Do it for her
I met Ashley in nursing school, and we were fast friends. Really, the only way I made it through pharmacology was gossiping and sharing the daily crossword with her, (and then later having to cram intensely for the two hours prior to an exam, which we all know is the very best way to learn). In this picture, me and Ashley (she's on the right) and our friend Bea are celebrating graduation, just weeks before Elena was born. This is just around the time Ashley and Lee began trying for a family. Elena is just finishing kindergarten, but Ashley's arms are still empty. The past six years have been filled with tears, hormones, costly procedures, and ultimately, five failed IVF procedures. Five. Now, at long last, she has met her babies and they will hopefully come home with her very soon. In one way, at least, she has been lucky. Her babies are doing well in their orphanage, despite the crushing conditions. Many other babies are not as lucky, and they need our help.
Do it for them
Ashley and her husband Lee are just what you might picture when you think about ideal parents. They volunteer with the homeless, and participate in the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program; they are active in their church; they are well-educated and able to provide for children; Lee is a children's musician; they are fun-loving, kind, and generous. If we all had to have such rigorous criteria to be parents, the world would be a nicer place. Really though, what it all comes down to is this: They desperately want to be parents, and their babies need and deserve to be loved and cared for. The orphanage is the bridge between the two parts of this family, and they are struggling mightily. (They took this picture in NYC just minutes before finding out that they were matched with their babies. Despite everything they went through, they believed.)
Do it for the babies
There are more than 4 million orphans in Ethiopia. The total population of Austin is less than 2 million. Really, I just can't wrap my mind around that. These are human beings, children, no different from my children or yours, and no less deserving of a family. Many of them are sick and have needs that will never be met. It feels hopeless, but it is possible to help. Even the smallest contribution matters. Diapers. Formula that won't have to be diluted to stretch for every child who needs it. A clean place to sleep. You'd be amazed by what you could provide with so little.
Do it for you
You always hear, "Give 'til it hurts", but I say, "Give 'til it feels good". You'll never regret it. No matter how much or how little you can spare, it makes a difference in their lives and in yours. There are so many good reasons to give these days, and so many causes that need our help. It can be completely overwhelming. I just do what I guess we all do- choose the things that move me most, and do something. I hope that you will be moved to help these families find each other, and to share your blessings.
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