As part of the process we have to write a letter to the Liberian government explaining why we want to adopt from their country, not why we want to adopt. I drafted a letter tonight and sent it to the agency for some guidance before finalizing it. I don't know exactly what they want to hear. I don't want it to sound like we are "saving" her because I don't think that is the case. But we are definitely giving her a whole different kind of life and a bunch of opportunities.
Anyway, the draft is below - Elizabeth
Sunday January 13, 2008
To Whom It May Concern:
When we decided to grow our family through adoption we embarked on a long process of researching and learning. We investigated adoption programs across five different continents before determining that Liberia was the right program for us. Liberia is the country that makes the most sense in our heads and feels right in our hearts.
When we discovered Liberia was an option for us we began researching more about the children and the country. We were both previously unaware that freed African American Slaves had colonized the area, what a unique history! We were very intrigued by the similarity of the symbols of Liberia and America and the long history between the United States and Liberia. We feel that as Americans we should reach out to Liberia since the country has been supportive of the United States. As we read the stories of war and human rights atrocities our hearts went out to the people of Liberia who have watched their beloved country deteriorate.
Then we began finding stories about Liberia’s journey toward healing that has begun over the past few years. The citizens of Liberia are bravely working towards restoring their country but face a long uphill battle. Your country is growing very quickly and has a large youth population and we are aware that many Liberian families struggle to care for their children. If we are given the gift of a Liberian daughter we will spend the rest of our lives raising her to become a smart, successful and beautiful Liberian-American. We will not forget our daughter’s homeland; our plan is to continue to give back to Liberia in honor of our daughter. We will also encourage her to learn about her homeland and will support her in honoring Liberia in any way she sees fit.
Sincerely,
William Sevigny and Elizabeth Harding
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