From an Empty Car Seat to a Full House: Shawn and Shannon’s Incredible Story [S5E3]

Tim Elder is the founder of the Infant Adoption Guide Podcast, Blog and Online Community. He's been married to his wife Tisha for over 28 years. On their journey they have experienced infertility, a miscarriage, and two rounds of cancer. They have been blessed to adopt 3 children as newborns. Tim's mission is to deliver hope and inspiration through his guides, courses, and community so others just like him can finally reach their dream of building a family through infant adoption.

27 Okt 202238min

On this episode, Christian Markeey shares his adoption story from the Lakota Sioux Tribe in South Dakota. He was one of eight children being raised by parents that were both alcoholics. Christian shares what it was like to start life in the midst of chaos, but then meeting his adoptive mother at age 4. It was a couple of years later when his life would change forever. She was able to fully adopt him and bring him to Arizona. Though he did love and attach to her, he deeply missed his biological family. He shares about those conflicting emotions that many adoptees feel. He talks about searching for his Native American roots and how he overcame suicidal thoughts and alcoholism. This episode is an inspiring story and helps us understand the adoptee’s journey. Christian is now married and has 2 daughters. His best advice to adoptive parents is to remember “your presence means more than you can know.” He encourages those thinking of adopting to pursue what is in your heart because though adoption is tough, he is overwhelmingly grateful for his journey.

14 Okt 202237min

The Kendrick Brothers, Kirk Cameron Entertainment and Fathom Events announce the release of their latest film LIFEMARK. David was adopted as a baby and grew up always knowing he was adopted. His comfortable world was turned upside down when his birth mother unexpectedly reaches out to him, longing to meet the 18-year-old son she’s only held once. They connected on Facebook and because of the encouragement of his adoptive parents, David goes on a journey of discovery that leads to a staggering truth from his past. From executive producers Kirk Cameron and the Kendrick Brothers—creators of WAR ROOM and FIREPROOF—comes LIFEMARK, based on an inspiring true story that celebrates adoption, reconciliation and love.   We sat down with David to talk about the movie and importance he found in finding the whole story behind his placement. In this episode we talk about what it is like to grow up adopted and how every part of the adoption triad has a voice and matters. You must hear this interview and see the movie!

24 Sep 202221min

Peter Mutabazi was born in Uganda, Africa. At the age of ten years old he ran away from his abusive father to live on the streets of Uganda. He had nothing. No future and no hope - until one day he met a man who would change his life forever. Peter was given the opportunity to go to school and get an education. Now he lives in the United States and has dedicated his life to helping children. He worked for Compassion International and World Vision. He was then inspired to become a foster parent and eventually became an adoptive father! In this episode we learn what it takes to be from another country and get certified and become a foster home. Peter has now adopted two sons and has written a new book, “Now I am Known”, sharing his journey into a life he never dreamed could be possible.  It just took one person to change his life. Could you be that one person for a child in need? Listen to this episode to hear this amazing story of overcoming and giving back to the next generation.

20 Sep 202239min

Michael and Ashley set out to adopt teenagers until they got a call for a little girl who needed a home. They fell in love with her, only to get the news that she was unexpectedly going back to her biological family. The couple shares what it was like to say goodbye to a baby they thought would be staying with them. When they decided to sell their house and go with private infant adoption, they got a call and the calls kept coming. This episode is about pressing through heart break and not giving up on the dream to become parents.

25 Aug 202227min

Alexia McLeod is a licensed Psychotherapist and CEO of Therapeutic Center for Hope. She has been working in adoption for over 20 years. She guides families and birth parents through the adoption process. She facilitates home studies, hospital plans, post placement therapy, family counseling and so much more! She helps those involved through their emotions during the journey and discusses the ins and outs of what they need for a smooth adoption. On this episode we talk about realistic expectations and WHAT ARE THE RISKS??? If you are thinking of adoption or need support in adoption this episode is for you!! “Every baby that is meant for you, will be for you.”

11 Aug 202237min

Tera Naset is the mom of two adopted children. She lives in Phoenix, Arizona, along with her husband John and their dog Ralph. They adopted while living in Chicago, where they learned about an organization called “The Save Abandoned Babies Foundation.” This organization works to advertise the Safe Haven Law in Illinois, which was created to prevent illegal and often deadly infant abandonments. On this episode, we learn about this law state to state, and how it can save infants and place them immediately into adoptive homes. Tera is also a dietitian and gives us advice on how to help your children snack less and get into healthy eating habits!

29 Jul 202236min

SaVanna and her husband, Nate, live in rural North Dakota. Both of them were born and raised there. They are grain farmers, raising mostly wheat and soybeans. When they struggled to become parents, they decided to go on the adoption journey through foster care. SaVanna shares what it was like bringing home a medically fragile baby and finding out that the baby might go to another foster family. In this episode we learn how important it is to stay loving and consistent in the adoption process. She says, “Sometimes it’s the unexpected parts of the journey that you end up loving the most. Not only do you have to be very open and vulnerable when going through the adoption process, but you also have to be very open and vulnerable while raising the child. Unexpected things continue to pop up, but you learn, advocate, and adapt.” She now has two beautiful daughters who are loving the farm life!

21 Jul 202233min