Our Ethiopian Adoption Story: January 2009

Ethiopia Information

Total population: 77 million

The average income in Ethiopia is US$100 a year. Almost 82% of the population lives on less than $1 a day.

Malnutrition levels are among the highest in the world.

The average life expectancy is 43 years.Ethiopia is home to 4 million orphans, or 12% of all children.

More than half a million of these were orphaned as a result of AIDS.

Literacy rate: 42.7% age 15 and over can read and write.

Only 18 percent of children reach grade five.

Ethiopia's neonatal mortality rate is one of the highest in the world - 49/1000 births with tetanus infection being the second major cause of infant/neonatal death.

Statistics are from the CIA, Save the children, WHO and UNICEF websites.

Nothing like great family to ring in the new year. Here is to a new year that makes our dreams come true.

Supportive Family and Friends

"It was great talking to you yesterday...Congrats again!!! Keep me updated on the progress..."

Marla Harris

Oh man - I was so excited I think I just sent a response to you tube - oops.
I just watched the video - and I COULDN'T BE HAPPIER FOR YOU TWO!! I also watched where her brothers show Eva's now room - how cute!!! I just cried all over the shop computer.
AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH - I AM SO EXCITED FOR YOU GUYS!!
love you lots!! Kim Wojcik

I am so excited for you guys!!!!!! Thats amazing! Good luck with the adoption process and keep me posted. I'm back in California now and miss everybody at camp already. My thoughts and love are with you!
xena

Congrats! That’s wonderful news. I have some baby stuff that Sam will be growing out of soon, like a bouncer, a swing and a car seat too. I would love to give it away to a good home! How old will she be when you get her? I’m so excited for you guys. Parenthood is great – more than you can imagine!

Sue Dahl


I am extremely excited for you!! It makes me want to
cry as you are getting ready for an addition to
your family, and I just had to let go of my oldest.  
I wish you all the luck and happiness coming your way!!
Amy

I just got chills as I read your email. Joel and I just got home from Tulsa, OK visiting my family. Your news is WONDERFUL!!! I'm so very happy for both of you. Please keep us posted.

Hugs,

Margie


That is awesome news!  Congrats!  
Jim, Dea, and I drove to Hudson this past weekend and
I was thinking about you two.  I can't wait to share the
news with Jim and Dea.  Keep in touch.
Love ya!
Lynn

It is me your long lost sister. I just want you guys to know that I am SO SO excited for you both. I think adoption is a wonderful gift for families. THAT IS SO AWESOME. When can you meet her? Do you get pictures of her? Do you know how old she is? Sorry for all the questions. I am so excited, I can't imagine how you both feel. Please keep me updated.

Take care

Love

Jenn

This is such exciting news and we're so happy for both of you. I remember the talk you and I had, Maria, about you and Craig possibly adopting a baby and here you go!!! What a lucky little girl she's going to be!! I couldn't open the video, so if you can send it in a different format that would be great. Keep us posted!!

Love,

Mary and Lanny


 
"WOW im soo happy for you guys!! thats soo awesome
you are gonna have a little piece of sunshine
lightenup your days. two requests: the baby better
go to camp and better be a twins fan!!!"

Daniel/Columbia

YAY!!!!!

I am sooo excited for the both of you....and your new baby girl! She will fit right in and you will be the luckiest family ever! I am adopted and it worked out just dandy and wonderful. We even celebrate my "gotcha day". Oh Maria and Craig I am really very unbelievably excited for you!

Love Love Love,

Kris and Blake

This is very good news. I am very excited an look forward to meeting the new member of your family--Thus an extended member my family.

Grandma Rosemary

Oh my gosh!! I just got goosebumps!! I am so thrilled for you guys! :) So do you have a time frame?...months? How old is she? Do you have to fly over and get her? I'm sorry for all the questions, I just don't know much about all of that. She will certainly grow up with two wonderful parents! :) I can't wait to see pictures!

love you guys!

shell

She is such a cute baby. It is fun to watch the videos. Good luck to you both! We are 100% behind you. Love, Roger & Sue

Maria,
I am so excited for you!  I have actually been thinking
about you and camp a lot lately.  Fall was always my
favorite time of year out there.  I really loved it.  
Are you still working there with teambuilding?  
Brian and I were at Target and saw some pens that
you can write with and then it sends to your computer.  
We both thought of Craig.  Didn't he work on that
(or something very similar)?  This past year has
been very busy for me.  Brian went to Iraq in
January and I had a baby girl, Kailyn,  in May.  B
rian got home 3 weeks ago and met Kailyn for the first
time.  It's been great being all together.  Do you
have a picture of your daughter yet?  Are you and
Craig flying over to get her?  You will both be
wonderful parents.  This baby is so lucky to have
such a great home to go to.  My cousin just adopted
a boy from Korea and it was an amazing trip over for
him and his wife.  I wish you and Craig all the best.  
Congratulations!
Brynna

Congratulations Maria. The three of us are very excited for you and Craig. You will make an awesome mom!

Love, Mary

How long before she gets here? How old is she? I am so excited to have a new little great niece! I have a million questions for you..I will call soon. What is your number again? I lost my address book and everyone’s phone number included. Also, send me your address again too. I need to start all over before Xmas gets here…Love you all..Keep us posted!

Sherry

Congratulations!! That is amazing news!

I am thrilled for you two and absolutely cannot wait to see photos and meet the new little Emmerich in Medford sometime. Last time we were home, I met Sarah Mader's little girl. I guess I'll have to start bring my cats to the grocery store. Haha!!

Very happy for you!!

~Heidi

CONGRATULATIONS! We are so excited for you both, and this new little life, that is soon to come into your world. How cool is this?!? Looking forward to hearing more soon...

Love ya back - Eric, Julie, Aaron, Ryan and Bob

P.S. - If you want to get some good training in, we have two beautiful rambunctioous little boys who would offer up their company for a night...just sayin'....

That IS exciting news!! Can’t wait to see pictures!

Barbara

Congrats! I can't wait to see pictures of her. Has she been born yet? Do you have any other details about her? Best of luck with it moving along quickly.

Love, Cher

"Maria, I am soo happy for you.  I can't wait to read
more on your blog!"

Jolen

So, I have to tell you, last night I had a dream that
Jade went out and adopted three babies, all from different
countries. It was crazy, but I was in love with them. ha!
So, I am pretty sure that I had that dream from watching
that video and thinking of you guys! hahaha. It was funny
because I was trying to figure out how much to feed them,
and I always nursed, so it was strange to make formula
bottles. It was a fun dream though. :) So, thanks! haha.

Carrie D

Congratulations Maria, Thats awesome!!
Brian

woot woot!! does this mean we should celebrate!
Matthew Baxley

Congratulations Sweetie!!! Give me some details. Do you know when you will be able to meet her? Do you guys have a name picked out? How old is she? I am so happy for you guys. You will be WONDERFUL parents!

Love,

Danni

Sweet!! Congrats!!!

-Jen Wilson

Maria and Craig I am so excited for you. I thought 9 months was long. I know this is a very special child that is lucky to have you two as parents. Love Ya Julie

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