Do you enjoy waiting? I don't think I know a single person who does. However, can you imagine asking to adopt a specific child 4 years ago and, because of the pandemic and a myriad of other struggles, STILL not having him home? How about beginning another adoption a couple of years after the first one was submitted and also, STILL not having either of your children home? If you are struggling to persevere, in any circumstance, this episode is for you.

Jeremy and Rachel Smith have a big heart for adoption. In fact, Rachel's blog is titled, https://adopt100morehappykids.wordpress.com/. They aren't talking about adopting 100 of their own children. The Smiths have a desire to see others adopt and with this desire comes a will to make that happen. Rachel is a fundraising genius. So, if you've ever thought, "I'd like to adopt, but its SO EXPENSIVE", this podcast is the one you need to listen to.

This episode delves into the extraordinary life and faith of the Odell family. After having six biological children, Joey and Carrie Odell proceeded with their first adoption. They now are parents to nine biological children and six special delivery, one of whom has intense special needs. Listen as Carrie recounts their journey of struggle, beauty, joy, and a love for the most vulnerable that only Jesus can give.

*The audio is not exceptional on this particular podcast but it gets better as the interview progresses.  Listen to the whole thing to enjoy all of the information and ideas Dr. Shea has to offer!* Dr. Timothy Shea is currently an Associate Education Professor at Lancaster Bible College, Adjunct Writing Professor at Liberty University, and Adjunct Education Professor at Messiah University.  He has taken up residence on at least three different continents over the course of his lifetime and has traversed all but one.  He has educated elementary children all the way up through the college level student.  Dr. Shea has many excellent ideas on what you and your kids have an opportunity to read to gain a fuller picture of many events of world history.  Join us on this multi-faceted interview as we engage in a conversation that elevates the good and the beautiful.

A self-employed song writer and a stay-at-home mom venture out on the faith journey of adoption.  Brent & Emily Baxter adopted three children from China with minimal income and major faith.  They talk candidly about living out their beliefs, from funding three international adoptions to loving their kids who've come from hard places.  A conversation about the real, the beautiful, and ditching the American dream for an eternally better one.

Katie Bond went through a harrowing event in her life that led her down a painful road.  Mercifully, the Lord restored her.  Because of her journey from a very excruciating experience, she has a vantage point that few can claim.  The reality of the life that could have been hers has given her a heart for both the parents and the children involved in the foster system.  A vulnerable account of the grace of God.

Will and Suzy Liegel adopted their first child over three decades ago.  Since then they have domestically adopted a total of seven children, some transracially, and all with special needs.  With a total of ten children, the Liegels have lived heart-wrenching struggles and overwhelming joys.  Their faith in God has deepened as they have daily sacrificed for the least of these.

David and Courtney Bradshaw caught the vision of foster care and the desire of all parties to reunify children with their biological parents.  They, along with their three home grown children, took in a sibling group of three as their initial placement.  As we find out, God had a plan other than reunification.

TJ & Jenn Menn have been fostering children for over a decade, beginning in their early twenties, having never parented previously.  In this conversation, Jenn talks about the realities of foster care, the highs and lows, and Who our hope really needs to lie in, regardless of what children we are parenting.  This is a woman with wisdom beyond her years.  A candid conversation about the sin in our own hearts and the only One who has the power to change not only the parented, but the parent. Link to TJ & Jenn's book, Faith to Foster    

Lisa Baker spends her days bringing orphans and prospective adoptive parents one step closer to uniting.  Her work with Small World Adoption Agency has blessed many families, as she works to bring Chinese children home to their parents in the U.S.   She also has the advantage of understanding adoption from a personal perspective.  She and her husband, Dennis, adopted three precious Asian children.  Uniquely, they are their only children...by design. Don't miss this wonderful interview with a woman whose life work, both in and out of the home, has been thrown into creating and building families through adoption.  The organization mentioned for funding adoptions: https://bothhands.org