Welcome to the What to Expect While Fostering and Adopting podcast. I’m Christine Marie — adoptive mom, former foster parent, and biblical mindset coach. Whether you’re in the early stages of foster care, navigating adoption, or standing in a season of unknowns — this space was created for you. Today’s episode is different. It’s not polished or perfectly planned — it’s real. It’s raw. It’s what I’m walking through right now. Last night, my daughter chose to leave.And after years of fighting, praying, loving, and believing for healing, I came to a place I never thought I’d be: surrender. Not because I stopped loving her — but because love doesn’t force.Love releases.Love trusts. This episode is a reflection on what it means to surrender your child to God when nothing makes sense. It’s for the mama who’s exhausted. The one who’s grieving. The one who has done everything “right” and still feels like it’s falling apart. If you’ve ever had to release control, grieve what could have been, or trust God with the child you love — I pray this message meets you in that sacred space. ☕ Grab your coffee and settle in — this one will stretch you, strengthen you, and remind you why love is always worth it.   XO-Christine 💕 PS — Want to join a supportive space for women who are navigating foster care, adoption, or just want to love others well? Come join us here:👉 facebook.com/groups/fostercareandadoptionforchristianwomen

This week’s episode is one I hope every adoptive and foster parent listens to - and listens with an open heart. I’m honored to sit down with Sydney Curtin - birth mom, author of Courageous Considerations, speaker, life coach, and founder of Curtin Call - as she shares the raw and painful truth about her adoption story, and why she’s now advocating for ethical reform across the entire industry. In 2019, Sydney made what she believed was the most loving and selfless decision a mother could make - placing her daughter for adoption. What followed was a heartbreaking unraveling of promises made to her and her child. From being coerced into signing away her rights to experiencing the gut-wrenching reality of an unenforceable open adoption, Sydney’s story exposes what many don’t realize about the current adoption system. Together, we talk about:• The myth of open adoption• Why adoption must be treated as a lifelong relationship, not a transaction• How faith, courage, and grief shape the journey for birth moms• What it looks like to center the child while honoring both families involved Sydney’s book, Courageous Considerations, is a powerful tool designed to help both adoptive and natural families ask the hard questions before, during, and after placement. Because adoption, when done right, is not the severing of one family - it’s the joining of two. Whether you’ve adopted, are considering adoption, or want to better understand the full picture of what ethical, relational adoption can look like - this conversation will challenge you, stretch you, and invite you into something deeper. ☕ Grab your coffee, get comfy, and let’s dig in.XO, Christine Marie 💕 PS — Want to join a supportive space for women who are navigating foster care, adoption, or just want to love others well? Come join us here:👉 facebook.com/groups/fostercareandadoptionforchristianwomen   Connect with Sydney Curtin:🌐 Website: www.coachcurtin.com📘 Courageous Considerations – now available on her website📲 TikTok & Instagram: @Coach_SydneyCurtin📘 Facebook: Sydney N. Curtin

If the college admissions process feels overwhelming… you’re not alone. And if you’re a foster or adoptive parent? There are even more layers to navigate. This week on What to Expect While Fostering and Adopting, I had the absolute honor of sitting down with Cynthia Nash, a college admissions and financial aid coach with over 20 years of experience at top-tier universities like Northwestern and Vanderbilt- and friend, this conversation is packed with gold. Cynthia has helped students earn millions in scholarships and grants, including:• Five students admitted to Vanderbilt- four on full rides• Three students at Johns Hopkins- two attending completely free• A Posse Scholar at Middlebury- with all four years fully coveredAnd that’s just the beginning. Whether you’re parenting a child from foster care, adoption, or not—you’ll walk away from this episode equipped with tools and insight to help your teen step into a future they didn’t think was possible. In this episode, we talk about:• How to navigate the college admissions process with clarity• How foster and adoptive kids need different support• Where to find scholarships and financial aid that most families miss• The power of vision, mentorship, and strategy in shaping a child's future• And why education can be one of the most powerful generational tools of healing Whether your child is in 9th grade or nearing graduation- this episode will give you real steps, renewed hope, and a fresh vision for what’s possible. Now, grab your cup of coffee, get comfy, and let’s dig in! XO,Christine Marie 💕 Join Our Community!After you listen, I’d love for you to come be part of our inner circle of foster and adoptive mamas! Our Facebook group is your gateway to valuable resources, support, and connection with other women who truly get it. Join us here:👉 facebook.com/groups/fostercareandadoptionforchristianwomen https://www.youtube.com/@fosteringandadopting   Get Cynthia’s Free College Admissions Guide:Download now: www.amazingjourneycollegecounseling.com Contact Cynthia NashEmail: amazingjourneycc@gmail.com Learn About Her Coaching Programs:• Group Coaching for rising seniors (starts 6/1/25)• Elite Coaching for pre-med & engineering students (Junior–Senior year)Email Cynthia for details and availability: amazingjourneycc@gmail.com

