1. Thousands and thousands of children in the world are homeless

Every country has orphans. Some countries have hundreds of thousands of orphans. Under the best of circumstances, children would be cared for by their extended biological family or adopted within the country of their birth. But that’s not how things play out for most children who are orphaned.

I believe every child deserves a home, a home where they are loved and cared for. Being able to provide that for a child, even if we’re only able to adopt one child, means there will be one less child who will grow up in an orphanage.

2. Our world is increasingly multi-cultural

Many of my friends are in marriages and partnerships that blend cultures and race. Their children will grow up knowing that they, and many of their friends and classmates, come from similarly diverse backgrounds.

Even in Seattle, a relatively homogenous city, there is increasingly more diversity. Within a few blocks of our house, we have neighbors who are: Indian, Caucasian, African-American, African born, Asian, Eastern European, and Middle Eastern.

My own marriage spans two somewhat disparate cultural backgrounds. We learn from each other and have a much richer life because of it.

3. Opportunities to grow and learn

For me one of the coolest things about adopting internationally is that my world has expanded exponentially. I have been given the opportunity (and the motivation) to learn about another culture: the history, food, religion, social mores, art, music, customs, holidays and so much more!

I am a better person for having traveled this path. The years ahead will undoubtedly continue to offer challenges and even deeper rewards.

4. International (and domestic) adoption is an integral part of my extended family

My niece was adopted from China. My husband’s sister was adopted from Germany and his brother was adopted domestically. It’s one of the reasons—for us—that adoption, particularly international adoption, feels right. I am proud of our extended family, created both by birth and adoption.

5. Travel!

I LOVE to travel (and always wish I could do more of it). And, I write on a travel website. So the fact that travel goes hand-in-hand with international adoption is the icing on the cupcake for me. In fact travel has turned out to be one element of the adoption process that’s been the most fun and adventure-filled.