The Pitts Family:

Parents: Greg and Jan Pitts
Adopted Children: Tea, Tori, Isabel "Izzie", Sarah and Iva

Jan Pitts had never had kids .Her husband Greg had a son from a previous marriage. From the beginning of their marriage, the Pitts talked about adopting children, but their first attempt at working through a private organization was not successful. In 2003, while watching a local news program, "Nobody's Child," they decided again to explore the option of adopting.

In their forties, the Pitts were successful business owners and ready to complete their family. They called an adoption recruiter, signed up and completed the MAPP training class. In December 2003, while visiting family out of state for the holidays, the Pitts' received the good news - they were approved to adopt!

Jan already had been looking at children available for adoption, and when the adoption recruiter called about a sibling group of four girls, the Pitts were eager to meet the girls. The following weekend, Tori, Izzie, Sarah and Iva spent the weekend with the Pitts. They even shopped together for a new vehicle to accommodate a growing family. The girls visited a few more times and Iva, the baby of the family, got so attached to Greg and Jan that she cried when she was dropped off at her foster home. That's when the Pitts knew it was a done deal. As Greg puts it, "The next Friday they moved for the last time. They've been with us for more than six years."

The Pitts were able to unite the four sisters who had been living apart in two separate foster homes. "For me it's been a great experience," says Greg. "There have been some rough times, but I wouldn't go back or trade my life with anybody."

The Pitts believe in teaching the girls to give back and they are involved in their church. They participate in the youth group and the nursing home ministry and clean yards for elderly members of the church. In the last six years, Greg says he has watched his girls grow into beautiful young ladies: "I'm so proud of them."

Greg describes his daughters as well adjusted, kind, and polite. "If you met us on the street, you'd never know these kids were adopted," adds Greg. "This is just how God created this family." As a symbol of his love and commitment to his girls, Greg carries four rocks in his pocket everyday. Although it hasn't always been a smooth road, Greg and Jan have always been there for the girls. "They'll push you because they want to know if you'll love them forever."

His advice to anyone considering adoption is simple: "Commit. If you're going to do it, commit to it because that's what the kids need more than anything. They need someone who is committed to them - 100% and beyond."

Greg and Jan also have another adopted daughter who is now in her twenties and lives on her own. The Pitts, who own an egg distributing business, are dedicated to sharing their adoption experience with others - even featuring adoption posters on the back of every business truck they own.

"I'm a very blessed and lucky man," says Greg. "I love being dad. That's the best job."

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