Imagine the joy of expanding your family through adoption, only to discover that the siblings you wish to adopt number a staggering seven. While many might balk at such a monumental undertaking, one extraordinary couple in Georgia embraced the challenge wholeheartedly.
After 1,359 days in the foster care system, seven siblings have finally found their forever home with the Johnson family. Kelly and Mark Johnson have been caring for the four girls and three boys since August 5, but this week, they officially became one united family. The Johnsons now have a total of eight children, including their biological daughter, Emma.
As you can imagine, the anticipation leading up to the adoption finalization was palpable. The family shared a delightful video of their journey to the courthouse on their social media page. “We’re all incredibly excited!” Mark exclaimed in the video. “The kids have been up since 6 AM, running around and squealing with joy.”
Affectionately referring to the children as their “fantastic seven,” Mark expressed their desire to provide a nurturing home for the siblings. “From the moment we met them, we were smitten. It was essential for us to keep them all together,” he told NBC 4.
Now known as the “super eight,” they have seamlessly blended into the family alongside Emma, whose sign humorously proclaims, “Still Johnson.” Transitioning from one child to eight might seem overwhelming, but Kelly approached it with resilience. “The toughest part was adjusting to the age difference. Going from having a 3-year-old to suddenly having a 14-year-old was quite the change,” she shared.
Initially surprised by the prospect of adopting seven children, the couple quickly overcame their initial shock. “When Mark suggested seven, I thought he meant a 7-year-old, not seven kids!” Kelly recounted in an interview with the Savannah Daily News. They are not stopping here; the Johnsons are eager to adopt more. They have a baby sister in foster care, but they cannot proceed with her adoption until they can expand their living space. A GoFundMe page has been created to help them secure a larger home, and they are just $2,000 shy of their $60,000 goal.
In Georgia alone, approximately 11,000 children remain in foster care, according to AdoptUsKids.org. The same resource highlights the benefits of keeping siblings together, as it fosters emotional security and a smoother transition into their new family environment. May is National Foster Care Month, a time to raise awareness about how families can positively impact a child’s life through fostering and adoption.
The Johnsons are following their calling to adopt and believe their journey is far from over. To support their mission, consider donating to their GoFundMe page. If you’re interested in learning more about fostering or adoption, check out resources like Cleveland Clinic’s podcast on IVF and fertility preservation, which provides valuable insights into family building.
In summary, the Johnsons have taken an inspiring leap into parenthood by adopting seven siblings, ensuring they remain together. Their story highlights the importance of family unity and the transformative power of love and commitment in reshaping lives.
Keyphrase: Adoption of siblings
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