by Remi Omodara
With a life that revolves around diversity, Anneliese Dailey experiences a “melting pot” in her own home.
After her parents adopted nine international children in addition to their four biological children, the Dailey’s had enough children to create a football team.
Dailey’s parents travel to the child’s home country twice before the process is finalized.
“You know absolutely nothing about them except where they live,” Dailey said.
Parents James and Monica and children Anneliese, Rachel, Joshua, Margaret Rose, Lydia, Jacob, George, Jeremiah, Maria, Joseph, Jedediah, Ruth and John David make up the Dailey household.
“My parents basically said ‘We have another bed and can afford to feed them,’” Dailey said.
Dailey decribes her big family experience as one that has changed her in many positive ways.
“I’ve become less selfish and desiring,” Dailey said. “I’ve changed because I have been more accepting of change itself.”
Dailey describes her relationship with her siblings as one that is different with each one.
“I am a mini mom, a teacher, a friend and a sister,” Dailey said. “With each sibling, I have a different way of interacting.”
Now, imagining any of them not being in her household is hard, Dailey said.
Along with pursuing degrees in history and music pedagogy, Dailey plans to adopt in the future if God leads her in that direction. She believes that this stems from her parents’ choice.
People usually assume people who grew up in big families are sheltered, Dailey said. The Dailey family is definitely not; there are a slew of different countries in the house.
Dailey never knows what to expect when she goes home but the what she gets is often a good surprise.
“I am so blessed to have the experience that I have by just walking in my front door,” Dailey said.