Removing Friction from the System (by Dave)

I’ve been amazed as I observe what takes place on these online Ethiopian adoption forums. It’s truly the power of community in action. Hundreds of individuals with a common affinity for the children of Ethiopia are banding together to meet real needs outside the scope of governments and other ineffective bureaucracies. It’s wondrous to watch the spontaneous emergence of needs and the immediate response to those needs by the forum members.

Whether it's traveling families taking special formula to orphans awaiting the arrival of their adoptive parents (thank you again, Leah...and thank you, Toni, too!) or the many others who are transporting supplies to address the needs identified by the caretakers, it’s just so incredible to see the “friction” of bureaucratic systems removed so that real needs are met by connecting those that “have” directly with those that “have not.”

It’s also wonderful to experience the friendships and bonds that are being built with people who have never met face to face. I urge anyone who isn’t a part of these communities and has a heart for the children of Ethiopia to participate. I can’t help but think that there is great hope for the country of Ethiopia as the impact of the members of these boards grows in momentum and more are made aware of and drawn to the plight and the pain in Ethiopia.

Hopefully the people of Ethiopia are starting to catch a glimpse of how much we love them through the actions of the everyday people participating in these online forums.