Jessa and Ben Seewald still hopeful of adopting many kids despite challenges

Ben and Jessa Seewald happily hold up their son Spurgeon Elliot while inside the Loblolly Creamery in Little Rock, Arkansas. (Instagram/Jessa Seewald)

Jessa Duggar Seewald of TLC's "Jill and Jessa: Counting On" has long expressed her desire to adopt kids. Even though she and her husband Ben have encountered some challenges in their adoption plans, they remain hopeful of welcoming adopted kids into their home someday soon.

"We have many friends who have walked this road, so we have seen firsthand the amazing power of adoption," Jessa told Us Magazine. "There are so many kids out there who are longing for the love of a family, and we feel strongly about opening our hearts and our home to welcome them in."

The first-time mother has been advised to wait until her son Spurgeon Elliot turns nine months old before pursuing their adoption plan again.

Jessa believes that God will open doors for her and Ben when the right time comes.

"We don't know what the future holds, but as the Bible says, 'Man plans his way, and God directs his steps,'" she said "So we want to move forward with paperwork and a home study, and just be ready for however God opens those doors."

Jessa said she and her husband "would love to adopt many kids," although they have not decided yet just how many kids they would raise.

"It's not really about any specific number, but cherishing and loving the ones God brings to us — whether that be just one, or whether it be more, we'll be grateful," she said

Jessa also shared that she "absolutely loved being part of such a big family growing up," so she would love to give her own children the same joyful experience.

"I would love a house full of kids!" she teased. "Ben jokes about wanting 15 sons, but I imagine we will probably have a good mix of boys and girls."

related articles
Duggar girls say they want to marry a man like dad Jim Bob — \'a strong leader who loves God\'
Duggar girls say they want to marry a man like dad Jim Bob — 'a strong leader who loves God'

Duggar girls say they want to marry a man like dad Jim Bob — 'a strong leader who loves God'

Duggar family recovers with grace from Josh\'s scandals after \'the devil took his best shot\'
Duggar family recovers with grace from Josh's scandals after 'the devil took his best shot'

Duggar family recovers with grace from Josh's scandals after 'the devil took his best shot'

\'Jill and Jessa: Counting On\' recap: Duggar girls say sis-in-law Anna\'s love for brother Josh is a real encouragement to them
'Jill and Jessa: Counting On' recap: Duggar girls say sis-in-law Anna's love for brother Josh is a real encouragement to them

'Jill and Jessa: Counting On' recap: Duggar girls say sis-in-law Anna's love for brother Josh is a real encouragement to them

Jessa Seewald says brother Josh\'s scandals brought her closer to husband Ben
Jessa Seewald says brother Josh's scandals brought her closer to husband Ben

Jessa Seewald says brother Josh's scandals brought her closer to husband Ben

Jessa Seewald says she will raise her son Spurgeon differently from the way mom Michelle raised her family
Jessa Seewald says she will raise her son Spurgeon differently from the way mom Michelle raised her family

Jessa Seewald says she will raise her son Spurgeon differently from the way mom Michelle raised her family

News
Marriage is the safest relationship, latest figures suggest
Marriage is the safest relationship, latest figures suggest

Of the eight children murdered during lockdown, 7 were killed thanks to the actions of a step parent or new partner.

Abortion rises in Northern Ireland for fifth year running
Abortion rises in Northern Ireland for fifth year running

Abortion was legalised in Northern Ireland in 2019.

Churches helping millions of Brits get by as living costs remain high
Churches helping millions of Brits get by as living costs remain high

Across the country, people are looking to the church for help.

Isaiah 41:10 is YouVersion's Bible verse of the year
Isaiah 41:10 is YouVersion's Bible verse of the year

Isaiah 41:10 had the highest international engagement on YouVersion during 2025, while in the UK it was Jeremiah 29:11 that topped the list.