This week on What to Expect While Fostering and Adopting, I had the absolute honor of sitting down with April Ficklin, a TBRI® Practitioner, adoptive mom, and the Director of Family Support Services for Flourishing Families of South Carolina. April brings both professional wisdom and personal experience to this conversation. Her work is centered on helping adoptive families find real connection, healing, and hope through Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) and her heart for trauma-informed care is nothing short of powerful. In this episode, we talk about:• The realities adoptive families face behind closed doors• How trauma impacts connection and what we can do about it• Why adoptive moms often feel unseen, and how to change that• How April is equipping families and organizations across South Carolina• And how faith plays a vital role in every part of this healing journey Whether you’re new to adoption or knee-deep in the hard parts, this conversation will remind you that healing is possible and you don’t have to do this alone. ☕ Now, grab your cup of coffee, get comfy, and let’s dig in! XO,Christine Marie 💕 Join Our Community!After you listen, I’d love for you to come be part of our inner circle of foster and adoptive mamas! Our Facebook group is your gateway to valuable resources, support, and connection with other women who truly get it. Join us here:👉 facebook.com/groups/fostercareandadoptionforchristianwomen https://www.youtube.com/@fosteringandadopting Connect with April Ficklin:Instagram: www.instagram.com/april_ficklinFacebook: www.facebook.com/april.ficklinLearn more: www.flourishingfamiliessc.orgEmail: april@flourishingfamiliessc.org

In this episode of What to Expect While Fostering and Adopting, I’m sitting down with my friend Rebecca Del Pozo- an adoptee, an adoptive mom, and a fierce advocate for families who’ve walked this road from every angle. This conversation is honest, vulnerable, and deeply encouraging. Rebecca doesn’t just talk about adoption- she’s lived it in every form. From the unexpected twists and tender moments to the hard decisions and holy perspective shifts, she shares how the Lord has used adoption to shape her family, her faith, and her purpose. If you’ve ever wrestled with the "why" behind your story, or wondered if you’re the right person for the calling in front of you, Rebecca’s story will meet you right where you are- and lift your eyes higher. ☕ Now, grab your cup of coffee, get comfy, and let’s dig in! XO,Christine Marie 💕 Join Our Community!After you listen, I’d love for you to come be part of our inner circle of foster and adoptive mamas! Our Facebook group is your gateway to valuable resources, support, and connection with other women who truly get it. Join us here:facebook.com/groups/fostercareandadoptionforchristianwomen 🎙️ More from Rebecca:Ready to stop winging it and start leading your life on purpose? Grab her book here: https://amzn.to/3XyAqWvMoms in Real Estate—join her community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/millionairerealestatemomsWant Rebecca to train your team? Email: RebeccaD@kw.comConnect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Rebecca.Volden.DelPozoWebsite: www.RebeccaDelPozo.com

