Move Over Duggars: Meet the Inspiring West Virginia Couple With 34 Children Who Aren't Done Adopting

Teresa Neumann : Nov 25, 2014
Victoria Taylor – New York Daily News

"I don't believe everyone could, or has to be like me, but I am doing what I was created to do ... I get so much love and joy from kids and I think they are a blessing." -Jeane Briggs

(Falling Waters WV)—While many atheists and secularists do all they can to stop population growth, limiting their family size to no more than two children or less, it's not surprising that it's often Christians who carry big visions for adoption, at least in terms of numbers of children they're willing to adopt. (Photo via NY Daily News)

For several years, the prime example of this dynamic was the Duggar Family. Now, there's a new "Big Family" hitting headlines, with an equally inspirational testimony.

Meet the Briggs family of Falling Waters, West Virginia.

Featured on The TODAY show on November 18, Paul and Jeane Briggs, 59 and 58-years-old respectively, shared their story of parenting 5 biological and 29, mostly disabled, adoptive children. And despite their "near-retirement" age and bursting-at-the-seams home, as they near their 38th wedding anniversary, they saying they're not finished adopting yet.

The couple met at a Christian camp when Jeane was only 14, notes various reports. "I married the right guy," said Jeane, who had always longed for a large family, biological and adopted, and recognized the same love for children in her future husband when they met.

Their sojourn into the world of adoption began after Jeane suffered a miscarriage, and became "frustrated" with the foster care system in the U.S.

"I don't believe everyone could, or has to be like me, but I am doing what I was created to do," said Jeane. "I love kids. I love playing with them. I love listening to them. I get so much love and joy from kids and I think they are a blessing."

Their children are equally grateful. "I was given a life that I never imagined I'd have,' said daughter Nataly, who was adopted in the Ukraine at the age of 11.

Said 22-year-old daughter Catelyn Joy, "I always wanted to have a mommy, daddy and a loving family. I love that they have a big heart to adopt, especially a 13-year-old teenage girl like me [at the time of adoption]."

Click here to find out how the Briggs are financially able to fulfill their God-led vision of adoption, as well as the challenges and joys they have experienced along the way.