Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! 

In this episode, I am joined by Rachel Van Kluyve, who is a homeschooling, book-writing, bio and adoptive mama to four kiddos! Rachel’s two adoptive daughters are both Black American which has given Rachel some interesting challenges to navigate. She realized they do not have a lot of representation, from baby dolls to storybooks, which inspired her to create her own children’s book series about two black girls. 

In our conversation, we unpack the unique challenges of a transracial adoption: the unsolicited questions and comments from friends, family, or people online, how to style their hair, how to incorporate their culture and affirm their identities, and more. Rachel also shares that both of these adoptions are open adoption and recommends parents consider it, even though it seems “scary.” In fact, Rachel encourages parents to consider any kind of adoption and trust the Lord will provide the child, no matter the race, gender, background, etc… 

Here are a few takeaways from our conversation: 

• Understanding the Lord's sacrifice is comparable to adoption.
• Open adoption can provide a sense of connection for children.
• Faith plays a crucial role in the adoption process.
• Representation in children's literature is essential.
• Navigating criticism as a transracial family can be challenging.
• Building relationships with birth mothers is important for the child's identity.
• Every adoption story is unique and requires grace and understanding.

Connect with Rachel on social media

Or you can check out her website 

And pre-order her new children’s book! “Louie and La'Ree Empty the Sea (Sister Adventures)”

You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at [email protected]. I'd love to connect with you on Instagram or send you my monthly newsletter with free resources and first access to episodes and more!