The Jackson Family

We didn’t decide to adopt because we wanted to "save" children out of pity or obligation. Plain and simple—it needed to be our way to create our family. We’re not heroes or saints, either. We’re just plain folks who wanted kids and we needed the guidance, care and expertise of Children’s Home Society & Family Services.

We traveled to Russia six times for three adoptions to either meet or bring home our daughters. Each time was filled with hopeful anticipation, joy and relief.

Along the way, we met so many people:  fellow parents-to-be, caregivers, orphanage employees, translators, lawyers and officials. We didn’t expect to widen our circle of friends in addition to adopting our kids, but that’s what happened.

We share a common, deep bond with people that provided friendship when we needed it. Those connections are lifelong because we took a special journey that others can’t usually understand. And along the way, we got an insider’s view of the Russian people in a culture that continues to rapidly change.

And our girls? They are as unique as could be. We have a brunette, a blonde, and another with jet black hair and olive skin. Each is strikingly beautiful yet different in looks. We have a strong-willed, articulate leader; a quiet, empathetic giver; and a spunky, loud comic. Each brings humor and perspective to one another other and our lives. When one child is not around, our household "vibe" is out of sync. We belong to one another and are a team.

Has it been perfect? Absolutely not. We struggle with the usual challenges and a few extra ones. However, the gift of adoption is a central and open presence in our family, and we regularly drift to adoption-related conversations about Russia, birth families, their Russian names, and forecasts about how tall they’ll be.

They often roll on the floor laughing about how silly they sound when they pretend to speak Russian, so it’s a source of fun joy and a celebration of their culture and beginnings. It’s a way of life that we wouldn’t trade for anything. Our family fabric is certainly different, but it’s all ours.

– The Jackson Family, CHSFS International Adoption clients