Welcome back to the What to Expect While Fostering and Adopting podcast! I’m Christine Marie — adoptive mom, former foster parent, and biblical mindset coach — and today’s guest is someone whose voice and impact in the foster care space cannot be overstated. I’m honored to sit down with Dr. John DeGarmo, founder and director of The Foster Care Institute, international speaker, best-selling author of 10 books, and foster/adoptive dad to over 60 children. Dr. DeGarmo has worked alongside child welfare agencies across the globe and is a leading voice for system change and trauma-informed parenting. In this conversation, we dive into the realities of foster care that few are willing to talk about — from the mental health crisis and over-medication of foster youth to the growing burnout among caregivers. We also talk about practical tools and mindsets that can help foster and adoptive parents stay grounded, effective, and full of hope even in the hardest seasons. Whether you’re currently fostering, considering it, or simply want to better support foster families in your community, this episode is packed with insight, encouragement, and truth. ☕ So grab your coffee, get comfy, and let’s dig in. XO, Christine Marie 🎧 In this episode, we cover: The over-medication crisis in foster care How trauma shows up in children and how to respond with connection The importance of mental health support for foster families What foster parents need most (and why many are walking away) Dr. DeGarmo’s personal journey and why he still believes in the system, despite its flaws About Dr. John DeGarmo: International keynote speaker and trainerBest-selling author of 10 books on foster care and parentingTED Talk presenter and media contributorExpert witness for foster care and child welfare legal casesRecipient of the Good Morning America Ultimate Hero Award and the Heroes of the Homeless Award Connect with Dr. DeGarmo:Website: www.drjohndegarmofostercare.comMore Resources: The Foster Care Institute 💕 Join Our Free Community of Christian Foster & Adoptive Moms:👉 facebook.com/groups/fostercareandadoptionforchristianwomen🎥 YouTube Channel

When Devin Schubert said yes to adoption, he had no idea the battle that lay ahead. After five years of trauma, daily crisis, and a heartbreaking diagnosis that gave him just three months to live, he found himself on the edge of surrender—until Jesus walked in and rewrote everything. This is a raw, redemptive story of foster care, fatherhood, and the supernatural power of obedience.

Join Christine Marie and special guest DJ Noble as they unpack the unseen layers of foster care—navigating bio family relationships, parenting through grief, and embracing the call with faith. With over 15 years of experience, DJ shares raw insight, redemptive stories, and practical wisdom for foster parents walking the hard and holy road.

Welcome back to the What to Expect While Fostering and Adopting podcast — a Christ-centered space for foster and adoptive moms navigating the complex, beautiful, and often messy journey of parenting children from hard places. I’m Christine Marie, an adoptive mom and certified Biblical mindset coach, and I’m so thankful you’re here. In this powerful episode, I’m joined by Nicole Barlow — fellow adoptive mama of six, Host of Foster Parent Well podcast, TBRI® practitioner, and wellness coach — as we dive into the heart of trauma-informed parenting. Nicole shares her family’s story of adopting through foster care and how Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) became the game-changer in helping her children heal. If you’re new to TBRI, it’s a trauma-informed, connection-centered parenting model designed to meet the needs of children who have experienced abuse, neglect, or trauma. It helps parents build trust, strengthen attachment, and bring safety and regulation to kids from hard places. Nicole offers practical tools, mindset shifts, and powerful encouragement for adoptive and foster moms who are feeling overwhelmed or unsure of how to help their children heal. Whether you're considering foster care, currently fostering, or in the thick of post-adoption life, this episode will bring hope, clarity, and a renewed sense of purpose. ☕ Now, grab your cup of coffee, get comfy, and let’s dig in! XO, Christine Marie 💕 Join Our Community! After you listen, I’d love for you to come be part of our inner circle of Christian foster and adoptive mamas! Our Facebook group is full of real talk, support, prayer, and resources for women walking this road. Join us here: facebook.com/groups/fostercareandadoptionforchristianwomenYouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@fosteringandadopting   Connect with Nicole Barlow:Instagram: @nicoletbarlowPodcast: Foster Parent Well

