ADOPTION NOW
Real stories about the joys and challenges of the adoption journey. You'll hear from parents and families who've been through infant and international adoption, foster-to-adopt, and even embryo adoption. These inspiring stories are told from the perspective of the adoptee, birth parent or adoptive parent.
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Shattered Part Two: Author Jenell M. Jones Shares Her Story on Foster Care and Human Trafficking [S7E18]
02/23/2024
Shattered Part Two: Author Jenell M. Jones Shares Her Story on Foster Care and Human Trafficking [S7E18]
Jenell M. Jones is the author of “,” a book that shares her experience as an adoptive mother. Last week we heard her story on adopting Mercy from the foster care system. Mercy joined the family of 6 children and had many mental and physical traumas that affected her day-to-day life. On part two, Jenell talks about how the system is set up to help children but often fails to provide resources to help foster children heal and be able to thrive in a family. On this episode she shares about the next level of trauma that vulnerable children could face. How does adoption and foster care play into human trafficking? What is being done to protect our children?
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Shattered Part One: Author Jenell M. Jones Shares Her Foster to Adopt Story [S7E17]
02/15/2024
Shattered Part One: Author Jenell M. Jones Shares Her Foster to Adopt Story [S7E17]
Jenell M. Jones is the author of “,” a book that shares her experience as an adoptive mother. Jenell is currently operating multiple early learning centers, which specialize in providing high quality learning experiences to children who experience trauma in low-income areas, while also raising 7 children! When she brought home Mercy she found out that her expectations about adoption were shattered. Her passion is helping foster parents and adoptive parents ask the right questions on this journey. In this episode we get very real about the day-to-day challenges of raising children with mental and physical trauma. She gives advice to parents (and soon to be parents) on what they need to hear most about the foster care system. What questions do you ask social workers? What do you need to be prepared for when bringing home an older child? What do you need to know about trauma and loss? This episode helps us understand how important it is that children find healing and what resources Jenell had to use to hopefully lead her daughter to find truth and peace in her story.
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Dave Thomas Foundation For Adoption: Rita Soronen, President and CEO, Speaks on Foster Care and Adoption [S7E16]
09/07/2023
Dave Thomas Foundation For Adoption: Rita Soronen, President and CEO, Speaks on Foster Care and Adoption [S7E16]
President & CEO of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption has joined ADOPTION NOW for an incredible interview. Rita Soronen has worked on behalf of abused, neglected and vulnerable children for more than 30 years. As the leader of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, a national nonprofit public charity, her mission is to dramatically increase the number of adoptions from foster care. They are working hard to find permanent families for the more than 140,000 waiting children in the United States foster care system. The non-profit was inspired by Dave Thomas, the founder of Wendy’s fast-food restaurant chain, who was adopted himself! Rita shares his story, as well as her own journey in working with families and children. If you are interested in adopting an older child from the foster care system, this episode is for you!
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Grateful Adoptee: Author Sarah D. Shearer Shares Her Adoption Story From Russia [S7E15]
08/29/2023
Grateful Adoptee: Author Sarah D. Shearer Shares Her Adoption Story From Russia [S7E15]
Author Sarah D. Shearer joins ADOPTION NOW to talk about her adoption story. In her words, her story started off with little hope, “I was born with various medical needs and was left in a Russian hospital where nuns helped to keep me alive until I was transferred to an orphanage.” The Russian orphanage was convinced that no one would want her, but a family in Thomasville, GA saw her picture and fell in love. This is an uplifting story filled with gratitude and grace towards adoption. Sarah has written a memoir called “Extra Ordinary” to share her positive perspective. She says, “no one can speak to adoption more than an adoptee.” Listen to this episode and check out her book on ! QLyczKYulKtuC15aefxa
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Ready, Set, Adoption Part 2: The J Family Continues Their Adoption Journey [S7E14]
08/12/2023
Ready, Set, Adoption Part 2: The J Family Continues Their Adoption Journey [S7E14]
PART 2!! As we heard on the last episode, Jacob and Jessica already had 2 biological children when they adopted a baby boy while being filmed on the Oxygen show “I am Having Their Baby.” The family of 5 soon became a family of 6, as they went on to adopt a little boy with clubfoot. On this week’s episode Jessica shares how their journey was not over after 2 adoptions! As they waited on the agency’s adoption list, a situation came up that involved drug exposure to the unborn baby. The couple had to make a quick decision if they wanted to keep moving forward and say yes. Listen to hear the rest of the J Family's story!
