How'd They Do That? Adoptive Family Has 20 Kids

The thought of doing laundry for my husband and 15 children literally makes me shudder. And what about cooking? Our one teenage son eats us out of house and home...I can't imagine feeding 15 of them. Every day.

But that's what one family from Richland, Washington does. The Seattle Times featured the Feser family, parents of one biological son, 16, and 14 kids adopted from China, South Africa, Ethiopia, Vietnam, and Washington State. They also have five additional biological children who are grown.

Okay, so I'm already amazed. FOURTEEN adopted kids. Then I keep reading and discover that their newest addition is a 5-year-old who has Down syndrome. They also have a 2-year-old with Down syndrome. They also have a child who lost an eye to a cancer called retinoblastoma, another who had surgery for spina bifida, two children with cerebral palsy, and two amputees. Yikes!

The couple says that God guided them to consider adoption after most of their other children were grown and out of the home. At first, they were afraid of adopting a child with medical challenges, but then they had a chance of heart. "If we're going to adopt people, we might as well adopt ones no one else wants," said Julee Feser.

It seems as if families with lots of adopted kids are becoming more the norm (or is it that the media only reports on large families?). It would be great to hear from those of you who have both small and large families:

• Did you have a pre-determined family size when you first considered adopting?
• Did you change you mind, and if so, why?
• What's it like to adopt lots of kids?
• If you adopt several children with special needs, how do you make sure that each child gets the help he/she needs?
• Do you agree with the concept of extremely large adoptive families? Why or why not?

Source: "Opening home, hearts to children," by Michelle Dupler, The Seattle Times, Sunday, January 6, 2008

For more news and information about adoption, visit www.laurachristianson.com, and check out my Exploring Adoption bookstore.

Comments

[Heidi]

There is a family like that living not too far from us. We had the opportunity to meet them and spend time with them in their home while we were waiting to travel to adopt Ian.
Wow! What an amazing family. I believe that, total, they have 18 children. Many of those children are homeschooled, almost all have a special need of some sort, and they are all very musical. Several of them have a string ensemble and have even played at weddings, etc. Beautiful music. I think that love plays a large part in that family~ it's so obvious~ you look at those kids and don't see special needs at all.
Amazing, amazing stuff!

[Ninette Freitas]

We are no where near the level that the Feser family is. We did however adopt 3 at once (a sibling group)

Q. Did you have a pre-determined family size when you first considered adopting?

A. I don't know that we had a pre-determined "size" but I do know we wanted to start with just one, see how it went and then go from there.

Q,Did you change your mind, and if so, why?

A. Yes, the more training and information we received it changed our minds. We knew from the beginning that we wanted "older" children (basically NOT babies or toddlers) We also didn't want to wait a long time to get a placement. The more flexiable you are the fast you get to start your family.

Q. What's it like to adopt lots of kids?
A. Completely insane ! Longer adjustment period for both parents and kids. Like deciding to become a fire fighter and running into a fire with no training. But worth all the craziness.

Q. Do you agree with the concept of extremely large adoptive families? Why or why not?

A. Yes, I do. Mostly because there are so many children that need a loving family if you have the heart, the room and a great support team Why NOT?

My mentor has 8 adopted kids 4 deaf, 4 hearing she is truly amazing. Not sure that we will end up with that many but I do know we will adopt again (3 or less again)