What I Wish I Had Known, From the Eyes of a Child

America World is working on a project to help better prepare
older children for adoption. Who better to learn from than the adopted
children themselves? Here are some highlights from the responses thus far.

What do you wish you had known prior to coming home to the
United States?

• You might have pets (animals that live in your
  home). We were terrified of the dogs at first, but now we love them.
• You will brush your teeth every- single -day.
• You will see doctors and dentists when you get
  to the U.S. but it will be ok. They take care of you and make you feel
  better when you’re sick.
• The airplane ride is awesome, BUT the toilet is
  sooo loud, so don’t be scared.
• Brothers and sisters might be different from you
  in how they act and what they like.  Just remember that the adoption is a
  big change for them too.
• You’ll get to celebrate the date of your birth
  every year. Before you leave Africa they will give you a birth date.
• Toilet paper goes in the potty not the trash.
• It feels good to have a home. 

We hope you enjoyed this post from the eyes of an adopted
child. If you have a child who would like to contribute, please contact
Caitlin Edwards in our Ethiopia program.