See The Miracle
By Brady & Andrea Murray
Join us on this journey as we share the ever-exciting adventures of raising 11 children, two of which have Down syndrome.
See The MiracleOct 09, 2023
A Look into Mother's Day
On this episode, we follow our family's Mother's Day celebration, including challenges around parenting adopted children, handling cultural differences, and creating fun memories together. We share experiences from a fishing mishap, a chaotic McDonald's order, to reflections on building relationships and progress in therapy with our adopted daughter. Despite differences, we focus on understanding and acceptance, ending with gratitude for our family's growth and upcoming summer adventures.
If you or someone you know is interested in adoption, please visit rods.org for more information on how to get involved and meet waiting children.
Ep. 95 - The Race to Find Leon's Family
On this episode, we chat about our experiences participating in the St. George Ironman and advocating for an orphan named Leon. We reflect on our training, race day challenges, and the importance of motivation and support from this amazing community. We share how having a cause greater than ourselves helps us push through difficult moments and finding inspiration in encouraging others.
If you or someone you know is interested in adoption, please visit rods.org to meet waiting children or find out how to get involved.
Ep. 94 - Cooper's Wild Ride
On this episode we talk about the humorous yet terrifying incident involving Cooper, our child with Down syndrome, who went joyriding on an electric scooter through traffic. We recount the event with a mix of concern and laughter, highlighting the importance of our guardian angels. We also chat about the 5K some of our kids were able to participate in, showcasing their determination and teamwork.
If you or someone you know is interested in adoption, please visit rods.org to see how you can get involved or meet waiting children.
Ep. 93 - More Miracles & Milestones Ahead
This week we share about our personal experiences centered around the baptism of two sons, family gatherings, emotional courage, behavior management, and the adoption journey of children from Colombia. We also chat about incredible interactions with relatives, the excitement of getting baby chicks, our new goat, and updates on upcoming adoption events in Armenia. Stay tuned at the end for an exciting adoption homecoming story as well!
If you or someone you know is interested in adoption, please go to rods.org to learn more about ways to get involved or to meet waiting children.
Ep. 92 - The Spring Break Tales
On this episode, we discuss our family's spring break trip where we navigate blending a large family, handling conflicts among the children, and fostering personal growth experiences, particularly with one of our adoptive daughters. We really hit hard on moments of unity, challenges, lessons in financial responsibility, and strides in faith development among the children.
If you or someone you know is interested in adoption or getting involved, please visit: rods.org
Ep. 91 - Celebrating 6 Months with our Newest Children
Join us on the latest episode of See the Miracle podcast as we celebrate 6 months with our adopted children from Colombia! We talk about the challenges of being in a new country with different foods, giving one of our children a new cell phone, and encouraging our children learning English. From heartwarming moments to lessons learned, it's a journey worth sharing.
If you or someone you know is interested in adoption, please visit www.rods.org to see how you can get involved or meet waiting children.
Ep. 90 - A Month of Growing & Bonding
On this episode, we chat about the advocacy journey for a child with Down syndrome named Vaughn, who finally found a family after many years. We also reflect on the challenges and successes of adopting multiple children from foster care, including implementing a chore chart and teaching stewardship.
If you or someone you know is interested in adoption, please visit us at rods.org to learn how to get involved or meet waiting children.
Ep. 89 - The Blue Hair Adventures
On this episode, we talk about our recent experiences, including our two of children's desire for blue hair, implementing a chore chart, organizing a hosting program, and planning a Down syndrome event. Other highlights include celebrating one of our daughter's birthday and our family adjusting to warmer weather and longer days.
If you or someone you know is interested in adoption, please go to rods.org to learn more about opportunities, more information, and waiting children.
Ep. 88 - Embracing the New Normal
In this episode, we discuss various topics such as their kids' involvement in karate, settling into a new routine, home projects, school progress, and bonding experiences. We also chat about the positive impact of having a Spanish-speaking nanny and our friends who also recently adopted kids from Ecuador.
If you or someone you know is interested in adoption, visit rods.org to learn about waiting children.
Ep. 87 - Why Did We Adopt?
Adoption is difficult and sometimes we can feel stuck. In this week's episode, we talk about how important it is to remember the WHY behind adoption.
Find Out More: RodsHeroes.org
Ep. 86 - Standing Together for the American Dream
Our first trip apart from our 11 kids went quite well. We were able to take a trip to California for the Stand Together conference to learn about the growth of the American Dream within our economy and culture.
Find Out More: RodsHeroes.org
Ep. 85 - Cooper's Health Scare & Calming A War
So many things have happened this past week. You could say the Murray household has been a little crazy. We had a scary health scare with Cooper, and blending the family has had a few road bumps but what a beautiful journey it has been thus far.
