Family Adopts 29 Children and Wants More; 'Our Faith Is the Reason We Do This,' Says Father
A family in West Virginia has adopted 29 children from around the world, including several with severe disabilities and illnesses.
Jeane and Paul Briggs already had five biological children when they decided to open their home to several children who desperately needed a home and people to love and care for them. At least one child is blind, another has Down syndrome, while yet another has a cleft palate. None of that has stopped the Briggs from going through with the adoptions from the United States and across the world.
Despite the circumstances, the family says that they are relying on God to provide for their family and cite their faith as the reason why they have taken in so many children.
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"It's not for everybody, but it's what my husband and I feel called to do by our faith," Paul told The Daily News.
Of course, since faith is the reason they are taking in all these children, Jeane and Paul are sure to share that same faith with their kids. It is their hope that the children will come to have their own relationship with God, but they are not forcing anyone to make a decision s/he is not comfortable with. After Jacob, now 26, was brought into their home, they began praying for him and telling him about the Lord. He gave his life to Christ when he was 12.
"I don't believe everyone could or has to be like me, but I am doing what I was created to do," Jeane told the Daily News. I love kids. I love playing with them. I love listening to them. I get so much love and joy from kids and I think they are a blessing."
No matter the situation, Jeane and Paul are ready to take in more children if that's what the Lord has in store for them. They consider themselves extremely blessed by all of their children and know that God has provided for them along the way. Paul's employer pays workers $10,000 for each adoption to help with expenses. The family recently adopted a baby born with no legs or arms in Africa and are thrilled to bring their newest child home to a house filled with love and faith.
"Children are special gifts, blessings," Jeane said, according to the Herald-Mail. "No child should learn or feel that nobody wants them. It's such a joy. Honestly, I've never had a bad day."
