Joyfully Hard: Megan Shares Her Story on Adopting from Haiti [S7E12]

ADOPTION NOW

Player FM - Internet Radio Done Right

44 subscribers

추가했습니다 nine 년 전

Adoption Now and April Fallon에서 제공하는 콘텐츠입니다. 에피소드, 그래픽, 팟캐스트 설명을 포함한 모든 팟캐스트 콘텐츠는 Adoption Now and April Fallon 또는 해당 팟캐스트 플랫폼 파트너가 직접 업로드하고 제공합니다. 누군가가 귀하의 허락 없이 귀하의 저작물을 사용하고 있다고 생각되는 경우 여기에 설명된 절차를 따르실 수 있습니다 https://ko.player.fm/legal.

How to Be a Better Human

1
Throwing good parties and building community (w/ Priya Parker) 38:16

22 weeks 전38:16

나중에 재생

리스트

38:16

Many of us are entering the new year with a similar goal — to build community and connect more with others. To kick off season five, Priya Parker shares ideas on how to be the host with the most. An expert on building connection, Priya is the author of “The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters.” Whether it's a book club, wedding, birthday or niche-and-obscurely themed party, Priya and Chris talk about how to create meaningful and fun experiences for all of your guests — including yourself. For the full text transcript, visit go.ted.com/BHTranscripts . For the full text transcript, visit go.ted.com/BHTranscripts Want to help shape TED’s shows going forward? Fill out our survey here ! Learn more about TED Next at ted.com/futureyou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

2년 전 43:48

MP3•에피소드 홈

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.

185 에피소드

#Family #Parenting #April Fallon #Religion #Christianity #Adoption

ADOPTION NOW

Joyfully Hard: Megan Shares Her Story on Adopting from Haiti [S7E12]

ADOPTION NOW

44 subscribers

published 2년 전

MP3•에피소드 홈

185 에피소드

#Family #Parenting #April Fallon #Religion #Christianity #Adoption

모든 에피소드

ADOPTION NOW

1
Special Needs Adoption: Season Shares About Adoption After Finalization [S8E16] 1:08:20

8 weeks 전1:08:20

나중에 재생

리스트

1:08:20

You may not have intended to adopt a child with special needs, or perhaps you did. Regardless of how you arrived at this point, you find yourself searching for answers online and scheduling doctor appointments in hopes of finding the right path for your child. If this resonates with you, this episode is so important. Adoption is a journey, and often, challenges arise after finalization. April and Season, both experienced adoptive moms, understand this reality. The perfect story may face hurdles, but it can still be incredibly beautiful. Season Cowdrey is a returning guest on ADOPTION NOW. She shared her story in 2017, and she is back to share her post-adoption story. In this new ADOPTION NOW segment called “Real Moms - Real Adoption,” April and Jordan sit down with Season to discuss the realities of adoption. Season wants parents to know that there are resources available to help adoptive families with special needs. While Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) are helpful for school, there is also support available for home life. Finding the right diagnosis (and sometimes medications) can be challenging and may feel like a battle, but it is a fight worth having. Sometimes, the hardest step is coming to terms with the reality that entering the world of adoption often also means stepping into the world of special needs. To hear Season’s full adoption story, check out her episode here!…

ADOPTION NOW

1
TWIN SCAM: Nick and Shannon Balser Share Their Adoption Story [S8E15] 1:07:29

12 weeks 전1:07:29

나중에 재생

리스트

1:07:29

Shannon and Nick grew up in Texas and met while attending Texas A&M University. They have been happily married since 2018, but their journey has not been without challenges. After several years of trying to start a family and experiencing multiple losses, they decided to buy an RV and travel, all while seeking God’s guidance for their next steps. In early 2022, they decided to pursue adoption. After their travels in the RV, they chose to leave Texas and move to Colorado, excited for new adventures and eager to start their family. They began working with an adoption consultant and eventually matched with an agency. However, this led to an ADOPTION SCAM!! They were at the airport, ready with car seats and strollers to bring home twin boys, when they were informed that the birth mother had disappeared and there were no babies. Not only had they lost their dream of becoming parents, but they had also invested over $65,000, which was now gone. This story is one of resilience and finding one’s voice as a potential adoptive parent. Their experience transformed a heartbreaking situation into a story of hope, ultimately leading to a twin blessing.…