Find Out More: RodsHeroes.org
Ep. 84 - The Struggle is Real
Juggling 11 kids can be difficult at times. Add to that the unique dynamics of multiple adoptions and life can be a real struggle at times. In this episode, Andrea shares an experience that really put her patience to the test and the tender mercies that came from the refiners fire.
Find out more: RodsHeroes.org
Ep. 83 - A Bump In The Road During The Holidays
Our first Christmas as a family was a blessing in so many ways, but it was met with a bit of a hiccup when we found out someone visited inappropriate websites on Andrea's phone.
Find out more: RodsHeroes.org
Ep. 82 - Building A Life With A Special Ability w/ Tate Castleton
As a Merry Christmas gift, here is a bonus episode! In this episode, I was lucky enough to interview Tate Castleton. Tate has grown up with a physical disability, but he hasn't let that slow him down. Join us as he shares his incredible journey in a vulnerable, humble, and inspiring way.
Find Out More: RodsHeroes.org
Ep. 81 - Choosing Your Battles
So often you need to choose your battles and commit to not getting offended. This week has been an exercise in that fact. We also reflected on why we do this podcast.
Find Out More: RodsHeroes.org
Ep. 80 - After 4 Years, We Finally Met Our Girls Birth Mom
A huge part of adoption is working with your children's biological parents when appropriate. In this episode, we share about this tender and inspiring moment when we finally were able to meet Jessica.
Find out more: RodsHeroes.org
Ep. 79 - Learning To Expect The Unexpected
What a week it's been! It appears we'll get to meet our daughter's birth mother for the first time. Ridge is back in school with a new strategy for 22q, and our lessons we're learning as we attempt to help our Colombian children learn English.
Find out more: RodsHeroes.org
Ep. 78 - A Time For Thanksgiving & Growing
This week we experienced a few new firsts. Our first Thanksgiving together, Jhon's Birthday, snow in Utah, and so much more. We also have had a few good but difficult conversations.
Find out more: RodsHeroes.org
Ep. 77 - New Sunsets & Sunrises
In this episode, we talk about how the kids are starting to get into the groove of their new lives in America and how Andrea and I are growing personally with every new day.
Find out more: RodsHeroes.org
Ep. 76 - Starting School & So Much More
Week two has the newest Murray family members starting school. With our family now at 11 kids balancing our new schedules has been quite a crazy ride.
Find out more: RodsHeroes.org
Ep. 75 - The First Week in Utah
Our first week as a new family in Utah has been filled with so many firsts. Every day seems to be filled with experiencing new things with our Colombian children. Tune in as we share the highlights.
Find Out More: RODSHeroes.org
Ep. 74 - A Day Full of Miracles
So much has changed in just 24 hours from our last episode. We are officially going home! We have encountered so many miracles in relation to our embassy visit and doors that were opened which will allow us to travel home.
Find Out More: RodsHeroes.org
Ep. 73 - Balancing Family in Colombia and Utah
With our US Embassy meeting postponed we have to stay in Colombia for 5 more days. This comes with the struggles of balancing family that is back in Utah.
Find Out More: RodsHeroes.org
Ep. 72 - The Highs and Lows of Adoption
We just completed three weeks in Colombia. Only one more week to go. Today we share some of our highs, lows, and lessons learned as we navigate the adoption of our four Colombian children.
Find out more: Rodsheroes.org
Ep. 71 - A Chapter Completed - Leaving their Hometown
Episode 4 of our Adoption in Colombia series. We have left Pasto with our children and have made it to La Mesa where we will be for the next few weeks. Soon our other children will be arriving from Utah to officially meet their new brothers and sisters.
Find out more: RodsHeroes.org
Ep. 70 - Religion and Adoption of Older Children
We had our first Sunday together and what a great Sunday it was. Join us as we share our approach to religion with our older adoptive children and what our first Sunday was like here in Colombia.
Ep. 69 - Gotcha Day and the First 36 Hours
After an emotional and even a little awkward "Encuentro", we are now together after over a year of working toward the adoption of our Colombian children. These first 36 hours have been hard, but they've been the most beautiful hard we have ever experienced.
Ep. 68 - It's Finally Time! We Are In Colombia Adopting Our Four Children
The day is finally here! After over a year of preparation, paperwork, and anticipation, we get to be united with our children from Colombia! Join us as we share straight from our heart what we’re seeing and feeling only moments before the much-anticipated reunion.
Ep. 67 - The Mets and Fox & Friends
New York City, truly the city where dreams are realized. Citi Field and the Mets was a great success and to top it off, Coop made his national TV debut by throwing out a first on live national TV. He also made a new friend with an international celebrity who showed a special interest in Coop's mission.
Ep. 66 - The Work in Bulgaria
Our final episode about the RODS Heroes trip to Eastern Europe is here. Listen as we share our experiences from Bulgaria. So many precious memories, but more importantly, strong connections made with people and governments. Time to start advocating for these kids!
