Conversations from the BRaVe

Ashley Troxell's life has been anything but 'typical'. Experiencing the hard reality of menopause at only 17, she knew homegrown children were not in her future. In spite of this, Ashley chose to serve the Lord, along-side her husband in the realms of international missions, foster care, and adoption. Don't miss this story of heartache, beauty from ashes, and the Lord's incredible goodness.

Chris Wall was adopted as an infant. He has never known life in the foster system nor an orphanage. Regardless of this "seamless" adoption story, Chris has a powerful perspective and overwhelming gratitude for his parents' choice to adopt him. Listen to this emotional interview that will have you considering how much each of us have been given.

Kim and Allie Berg talk with Courtney about the ups and downs of international adoption. Their girls are not home yet and they talk about the process thus far; their hopes, fears and excitement as they wait to bring their daughters home. Listen in as we discuss the first part of the Berg's adoption story.

Please consider contributing to one of their adoption funds:

• Adopt Together
• Lifesong for Orphans
• Gobena

Courtney invites Kevin Gilbarte to discuss his amazing adoption story filled with powerful examples of God's providence and the often unrecognized faithfulness of His servants. They explore lesson's learned through the experience of adoption.

Listen as Jacquie Jordan talks about her new book, Becoming a Self-Reliant Leader. She tells about how the book became a reality and the reasons she feels this is important information for everyone in a leadership position, in the corporate world or outside of it. In the book, together with her co-author, Jan Rutherford, Jacquie gives real-life examples of expeditions in some of the most punishing of physical environments and how this crucible has provided lessons the participants won't soon forget.

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.

Jeremy and Rachel Smith have a big heart for adoption. In fact, Rachel's blog is titled, https://adopt100morehappykids.wordpress.com/.

They aren't talking about adopting 100 of their own children. The Smiths have a desire to see others adopt and with this desire comes a will to make that happen. Rachel is a fundraising genius. So, if you've ever thought, "I'd like to adopt, but its SO EXPENSIVE", this podcast is the one you need to listen to.

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.