A Story Rewritten By Grace
By Tigist Bergman
I share my story not because of where it began, but because of how God has carried it forward. I was born in Ethiopia and lived there until I was five years old. My earliest memories are shaped by hardship, growing up in poverty, sharing a small hut with my mother, father, and grandmother, and facing a future that felt uncertain. When I was four, my father was taken to prison, leaving my mother to care for me alone. In an act of profound sacrifice, she made the incredibly difficult decision to place me for adoption, hoping for a life for me that she could not provide.
At the same time, across the world, a family in California was praying for a child from Ethiopia. At five years old, I was adopted through America World along with my best friend, who is now my sister, Kidist. In a moment, everything changed. My life was no longer defined by the circumstances of my birth. What I did not understand then, I see clearly now. God was writing a new story for me, one marked by grace, provision, and a second chance I will never take for granted.
Even as my life changed, my heart never left Ethiopia. In the summer of 2025, I had the opportunity to return on a mission trip, serving at Bete Hosanna, a girls’ home filled with hope. There, I witnessed something powerful. Girls who once faced uncertain futures are now dreaming boldly of college, of starting businesses, and of building lives that reflect purpose and dignity. I could feel it in the air. God was at work, restoring confidence and reminding each girl that her story is not defined by her past.
Because I am close in age to many of the girls, our connection came naturally. We became like sisters almost instantly, laughing over games of Uno, playing volleyball, and teaching each other language. They helped me grow in Amharic, and I helped them with English. I formed especially meaningful bonds with girls like Marta, Elsa, and Abe, whose kindness and joy stood out so beautifully. Despite everything they had faced, their hearts were full of faith and a willingness to serve others. Those simple, joy-filled moments are ones I will carry with me forever.
Why This Story Matters
Returning to Ethiopia shifted something in me. For so long, I saw my story primarily through the lens of loss and hardship. But standing there, surrounded by children still waiting for hope, I began to see it differently, as a testimony of God’s grace. I realized that stories like mine need to be shared. There are not enough voices speaking to the beauty woven into adoption and to how God can redeem even the most difficult beginnings.
What makes my story beautiful is not anything I have done. It is what God has done. It reflects His love, steady, unconditional, and present in every step, even when I could not see it. My journey is both bittersweet and full of grace, and I have come to understand that both can exist at the same time.
Faith Through the Challenges
One of the hardest parts of my journey has been understanding love. As a child, it was difficult not to wrestle with feelings of abandonment or question my worth. But over time, God has gently reshaped that understanding. He has shown me that His love is not conditional or fleeting. It is constant. That truth has changed everything. It has also challenged me to reflect that same love to others, even when it is hard.
Today, by God’s provision, I am in college studying business, with dreams of becoming an entrepreneur. When I look at my life, I see a story only God could write, one that began in uncertainty but continues in hope.
A Final Encouragement
If you feel a pull toward adoption or missions, do not ignore it. Lean into prayer. Ask God for clarity and trust His timing. The journey may not always be easy, but it is meaningful, and God is faithful through every step.
My life is proof that no story is too broken to be rewritten. And if He can do that for me, He can do it for anyone.
If Tigist’s story has stirred something in your heart, it may be God prompting you to take a next step. If you are considering adoption, we would be honored to walk alongside you. You can visit our Learn About Adoption page to pre-apply at no cost and schedule a conversation with our team. While Ethiopia is not currently open to international adoption, families can pursue adoption from Bulgaria, Ecuador, and India, and our Waiting Child Photolistings introduce you to some children who are hoping for a family.
Below, you will find photos from Tigist’s recent trip back to Ethiopia, a journey that reflects both where her story began and how it continues to come full circle. If you feel drawn to be part of something like this, we invite you to explore our Mission Trips page to learn more about upcoming opportunities and how to apply.