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Ready, Set, Adoption: As Cameras Rolled, Jessica and Jacob Started Their Adoption Journey [S7E13]
06/29/2023
Ready, Set, Adoption: As Cameras Rolled, Jessica and Jacob Started Their Adoption Journey [S7E13]
As cameras rolled, Jessica and Jacob started their adoption journey on the Oxygen show “I’m Having Their Baby.” On this episode, Jessica talks to us about the experience of adopting while being filmed on a TV show (as if the hospital time isn’t stressful enough)! They had 2 biological children when they started the process, and as you will hear, they just kept saying yes to situations. This is part 1 of 2 episodes on how they became a family of 8!
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Joyfully Hard: Megan Shares Her Story on Adopting from Haiti [S7E12]
05/19/2023
Joyfully Hard: Megan Shares Her Story on Adopting from Haiti [S7E12]
Kurt and Megan were married and had 2 sons when they went on a mission trip to Haiti. God began to stir in their hearts a call to adopt. This is a story about surrendering to God’s plan and being obedient to taking the next steps. They knew that if they did not pursue adoption, they would miss out on what God had planned for them. The process was not easy but eventually they brought home a 4-year-old little girl named Esther. They were all so excited but as time went on, they learned about trauma and grief in children. In this episode we hear from Megan about the joy and chaos of learning to parent differently and how to let go of the expectations of what they thought raising a daughter would look like. Through prayer and resources, they have seen Esther grow in ways that have brought love and understanding to their whole family.
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ADOPTION NOW Update: Noah and April Share About Their Family, New Website and What is Next! [S7E11]
05/16/2023
ADOPTION NOW Update: Noah and April Share About Their Family, New Website and What is Next! [S7E11]
Noah joins April on this episode to talk about so many things…like the new ! They update us on how the kids are doing and share what is next for ADOPTION NOW. You do not want to miss this candid conversation the two of them have about life as a multicultural adoptive family.
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Debt Free Adoption: Jessica Ross from Ramsey Solutions Shares Her Story [S7E10]
04/13/2023
Debt Free Adoption: Jessica Ross from Ramsey Solutions Shares Her Story [S7E10]
Our guest on this episode comes to us from Tennessee and works for Ramsey Solutions. Jessica Ross tells us what Dave would say about adoption and debt! She and her husband said yes to adopting a baby and had no idea how expensive the attorney would be. As she shares her story on bringing home Gabby, it turns out money was not going to be the hardest part of the journey. Her story was featured on The Ramsey Show, you can watch We loved having Jessica on the show talking about what giving back looks like, and how we can support other families financially as they walk through adoption.
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Hushabye Nursery: Tara Sundem Shares Her Journey to Help Babies During Withdrawal [S7E9]
03/31/2023
Hushabye Nursery: Tara Sundem Shares Her Journey to Help Babies During Withdrawal [S7E9]
Do you know someone who is adopting a baby that has been exposed to drug use in utero? Are you an adoptive or foster parent that has jumped into a world that you have no idea about? What does a detoxing baby need? This interview is so important to the adoption community and will answer those questions. Tara Sundem is a neonatal nurse that has opened a recovery center for newborns going through the withdrawal process. works with families to give short-term care to infants that are detoxing. They provide training and support to the caregivers or parents that are walking through this recovery process with the baby. On this episode, we share many tips and advice for families that have a child that has gone through a challenging first start.
