The bitter taste of ashes was left in the Bottomlys mouths after learning their hopes of parenthood were shattered. Barrenness, regardless of the cause, causes heartache and pain so harsh it seems impossible to approach life again. But for Josh and Amy Bottomly, Africa opened a door to a new life, the life they had dreamed of. Through a little baby named Silas Tesfarmariam, the Bottomlys found their dreams realized. Clouding this new life were the storms of Africawhere beauty and tragedy, wealth and poverty, and humanity and sub-humanity coexist in a jagged tension. Thrown into the squalls of this drastically different culture, the native Oklahomans learned to see God in a different light. Not only is he the giver of children, hes the manager of nations and the keeper of hearts. Join Josh and Amy Bottomlyand Tesfarmariam too!in this inspiringly true journey from ashes to africa. Like the authors, your life will never be the same again.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful
By Zach Kennedy
I picked it up around 11:30 one night to read a few pages, and I turned the light off at 2:00 am after reading the whole thing. I kept thinking, one more chapter and I will go to bed.
What I appreciated most about the book was the raw honesty. I felt like I was reading my own journal as they detailed their experience while in Ethiopia. I only wish I could have read it before I left, as it would have prepared me for so many life altering experiences.
I had no idea what visiting the orphanages would do to me. I initially thought it would be fun to see the kids and play with them, bringing a smile for the day. I did not expect to see Addis' eyes in theirs, an experience Amy describes in detail.
She writes: "I could see Silas at 10 years old, with holes in his jeans and lice in his hair. I could see him at 18, with no education, no marketable skill, and no job prospects. Through such glimpses I felt more full the gravity of our decision to adopt."
I wish I could have been more prepared...
I had not processed what meeting Addis' birth mother might be like. Ashes to Africa dives into the deep feelings that you don't expect. Feelings of guilt and great sadness as you see the final goodbyes. Then the process your heart and mind go through in the hours after as feelings of gratitude and love flood back in. "Part of me felt the rightness of adoption, the rightness of Hermela's courage and sacrifice. The other part of me felt the the wrongness of adoption, the wrongness of broken families and abject poverty."
I wish I could have been more prepared...
This memoir is so important to both the adoption community and the world of Christians who have no idea what it means to care for "the least of these." If you are alive, you should read it. (I tried to condense this down to certain groups that should read it, but wasn't successful, hence the all inclusive mandate.) Just make sure you start reading in the morning and not at 11:30 at night.
What I appreciated most about the book was the raw honesty. I felt like I was reading my own journal as they detailed their experience while in Ethiopia. I only wish I could have read it before I left, as it would have prepared me for so many life altering experiences.
I had no idea what visiting the orphanages would do to me. I initially thought it would be fun to see the kids and play with them, bringing a smile for the day. I did not expect to see Addis' eyes in theirs, an experience Amy describes in detail.
She writes: "I could see Silas at 10 years old, with holes in his jeans and lice in his hair. I could see him at 18, with no education, no marketable skill, and no job prospects. Through such glimpses I felt more full the gravity of our decision to adopt."
I wish I could have been more prepared...
I had not processed what meeting Addis' birth mother might be like. Ashes to Africa dives into the deep feelings that you don't expect. Feelings of guilt and great sadness as you see the final goodbyes. Then the process your heart and mind go through in the hours after as feelings of gratitude and love flood back in. "Part of me felt the rightness of adoption, the rightness of Hermela's courage and sacrifice. The other part of me felt the the wrongness of adoption, the wrongness of broken families and abject poverty."
I wish I could have been more prepared...
This memoir is so important to both the adoption community and the world of Christians who have no idea what it means to care for "the least of these." If you are alive, you should read it. (I tried to condense this down to certain groups that should read it, but wasn't successful, hence the all inclusive mandate.) Just make sure you start reading in the morning and not at 11:30 at night.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By Erin Moore
I didn't intend to devour this book, it just kinda happened. I opened the front of the book and started with the reviews, then the dedication, then the acknowledgements, then the table of contents, then the introduction, and before I knew it, I had read 100 pages.
