Parents with biological children often wonder how adopting another child might change the dynamics of the family. Well, the family profiled in this Adopt 8 says adoption has taught their older children about compassion and unconditional love. And, the kids say they're ready to welcome even more children into their home.
"This is Sierra, she's two, Alyssa is one, Ianna is 11, Leora is almost 10, and Liam is eight," explained Christy.
David and Christy say their five kids keep them young.
"Yeah they really do. There's a lot of energy in the house, definitely," said David.
After having three biological children, David and Christy decided to expand their family even more through San Diego County Adoptions.
"We just thought why not? Three's hard, what's one more," Christy said.
"I guess the point was we didn't do it because we needed more kids, we did it because we wanted to help. And we wanted to reach out, extend God's love to others," David continued.
First, came Sierra. Then, when Sierra was 15 months old, they learned her biological, newborn sister was also in need of a home, and they jumped at the chance to include Alyssa in their family as well.
"It's initially a challenge, it's any time you bring in another child it is hard. But just like any child, you can't put a price on love. It comes back so much more than what you give," noted Christy.
David and Christy say they couldn't be prouder of the way their three biological children have embraced their little sisters.
"It's been incredible and they've also grown to. They have a real passionate awareness for children now. So they said, ‘Mom can we adopt another child? Because if I was in foster care I'd want to be adopted,'" Christy said. "It made me cry, because when we first one of the fears as biological parents is, what is this going to do to our three children we are responsible for? That's what it's done to them, they want more."
And with Liam outnumbered by his four sisters, he does have one request:
"He said, ‘next, can we adopt a boy now?'" said Christy.
This family is changing one life at a time and everywhere they go they can't help but be adoption ambassadors.
"Obviously they're adopted, so people come up to us and ask us and let me tell you, let me tell you what a treasure adoption is," explained Christy.
Their inspirational story prompts other families to adopt as well.
"Close to 10 now, that we're aware of," said Christy. "That's not a lot, but if you're the child who gets placed, it's everything."
If you're interested in adopting or becoming a foster family, call 1-877-I-ADOPT-U. To meet other children in foster care and discover how you can help restore their hope, please click here.