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Don't Give Up: Sharon Broxton Shares Her Adoption Story From Georgia [S7E7]
02/24/2023
Don't Give Up: Sharon Broxton Shares Her Adoption Story From Georgia [S7E7]
Have you ever gone through loss on your journey to become a parent? Have you lost a baby or had an adoption fall through? Does it seem like the waiting to bring home your child is lasting FOREVER? This episode is for you. Sharon Broxton is the host of the Unwanted Sisterhood Podcast a place for women to share their experiences with infertility and struggles to become a mother. On this episode Sharon opens up about her own journey with infertility, a stillborn birth, and one disrupted match. Though she was tired, she never gave up and in November 2022 her family finalized on their new baby girl! She also shares how they raised $28,000 towards their adoption fees!
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Dominican Republic Adoption: Abby Shares Her Adoption Story [S7E8]
02/24/2023
Dominican Republic Adoption: Abby Shares Her Adoption Story [S7E8]
What does it take to adopt from the Dominican Republic? Abby, a Midwest mother and teacher, shares her adoption story to bring home her 2nd daughter from the Dominican. After they signed with an agency to do a new DR adoption program, they were matched to a little girl. The family traveled with their biological daughter and stayed in country for 135 days! Although it was not easy, they were grateful for the time they had together, getting used to being a family for 4. On this episode, we talk about how often the adoption journey pulls you out of your comfort zone and into an adventure. Abby shares what it was like to bring home a child that does not speak English and has been raised in an orphanage for her first 5 years. It was such a change for her new daughter and a big family change for her biological daughter! Listen to this story to be encouraged that in time, things do come together!
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Choosing Adoption: A Birth Mother's Story on Open Adoption [S7E6]
01/17/2023
Choosing Adoption: A Birth Mother's Story on Open Adoption [S7E6]
“Making an adoption plan does not mean that you’re not a present or loving member of your child’s family. Family is built from love, not always just blood. Regardless of how you were raised or what your childhood experiences of a family are, you can learn how to be a part of a healthy family.” Shannon is a birthmother who loves being a part of her child’s life after placement. On this episode she shares her story with the adoptive mother she chose to raise her baby. We hear why she picked her and how their relationship has changed both of their lives. Adoption has created more love for both of them. Click to hear how Shannon and Makayla navigate open adoption.
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Buckle Up Buttercup: Makayla Shares Her Adoption Adventures [S7E5]
01/12/2023
Buckle Up Buttercup: Makayla Shares Her Adoption Adventures [S7E5]
Buckle up Buttercup! Makayla has a story to tell! She has waited years to be on ADOPTION NOW and this is her moment!! Makayla and her husband have adopted two beautiful babies but not without trials and grit! You can listen on podcast or watch on YouTube!
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Does My Son Take Sugar? Eithne Ring, a Birth Mother from Ireland, Shares Her Story [S7E4]
12/29/2022
Does My Son Take Sugar? Eithne Ring, a Birth Mother from Ireland, Shares Her Story [S7E4]
Eithne Ring is an author and birth mother from Ireland. She has just written a new book, "Does My Son Take Sugar?" an Irish Mother's Memoir. A true story of love, scandal, regret, and reunion. In this episode, we talk about adoption in Ireland and how birth mothers were treated. Eithne shares how she was forced to hide the pregnancy and went on in silent grief over the loss of her child. This story has a surprising twist and is a beautiful reminder of how wonderful things can still come even after trauma. You can listen to this episode on podcast or watch it on YouTube!
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The Brain Mapping Interview: Family Coach and Author, Wendy Gossett, Shares How She Helps Families [S7E3]
12/10/2022
The Brain Mapping Interview: Family Coach and Author, Wendy Gossett, Shares How She Helps Families [S7E3]
Noah and April interview Wendy Gossett and share about their experience with brain mapping and discovering their family’s personalities. Wendy helps parents understand their children by using temperament psychology and neuroscience. She has over twenty years of experience in education, working in the classroom and corporate sector. “We often believe we are seeing reality when we are actually looking through a skewed lens, because of our own personality and biases. As parents, we need to put on a different lens to see each one of our children clearly, so they can become the people they were originally designed to be.” In this episode, Noah and April open up about things in their family that they needed help with. Wendy was able to give them a road map into what the children may need and how to strengthen their marriage by understanding each other better. You do not want to miss this episode on Podcast and on YouTube!
