SAN DIEGO (NEWS 8) —A local family of six has an extra special blessing to be thankful for this holiday season.
In this Adopt 8, we meet the parents and four children who will celebrate their first Christmas an official family.
The six of them sometimes wear matching shirts, which they’re proud to explain the meaning of.
“I've actually gotten a lot of questions about what this shirt means to me - and it really just means completion, the end of a journey, beginning of a new journey as well,” said mom Cjambrica.
A new journey as a forever family - with their final finalizations happening earlier this year.
“I think this is the greatest ride, anyone could ever be on,” said dad Eli. “It has been a roller coaster ride and I wouldn't change it for nothing.”
Eli and Cjambrica certainly have their hands full and their hearts are now full as well.
“When we talked about adopting, we just wanted to help the children and then we found out that we don't rescue foster kids, they rescue us,” said Eli.
Even before they met, both Cjambrica and Eli had plans to one day foster and adopt.
“My parents fostered, my very first job was at a group home in my hometown in Albany, Georgia,” said Cjambrica. “It just always stayed with me.
"And then when we met, it was one of our first conversations that we had. It was important to us, that we help those in our community that are in need of reunification or assistance.”
Since 2011, the couple has fostered 19 children and have adopted four.
“Our first adoption was this one here: this is Sir Christian,” said Eli.
He introduced the rest of the family:
“That's Lady Makayla, this is Princess Tyanna and that's Bishop Marquis.”
Those are their legal names.
“We wanted our children to have names of power,” said Cjambrica. “Knowing that they are important, they are special, they are strong and powerful.”
Some of the children were once considered medically fragile, but all are now thriving in their forever home.
“It brings joy, it brings life, and yes, there's bumps in the road, but that's all a part of life, but I think everyone should foster and adopt,” said Eli.
If you are interested in adopting or becoming a foster family, please call 1-877-I-ADOPT-U.
View more incredible Adopt 8 stories at https://www.cbs8.com/adopt8