***SENSITIVE CONTENT WARNING.*** In this powerful episode of the What to Expect While Fostering and Adopting podcast, I sit down with Joseph Pedroza, a man whose story will leave you speechless. His journey is one of pain, resilience, and divine transformation—a true testimony to the power of God’s redemption. Joseph’s childhood was marked by deep trauma—placed in foster care, experiencing horrific abuse after adoption, and facing multiple arrests both as a youth and as an adult. He endured some of life’s darkest moments, but his story didn’t end there. A life-changing encounter with the Holy Spirit radically transformed his life, setting him on a path of healing, faith, and restoration. Together, we dive deep into faith, healing, and the adoption journey. Joseph opens up about discovering his true identity in Christ and how that revelation brought him incredible breakthrough. If you’re navigating the complexities of foster care, adoption, trauma, or your own healing journey, this episode is for you. ✨ Get ready for a raw, eye-opening conversation about faith, resilience, and stepping into the fullness of who God created you to be. 🎧 Don’t miss this episode! Hit play now and be inspired. ☕ Now, grab your cup of coffee, get comfy, and let’s dig in! XO, Christine Marie 💕 Join Our Community! After you listen, I’d love for you to come be part of our inner circle of foster and adoptive mamas! Our Facebook group is your gateway to valuable resources, support, and connection with other women who truly get it. Join us here: 👉 facebook.com/groups/fostercareandadoptionforchristianwomen 📺 Subscribe on YouTube for more faith-filled encouragement:https://www.youtube.com/@fosteringandadopting 💬 Want to connect with Joseph Pedroza personally? 🔗 Book a breakthrough session with Joseph:https://calendly.com/ephesians6coaching/breakthrough 📺 Follow his journey on YouTube:https://youtube.com/@ephesians6coaching?si=7vdR4IDUsWmzxtvM 📍 Connect on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/share/1BWnMP83FU/

Welcome to the What to Expect While Fostering and Adopting podcast! I’m Christine Marie, an adoptive mom and former foster parent, and I’m so glad you’re here. In today’s episode, I’m joined by James McLamb, the visionary founder and CEO of Generation Youth, known as America’s Youth Coach. With a background in Agricultural Education and Youth Development Leadership, James has dedicated his life to empowering and transforming the lives of young people. As a dynamic speaker, trainer, and the acclaimed author of Tomorrow’s Youth, James has a remarkable ability to connect with and inspire the next generation. His impact extends even further through The Generation Youth Show, a record-setting podcast where he shares powerful insights and interviews that motivate countless listeners. Beyond speaking and coaching, James is an innovator in youth development. He has pioneered groundbreaking programs like the Ziglar Youth Certification and the Generation Youth Coach Certification, equipping young individuals with the tools and confidence to thrive. But today, we’re diving into a deeply personal side of his journey—his experience with private adoption. James opens up about the challenges, triumphs, and unexpected blessings of adopting his two children. This conversation is a powerful testament to faith, trust, and the unconditional love that forms a family. Join us as we explore the intersection of faith and adoption, offering encouragement and insights for those on a similar path. Whether you’re considering adoption, in the midst of the journey, or simply looking for inspiration, this episode is for you! ☕ Now, grab your cup of coffee, get comfy, and let’s dig in! XO, Christine Marie 💕 Join Our Community! After you listen, I’d love for you to come be part of our inner circle of foster and adoptive mamas! Our Facebook group is your gateway to valuable resources, support, and connection with other women who truly get it. Join us here: 👉 facebook.com/groups/fostercareandadoptionforchristianwomen https://www.youtube.com/@fosteringandadopting 📩 Connect with James McLamb:Email: james@generationziglar.comInstagram: @Generation__YouthFacebook: @GenerationYouth🎙 Podcast: The Generation Youth Show

