HGTV Stars Share the Challenging Journey of Adopting Their Child from Congo
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Adopting a child is a profound and emotional decision, both for the adoptive parents and the child involved. In the case of Dave and Jenny Mars, the stars of HGTV’s popular show Fixer to Fabulous, their journey to bring their adopted daughter home from Congo was particularly arduous and filled with obstacles.
Dave and Jenny Mars had always dreamed of starting a family through adoption, driven by their awareness of the challenges faced by orphans worldwide. The couple embarked on the adoption process, fully aware of the overwhelming need for loving families.
Their journey took an unexpected turn when Jenny discovered she was pregnant with twins. Unfortunately, her pregnancy was high-risk, and she experienced premature labor, requiring immediate medical attention. This led to a month-long hospital stay for Jenny and her newborn twins.
Amidst the challenges of caring for premature infants, the couple put their adoption plans on hold. Jenny admitted that the first year with twins was incredibly demanding, and they needed to focus on their newborns.
Despite the initial setback, Dave and Jenny remained determined to grow their family through adoption. In November 2012, they came across an adoption profile online of a girl from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Captivated by her story, they instantly connected and began the adoption process.
After months of paperwork and legal procedures, the Mars family received the joyful news that the adoption had been finalized. They were looking forward to seeing their new daughter, Sylvie. However, their hopes were shattered when the Congolese government suddenly suspended exit letters, preventing any adopted children from leaving the country.
The Fixer to Fabulous stars were devastated by this unexpected turn of events. Despite their daughter having her U.S. passport and the adoption being legally complete, they could not bring her home.
Desperate to reunite with their daughter, Dave, and Jenny tirelessly sought help from anyone who could assist them. They reached out to influential figures, wrote letters, and even met with congressmen and senators to raise awareness about their situation.
During this waiting period, Jenny discovered she was pregnant again, this time with their daughter Charlotte. However, the joy of the pregnancy was overshadowed by the ongoing struggle to bring Sylvie home.
Dave took it upon himself to make five separate trips to the Congo, attempting to plead their case and bring Sylvie back. Unfortunately, each trip ended in disappointment, with Dave returning home alone.
Finally, after an agonizing wait of 602 days, Sylvie was granted permission to travel to the United States. On July 8, 2014, her foster mother was able to fly her to America. The reunion between Sylvie and her adoptive family was filled with overwhelming relief and joy.
Dave described the experience as a miracle, as they had almost lost hope of bringing their daughter home. Sylvie, considered medically fragile due to a breathing irregularity, had since fully recovered.
With the long-awaited arrival of Sylvie, the Mars family grew to a total of seven members. They later welcomed their youngest child, Luke, making their family complete. Dave and Jenny are proud to demonstrate that although their family may differ from what is traditionally considered “normal,” they are a family in every sense.
In addition to their role as parents and TV stars, Dave and Jenny co-host another show called Home Town Takeover. Through their work, they not only transform homes but also redefine the concept of family. Adoption is an integral part of their story; they view all their children as their own.
Outside their television ventures, the Mars family also owns a blueberry farm in Bentonville. They collaborate with Help One Now, an organization dedicated to assisting orphaned children in Zimbabwe. Their journey may have been challenging, but Jenny firmly believes everything unfolded according to God’s plan.
The inspiring journey of Dave and Jenny Mars, stars of HGTV’s Fixer to Fabulous, highlights the difficulties and triumphs of international adoption. Their dedication, perseverance, and unwavering love for their children brought them through a long and arduous process. Their story demonstrates that family goes beyond traditional boundaries, and their commitment to adoption has forever changed their lives.