ADOPTION NOW

1
High School Sweethearts: Nick and Kelsey Lebo Share their Adoption Story [S8E14] 51:28

14 weeks 전51:28

나중에 재생

리스트

51:28

This episode tells a beautiful story of love, family, and faith! Nick and Kelsey, high school sweethearts from Texas, always felt that God had placed the hope of adoption in their hearts. After getting married and having two biological daughters, Lyla and Lily, they discovered ADOPTION NOW. They began listening to stories of other families bringing children home through adoption and started exploring the concept of open adoption. They felt called by God to embark on this adoption journey. However, as many know, being called to a path does not mean it will be free of challenges, discouragements, or deep questions. Nick and Kelsey share how their hearts transformed throughout the process, especially when meeting a very special birth mother named Mikayla. This story unfolds into a beautiful union of families, with a precious baby boy at the center of it all.…

ADOPTION NOW

1
Show Hope: A Biological Sibling's Perspective with Emily Chapman Richards [S8E13] 43:37

17 weeks 전43:37

나중에 재생

리스트

43:37

Emily Chapman Richards, daughter of Christian music artist Steven Curtis Chapman and current Advisor and Ambassador of Show Hope joins this episode. Emily shares her journey as a biological sibling in this adoption story that began when she was inspired at just 11 years old. After a trip to Haiti, Emily became the catalyst for her family's decision to begin to pray about adoption which led to bringing home three sisters from China. April Fallon, the host of ADOPTION NOW, asks how Emily’s parents prepared their biological siblings for such a life changing event? What responsibilities would she and her siblings have? They family worked together as they expanded. She opens up about the joy they experienced and also how her family went through a devasting loss after their third adoption. The Chapman family held on to each other as they went through grief and continued to press forward to help other families. Today, Emily carries forward her family's legacy through Show Hope, the organization her parents founded that has helped over 9,000 children find forever families from around the world. Emily's passion shines through as she shares her heart for viewing adoption not as an obligation but as an invitation to experience love in a profound way. Whether you're just beginning to explore adoption or maybe you are experiencing grief in the process, this conversation offers heartfelt encouragement and direction for your own adoption journey.…

ADOPTION NOW

1
Open Adoption Conversations: April Fallon Shares with Jordan Moreno the Latest with Their Open Adoption [S8E12] 40:07

22 weeks 전40:07

나중에 재생

리스트

40:07

Real Moms - Real Adoption In this episode of ADOPTION NOW, host April Fallon shares her family's journey through the ups and downs of open adoption, pulling back the curtain on what happens when these relationships don't follow a perfect script. Through personal stories and vulnerable moments, April opens up about helping her children process their feelings while navigating her own complex emotions as an adoptive mom. From surprise FaceTime calls to years of silence, this episode tackles the real challenges of open adoption relationships. Whether you're just starting your open adoption journey or working to maintain long-standing connections, this conversation will help you feel less alone and more prepared to navigate the complexities. You'll find practical wisdom, emotional support, and permission to not have all the answers as we figure out this journey together.…

ADOPTION NOW

1
ADHD, IEPs and Advocacy: April Fallon and Darcey Olsen Talk About Raising Children [S8E11] 55:47

23 weeks 전55:47

나중에 재생

리스트

55:47

Real Moms-Real Adoption Your child deserves every chance to succeed at school – but sometimes you have to fight for it. In this episode of ADOPTION NOW, host April Fallon welcomes back Darcy Olsen, Founder & CEO of the Center for the Rights of Abused Children, for an honest conversation about navigating IEPs, understanding diagnoses like ADHD, and becoming your child's strongest advocate. With honesty and vulnerability, they share what it really takes to ensure your child gets the support they deserve. Real Moms-Real Adoption - these stories will make you laugh as they talk about the realities of parenting children with diverse needs. From emotional and behavioral challenges to raising teens, they offer concrete strategies for building a supportive community that truly "gets it." Whether you're just starting your journey with IEPs or are a seasoned advocate, this conversation will leave you feeling more equipped, supported, and ready to fight for what your child needs.…

ADOPTION NOW

1
Wendy's Wonderful Kids: Step by Step to Fostering [S8E10] 27:56

24 weeks 전27:56

나중에 재생

리스트

27:56

Ever wonder what it's really like to adopt from foster care? In this episode of ADOPTION NOW, host April Fallon sits down with Rita Soronen, President and CEO of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption , who brings hard-earned wisdom about the foster care journey. They tackle the tough questions head-on: Can older kids really attach? What support do you actually need? How do you stay hopeful while being realistic? Whether you're just starting to explore or already in the process, Rita shares essential guidance on evaluating your readiness, building your support network, and finding adoption-competent professionals who get it. She emphasizes that success takes more than just love – it requires understanding trauma, being ready for the long haul, and having the right resources in place. The episode features the moving story of Marisol , whose journey to finding her forever family at 19 reminds us why this work matters. April and Rita share both the joys and challenges of foster care, while offering practical ways everyone can help – from mentoring to community support. If you're considering foster care, this conversation gives you both the inspiration and real-world guidance you need to begin your journey.…

