After reading this
piece written by Eric Weiner, the proud adoptive father of
a Kazakh baby girl, I started to begin this post with silly cliches from the popular and upsetting film, ‘Not Without My Daughter,’ but that would have been far too obvious and
stupid. In writing his story for Slate, Eric has done a favor so magnificent for other parents looking to adopt
internationally or specifically in Kazakhstan that I had to pass it along. I’ve always considered adopting a child and
while I’m nowhere close to being in that process it really makes a person see how much is involved. For one Eric and
his wife Sharon ended up in several places most foreign travelers would hope never to see on their visit. From the
Education Ministry, to the court house and with many visits to the baby house (what we call orphanages and should never
be called that in Kazakhstan) I am under the impression that the couple really learned a lot more about the country’s
culture than any backpacker might have. After all they are bringing home a living, breathing, crying, diaper-wetting,
cuddly, cheery baby girl for a souvenir.
Whether you are a perspective adoptive parent or you can’t stand
the little boogers I highly suggest everyone take a glance at
this piece. With references to Ali G. and the great Kazakh poet Abai the story is full of laughs. Oh, and congrats
to the new happy family. Isn’t she adorable?