November is National Adoption Month - Bryant and Kyndall Forshee were so gracious to let us join them in their journey of adoption so that we can listen and learn...as well as encourage and support them and others on their adoption journey. This is a great episode to listen to over Thanksgiving - hope you are encouraged and inspired by Bryant and Kyndall's faith journey in the adoption process.

Bryant is the PBC Junior High Pastor, Plano campus

Kyndall teaches 4th grade at a local elementary school

Prestonwood has a ministry that highlights and encourages foster care and adoption called CHOSEN - which stands for Christ’s Hope for Orphans: Supporting, Embracing, and Nurturing

“Closed” vs. “Open” Adoptions

• A closed adoption is when the adoptive papers are sealed and children are not told who their biological parents are - adoptive parents have a choice if and when they tell their child that they are adopted

• An open adoption is when the adoptive parents maintain an open relationship with the biological parents, adoptive parents maintain legal custody of their children, but visitations with biological parents are encouraged and can be mandated by the courts

Forshees went through a typical adoption process, which includes a “home study” - a very in depth evaluation of the “quality” of your marriage and home life!

• Big questions that needed to be addressed is about the community that the Forshees have around them to be supportive during difficult times

• Open adoptions can require the adoptive parents to make annual visits to the biological parents - something that the Forshees have to consider in this selection process

How can you support the Forshees or another family looking to adopt?

• Financial support

• The Forshees actually did set up a Venmo account where people can give to help them financially, check it out @forsheefor3

• Prayer - don’t just say it, do it!

• Look for other opportunities to encourage adoption and walk alongside those who are interested

• Learn more about adoption - check out the adoption agency that the Forshees used called LifeLine Children’s Services

Thank you to Jared Wood for allowing The Journey to use his incredible musical gifts and talents as our intro and outro for this podcast. Check out his music at JaredWoodMusic.