DUVAL COUNTY, Fla. – Seventeen families are now complete following a mass adoption event Friday morning at the Duval County courthouse.
That means 30 children now have their forever, loving homes just in time for the holidays.
The big man himself, Santa Claus, surprised everyone, welcoming the 17 families receiving the ultimate Christmas gift.
One of them was Londeshua Kendrick, who’s already a mom to three kids of her own.
She adopted her seven nephews.
As Londeshua explained, this was a promise she made to her mother and siblings.
“We promised each other that if anything was to happen to any one of us, then we would take in each others’ kids,” Londeshua said.
The oldest child she adopted is 13.
“Siblings are the longest bond that you’ll ever have. And so, if we can keep siblings together through the adoption process, that is always a win,” Jenn Petion, CEO and President of Family Support Services, said.
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Having adopted a child herself around Christmas time, she understands how magical this is for the Kendrick family.
“Knowing how special it is to wake up on Christmas morning knowing you are an official family, nobody can ever tear you apart, that child is yours forever, it changes things,” Petion said.
And the Kendrick family is not alone. George and Emily Smith are now officially the proud parents of 8-year-old Robert.
“And we love him. I figure he just needs a good home, good structure, and Robert is going to be okay,” the Smiths said.
For the Kendricks, this special day represents a promise kept, a bright future ahead, and a message to anyone reading this story who may have it in their heart to give this same gift.
“Step out on faith and trust yourself. The love that you have inside of you, bring it out. And give the love to other people, especially children. They just need love and attention. If you’ve got love inside of you, step out on faith,” Londeshua said.
A forever home just in time for the holidays—no greater gift for the season.
If you’d like to learn more about adoption, visit this website.
