Bringing Kids Home

Our guests today are David and Heather Poole. They both grew up in the DFW area, David in Ferris and Heather in Mesquite. For the last 15 years, they have been in the small town of Palmer, Texas. They have a beautiful blended family that includes step, half, bio and foster siblings and hopefully someday adopted! David’s photographic memory and the ability to never forget a face allows him to be a great communicator. Heather’s background helps her relate to our foster children, which inspires them to take “God’s next step for us is to go even more out of our comfort zone into sharing about foster care, advocating and even recruiting with in local churches.” The Poole’s story started because of one question: “Why would we need to experience the Great Comforter if our lives are already comfortable?” Podcast brought to you today by Linebarger Attorneys at Law. Find out more at lgbs.com

Our guest today is Doug and Holly Yount. They both grew up in East Texas, Doug in Carthage and Holly in Jacksonville. Since 2021, they have lived in Granbury. Both have served the general public, Doug as a police officer, and Holly loves to teach. They have 3 children, a son, and twin daughters. Evan (23) and the twins, Andi and Alex recently turned 18. Andi and Alex are the first set of twins that were adopted through TBHC’s Private Infant Program. Holly has a history of twins that run on her side of the family, so you could say God had prepared their family for this adoption. The Yount’s story shows the ‘perfect picture of God’s love for us.’ They join the podcast today because “there are so many children who need the love of a parent dedicated to raising them… What better way to demonstrate God’s love?” Podcast brought to you by ImagiNation Learning Center. Find out more at imaginationcenter.com

Our guests today are Amber Mullenax, our Adoption Case Manager, and Dana Holt, our Regional Foster Care and Adoption Director, who is stationed in Odessa. We have a super interesting and touching story to share today. Amber has been with TBHC since November 2021. She came with the personal experience of being a birth mother herself. Dana became acquainted with Amber shortly after the adoption was completed. She joins the podcast to share her passion for reaching birth moms who feel that they have no options. Podcast brought to you by Jody Madding of Edward Jones. Find more information at edwardjones.com

Our guest today is Alisha Woodall and Dana Stenson. Alisha grew up in Texas, where she currently lives, and Dana grew up in California. Alisha is the Creative Marketing Director for First Look in Waxahachie. They join us today, united by the love of Jesus and their love for Alisha’s adoptive daughter Selah. Each is sharing a story of how family is always big enough for adoption. Her story is one of redemption and God's gracious gifts. They join the podcast today because they want resources to be available and a way to share that God is surprising in his blessing, even in the face of loss. Podcast brought to you today by Linebarger Attorneys at Law. Find out more at lgbs.com

Our guest today is Bonnie Jorzig. She and her husband Jeff have been married for 33 years. They have 4 children and one additional child coming through adoption. They are also grandparents with one grandbaby and one on the way soon. I’m excited for Bonnie to share her experience of fostering with you today. Bonnie and Jeff have been foster parents with TBHC for over 20 years. She is interviewed by Jami, Vice President of Programs, who was the Jorzig's former foster care case manager. Their story is one of being missionaries in your community. Bonnie joins us today furthering TBHC’s mission and hoping to encourage foster parents in the trenches of caring for kids and involve those thinking of accepting the call of foster care. Podcast brought to you today by Jody Madding of Edward Jones. Find out more at Edward Jones.

Our guest today is Kristi Arrington. Kristi and her husband Larry began organizing a gift drive 14 years ago for TBHC. Through their friends, family, and coworkers, they have blessed over a hundred children in our care over the years. They have a special heart for teens that are sometimes forgotten in the excitement that people feel when participating in a Christmas toy drive. Join us as Kristi shares her heart for children and what motivates her and her husband to do so much. Learn how you can be a Christmas Blessing by visiting TBHC Christmas season here. Podcast brought to you today by Jody Madding of Edward Jones. Find out more at Edward Jones.