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The Hidden Story: Adoptee, Michele Fisher, Searches for Answers About Her Adoption [S7E2]
12/01/2022
The Hidden Story: Adoptee, Michele Fisher, Searches for Answers About Her Adoption [S7E2]
Michele Fisher was adopted at 4 months old into a family with 2 other adopted brothers in Pennsylvania. She always knew she was adopted, and in her family, adoption felt very normal. She loved her parents but as she started getting older, she had some medical questions and wanted to know about her biological parents. She waited years as to not upset her adoptive parents in her search. Finally, she went forward and got the “Summary Completed” paperwork from the agency. As she read it over, she realized she had more questions than answers about who her birth parents really were and the nature of their relationship. When Michele decided to take a DNA test, the family connections opened up and the journey began.
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Adopted From China: Ayden Lincoln Shares her Story and Gives Advice to Adoptive Parents [S7E1]
11/17/2022
Adopted From China: Ayden Lincoln Shares her Story and Gives Advice to Adoptive Parents [S7E1]
Welcome to season 7!!! We are so honored to have Ayden Lincoln as our guest. She was born in China and abandoned at birth with her umbilical cord still attached. She spent the first year of her life in an orphanage before her family flew half-way across the world to bring her home right before her first birthday. She quickly attached to her parents and siblings but coming to America did not solve all of her problems. She experienced the trauma of adoption, mental health issues including a battle with anxiety, ADHD, and regular outbursts. She struggled in school and felt alone. Now at 20 years old, Ayden shares what her parents did to help her succeed and how one teacher forever changed her life. Her message is clear. Do not give up being an advocate for your child, they need you. She believes you will find the resources you need!
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Goodbye Season 6...Hello Season 7: Noah and April say Goodbye to Season 6 with the Family [S6E26]
11/03/2022
Goodbye Season 6...Hello Season 7: Noah and April say Goodbye to Season 6 with the Family [S6E26]
For the first time ever, Noah and April bring the whole family on to say goodbye to season 6 and talk about what ADOPTION NOW means to each one of them. AJ introduces “Grandpa Joe” while Maliyah tries to steal the spotlight! Lily and AJ’s heartfelt answers will make you want to hear more about their thoughts on adoption, and Vivy is proud to tell you what she is good at! This family was built on adoption, loves adoption, and has embraced adopting the whole story. Together they have brought you ADOPTION NOW, Telling Your Adoption Story. Adoption stories from all over the world shared by adoptees, birth parents and adoptive parents. Don’t miss this sweet family episode! Goodbye season 6…. hello season 7!
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Infant Adoption Guide: Podcast Host, Tim Elder, Shares his Infant Adoption Stories [S6E25]
10/27/2022
Infant Adoption Guide: Podcast Host, Tim Elder, Shares his Infant Adoption Stories [S6E25]
Tim Elder is the founder of the Infant Adoption Guide Podcast, Blog and Online Community. He's been married to his wife Tisha for over 28 years. On their journey they have experienced infertility, a miscarriage, and two rounds of cancer. They have been blessed to adopt 3 children as newborns. Tim's mission is to deliver hope and inspiration through his guides, courses, and community so others just like him can finally reach their dream of building a family through infant adoption.
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Native American Adoption: Adoptee, Christian Markeey, Shares His Adoption Story From the Lakota Sioux Tribe [S6E24]
10/14/2022
Native American Adoption: Adoptee, Christian Markeey, Shares His Adoption Story From the Lakota Sioux Tribe [S6E24]
On this episode, Christian Markeey shares his adoption story from the Lakota Sioux Tribe in South Dakota. He was one of eight children being raised by parents that were both alcoholics. Christian shares what it was like to start life in the midst of chaos, but then meeting his adoptive mother at age 4. It was a couple of years later when his life would change forever. She was able to fully adopt him and bring him to Arizona. Though he did love and attach to her, he deeply missed his biological family. He shares about those conflicting emotions that many adoptees feel. He talks about searching for his Native American roots and how he overcame suicidal thoughts and alcoholism. This episode is an inspiring story and helps us understand the adoptee’s journey. Christian is now married and has 2 daughters. His best advice to adoptive parents is to remember “your presence means more than you can know.” He encourages those thinking of adopting to pursue what is in your heart because though adoption is tough, he is overwhelmingly grateful for his journey.
