Brad, Abebe and Rebecca posing in front of a crater lake outside of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Tell us about a recent experience that qualifies as an adventure. Would you be willing to talk briefly about your family’s adoption experience? When I first read this question I thought I was unqualified to answer it. I did a quick mental glimpse of my life and thought I was far from having done anything remotely adventurous; at least anything recently. I realized my life/our lives have been very focused on raising a family. But what could be more of an adventure than thinking, trusting, hoping you can raise, nurture and guide a child – let alone three. I realize that people are vey curious about our family and about adoption. They are even more curious when they realize we travelled halfway across the world and adopted our oldest child when he was 13 years old. I guess not many people have ever considered adopting a teenager – because they are teenagers. And as right as it is for us, when I think about the scenario it does seem a bit adventurous.

Can you tell us about an adventure that sounded great on paper but somehow went wrong? The summer between my junior and senior years of college I worked as a counselor for three weeks. I had 8th and 9th graders in my group and our program was to prepare them to be counselors when they were in high school. Part of the program was that we would take them out on an overnight campout. The first two weeks of campouts close to the camp were successful. The third week our campout took us quite a bit away from the camp. The other two counselors and I along with 10 campers were dropped off with supplies and food, which included lots of hamburger meat.

When you’re 80 years old (or if you’re already there, add few years) what adventure memory will you tell repeatedly? After I graduated from college I joined AmeriCorps and lived in Florida for a year working with Literacy Volunteers of America. My supervisors and I conducted a training at a nearby women’s medium security prison where we trained inmates to be LVA volunteers to work with other inmates. That training led to me volunteering one night a week in the prison’s library so the inmates that were on the road and construction crew could have an opportunity to visit the library. I supervised about 20 inmates that worked in the library and the adjoining legal aid services. I knew at the time that it was an adventurous thing to do – not every one can say they have worked in a prison. Plus, it was rather humbling reading and signing the Florida Department of Corrections’ hostage policy know that my life was the third priority. I was shocked when I realized that I had prejudices. It was hard to keep them hidden among some very street-smart women. Thankfully they called me on it. They were very kind and gracious to me, and even came to my aid a time or two.They helped me learn a lot about myself. I still remember their names. I am thankful for them. I am thankful for that adventurous volunteering opportunity.

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About the author

Autumn Carpenter
While navigating the carpool lane and translating toddler conversations might not rank high on some adventure life lists, I happily include those accomplishments alongside skydiving, dodging Pamplonian bulls and surviving three-hour Vinyasa yoga classes. I look for the story in everyday situations, and convey them easily in both print and online mediums. I’m also SEO-friendly ghostblogger, web content writer and copywriter. Let’s collaborate on a project today!

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