Our guest today is Amara Bratcher “Maurie”. She lives in Odessa TX. And serves her church Mission Dorado Baptist Church in Odessa TX, in a multitude of capacities but chiefly working with youth and children! Maurie is serving as a Trustee for TBHC and she volunteers as a Court Appointed Special Advocate better known as CASA. I invited her today to come and share her family's story and talk about the book she wrote "The Bridge that Love Built". Her family has a heritage of adoption. Her parents adopted and now several other siblings have fostered and adopted. Her story is one of tracing God's hand of redemption in the missing pieces of our story. She joins the podcast today because she: “I want to help people with hard adoption stories be able to tell their story with dignity and meaning.” "The Bridge that Love Built" by Amara Bratcher: https://www.facebook.com/thebridgethatlovebuilt/ Podcast brought to you by Jody Madding of Edward Jones. Find more information at edwardjones.com

Today’s guest is Cashlee Fox, Adoption Supervisor for TBHC. Cashlee has been with TBHC for over 3 years and works to help match children with families, and helps expectant mothers walk through the process as they choose life for their child. She loves traveling abroad doing mission work, and her favorite mission trip was to Nicaragua. She’s visiting with us today, about some lesser-known details of private infant adoption and matched adoptions, and shares some of her favorite memories from her years working in adoption. Podcast brought to you by Jody Madding of Edward Jones. Find more information at edwardjones.com

Join us today as we talk with Julie Farrar and Doug Barnes. Julie is the Vice President of the Waxahachie Chamber of Commerce and Doug is our former mayor. Julie & Doug were fierce competitors in our Dancing with the Ellis County Stars competition this past February, raising nearly $10,000. Hear all about their journey, their practice sessions, and the relationship they formed with their instructor, Candice Grouse. Podcast brought to you by ImagiNation Learning Center. Find out more at imaginationcenter.com

Our guest today is Jared and Holly Conaway. The Conaway's both grew up in a small town on the east coast of Florida called Mims, close to Titusville home of the Kennedy Space Center. They have lived in Ennis, TX for about 5 years. They have 6 children: 3 are biological and 3 were adopted through TBHC in 2019. When describing their family they said we are loud and silly. Jesus is always at the center of our home. Jared is a sportsman and loves to pass on that passion with his kids. As for Holly if you don’t watch out she may spontaneously break into a dance number. Their story is about what each child in their home has taught them about themselves. When asked why share your story? They said “if anyone can find a glimpse of “I can do this” from our story then why not?” Podcast brought to you by ImagiNation Learning Center. Find out more at imaginationcenter.com

Today we’re visiting with Pastor Richard Smith and his daughter, Kara Hatchel. Pastor Richard and Kara were the winners of our Dancing with the Ellis County Stars this past February and are here to tell us about their journey to winning the mirror ball trophy. Pastor Richard’s church, Farley Street Baptist, has a long history with TBHC, and they are passionate about the work that is done here. Join us as they tell us about their journey together as they practiced, made reels, and raised over $10,000 for TBHC through Dancing with the Ellis County Stars! Podcast brought to you by ImagiNation Learning Center. Find out more at imaginationcenter.com

My guest today is Jared Cornut. Jared grew up in Rainbow City, Alabama. For the past 3 years, he has called the DFW area home, serving as the senior pastor of Plymouth Park Baptist Church in Irving TX. He and his wife Kandace have been married 8 years they have 2 children: Andrew a blessing of adoption, and William a blessing of biology. They are once again starting that adoption journey! Jared has won over 20 contests in his life. You can tell being named Armchair Quarterback of the year in 2012 is still a fan favorite! He loves being a pastor! Jared’s story is an example of God’s kindness to him. He joins me today because he believes in TBHC’s ministry and desires to strongly advocate for orphan care. Podcast brought to you by ImagiNation Learning Center. Find out more at imaginationcenter.com

Jon and Rachel McLaughlin are our guests today. Jon and Rachel were one of our dance teams for Dancing with the Ellis County Stars this past February and made some great memories from their time working together to bring their dance to life. Jon’s family has deep roots with TBHC, as his grandfather and great-grandfather both served as presidents from the 1930s until the 1980s. Listen, as they tell their story from being hesitant participants to enthusiastic competitors, raising nearly $5,000. Podcast brought to you by ImagiNation Learning Center. Find out more at imaginationcenter.com

Our guest today is Scott and Lisa Quirin. The Quirin's are from California, Lisa growing up in L.A., and Scott just outside of LA. They have since moved to Waxahachie, Texas with their family. They have 5 children: Sarah, Jude, Elijah, Daniel, and Isaac. Their kid's ages range from 8 years old all the way to over 30s! Scott has been to all 50 states in the US and Lisa has a certificate in biblical counseling. And don't even get them talking about their team, the LA Dodgers! Adoption was always Plan A for the Quirin’s! Lisa’s family fostered children and inspired her to serve as a CASA worker. While Scott has always been in support of children inside and outside of the womb. They are coming alongside TBHC ministry to protect and preserve the lives of children and their families.