Even though I've never experienced infertility, I could relate to the Bottomly's story. This book isn't a "look how perfect our life is" story - Amy and Josh are real about their marital struggles, hopes, fears, triumphs, failures - and I was right there with them, relating. I was so impressed with their transparency. I found understanding about aspects of my marriage through their understanding of theirs.
I loved reading about the details of their adoption experience, from the "gotcha moment" to meeting Silas' young birth mom. This book was straight from the heart; it made me smile and cry. I definitely recommend this book to anyone, and it's essential reading for those who are adopting internationally.
..."I had this deep down intuitional feeling that our time in Africa would equate to crossing the Rubicon and passing beyond a point of return. Both Amy and I were excited and terrified about this" - Josh
Even though I've never experienced infertility, I could relate to the Bottomly's story. This book isn't a "look how perfect our life is" story - Amy and Josh are real about their marital struggles, hopes, fears, triumphs, failures - and I was right there with them, relating. I was so impressed with their transparency. I found understanding about aspects of my marriage through their understanding of theirs.
I loved reading about the details of their adoption experience, from the "gotcha moment" to meeting Silas' young birth mom. This book was straight from the heart; it made me smile and cry. I definitely recommend this book to anyone, and it's essential reading for those who are adopting internationally.
..."I had this deep down intuitional feeling that our time in Africa would equate to crossing the Rubicon and passing beyond a point of return. Both Amy and I were excited and terrified about this" - Josh
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By Casey Picker
My wife and I are currently in the process of adopting from Ethiopia, and this book resonated with me so much! It was great to hear the honest story of a couple's journey who was so much like our own. I would highly recommend this book for those that have a heart for adoption, or even those who just love to hear stories of how God can work wonders!
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
To the Book that Keeps on Giving
I can't recall what drew me to this book, but I had a strong inkling the story would be tremendous soon as I read Frederick Buechner's inserted quote: "Writing is really quite... Read more
Published 3 months ago by RYCJ
4.0 out of 5 stars
great read
very uplifting story. hard to put the book down once you start it. you really connect with amy and josh on a personal level. it's a true call to action.
Published 7 months ago by JV
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fantastic Read
I have adopted two boys from ET. One of them...is my Silas. What I loved about their story was their spiritual growth. As I started reading I found myself thinking... Read more
Published 10 months ago by Micah D. Frey
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great One!
I picked this up on the first day of Vacation last year, yes a little late to write a review lol. But I started it by the pool and didn't put it down till that night. Read more
Published on April 11, 2011 by gail s. blane
5.0 out of 5 stars
Honest and Emotional
I started reading this book, and couldn't put it down. As someone who had struggled with infertility, I found the Bottomly's honest and often heart-wrenching literary portrayal to... Read more
Published on October 19, 2010 by Squeakerabudhabi
5.0 out of 5 stars
Beautiful
This was a beautiful story of marriage, faith and adoption. The text is very straightforward and you really feel like you went on the journey with the Bottomly's... Read more
Published on July 7, 2010 by JadeOnyx
5.0 out of 5 stars
AWESOME!!
Wow what a great book. I read the whole book in one setting. We are in the process of adopting a child from Ethiopia and have experienced many of the same situations in our married... Read more
Published on January 15, 2010 by girlsrus
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent book
Thoroughly enjoyable and relatable. Helped me to visualize what it would be like to go through the adoption process. I like that the book has pictures too!
Published on December 23, 2009 by Marie Antoinette
5.0 out of 5 stars
AMAZING!!!!
My husband and I are going through a very similar journey as Amy and Josh. This book has given us hope and motivation. Read more
Published on October 20, 2009 by Ashlie Fulmer
5.0 out of 5 stars
Powerful Story
I just finished reading From Ashes to Africa today. I don't know where to start but I will try. The book touched me on so many levels. Read more
Published on August 16, 2009 by Vince Giordano
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