Conversations from the BRaVe

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.

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.

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

For almost half a decade, Rick and Lisa Walz have faithfully served the families in their community's foster system. Listen as they share how obedience to Jesus' words about dying to self and living for Christ in the daily, results in healing relationships. Their example challenges us to think outside of our comfort zone and embrace the role each of us has in caring for those in need.

The Peacock family experienced a loss not many can fathom.  In this incredible interview, Kim tells the story of losing her precious daughter, Nicole, in a freak accident.  The loss of Nicole has given Kim a platform that few have, being able to speak into some of the deepest pain one could ever endure.  If you, or someone you love, has experienced a deep loss, this podcast is must listen.  Don't miss this 'beauty from ashes' story and let it point you to the only One who can give us hope in this life and in the life to come.

Connect with Kim and gain more resources at:

https://www.wildvictoriousheart.com/

A family with a heart for China chooses to adopt two children with heart conditions.  God grants their desire, and they bring home their daughter first and then go back for their son.  Follow the story of the Secrest family as they welcome their adopted children into their home, love them to the fullest, and then must face a pain no parent ever wants to consider, let alone live.  Listen to Kasie as she tells their story, and fleshes out the words of Job:   

"The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD." Job 1:21b

Katie Cain is a co-owner and coach at CrossFit Hard Knox, a gym located right outside of Fort Knox, Kentucky.  Audrey Straney coaches both CrossFit classes and nutrition clients while managing the gym.  Together they have created a unique and diverse community for all ages and skill levels.  Additionally, Katie has competed in the Granite Games, the semi-finals for CrossFit athletes.  Listen to their story of how growing up on a farm, reveling in helping others achieve their goals, and creating an unparalleled fitness community enables CrossFit Hard Knox to live up to its mantra, Forging Elite Fitness.

Forty years ago, Neal and Jane VanDeventer began investing in 'the least of these' through both foster care and adoption. The result has been countless lives who have been influenced for the Lord.  The VanDeventers have lovingly shown Jesus to over 200 foster children and their biological parents, the social workers they work beside each day, along with many others observing their lives.  By choosing the unglamorous, 'day in and day out' road of caring for children, they have had an impact of which the magnitude will only be known on the other side of eternity.

The Shaws were a typical American family when their life was unexpectedly 'interrupted' by a sweet girl who seemed to need some extra love.  One thing led to another and that sweet girl ended up becoming a 'Forever Shaw'.  Join us and listen to one family's account of what beauty materializes when you simply say 'yes' to the Lord, one little prompting at a time.

Henry and Ginny Whitney were missionaries to a remote tribe in Papua New Guinea for over two decades.  They translated a significant portion of the Bible into a language that didn't have a written form.  Since retiring from that mission field, they have invested in multiple cultures as they use their talents to formulate worship music into other's heart languages.  Their story is one of challenge, beauty, and what is possible when the gifts God gives are used for His kingdom work. 

Carrie Richards, a health and fitness coach, mentors others to achieve their specific goals with a heavy emphasis on nutrition.  Carrie's whole body approach, practical advice, and empathy, guide her clients to establishing new habits, and changing lives. Her energy, empathy, and desire to invest in the lives of others makes this a remarkably BRaVe conversation. 

The Knofczynski family has eight children, four biological and four adopted. Listen as Stacey recounts the extraordinary circumstances surrounding each of their adopted children’s homecomings, and how their special needs have grown and enriched all members of the family. Don’t miss these accounts that could only be fueled by a Love not of this world.

Kerri Tracy, a licensed clinical social worker, shares her experiences working with families struggling to understand their child. She explains how acting-out can be a child's call for help in struggling with trauma, and gives resources to aid the healing process.

Can you imagine being three weeks out from your wedding day and asking your fiancé how he feels about adopting two middle school sisters who are in a rough situation?  This and other incredible stories are the kind Krissy Durston has to tell in this week's podcast.

Chris & Jenny Jolin work with Cadence International providing hospitality to Soldiers and their families stationed at United States Army Garrison Camp Humphreys, South Korea.  Join us as we discuss the unique challenges and extreme joys that come with supporting those who serve our country overseas.

Imagine coming to the United States at 11 years of age to a world that looks nothing like the home you've always known.  Your parents speak a language you've never heard, you're served food you are totally unaccustomed to, and live in a house with only a few older siblings unlike the orphanage you came from that housed multiple children.  Join us as we listen to adult adoptee, Sanjana Darnall, as she recounts her challenging yet beautifully redemptive adoption story.

What is it like to love and serve in small town America?  On this episode we talk with David Sullivan, pastor of Muldraugh Baptist Church and his wife, Katie.  They serve the people of Muldraugh, Kentucky and its surrounding areas in word and deed.  Listen in on how the Sullivans love their small town that has big needs with an even bigger Love.

Scott and Roni Schuler are ordinary people who have shown extraordinary love to society's most vulnerable, foster kids.  Join Courtney Whitney as she listens to Roni talk about their love for these precious children.

Jerry and Joan Borton are the co-founders of Luke 14 Exchange, a ministry dedicated to strengthening people affected by disability. Join Courtney Whitney as she listens to their experiences assisting individuals, families, and communities.

The Smith family welcomed son Daniel from Korea as a toddler.  Join Courtney Whitney as she listens to the beautiful account of their adoption story.