One common misconception is the belief that there are a lot of families waiting to adopt newborns, when in reality, millions of children around the world are eagerly waiting for a loving and stable family.

In this episode, I am joined by a special guest, Laura Ruwe, who generously shares her personal experience of adopting three special needs children from different countries.

Highlights from this episode with Laura Ruwe include:

• Laura’s journey of international adoption
• Faithful obedience in adoption
• Parenting children with special needs and disabilities
• God's provision and support in the adoption process

Read the full show notes here!

Resources:

Kingdom Adoption Launchpad

Connect with Laura:

Instagram

Connect with Lucrece:

YouTube

Instagram

Facebook

Website

Have you ever felt prompted by the Lord to become a foster parent? Maybe you’re the type of person who feels like you need God to send you a sign over and over again. If you have a deep desire to adopt or foster, but are waiting for confirmation, you’ll want to stay tuned. In this episode, my guest Brittany Dawn, a social media influencer and foster mom, shares her inspiring story.

• Brittany’s journey from social media influencer to foster mom
• God's redemption and transformation
• The fear of heartbreak and the emotional challenges that come with fostering

Read the full show notes here!

Connect with Brittany:

Instagram

TikTok

YouTube

Pinterest

Twitter

Connect with Lucrece:

YouTube

Instagram

Facebook

Website

Have you ever wondered what it’s like for children in foster care? My guest, Tina Horton-Quant, shares her personal journey of being a former foster youth and how she now gives back by supporting those who are aging out of the system.

• Addressing fears and hesitations about trauma in foster care
• Ways to get involved in caring for vulnerable children
• Qualities of a good foster parent, adoptive parent, or Guardian Ad Litem

Read the full show notes here!

Connect with Tina:

Website

Instagram

Facebook

Connect with Lucrece: YouTube

Instagram

Facebook

Website

Have you heard the term “open adoption,” but weren’t really sure what it meant? How “open” do you have to be? Do you have to talk to the biological parents all the time? Do you have to take vacations together? I’ve spoken with a lot of families who were interested in adopting, but were scared about having an open adoption. My guest, Sheila K. Chester, dove all into two open adoptions and she’s here to talk about what it means and share what she has learned through her journey.

• Understanding open adoption
• Creating safe boundaries
• Embracing motherhood and taking care of yourself

Read the full show notes here!

Connect with Sheila:

Website

Instagram

Facebook

Podcast

Connect with Lucrece:

YouTube

Instagram

Facebook

Website

Does the thought of international adoption feel overwhelming? Maybe you're thinking, “I wish I could adopt an orphan from another country, but I don't have the money to do it.” My guest, Melissa Peduzzi, always had adoption on her heart and felt called to become a mother to children in need. 

In this episode, Melissa talks about their decision to adopt internationally, as well as the challenges they faced, especially in international adoptions. 

Highlights from this episode with Melissa Peduzzi include:

• Funding two international adoptions
• Seeking support for children with trauma
• Advice for those considering adoption

Read the full show notes here!

Connect with Melissa:

Website

Instagram

Connect with Lucrece:

YouTube

Instagram

Facebook

Website

The fostering journey can have its challenges. But for Trudy Cummings and her husband, it has been an incredibly rewarding experience. They have learned that when God calls a child into their home, they are given the strength and love to care for them, even through unexpected behaviors.

Highlights from this episode with Trudy Cummings:

• Trudy's Journey into Foster Care
• Navigating Foster Parenting as Newlyweds
• Preparing for Potential Face-to-Face Contact with Biological Family
• The Challenges of Fostering: Trauma and Healing Journey

Read the full show notes here!

There are plenty of verses in the Bible in which you can hear God's heart beating for the weak and needy, the poor and the oppressed, right? Verses such as James 1:27, Isaiah 1:17, and Psalm 82:3-4. But I want to look specifically at Matthew 25:31-46. In Matthew, Jesus reveals how He will judge the nations upon His return. And we discover that Jesus takes it personally when we show compassion and care for those in need.

Highlights from this episode include:

• Fostering children: a call to obey god's heart
• Finding ways to get involved in foster care
• The importance of following the laws of God's Kingdom

Read the full show notes here!

Have you ever prayed and asked God how you could help out in your community? If so, did you wait for the Lord to give you clear instructions before taking action? One of the biggest hurdles I see for everyday believers around getting involved in their communities is not knowing where to start. If you don't know what to do, it's easy to feel paralyzed and not do anything. The first step is starting with prayer. And that's how my next guest, Sarah Blankenship, first got involved in the orphan crisis.

Here are a few highlights from my conversation with Sarah Blankenship:

• Teen Reach Adventure Camp
• How churches can get involved in caring for vulnerable children
• Advice to pastors
• Ways to bring support to foster families

Read the full show notes here!

Connect with Sarah:

Life Church Website

Life Church Instagram

Teen Reach Adventure Camp

Royal Family Kids Camp

Connect with Lucrece:

YouTube

Instagram

Facebook

Website