Today, Congresswoman Michele Bachmann (MN-06) recognized Jim and Melanie Matthews of Buffalo, MN as Angels in Adoption for 2012 in a national ceremony.

In 2005, Jim and Melanie Matthews of Buffalo, MN began a four-year process to adopt all five of their children from Colombia. Soon after bringing the first four children home to Minnesota, the Colombian government contacted the family about the siblings’ 10-year-old brother. Always passionate about the idea of adoption even before they were married, Jim and Melanie gratefully welcomed the fifth child into their home, reuniting all the children for the first time in three years.

“What Jim and Melanie did for these children is truly moving. They graciously opened their home to five children, not only providing them a new chance at life, but also keeping a family intact. Adoption is a difficult and emotionally exhausting process, but the Matthews family handled it with grace. Jhon, Derly, Estefania, Jesus and Prospero are better off for it. I was so honored to nominate this inspiring, loving couple for national recognition,” said Bachmann.

A mother to five biological children and foster mother to 23 children, Bachmann is the Co-Chair of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption and the Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth. Angels in Adoption is a program of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute that allows Members of Congress to honor constituents who have enriched the lives of foster children and orphans. For a photo of the Matthews Family and Bachmann, click here.