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LIFEMARK: David Scotton is an Adoptee and Real Life Inspiration Behind the New Movie "LIFEMARK" [S6E23]
09/24/2022
LIFEMARK: David Scotton is an Adoptee and Real Life Inspiration Behind the New Movie "LIFEMARK" [S6E23]
The Kendrick Brothers, Kirk Cameron Entertainment and Fathom Events announce the release of their latest film LIFEMARK. David was adopted as a baby and grew up always knowing he was adopted. His comfortable world was turned upside down when his birth mother unexpectedly reaches out to him, longing to meet the 18-year-old son she’s only held once. They connected on Facebook and because of the encouragement of his adoptive parents, David goes on a journey of discovery that leads to a staggering truth from his past. From executive producers Kirk Cameron and the Kendrick Brothers—creators of WAR ROOM and FIREPROOF—comes LIFEMARK, based on an inspiring true story that celebrates adoption, reconciliation and love. We sat down with David to talk about the movie and importance he found in finding the whole story behind his placement. In this episode we talk about what it is like to grow up adopted and how every part of the adoption triad has a voice and matters. You must hear this interview and see the movie!
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Now I am Known: From the Streets of Uganda to Becoming a Foster/Adoptive Father, Peter Mutabazi's Story [S6E22]
09/20/2022
Now I am Known: From the Streets of Uganda to Becoming a Foster/Adoptive Father, Peter Mutabazi's Story [S6E22]
Peter Mutabazi was born in Uganda, Africa. At the age of ten years old he ran away from his abusive father to live on the streets of Uganda. He had nothing. No future and no hope - until one day he met a man who would change his life forever. Peter was given the opportunity to go to school and get an education. Now he lives in the United States and has dedicated his life to helping children. He worked for Compassion International and World Vision. He was then inspired to become a foster parent and eventually became an adoptive father! In this episode we learn what it takes to be from another country and get certified and become a foster home. Peter has now adopted two sons and has written a new book, “Now I am Known”, sharing his journey into a life he never dreamed could be possible. It just took one person to change his life. Could you be that one person for a child in need? Listen to this episode to hear this amazing story of overcoming and giving back to the next generation.
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Sell The House, We're Adopting: Michael and Ashley's Adoption Story [S6E21]
08/25/2022
Sell The House, We're Adopting: Michael and Ashley's Adoption Story [S6E21]
Michael and Ashley set out to adopt teenagers until they got a call for a little girl who needed a home. They fell in love with her, only to get the news that she was unexpectedly going back to her biological family. The couple shares what it was like to say goodbye to a baby they thought would be staying with them. When they decided to sell their house and go with private infant adoption, they got a call and the calls kept coming. This episode is about pressing through heart break and not giving up on the dream to become parents.
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Thinking About Adoption? Alexia McLeod Has Been a Therapist for Over 20 Years and an Expert in the Adoption Process [S6E20]
08/11/2022
Thinking About Adoption? Alexia McLeod Has Been a Therapist for Over 20 Years and an Expert in the Adoption Process [S6E20]
Alexia McLeod is a licensed Psychotherapist and CEO of Therapeutic Center for Hope. She has been working in adoption for over 20 years. She guides families and birth parents through the adoption process. She facilitates home studies, hospital plans, post placement therapy, family counseling and so much more! She helps those involved through their emotions during the journey and discusses the ins and outs of what they need for a smooth adoption. On this episode we talk about realistic expectations and WHAT ARE THE RISKS??? If you are thinking of adoption or need support in adoption this episode is for you!! “Every baby that is meant for you, will be for you.”
