While many people prefer to have their own biological children, junior Briana Adams’ family is open to other options. Within the last few years, Briana’s family has adopted two young girls, Vicky and Abigail, and is currently in the process of adopting another.

“When we got married, we both wanted to adopt someday,” Briana’s mother, Dara, said. “We just had to wait for the right timing and opportunity to present itself.”

The Adams family is involved with mission work and had a friend with connections in Uganda, so they jumped at the chance to investigate further.

“We had to find a lawyer from Uganda to handle all of the paperwork and court arrangements,” Dara said. “We took care of the USA part of the adoption by getting a home study done and filing all of the papers with the immigration department for adopting an international child. That part took about four months.”

The addition of two young girls into their family has made a significant impact to their lives, such as baby-proofing every single surface and moving into a new house to make room for their two girls and their three biological children, Jacqueline, Briana and Courtney. A change in their surroundings also created a change in the girls.

“They act like regular Plano girls,” Briana said. “For example, Vicky hates getting dirty, considering she grew up in a very unsanitary place.”

Despite these changes, the two live comfortably in their home and have adjusted to their new lives.

“They are the most beautiful pure-hearted little girls to be around,” Briana’s older sister, Jacqueline, said. “They are always laughing and filled with joy and they love everyone.”

Though they are happy, the girls may sometimes feel like they do not fit in with their family or their world.

“The biggest challenge was with Vicky feeling accepted,” Jacqueline said. “She felt like she didn’t belong because her skin was a different color. Even though she was only four, she was very analytical and constantly questioned how she could be a part of our family if she wasn’t white like us. It was hard to get her to understand that she will forever be a part of our family.”

This year, David and Dara have been in the process of adopting another girl from Uganda, with the intention of bringing a fifth daughter into their family of seven.

“Carol Gift is her name,” Dara said. “She is eight. She was abandoned by her mom as a baby and has been raised by her grandmother and others since then.”

The family is anticipating Carol’s arrival and they are all waiting to see her grow up.

“I am most looking forward to just getting to know Carol and watching her grow and learn about life here,” Jacqueline said. “I just want to see her happy and make her feel loved.”
As Carol grows up, people may stare and question her family, but Dara knows one thing is for sure.

“We are a very unique and happy family,” she said. “Adoption might not be for everyone and the process isn’t easy, but it was certainly a blessing to our family.”