Welcome to my latest episode of the "What to Expect While Fostering and Adopting" podcast. I’m excited to share this heartwarming conversation with my special guest, Steve Wormer—a proven leader who embodies integrity, strength, and compassion in every area of his life.   Steve’s journey is nothing short of inspirational. He was a proven leader in corporate america, is the executive director of a nonprofit organization, and served in three churches, currently ministering at The Memphis Church. Following Jesus drives everything he does, and he’s dedicated his life to helping others process unhealed emotions like unforgiveness, bitterness, anxiety, and relationship challenges. As a John Maxwell-certified speaker, coach, and trainer, Steve not only shares his powerful personal story but also reveals his eight steps for getting unstuck and taking the next steps toward achieving one’s dreams. During this episode, Steve opens up about his unique path—from a turbulent youth to becoming a devoted husband, father, speaker, author, and executive director of the nonprofit “Hurt to Hope.” He candidly discusses the heartache he and his wife Rebecca faced, including five miscarriages and six failed adoption attempts, before God blessed them with three amazing children through adoption. His testimony is a moving reminder that prayer, persistence, and faith can transform even the most challenging circumstances into a story of hope. I am so excited for you to hear his story today and I am confident you will be as inspired as I was. ☕ Now, grab your cup of coffee, get comfy, and let’s dig in! XO, Christine Marie 💕 Join Our Community! After you listen, I’d love for you to come be part of our inner circle of foster and adoptive mamas! Our Facebook group is your gateway to valuable resources, support, and connection with other women who truly get it. Join us here:👉 facebook.com/groups/fostercareandadoptionforchristianwomen Also, check out our YouTube channel: Fostering and Adopting   Connect with Steve Wormer: • Email: booknow@stevewormer.com• Website: www.stevewormer.com• Facebook: Steve Wormer• LinkedIn: Steve Wormer• YouTube: Steve Wormer

Welcome to the What to Expect While Fostering and Adopting podcast—a space created to provide guidance, encouragement, and real talk for foster and adoptive moms navigating the challenges of the system. In this episode, we’re tackling one of the biggest struggles in this journey: fear. It’s so easy to let worry and uncertainty take over, but today, I’m sharing how to shift from a fear-based mindset to one grounded in love and trust in Jesus. With experience fostering 77 children, I’ve learned firsthand how overwhelming this path can be. But I’ve also learned how to surrender control, release the stress, and find true peace in God’s plan—no matter what comes our way. You’ll walk away from this episode with practical strategies to break free from anxiety, build unshakable faith, and create a home filled with grace and peace. You’re not in this alone—let’s do this together! ☕ Now, grab your cup of coffee, get comfy, and let’s dig in! XO, Christine Marie 💕 Join Our Community! After you listen, I’d love for you to come be part of our inner circle of foster and adoptive mamas! Our Facebook group is your gateway to valuable resources, support, and connection with other women who truly get it. Join us here: 👉 facebook.com/groups/fostercareandadoptionforchristianwomen https://www.youtube.com/@fosteringandadopting

Welcome to the "What to Expect While Fostering and Adopting" podcast! I’m Christine Marie, your host. In addition to being a biblical mindset coach and a former foster parent of 10 years, I’m also an adoptive mom to our two beautiful daughters. I know firsthand the ups and downs of the foster care and adoption journey, and I’m here to help you navigate it with confidence and faith. Having cared for 77 foster children, I’m passionate about sharing real, practical insights to support you on this path. In today’s episode, I’m sitting down with Rondregus Underwood, also known as Mr. U, who shares his incredible journey of growing up in foster care and aging out of the system. We have a raw and honest conversation about how he defied the odds, avoided becoming another statistic, and overcame unimaginable challenges to become a successful adult, author, and inspirational speaker. He opens up about discovering his passion for fashion and modeling, proving that resilience, faith, and determination can turn adversity into something greater—even when the odds are stacked against you. We’ll also dive into the importance of breaking cycles, building resilience, and the role of supportive adults in shaping the lives of foster youth. Rondregus’ testimony is a powerful reminder that faith and community have the ability to transform lives. If you’re in the foster care or adoption world—or even just considering it—this episode is packed with encouragement, hope, and practical wisdom from those who have walked this journey before you. No matter where you are in your fostering or adoption journey, this episode will give you insight, tools, and encouragement to help both you and your child thrive. 📖 Rondregus is also the author of an incredible book sharing his story. You can grab your copy and learn more about him at iammru.com. It was truly a blessing to have Rondregus Underwood, "Mr. U," on the podcast today. I pray his story blesses you as much as it has blessed me! ☕ Now, grab your cup of coffee, get comfy, and let’s dig in! XO, Christine Marie 💕 Join Our Community! After you listen, I’d love for you to come be part of our inner circle of foster and adoptive mamas! Our Facebook group is your gateway to valuable resources, support, and connection with other women who truly get it. Join us here: 👉 facebook.com/groups/fostercareandadoptionforchristianwomen

