A family of 10 grew when they welcomed two soldiers into their home. “Yes, we are a Huge family of 12, but we have a huge heart and lots of love to share,” mom, Tara Jean Baptiste, told People.
According to Jean Baptiste, the welcoming atmosphere that unfolded on camera had been developing for some time. She shared with People that, although this was the first time her family had “adopted” soldiers for the day, the guests integrated seamlessly into her already large family.
“Long before we even rented the Sprinter, I told my husband that I wanted two more children,” she recounted. “He laughed, because we already have 10.”
She mentioned telling him of her desire to “adopt” two soldiers, despite the uncertainty of how it would be accomplished. Upon the family’s arrival, she mentioned that there was no assurance that any soldiers would be available for them to adopt.
“Yet God placed exactly two in our arms,” Jean Baptiste noted. “That’s what makes this so powerful to me.”
The family turned the day into a special occasion, including the two soldiers in all of their outings and excursions.
“One of my boys had never had Popeyes before, so we treated everyone and turned it into a moment we still talk about,” she recounted. What stayed with her most was how naturally the soldiers blended into the family dynamic.
“There was nothing forced about it; they fit right in with my children, like they had always belonged,” Jean Baptiste added.
The two soldiers spent an ordinary day with the family, and by the end of it, they felt completely at home. A viral TikTok video captured the moment, showing the new family of 12 bowling, shopping for snacks at Walmart, and sharing laughter.
“I didn’t take this lightly at all. I took my role serious,” Jean Baptiste said in the viral clip shared on TikTok. “Being their adopted family for the day wasn’t just something nice to do — it was a responsibility I carried with my whole heart.”
The day created a lasting memory for her, particularly one exchange. She recounted the moment she spoke with one of the soldiers’ mothers, right after the son affectionately introduced her as his “adopted mom.” She declared, “That moment will never leave my heart.”
The outing ended, but the connection continued. Jean Baptiste noted that her family and the soldiers remain in contact, sharing a bond she believes was a divine arrangement.
“When God connects hearts, distance doesn’t erase that bond,” she stated. “When you open your heart to spread love that wide, the connection doesn’t end when the day does.”
The video quickly spread, leading to a huge number of messages. Many people shared how touched they were by what they saw. Jean Baptiste noted that the response has been an extraordinary display of kindness toward her family.
Jean Baptiste hopes this experience will inspire others to follow their instincts when moved to act, offering this advice: “Trust the nudge. God never intended for anyone, especially those who serve, to feel alone.”
