In the June 16, 2007 issue of “Church News” is an adoption story that touched my heart. The Ozair and Rosicler Ribeiro family of Brazil already had three biological children when Ozair, a fireman, helped rescue a premature infant boy who’d been abandoned in a sewage ditch. The baby spent 45 days in the hospital, and Ozair visited him every day and very quickly, he fell in love with the tiny baby. He and his wife, new converts, adopted the infant and named him William. This child, whom they considered an angel straight from Heaven, ultimately paved the way for many, many more adopted children to join the family.

While the Ribeiros had never intended to have such a large family, the children came and the couple opened their home and hearts.

Each succeeding adoption of an additional child, most from local orphanages, was filled with turmoil and trauma, but thanks to the balm of the gospel of Jesus Christ, “such wounds of the past were healed, as each child was given the chance of a new future,” said Brother Ribeiro.

The gospel of Jesus Christ is the source of inspiration and guidance to our family today,” said Sister Ribeiro. “We know that it is impossible to maintain a family so numerous with so many differences and traumas, without guidance and help from our Master.”

Ozair acknowledges that they have been able to afford to have such a large family only with the Lord’s help. They live comfortably in an 11-bedroom home and emphasize the importance of self-sufficiency with their children. Their limited financial reserves have never proven to be an obstacle to adoption.

The Ribeiro family follows Joseph Smith’s counsel to teach correct principles and let the children govern themselves. They hold weekly Family Home Evening, with each child taking a turn preparing and teaching the lesson, daily scripture study and prayer at 7:30 a.m., hold weekly interviews with each child, and have encouraged their sons to obtain their Duty to God awards and their daughters to complete their Personal Progress requirements.

Amazingly, in addition to parenting their large brood, Rosicler teaches seminary and Ozair is the first counselor in the bishopric. They also own their own school, where Rosicler teaches. (Obviously, a big chunk of the student body is made up of the Ribeiro clan!) Being busy hasn’t stopped the family from being successful. :)

Also amazing is that the Ribeiro family has inspired friends to “go, and do thou likewise.” Thirteen of their friends and acquaintances have adopted a total of 20 children! What a legacy this family has created!

Further Reading:

Parenting Large Families Forum
Adoption Encyclopedia: Large Families
Africa Adoption Blog (Written by Holly, who has more children than the Ribeiro family!)