Rep. Markwayne Mullin: My family is what it is today because of adoption
Rep. Markwayne Mullin (R-Oklahoma), a citizen of the Cherokee Nation), addresses students at Claremore Sequoyah High School on October 1, 2019. Photo: RepMullin

Rep. Markwayne Mullin: My family is what it is today because of adoption

Mullin' It Over
Adoption Was A Blessing to My Family

This month is National Adoption Month and November 23rd is National Adoption Day. What better a time than now to celebrate the joy adoption brings and raise awareness of the necessity of adoption within our country.

My family is what it is today because of adoption. In 2013, we went from a family of five to a family of seven when we were blessed with our twin girls, Ivy and Lynette.

In August of this year, we were blessed again when Jayce came into our home and we became a family of eight. The girls used to out-number the boys, but now we’re tied. The boys are even up one if you count our Red Heeler, Hunter!

People sometimes say our kids are blessed to have us as parents. But Christie and I are the ones who feel so blessed that the Lord has given us the opportunity to expand our family.

Last year 2,151 children in Oklahoma were adopted! However, there are currently 523 children waiting on their forever families and 7,958 in custody of Oklahoma Department of Human Services. If you are interested in becoming a foster or adoptive parent, Oklahoma Fosters, a recruitment organization that partners with OKDHS, can help you.

We are grateful to those who open their hearts and homes to adoption and fostering, but I also know that it isn’t for every family. There are other ways you can help the cause.

The Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI) has provided my family with countless ways to continually support and celebrate adoption. CCAI is a nonprofit and nonpartisan organization that strives to help find permanent homes for the more than 1 million children in need of adoption, both internationally and domestically. For example, every year they recognize Angels in Adoption who are individuals who make extraordinary contributions to adoption. Several people from the Second District have received this honor over the years.

Adoption organizations like CCAI raise awareness for the need of adoption and pave the way for more families and individuals who are seeking adoption. As we take time with our families this holiday season, I encourage you to consider those children without a permanent home.


Markwayne Mullin, a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, was first elected to serve the people of Oklahoma’s Second Congressional District in November 2012. He is currently serving his fourth term in office. Mullin and his wife Christie have six children. The Mullin family currently resides in Westville, Oklahoma, on the same family farm where Markwayne was raised.

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