ADOPTION NOW

1
Are You Adopted? Four Amazing Kids Take the Mic [S8E9] 27:54

28 weeks 전27:54

나중에 재생

리스트

27:54

Ever wonder what adopted kids really think about adoption? In this special episode of ADOPTION NOW, hosts April and Noah step back and let their four amazing kids do the talking! AJ (14), Lily (11), Vivy (9), and Maliyah (7) open up about what it's like being part of an adoptive family – from the awesome moments to the tough stuff. They share everything from school stories to what it's like when people ask those awkward questions about their family. The kids don't hold back! They talk about supporting each other through hard times and how they've learned to embrace their differences. AJ even shares his dream of growing the community to help other adopted children feel less alone. If you're part of an adoptive family or thinking about adoption, you don’t want to miss these powerful insights straight from the children themselves. They get real about the challenges, but they also share why being adopted makes them feel special, loved, and safe. Join us for a family conversation about the real meaning of family, love, and adoption.…

ADOPTION NOW

1
Turning Fears Into Next Steps: April & Jordan Share Their Adoption Experiences in Overcoming Fear [S8E8] 46:01

29 weeks 전46:01

나중에 재생

리스트

46:01

Adoption Fears?? Yep, we have all had them. We recognize adoption is a big, life changing process to start. There are so many questions and unknowns. It can feel overwhelming. In this episode, host April Fallon and co-host Jordan Moreno explore the common fears of starting the adoption journey and how it is normal to feel this way. The two adoptive moms share their personal experiences with financial concerns, initial hesitations about open adoption, and the fear of birth mothers changing their minds. Don’t think this episode is just for moms!! They also talk about the important role the husbands played in the process and how being on a team has a pivotal role in placement. Whether you're just beginning to explore adoption or are already on your path, you'll find the support and encouragement you need to move forward with confidence. ADOPTION NOW wants to help you move beyond your fears and into trusting God’s calling as you take the next step!…

ADOPTION NOW

1
Adoption Culture: Noah and April Talk About Raising Adopted Children [S8E7] 32:13

30 weeks 전32:13

나중에 재생

리스트

32:13

In this episode, hosts April and Noah share how their kids turned a school diversity week into something unexpected — a celebration of adoption as their family culture. When their son AJ rocked a bear mascot costume and their daughter found courage with her sister by her side, they watched adoption transform from a sensitive topic into something kids could proudly share. Through stories of their school experience and eight years of podcasting, the couple talks about their dream of making adoption an everyday conversation — one where children can speak freely about their stories, where families find connection, and where being adopted isn't whispered about but celebrated. As Noah puts it, it's not about being perfect; it's about being real and building a community where everyone belongs, and where healing takes place.…

ADOPTION NOW

1
Two Babies, Ten Weeks Apart: Adoptive Mother and Birth Mother Pregnant Together [S8E6] 53:57

31 weeks 전53:57

나중에 재생

리스트

53:57

Two Babies, Ten Weeks Apart Noah and April sit down with birth mother Jessica and adoptive mother Connie for a story that they have not heard before. Even after telling hundreds of adoption stories, nothing could have prepared them for this combination of embryo adoption and traditional adoption happening at once. An Unexpected Match, with Unexpected Timing After getting married late in life, Connie and Matt struggled with expanding their family. The couple went through a miscarriage and decided to look at other options. They decided to pursue traditional adoption through an agency. They were set and ready to go when Connie heard about embryo adoption. The process moved so quickly and at the age of 43 Connie was pregnant! When Jessica found out she was unexpectedly pregnant with her third child at 21, she did not feel she could add another baby to the family. She had just started school for a career she felt would change her and her son's lives. Through much thought, she decided adoption was her best option. She found a national agency and moved forward. The agency, having no idea that Connie was pregnant, matched them. Would the agency let Connie adopt 10 weeks after she delivered a baby? Would Jessica still choose to be matched to a mom who was already pregnant? Noah and April had so many question in this interview, and you can see how the connection between Connie and Jessica was a true match! Listen now to hear how this adoption story came together.…

