Breastfeeding Culture: Mursi Tribe

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The Mursi tribe of Ethiopia's Omo Valley is one of the oldest and most easily identifiable tribal cultures of Africa. Most Mursi children nurse past toddler-hood, and clothing for women commonly leaves breasts exposed. The breast area for the Mursi tribe is viewed as nourishment for children and signals to men peak nubility of the woman, based on shape and texture. The Mursi people are at risk for displacement. From Mursi Online: Since the 1960s, the extension of government control over … [Read more...]

Breastfeeding in Ethiopia

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I had recently written about my experience speaking with people in South Africa about breastfeeding, and I realized I never have written about my own observations of breastfeeding in Ethiopia. Ethiopia has an interesting history because it is one of the only African country never colonized. This makes for a very different atmosphere than many of the other African countries I have visited.         The rural areas of Ethiopia have a weaning age of anywhere … [Read more...]

Love Liberates, Birth Mother Quotes and Inspiration

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We are framing this photo for Samuel, taken by Kyle LaMere in Ethiopia, September 2012.  Under the photo will be Maya Angelou's "Love Liberates" quote. How beautifully she sums up the importance and love of the birth mother and family. How true love frees; it does not enslave. Someone once said, "Children need two things: One is roots and the other is wings." I know Samuel's birth mother was strong enough to provide our son with wings. Now our prayer is that together we can provide him with … [Read more...]

Houston, We Do Not Have a Problem- Clean Water Fundraiser

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  Thank you to everyone who attended the Houston Waves for Water Fundraiser to bring clean water to Ethiopia. It was a blast!   Kayla and Omar Dar of Baby’s Breastie and Fayye Foundation put the entire event together in six short weeks. Because of their dedication to the clean water project in Ethiopia, we were able to bring people of all walks of life together to raise $7000, which in turn will bring 7000 people clean water.   We called this event a … [Read more...]

The Real Mommy War

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Today, as I fly to Houston to raise awareness for phase 2 of our water project with Waves for Water, I will be thinking about my friend Laura, and her family. Laura has reminded us what mothers really are at war with. Mothers around the world are fighting daily to preserve the health and wellbeing of their families. This is what the world should be outraged about. This is the true "mommy war." There is so much we can do. "The Brightest Light . . ."  Letter from Laura … [Read more...]

You Have Given a Miracle This Christmas- Clean Water

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We had the Waves for Awassa Event in Los Angeles on World AIDS Day. (December 1) Jack, from Waves for Water, gave a water demonstration and showed videos of what can happen to a community when it’s given what every human needs access to- clean water. When he was done speaking, a couple who attended (fellow adoptive parents, but that is all I will say so that they can remain anonymous) asked us when we were planning on going. “March at the latest.” I replied. Jack jumped in to … [Read more...]

H2OPE For Ethiopia | Clean Water Project

As most of you know, we are working with Waves for Water on a clean water project to bring rural Argisa, Ethiopia much needed filters to create access to safe drinking water. We were recently updated on the severity of the water related diseases of the area. What we were told has made us realize that time is of the essence. We are now trying to bring 100 filters to the area as soon as possible to prevent any more senseless deaths from water borne illnesses.  What we are doing:  I wanted to … [Read more...]

Ethiopian Airlines- Flying on Cloud Nine

Dr. Jay Gordon and I were pretty darn excited with our seats.

I can put a check next to number 17 on my Pre-30 Bucket List: Flying upgraded overseas   When we went to Ethiopia, Ethiopian Airlines found out what we were doing and not only discounted our tickets, but upgraded us for free. Ethiopian Airlines is a very patriotic business; they are still an Ethiopian company and like to see people give back to their home country.   Ethiopian Airlines flew us first class via Virgin America to Washington DC.   In DC, we were … [Read more...]

Cloth Diapering Mamas for Clean Water in Ethiopia

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  Yesterday I received an email from Sister Donna: "Hi Jamie, What a very nice surprise to hear from you!!! Just now I'm at the Haile making good use of their free internet. When I see your pretty face, what lovely memories come to me and the magic days we were all here together in! I am so glad to hear that the response is good for the diapers! I have often thought about it and wondered about what was happening. When you live in a non electric world, things come and go in … [Read more...]

Our Ethiopian Family

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I wanted to share this amazing family photo captured by Lori Dorman when we were in Ethiopia. Pictured are Samuel's brothers, sister, and mother/ama. The resemblance he bears to all of them is unquestionable. … [Read more...]