Pause and Think

In this episode of Pause & Think, we sits down with Marlena Smith to discuss what it means to raise an adopted child with roots in two cultures? Marlena reflect on a deeply personal adoption journey shaped by missionary life in Guatemala. Together, they explore what it means to adopt while living in the country you serve, navigating cultural identity, belonging, and faith—both for parents and children.

Marlena shares how God led their family to adopt a Guatemalan child while raising biological children overseas, the unexpected twists of a special-needs diagnosis that later changed, and the importance of early intervention, community support, and trust in God’s provision. As their family later transitions back to life in the United States, the conversation turns to preserving culture, language, and identity for a child whose heart belongs to two places.

This episode gently wrestles with questions many adoptive, missionary, and third-culture families face: Who am I? Where do I belong? And ultimately—whose am I? It’s an honest, faith-filled conversation about grief, gratitude, intentional parenting, and creating safe spaces for children to process their stories over time.

In this episode Aixa sits down with longtime friends Chad and Marlena Smith to explore a radically different vision for missions and orphan care. Drawing from their years living in Guatemala and their work with World Orphans, the Smiths share how God reshaped their calling—from working in orphanages to focusing on family preservation and orphan prevention through the local church.

Together, they unpack hard truths about global orphanhood, the beauty and complexity of walking humbly with communities, and why the church—especially small, local churches—is uniquely positioned to care for vulnerable children and families. This conversation challenges the “do more” mindset of modern missions and invites listeners into a slower, relational, gospel-centered way of being present with people.

If you’ve ever wondered how faith, missions, and justice intersect—or felt overwhelmed by the needs around you—this episode offers hope, clarity, and a powerful reminder: God works through ordinary people who are willing to listen, learn, and love.

In this episode of Pause & Think, Aixa sits down with adoptive mom Kristen Williamson for an honest, mom-to-mom conversation about the realities of adopting older children. Together, they unpack the emotions few people talk about—grief, anger, guilt, unmet expectations, and the slow, difficult work of attachment.

Kristen shares her journey of parenting a child from a hard place while already raising biological children, navigating sibling dynamics, jealousy, and deep insecurity. Through faith, prayer, and perseverance, she reflects on how God continually reshapes her heart and reminds her that love is not just a feeling, but a daily decision.

This episode is for adoptive and foster moms who feel unseen, overwhelmed, or discouraged—and need the reminder that they are not alone, and that grace grows even in the hardest seasons.

In this episode of Pause & Think, host Jackie Darby talks with Kristen Williamson about her family’s faith-filled journey through international adoption.

Kristen shares how God placed a calling on her heart, the challenges of a long and uncertain adoption process, and the emotional reality of bringing home an older child from the Philippines. She opens up about trauma, trust, patience, and the beauty that comes from obedience and perseverance.

This honest conversation offers encouragement to anyone navigating adoption, waiting seasons, or learning to trust God’s timing.

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In this heartfelt episode of Pause & Think, host Jackie Darby sits down once again with advocate and foster mom Caitlyn Baten for an eye-opening conversation on the realities of foster care, adoption, and the generational cycles affecting vulnerable families.

Caitlyn shares her family’s journey—how she and her husband stepped into foster care before having biological children, how their faith shaped every “yes,” and the deep conviction that led them to open their home to vulnerable girls.

Together, Jackie and Caitlyn unpack:

• Why foster care is deeply connected to issues like homelessness, trafficking, and mental health
• The mission of Buckner International and its commitment to strengthening families at the root
• The realities of youth who age out of foster care—and why the Church must not forget them
• Practical ways anyone can get involved: mentorship, volunteering, giving, or simply being a safe person
• The global movement of CAFO and the growing call for believers to step into the lives of vulnerable children and young adults

This episode is a powerful reminder that every life matters and that the body of Christ has a role in bringing restoration, stability, and hope to children and families who need it most.

Tim & Caitlyn Baten join us to discuss the joys and complexities of foster care and adoption — the both/and of grief and beauty. They speak on honoring birth parents, raising children of diverse backgrounds, and what it means to pursue openness with humility, truth, and love. Their testimony highlights the power of community, the role of the church, and how God shows up in ordinary moments — even through formula shortages, meal trains, and handwritten prayers. A heartfelt episode for foster families, future adoptive parents, and anyone wanting to support vulnerable children.

Pause & Think, hosts Aixa García and Jackie Darby  talk openly about adoption — both international and domestic — and what it really means to belong.

Aixa shares her experience as a Guatemalan adoptive mom, while Jackie reflects on her journey as a Korean-born adoptee raised in the U.S. Together, they explore how every adoption story carries both beauty and loss, how identity and race intersect with love, and why acknowledging a child’s roots builds true belonging.

From waiting seasons to deep cultural reflections, this episode invites listeners to see adoption as a reflection of God’s heart — a story of redemption, identity, and unconditional love.

💬 “Our identity doesn’t rest on our appearance or birthplace — it rests in our Heavenly Father.”

In this moving continuation of Pause & Think, host Aixa García sits down again with José and Sherry Salazar to tackle one of the most common fears about foster care — “I could never do it. I’d get too attached.”

With honesty and grace, the Salazars unpack what it means to love deeply, let go faithfully, and depend on God through heartbreak and hope. They share how their children have grown through the beauty and pain of fostering, what it looks like to pray for biological families, and how the global Church can rise to meet the needs of vulnerable children.

This episode reminds us that attachment isn’t a weakness — it’s a reflection of God’s heart.

In this heartfelt episode of Pause & Think, host Aixa sits down with José and Sherry Salazar in Guatemala City to explore how God has shaped their family’s story through obedience, sacrifice, and love for the vulnerable. From meeting at an orphanage to welcoming 11 children into their home, the Salazars share how faith guided every “yes” along the way — even when the road was hard.

They talk about redefining family, raising biological and foster children side by side, creating space for others at the table, and learning that God’s interruptions are never late. This episode is a beautiful reminder that the Great Commission starts at home and grows through community, courage, and grace.

In this inspiring episode of Pause & Think,  Kristen Thomas shares her powerful story of transformation—from growing up in foster care to becoming an adoptive mom.

Kristen opens up about:
💬 How a “one-night foster placement” turned into a lifelong family through adoption.
💬 Walking alongside her daughter Elise, who overcame challenges with confidence, identity, and autism.
💬 The reality of foster care and adoption—both the struggles and the incredible moments of joy.
💬 Practical encouragement for foster/adoptive parents who may feel weary in the trenches.
💬 How her nonprofit, Tamarisk Community, is creating belonging for youth who have aged out of foster care.

Her story is a powerful reminder that God can redeem brokenness, that belonging changes everything, and that every “yes” to love has ripple effects far beyond what we can imagine.

👉 Don’t miss this conversation filled with honesty, laughter, and hope.