Ep. 65 - A Sincere Question and a Sincere Answer
Ep. 64 - Surprises in Armenia
Our final days in Armenia were filled with a couple of heartwarming experiences and one terrifying experience. All of this and more on this week's episode.
Ep. 63 - Hidden Light, Our Visit to an Armenian Special Needs Orphanage
All over the world when special needs children reach a certain age they are sent off to a facility. In this episode, we share our experience touring such a facility in Armenia. This facility was a wonder to behold, but it still left us feeling for the children locked away behind its walls.
Ep. 62 - Success! Down syndrome Adoption In Armenia
Brady and Andrea just got back from a monumental visit to Armenia. In the history of RODS Heroes, we've never had a door open for Down syndrome adoption like this one!
Ep. 61 - Cooper's Atlanta Braves Pitch
This one is special. The Atlanta Braves is our family's favorite team and holds a special place in our hearts. Cooper's mission to advocate for children and pitch at every MLB stadium has finally led us to Atlanta. What a miracle-filled trip.
Cooper's Atlanta News Interview: https://www.fox5atlanta.com/video/1266107
Ep. 60 - Our Kid's Meet Their New Siblings For The First Time
We had our first video call as the entire family. We shared our questions, hopes, and dreams. In this episode, we share that experience and give you an update on our plans to officially go get our kids in Columbia.
Ep. 59 - Pushing Through Adversity
Many times when we are working towards something good adversity can creep in. In this vulnerable episode, we talk about our experiences working through the challenges that come with positive actions in our lives.
YouTube Video Mentioned: https://youtu.be/wvJAgrUBF4w
Ep. 58 - A Summer Of Miracles Through The Hosting Program
Our first RODS Heroes hosting program was full of experiences, community, and miracles. Join us as we reflect on this year's program and share the highs, the lows, and everything in between. https://rods.org/
Ep. 57 - Brady Comes Out Of Baseball Retirement
Baseball has been an integral part of our families heritage. But It's much more than a game for us. It's a connection to people and cherished relationships. In this episode, we share about our experience recently when the Smithfield Blue Sox invited us back for a very special night. https://rods.org/
Ep. 56 - The Red Sox Pitch, Boy's & Girl's Camps, Another Adoption Update
In this episode, we chronicle another MLB first pitch from our son and RODS Hero, Cooper. We also share our experiences helping with Boy's and Girl's Camps. Closing out the episode with another adoption update.
Ep. 55 - Chicago Cubs First Pitch and the Making of a Few New Friends
Baseball is truly a game of wonder and miracles. In today's episode, we overview Cooper's experience throwing out the first pitch at an MLB game. Our family loved every moment and can't wait for Cooper to throw out the first pitch for the Boston Red Sox next week!
Ep. 54 - Good, Better, Best
Join us as we share a recent life-changing and potentially tragic experience and the tender mercies that have come as a result.
Ep. 53 - Cooper Is Throwing Out the First Pitch at a MLB Game!
In this episode, we talk about the many miracles that have led Cooper to throw the first pitch out at a CUBS MLB game. Make sure to tune in on May 29th to see Cooper's fastball!
Ep. 52 - ROD'S First UTAH Hero: Meet Jaxon Pt.1
In this episode, we share the course of miracles leading up to the discovery and advocacy of Jaxon, a beautiful boy in Utah who has Down syndrome that is in need of a family to call their own. We believe Jaxon's story is the beginning for many opportunities to advocate for children in the U.S. foster care system. https://rods.org/
Ep. 51 - This is BIG! Run Club for Your Kids
What if I told you that your children were going to run dozens if not hundreds of miles this summer and they would love every minute of it?! Not only that, but in doing so, they would learn firsthand the miracles that happen when we get caught up in a cause bigger than ourselves. This very thing has been happening in Highland, Utah for the last 5 years and now it's coming to a community near you. Run Club powered by RODS Heroes!
Ep. 50 - A Beautiful Stain Glass Story
Andrea & Ridge had a beautiful tender mercy at the Holdman Center in Lehi. In meeting the owner/artist, Jon Holdman, he shared his struggle living with a stutter. Holdman's story affected how Andrea & I view our own struggles and the hardships within our family.
Ep. 49 - RODS First Hero w/Eli & Jamie
RODS Heroes started when we saw a pixelated photo of a young orphan boy named Eli. From there so many miracles have taken place. We are beyond happy to have Eli and his mother on the podcast to share their story.
Ep. 48 - Starting & Growing A Family With Adoption w/Rachel McCracken
Rachel and the Murray's have quite a lot in common when it comes to Adoption stories. Listen in to hear Rachel's amazing story about adopting MULTIPLE sibling groups.
Ep. 47 - The Most Common Question When It Comes To Adoption
In this episode, we discuss the question we get all the time at RODS Heroes. "I'm considering adoption, BUT my spouse isn't on board." This is a common yet difficult question that we unpack.