America World Adoption Agencies has placed about 2,500 Chinese children into homes, Mr. Bruce Liggett, guidance counselor, has welcomed three Chinese children into his own home.

This summer, Liggett and his family went to China for the second time to adopt the two newest additions to their family: Jamie, 12, and Jessie, 2.

Liggett and his wife, Sue, have three biological children: Molly, 17; Mark, 15; and John, 12. They also adopted Julie, 4, about 4 years ago.

“We felt called and just felt really prompted to do this,” Liggett said.

Once they decided they wanted to adopt, they knew they wanted a girl and wanted to adopt from somewhere in Asia.

This process began about eight to nine years ago. It took about four to five years, from once they decided to adopt to actually getting their daughter, Julie. Then about a year to two after that, they decided they wanted to adopt again.

“We definitely knew we wanted a toddler or a baby but this 12-year-old just kept coming up in discussion,” Liggett said.

Jamie and Jessie are not biological. They came from different orphanages in completely different provinces. Jamie speaks no English, which is sometimes a struggle for the family, but they use hand gestures or “universal sign language” to help communication.

Molly is the closest girl in age to Jamie. She shares her bedroom with Jamie so she spends the most time with her new sister.

“There’s been a lot to learn; we use a lot of gestures,” Molly said. “It’s been a challenge but I have seen myself gain a lot of patience.”

With both adoptions, it was a family decision and the biological children were very supportive.

“I always wanted a little sister but I accepted not getting one since my parents couldn’t have any more children,” Molly said. “It was very exciting knowing I could be getting one.”

At first though not every Liggett child had the same feelings.

“Mark was probably the least interested but now he’s definitely on board,” Bruce said. “Change is the most difficult for him.”

Julie was extremely excited they were adopting again. Being four years old, she really only understands that she was getting two new sisters. The biggest change for Julie though, was the adjustment from being the baby of the family to having a new baby in the house.

Sue Liggett, Bruce’s wife, is very glad they made this decision.

“There was a lot of waiting and decision making that is out of your control, but in the end, it’s worth it,” Sue said.

After three adoptions and nine years of time, both Bruce and Sue see adoption as a positive.

“It’s not for everyone but for those that want to, there’s plenty still to be adopted,” Bruce said.

Bruce and Sue both said that they don’t plan on adopting again but they never know.