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 somercolbert@gmail.com. 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!

Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast!

In this episode, I am joined by a man with an incredible and powerful story: Jackson TerKeurst. If you recognize that name, it is probably because he was adopted by author and speaker Lisa TerKeurst. Jackson came to the TerKeurst family after trying to survive gunfire and starvation during the Liberian Civil War. He was a teenager when he was adopted and now he’s a published author too.

In our conversation, Jackson discusses the challenges he faced, the importance of faith, and the lessons learned through adversity. He emphasizes the significance of being present for adopted children, celebrating their cultural identity, and embracing God's plan, which often diverges from our own expectations. His story is a testament to resilience, hope, and the power of community.

Here are a few takeaways from our conversation:

• His adoption story is unique, filled with years of prayer and longing for family.
• Adoptive parents should prepare their hearts, not just their homes.
• Celebrating a child's culture is crucial for their identity.
• Struggles in adoption are part of the journey, not a sign of failure.
• Being present and patient is essential for adoptive parents.
• God's plan often differs from our own, requiring surrender and trust.

Connect with Jackson TerKeurst on Instagram

Or you can check out his website

And buy his new book on Amazon!

You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at somercolbert@gmail.com. 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!

Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast!

In this episode, I am joined by New York Times best-selling author, speaker, podcaster, advocate for Downs Syndrome kids, and adoptive mom: Heather Avis. Heather started “The Lucky Few” movement to change the narrative behind children with Downs Syndrome. She says every time her kids walk out her door and into the world, they are walking into a world that does not value them.

As Heather shares in this podcast episode, if the narrative behind Downs was different it is likely the bio families of her two kids wouldn’t have put them up for adoption. Adoption inherently comes with the breaking of what God created to be together: family. There is immense beauty and joy in adoption, in redeeming what has been broken, but we cannot shy away from or “fix” that brokenness. It can be a hard thing to sit with but it cannot be ignored. Still, Heather advocates not only for the value of children with special needs but she encourages Christian families to consider adoption. This calling may not be easy but it is a calling straight from God - to love the widows and orphans.

In our discussion, we unpack Heather’s incredible adoption story. She shares wisdom from her experience raising not only two children with Downs syndrome but also a bi-racial child that does not have special needs.

Here are a few takeaways from our conversation:

• The importance of letting go of control in parenting.
• Create an inclusive home environment for children of all backgrounds.
• Encourage curiosity and understanding differences in children.
• The significance of affirming children's worth and identity.
• Recognizing the ongoing struggles of children with disabilities in society.
• The value of connecting with resources and stories from adoptees and birth families.

Connect with Heather Avis on social media or learn more on her website.

You can also buy her books! Her new book is titled I Like You So Much

You can also learn more about The Lucky Few Foundation.

You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at somercolbert@gmail.com. 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!