from ashes to africa [Paperback]

Josh Bottomly (Author), Amy Bottomly (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 24, 2009

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.

Product Details

• Paperback: 196 pages
• Publisher: Tate Publishing (March 24, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1606045989
• ISBN-13: 978-1606045985
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #628,103 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Loved it:, May 22, 2009

By 

Zach Kennedy (Springdale, AR) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: from ashes to africa (Paperback)

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.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Love this book!, May 25, 2009

By 

Erin Moore "Erin" - See all my reviews

This review is from: from ashes to africa (Paperback)

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

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Story of Adoption, May 25, 2009

By 

Casey Picker (Little Rock, AR) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: from ashes to africa (Paperback)

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!