In a busy household where children’s laughter fills every room, this family’s life is anything but quiet. The home currently includes ten children in the family altogether, with seven living in the house right now. Homeschooling is part of everyday life, and it began around the same time the family stepped into foster care.
Among the children who joined through foster care, two arrived as infants and eventually became permanent members of the family through adoption.
A Calling Rooted in Faith
For this family, the motivation to foster and adopt came from one central place: faith. Everything in life is a gift, and serving others was a natural response. At an age when many people are finishing their parenting years and preparing for an empty nest, that path didn’t feel right for this household. Instead, there was a desire to keep opening the door to children who needed care and stability.
This family entered foster care hoping adoption might become part of the journey. They understood that outcomes could change, but they were open to wherever the process might lead them.
The Reality of the Foster Care Journey
The journey through foster care and adoption brought many ups and downs. One of the most challenging parts was the uncertainty that comes with foster care. Two infants arrived and quickly become part of daily family life. Plans for reunification would move forward, then change, then move again. Preparing emotionally for children to return home while also recognizing that plans change requires constant flexibility.
Those changes were not only felt by the adults. The biological children in the household experienced the ups and downs as well. Watching siblings arrive, bond, and sometimes leave created important but difficult conversations about love, loss, and the purpose of foster care.
Through it all, the family witnessed both painful and hopeful parts of the system. There were moments that revealed difficult realities such as seeing the consequences of harmful choices made by adults. There were also reminders that people can grow and rebuild.
Today, the family maintains positive relationships with both biological mothers of the adopted children, something they consider deeply meaningful.
Challenges Along the Way
Navigating foster care requires a strong support system. Open communication inside the home became essential, especially with so many people coming and going. Social workers, therapists, and other professionals were often part of the household routine. Honest conversations helped everyone adjust. Community support also played a key role. Church relationships, foster parent meetings, and connections with other families provided guidance and encouragement.
There were also medical and developmental challenges to understand. Both adopted children had been exposed to drugs and alcohol before birth, which meant learning about prenatal substance exposure and how it can affect brain development.
Early screenings helped identify areas where extra support could make a difference. Occupational therapy and in-home services became part of the routine, focusing on things like emotional regulation and impulse control. Early intervention allowed the children to receive help as soon as possible.
Watching Safety Take Root
One of the most powerful moments in the journey came during the early days with one of the infants. At first, the baby barely cried. After learning more about the child’s early experiences, it became clear that long periods had been spent crying until they couldn’t anymore before entering foster care.
As attachment grew within the home, something changed. The baby began crying more. For this family, that moment was actually a sign of progress. In their words, “loud kids are safe kids.” Crying meant the child felt secure enough to express needs and emotions. It meant trust was beginning to form.
Over the years, both children have continued to grow with the help of therapy and supportive services. Emotional development, self-regulation, and communication skills have all improved as the children gain confidence and stability.
What Success Looks Like
When asked what success means in their adoption story, the answer is simple. Success shows up in small moments. It appears in everyday routines, shared laughter, and quiet reminders that serving others brings deep joy. The family often reflects on where these children might be if foster care had not brought them into a safe home.
Faith also plays a central role in how they view success. The belief is that every step forward, every milestone and moment of healing, comes through guidance beyond their own strength.
How Adoption Changed the Family
Adoption has reshaped the entire household. It has taught everyone that life is not only about individual goals or comfort. Instead, it is about giving, serving, and caring for others.
The process also required patience, especially with court timelines, legal procedures, and delays that can stretch the foster care journey much longer than expected. Yet one of the most beautiful outcomes has been watching the children fully embrace one another as siblings. Over time, the two adopted children have simply become part of the family. Sometimes the other kids even say they forget adoption is part of the story.
A Reflection of Something Bigger
For this family, adoption also reflects a spiritual belief that deeply shapes their perspective. The idea that people can be welcomed fully into a family, even when not born into it, mirrors their understanding of love, belonging, and grace. Living that belief out in daily life has become one of the most meaningful parts of the journey.
Advice for Families Considering Adoption
For families thinking about foster care or adoption, the encouragement is simple: take the step.
Many people feel they must be completely ready before beginning something as big as adoption. However, waiting for perfect readiness may mean never starting at all. The journey will be challenging. It may be one of the hardest things a family ever does, but it may also be one of the most rewarding. A strong support system is essential. Family, community, and trusted resources who can help along the way. Being willing to ask for help makes a tremendous difference.
A Message of Hope
Adoption is not easy. For this family, it has been a gift. The journey requires patience, perseverance, and faith. With each small moment of growth, each new milestone, and each reminder of belonging, the family continues to see that opening their home was worth it.