In this episode, I am joined by Dr. Caroline Leaf, a communication pathologist, audiologist and clinical neuroscientist, to explore the powerful concept of neuroplasticity and its impact on healing trauma in children. Dr. Leaf specializes in psychoneurobiology research, has published 19 bestselling books in 24 languages, has over 50 million downloads on her award winning podcast, "Cleaning up the mental mess," and over 9 million downloads on YouTube. She runs research trials in mental health and publishes in scientific journals. She speaks to diverse audiences around the world including neuroscience and medical conferences and TEDx. Today, we are discussing mental health diagnosis in foster and adoptive children, if healing is possible for them and ways to help facilitate regrowth of new healthy brain pathways.  Learn about the groundbreaking techniques outlined in Dr. Leaf's book, "How to Help Your Child Clean Up Their Mental Mess," and discover practical strategies to create a nurturing environment for your child. You can find the book bundle discussed in todays episode by following this link: https://drleaf.com/collections/product-combo-deals/products/how-to-help-your-child-clean-up-their-mental-mess-hardcover-brain-ee-plush-toy-brain-ee-coloring-book Whether you're new to fostering or have been on this journey for years, this episode provides essential tools and encouragement to help you, and your child thrive. Dive into the conversation and gain insights that will empower you to make a positive impact on your child's mental health and well-being. The book I personally recommend to foster and adoptive parents, which also helped me in my healing journey is found at this link:  https://drleaf.com/collections/books/products/cleaning-up-your-mental-mess To see all the incredible resources that Dr. Caroline Leaf has available, this is the link to her website: https://drleaf.com It was such a blessing to have Dr. Leaf on the podcast today. I pray she blesses you as much as she has blessed me today.   Thank you for being here, Go grab your cup of coffee and let's dig in.   XO-Christine Marie   After you listen to this episode, I would love for you to head on over and join our inner circle of foster and adoptive mamas. Our Facebook group is your gateway to valuable resources and connection. https://www.facebook.com/groups/fostercareandadoptionforchristianwomen

Looking back there is a few very pivotal lessons I wish I didn't have to learn but I am so thankful to share them with you today. These are the top 5: 1. How does your foster child's  behavior reflect on your parenting.  2. Chronological age vs. emotional age. 3. Your feelings are valid. 4. Being authentically you. 5. Putting your family first.  There are so many more lessons that I learned but these five that are foundational to the journey you are now on. After you listen to this episode, I would love for you to head on over and join our inner circle of foster and adoptive mamas. Our Facebook group is your gateway to valuable resources and connection.   https://www.facebook.com/groups/fostercareandadoptionforchristianwomen Thank you for being here. Go grab your cup of coffee and let's dig in.   XO-Christine Marie        

Today is a very special episode as we welcome the first guest to the show and recognize them as a Foster Parent Impactor.   Not only has he personally impacted my life but also those of hundreds of foster children.  He is a successful entrepreneur and we are honored to have him sharing his powerful story today. He shares about his challenging upbringing in an abusive home, his path to success in business, and his profound encounter with faith that changed everything.    I hope you find his story just as inspiring as I do.    After you listen to this episode, I would love for you to head on over and join our inner circle of foster and adoptive mamas. Our Facebook group is your gateway to valuable resources and connection.   https://www.facebook.com/groups/fostercareandadoptionforchristianwomen Thank you for being here. Go grab your cup of coffee and let's dig in.   XO-Christine Marie   More about our Podcast Guest: Ray Higdon is the CEO of the Higdon Group. Ray has shared the stage with world renowned thought leaders, including Tony Robbins, Les Brown, Robert Kiyosaki, Bob Proctor, Gary Vaynerchuk, Magic Johnson and many more. Ray is currently co-mentoring with best-selling author and leadership expert John Maxwell in the Higdon Maxwell Mentorship Program, an elite mastermind group for high achievers.   You can connect with him at:   https://www.facebook.com/rayhigdonpage https://www.instagram.com/rayhigdon/ https://faithoverfearlive.com/  

