by Emily Luxen
Thompson's Station, Tenn.--- A Williamson County family is about to triple in size, when their upcoming adoption of eight children from Africa is finalized.
Mike and Hayley Jones started the process three years ago. It started as a quest to adopt one child, but resulted in more in an effort to keep a group of siblings together. The children range in age from 5 to 16 and are currently in an orphanage in Sierra Leone.
"It's been a long journey," said Hayley Jones. " God has given the us grace we needed to get through one day at a time."
After countless trips back and forth, meetings with government officials and attorneys, Jones believes the children will be in Tennessee by the end of the month.
"The kids there have been so amazing through it," said Hayley Jones. "It's been hard on them. It's taken so long."
Preparations for the new additions are underway at the Jones house. Bedrooms for the children are being organized and decorated, and a 15 passenger van is ready to haul the growing family around. Mike and Hayley try to keep in close contact with the children, as well
"We skype, and we send them letters every week with photos," said Mike Jones.
While the lengthy process has tested their patience, they are ready to complete their family.
"I know there's going to be a long road ahead," said Hayley Jones. "It's a lot of children, but we've been so blessed by it."
The adoption process is complete, but the Jones' still have to wait for a visa appointment. Hayley is hopeful that will be finalized soon and she will be able to bring the children home by the end of the month.
The final hurdle, is raising $15,000 to cover the cost of the plane tickets from Sierra Leone. To donate money to help the family, you can visit this website: http://www.gofundme.com/1z28ew
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