ADOPTION NOW

1
She Might Be President: Jessica Ramos Chooses Life and Adoption for Her Baby [S8E5] 50:39

32 weeks 전50:39

나중에 재생

리스트

50:39

A Life-Changing Choice at 21 At 21, Jessica was a single mother of two young boys, pursuing her education and trying to get off welfare when she discovered she was pregnant. With the baby's father in prison and her own path toward stability just beginning, she made the brave decision to explore adoption. An Unlikely Match Made in Perfect Timing After months of struggling to match with a family due to concerns about her medical history, Jessica finally connected with Connie and Matt. The twist? They were already expecting a baby through embryo adoption, due just ten weeks before Jessica's delivery. Rather than deterring her, this unique situation drew Jessica to them even more, especially when they discussed raising the girls as sisters. From Darkness to Light: 16 Years Later Today, 16 years after placement, Jessica's story has come full circle. She went on to complete her education, marry, and have another daughter. The open adoption has allowed her to maintain a connection with her daughter and the adoptive family, with annual visits that have helped heal generational wounds - including her own father's adoption experience. Her journey from a struggling young mother demonstrates the power of choosing hope in the midst of difficult circumstances.…

ADOPTION NOW

1
Adoptive Mom Club: Moms Sharing How Adoption Changed Them [S8E4] 47:55

35 weeks 전47:55

나중에 재생

리스트

47:55

Darcy Olsen is the founder & CEO of the Center for the Rights of Abused Children, an organization dedicated to uniting people in the fight to protect America's abused children. They have helped over 775,000 children nationwide. Darcy has fostered ten babies and adopted four as a single mother! Darcy shared her full story last week. Jordan had her first baby and then experienced secondary infertility. She and her husband, Jose, adopted their second child in less than 5 months! Jordan shares how her perspective on the process changed and about her experience with open adoption. Listen here for her full story on the ADOPTION NOW Podcast. April Fallon has adopted 4 children with her husband Noah. As they were trying to expand their family, they said yes to 7 placements but only finalized 4. The joy and challenges of adoption left them compelled to start ADOPTION NOW , to give adoption a voice and create a community to understand adoption through story telling. This episode is filled with important lessons and how adoption can cause such deep personal growth as you recognized that you have no control over many things in the process!! Children are a gift from God and adoption is not transactional. It is about staying committed to the journey no matter how hard it is, remembering that you do have it in you! If these 3 moms can do it, you can too!…

ADOPTION NOW

1
Center for the Rights of Abused Children: Darcy Olsen, CEO & Adoptive Mother Shares Her Story [S8E3] 46:21

36 weeks 전46:21

나중에 재생

리스트

46:21

Darcy Olsen is the founder & CEO of the Center for the Rights of Abused Children, an organization dedicated to uniting people in the fight to protect America's abused children. They have helped over 775,000 children nationwide. Darcy has fostered ten babies and adopted four as a single mother! Darcy’s dedication to supporting abused children and navigating the foster care system is truly inspiring. If you're looking to support children in foster care or considering adoption from the system, here are some key ways to make a difference: Educate Yourself on the Process: Understand the ins and outs of the foster care and adoption process. Each state may have different laws and procedures, so it's crucial to familiarize yourself with those specific to your area. Advocate for Legal Change: Stay informed about legislation affecting foster care and adoption. Advocacy can include reaching out to local representatives or participating in community initiatives that push for improved protections and rights for children. Consider Fostering or Adopting: Taking the step to foster or adopt can have a profound impact on a child’s life. If you're not ready to foster or adopt, consider supporting foster families in your community. Provide Support to Organizations: Engage with and support organizations dedicated to helping abused and foster children, whether through donations, volunteering, or raising awareness. Seek Legal Advice: If you're contemplating foster care, seeking legal advice can help you navigate the complexities of the process if questions or concerns arise on behalf of the child’s rights. As we listen to this episode, we hear how to take these steps, so we work together and contribute to create lasting and positive change for children in the foster care system.…

ADOPTION NOW

1
Two Tickets to Texas, Please: McKenzie Ellis Shares Her Adoption Story [S8E2] 58:07

38 weeks 전58:07

나중에 재생

리스트

58:07

McKenzie's journey is a testament to the resilience and strength that many couples show in the face of loss and grief. It's inspiring to hear how she and her husband Kim found support through the ADOPTION NOW Podcast, which provided guidance and comfort as they explored adoption as a path to parenthood. Sharing their story on the podcast is a powerful way to connect with others who may be experiencing similar challenges, and it's wonderful that McKenzie is able to give back to the community that helped her. This kind of shared experience can be incredibly impactful for other individuals and couples considering or going through adoption.…