Welcome to the "What to Expect While Fostering and Adopting" podcast, hosted by Christine Marie, a biblical mindset coach, previous foster parent of 77 children and adoptive mom of 2.  This episode dives into the complexities of adopting through the foster care system, addressing common concerns and providing insights into balancing the journey with grace and faith. The topic today is if adopting a child through the foster care system is an option for most families and what you need to know if considering this path. We are discussing the importance of setting boundaries, understanding the needs of your family, working with a mentor and trusting Gods timing in the process.  If you are struggling right now as a foster or adoptive parent, I am so thankful that you found this episode. I want you to know that you are not alone. You are seen, valued, loved and known. After you listen to this episode, I would love for you to head on over and join our inner circle of foster and adoptive mamas. Our Facebook group is your gateway to valuable resources and connection. https://www.facebook.com/groups/fostercareandadoptionforchristianwomen Thank you for being here. Go grab your cup of coffee and let's dig in. XO-Christine Marie If you found this episode helpful, I would love for you to leave me a review on apple podcasts. This will help others just like you to find my podcast and be encouraged along their journey: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/what-to-expect-while-fostering-and-adopting-adopting/id1701306333

On today’s episode, we will talk about the emotional highs and lows, the moments of judgment, and the lessons of grace. It wasn’t until I had fully exited the world of foster care that I truly looked back and analyzed my heart’s posture. Knowing the intimate stories of the 77 children that entered our home and the hundreds more that I helped mentor the families of; my heart was broken. It in a place of judgement towards the biological families of these foster children. I wrestled between anger, disappointment, pain and it all settled into disapproval of how hard the lives of these children were.  It ended up filling my heart with exactly the opposite of what led me to become a foster parent.  My hope in sharing all of this with you today is that you will embrace the 4 tips I share with you and that it will help you to stay in a place of Grace, acceptance and Gods love through your foster care and adoption journey.  If you are struggling right now as a foster or adoptive parent, I am so thankful that you found this episode. I want you to know that you are not alone. You are seen, valued, loved and known. After you listen to this episode, I would love for you to head on over and join our inner circle of foster and adoptive mamas. Our Facebook group is your gateway to valuable resources and connection. https://www.facebook.com/groups/fostercareandadoptionforchristianwomen Thank you for being here. Go grab your cup of coffee and let's dig in. XO-Christine Marie If you found this episode helpful, I would love for you to leave me a review on apple podcasts. This will help others just like you to find my podcast and be encouraged along their journey: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/what-to-expect-while-fostering-and-adopting-adopting/id1701306333  

Whether you are a foster parent hoping to adopt, already adopted or a long-term foster parent, this episode is for you if you struggle with anxiety, overwhelm and desire to keep Jesus at the center. I will share vulnerably several ways that I tried to maintain control and perfection while battling anxiety and worry. I had found myself fully shifted into a mindset of striving to control every aspect of our foster care and adoption process. In turn, I lost myself along the way. I didn’t understand the importance of the 5 people I surrounded myself with and who and what I was rooting my beliefs in. If you are struggling right now as a foster or adoptive parent, I am so thankful that you found this episode. I want you to know that you are not alone. You are seen, valued, loved and known. After you listen to this episode, I would love for you to head on over and join our inner circle of foster and adoptive mamas. Our Facebook group is your gateway to valuable resources and connection. https://www.facebook.com/groups/fostercareandadoptionforchristianwomen Thank you for being here. Go grab your cup of coffee and let's dig in. XO-Christine Marie If you found this episode helpful, I would love for you to leave me a review on apple podcasts. This will help others just like you to find my podcast and be encouraged along their journey: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/what-to-expect-while-fostering-and-adopting-adopting/id1701306333