and are currently waiting, as are we, to be matched. It was delightful to get to know them over dinner and make the connection to this beautiful family.

As I ponder where I find my own identity, my soul reaches back to New Orleans ~ to the French and Spanish roots of my family.
To the local customs and history of the Crescent City -

The French Quarter, Mardi Gras, music, foods like red beans & rice, gumbo, crawfish,

beignets  and my beloved coffee with chicory.

Even though I only lived there for a few years after my birth, the summers I spent at Meme & Paw Paws house left a deep imprint on the core of my being.  I mainly grew up in Denver and loved that city for all it offered, but my heart was shaped by the  Fleur-de-lis.

It is impossible to know just how and when things imprint on a person. This is a source of comfort and mortification as a parent as we are imperfect in that ( and all ) roles. When I think of my children's futures - I pray that they will touch other lives with love, compassion, respect, humor and leave their own unique prints that transcend time. I hope they remember how it felt to be the children I waited for and loved like I never knew possible - my sweet angel babies.