A FATHER of the church has become a single dad to two children after he adopted them to fulfil his dream of being a parent.

The Rev Nathan Jarvis, of St Bartholomew Church in Yarnton, has taken six months’ adoption leave from his flock to create a loving home for two young brothers.

The five and six-year-old – who have had a tough start to their lives – are now settling in to their new family.

Mr Jarvis said he started the adoption process with an open mind and is loving life as a dad.

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He said: “I decided to adopt because I always wanted children and with me coming up to 40, I just thought to myself that I have got to do what I want to do with my life.

“It was just a now or never moment for me so I went for it.”

And when the 39-year-old vicar got the call to take in two children, he said it was “just meant to be”.

The single dad said: “I wanted two children, so I enquired about them both separately and it just so happened that they were brothers.

“With them being the ages [they are] the chances of adoption can become slim.

“It is really nice to do this and it is really nice to give them a better chance in life than they may have had.”

And despite learning to be a parent on the job, Mr Jarvis is enjoying every moment.

He added: “The children are very active and loud and they like to be outside and playing outside in the garden.

“I suffered jet lag symptoms at the start because they were not sleeping, which is to be expected at this stage.

“But now I recognise the noises and they are sleeping throughout the night now.

“It is a huge thing for them to move, but when they clicked that they were staying forever they felt safe and been fine since.”

The reverend, who has been part of the clergy for nine years, said that it is important for the boys to do things in their own time and when it is right for them.

But Mr Jarvis still has plans and ambitions for his career and aims to go back full-time, saying the church had been very supportive.

The vicar also said that others looking to adopt shouldn’t be put off if they are a single or think they’re too old.

He said: “We all hear horror stories, but my process has been great and I think people should just go for it.

“If it is your dream, then crack on with it.”



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