50 Most Inspiring Adoption Stories with Beauty Revived: Part 30
Beauty Revived has joined with Adoption.com to bring you the 50 Most Inspiring Adoption Stories. We have found 50 amazing photographers with big hearts to donate a session to tell the story of an inspiring adoption story in their community.
Want to learn more about Beauty Revived and see the rest of the pictures? Check it out here and on Instagram.
Photography for this session by Kathryn Lee Photography
By 2007, Jean and Jim Mulvahill already had five nearly grown-up biological children. As their kids began leaving the nest, they knew that they were called to do something special. They felt called to adopt.
Since that calling in 2007, their life has been a whirlwind of trips to and from China to bring home each one of their kids. Jean and Jim have adopted thirteen special needs children from China.
Anna came home first on August 8th, 2007 (at 16 months). She is currently 9 years old. A short time later, they decided to bring home Sarah. She came home on December 5th, 2008, at 8 1/2 years of age. She is 15 years old now.
Emma and Ellie came home on July 19th, 2010. They are biological sisters, and were 8 and 10 when they came home. They are now 14 and 12. Next, Jean and Jim brought home Sam at 4 1/2 years old, and Ava Marie at 5 1/2 years old They came home on April 1st, 2011 and are now 8 1/2 and 10 years old. Both of the kids are from Henan Province.
On their 5th adoption trip, they journeyed to Abby and Luke. Abby and Luke came home at 5.5 and 3 years of age and are currently 9 and 6 years old.
The Mulvahill family traveled back to China for adoption trip number six in January 2013. This time they were blessed with 3 lovely daughters from China. Mia is now 12 years old, Melissa is now 9 years old, and Madeline is now 8 years old.
Their 7th and last adoption trip to China was to bring home their two boys: Ben, who was 7 years old, and Joseph, who was 5 years old. The boys are now 9 and 6.
When they felt called to adopt, they were both in their mid to late 50’s. They knew that there might be challenges, but they also knew their faith would help them to overcome any obstacles in their path. They were passionate about special needs adoption. They knew that their children were waiting for them in China and whatever special needs they had, the Lord would help them overcome.
Adopting thirteen special needs children has meant many, many procedures and surgeries over the years, and more still to come. Thankfully, each one of their kids is thriving in his or her own unique way.
While their family may be complete, they don’t feel that their calling to adoption has ended. Jean continues to strongly advocate for special needs adoption through her blog.
Their lives might not look the same as their peers, but they are cherishing and loving every minute of it! They can’t think of anything they would love to do more than what they are doing right now. What a blessing and wonderful opportunity to enjoy their wonderful children!