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Safe Haven: Tera Naset Shares Her Adoption Stories and Her Passion for the Safe Haven Law [S6E19]
07/29/2022
Safe Haven: Tera Naset Shares Her Adoption Stories and Her Passion for the Safe Haven Law [S6E19]
Tera Naset is the mom of two adopted children. She lives in Phoenix, Arizona, along with her husband John and their dog Ralph. They adopted while living in Chicago, where they learned about an organization called “The Save Abandoned Babies Foundation.” This organization works to advertise the Safe Haven Law in Illinois, which was created to prevent illegal and often deadly infant abandonments. On this episode, we learn about this law state to state, and how it can save infants and place them immediately into adoptive homes. Tera is also a dietitian and gives us advice on how to help your children snack less and get into healthy eating habits!
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Little Farmers: SaVanna Schmidt Shares from North Dakota on Adoption and Farm Life [S6E18]
07/21/2022
Little Farmers: SaVanna Schmidt Shares from North Dakota on Adoption and Farm Life [S6E18]
SaVanna and her husband, Nate, live in rural North Dakota. Both of them were born and raised there. They are grain farmers, raising mostly wheat and soybeans. When they struggled to become parents, they decided to go on the adoption journey through foster care. SaVanna shares what it was like bringing home a medically fragile baby and finding out that the baby might go to another foster family. In this episode we learn how important it is to stay loving and consistent in the adoption process. She says, “Sometimes it’s the unexpected parts of the journey that you end up loving the most. Not only do you have to be very open and vulnerable when going through the adoption process, but you also have to be very open and vulnerable while raising the child. Unexpected things continue to pop up, but you learn, advocate, and adapt.” She now has two beautiful daughters who are loving the farm life!
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Dedicated to Adoption Law: Attorney, Kathryn P. Pidgeon Shares her Forever Family Stories [S6E17]
06/30/2022
Dedicated to Adoption Law: Attorney, Kathryn P. Pidgeon Shares her Forever Family Stories [S6E17]
Do you have questions about the adoption process and what to expect on the journey? This episode is for you! Kathryn P. Pidgeon is an attorney that has practiced exclusively in the field of adoption for the past 33 years. She has participated in over 3,000 adoptions in her career and she shares some of her experiences! She shares her passion on how to encourage and lift up families who are building a family through adoption. Kathryn tells us how she got into adoption law and how important it is to assist in a caring, ethical way. In this episode Noah and April talk on how they wished they had known Kathryn when they were in the midst of their wild adoption stories! Finding the right attorney is so important, listen to this episode to find out why!
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The Tabor Adoption Journey: Jason and Brittany’s Story on Building a Family Through Adoption [S6E16]
06/23/2022
The Tabor Adoption Journey: Jason and Brittany’s Story on Building a Family Through Adoption [S6E16]
This episode comes to us from Tennessee. Brittany and Jason went on the adoption journey after they experienced undiagnosed infertility. This is the story everyone hopes for when they start the process!!! They were matched quickly and became parents to a baby girl in 2016! It was when they started the process for the second adoption that they learned of the many challenges that can come up. They decided to match online and though they went through some obstacles the couple brought home their second daughter in June, 2021! She is just celebrating her first birthday! Listen to this episode to hear how this couple build their family through adoption and trusted God lead them.
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Open Adoption: Jillana Goble and Jennifer Bracken's Open Adoption Story [S6E15]
06/16/2022
Open Adoption: Jillana Goble and Jennifer Bracken's Open Adoption Story [S6E15]
Last week, Author Jillana Goble joined the show to talk about her foster care and adoption journey. She shared her experience with open adoption that she has written about in her new book called “A Love-Stretched Life.” On this episode, Jillana joins the show again with the birth mother of her son, Micah. Jennifer Bracken was raised in the foster care system nearly her entire life. After running away several times, she aged out of the system and found herself pregnant at 18. By 19 she had two children and child welfare was involved. Jennifer shares her way through addiction and recovery. This episode shows us how open adoption can change not only the child’s life, but also the birth mother’s life. Jillana never stopped believing in Jennifer, who has now been sober for 6 years! Today Jillana and Jennifer speak together, sharing their story to state caseworkers, giving them a picture of an uncommon collaboration. Their message is that building a bridge between the biological mother and adoptive mother can multiply the love, and not divide.
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