Our guest today is Michael and Kirby Pool. The Pools both grew up west of Gilmer, TX, in the area of Harmony. This is home today. They have three great kids. Eli, Ethan, and Elyssa. Michael is a Pastor and Respiratory Therapist and Kirby is a teacher in Harmony ISD. Kirby’s best friend growing up was Michael's sister and Michael's football coach in High School is now his father-in-law. When reflecting on their story they know God is in control but are not afraid to say “What were we thinking”? Why are they willing to share their story today? Because they are “Seeing God at work even through tough times. And realizing that they have an ability to share the love of God with kids in need”

Our guest today is Russ Youngblood. He and his wife Violet have been married for many years. Russ served in the military during Vietnam as a combat Marine and then all over the US, Europe and Israel with the Army Criminal Investigation Division. He now is enjoying his grandchildren and a well-deserved retirement. Russ is one of a few who grew up at TBHC when it was an orphanage. He joins us to share his experience about the life he has lived that was made possible by a place many called home. His story sounds like the American dream. He joins the Podcast today hoping you would be inspired to care for children from hard places.

Ms. Joanna has been with TBHC off and on in some capacity since 1969. She has seen this ministry evolve from institutional style living to home-like cottages through today where we specialize in foster care and adoption. She has worked under five Presidents and held numerous positions within TBHC. Listen to her memories on some of the impactful people that she has had the privilege of working with over the years.

Our guest today is TBHC’s very own Staci Beck. She grew up in Euless Texas. Staci and her husband Bentley have made Waxahachie home for more than 5 years. They are raising their beautiful daughters Cofi and Rosine as well as their 3 dogs who are very important members of the family. Along with Staci’s work at TBHC as our Foster Care Director she has her LPC and has experience in counseling all ages of children. Staci’s story is redemptive and truly shines God’s glory through. She joins us today hoping that what she shares will open more hearts to adoption and foster care.

Our guest today is Dana Holt, TBHC’s Regional Foster Care & Adoption Director. Dana has worn many hats during her 10 years at TBHC. She has recently opened our new Permian Basin branch office in Odessa, TX. She is an advocate for helping children heal from trauma as well as being an extra support for foster families through this process. Dana shares how you can get involved and bring awareness to the needs of foster care during Foster Care Awareness Month! Day of Prayer-Permian Basin on Tuesday, May 3rd Permian Basin Gives - One-day Fundraiser - May 17th

Our guest today is Jessica Cawthorn. She grew up in Waxahachie and currently lives in Rockwall, TX with her husband, John and a 3-year-old son Kain! We are excited to explore Jessica’s story with you today. Jessica has been connected to TBHC since she was 13 years old. Her story is one of resiliency and redemption. She joins us today furthering TBHC mission and hoping to encourage and bring awareness to help youth who were in foster care, currently in foster care, or have aged out of foster care.

We will be visiting with Staci Beck, TBHC's Lead Foster Care Director/Clinical Associate, about Child Abuse Detection and Prevention. April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, and Staci will be talking about the different types of abuse that can occur as well as warning signs to look for and what to do when we suspect abuse. Knowing how abuse affects children and communities highlights the need for stable, loving foster homes for these children who have experienced trauma. Don’t miss this impactful episode. Find out how you can support TBHC and bring awareness: https://tbhc.org/a-staggering-statistic/ Check the Podcast Now I See: Jason Curry, Fostering and Adopting – Now I See (nis.media)

Our guest today is Cody Jenkins. Cody spent most of his informative years in Blooming Grove TX. His parents still call this little town home. His current community is Ellis County and he serves on staff at First Baptist Church Red Oak as the Spiritual Formation Pastor. Using his words, Cody describes his family as “we’re pretty awesome”. He and his wife Bristi were married May 1, 2010 and have 4 children. Akiann 10, Ainslee 8, Blaiklee, Cainan. Cody is passionate about Jesus but also about Aggie Football and when you're around him watching a game you may think he has lost his mind. Cody’s story is God shaping and a glimpse of his grace and sovereignty through the journey. He joins me today to encourage someone else through His family story of adoption. Podcast brought to you by ImagiNation Learning Center. Find out more at imaginationcenter.com

Our guest today is Trooper Colunga. Trooper Colunga grew up in Marlin and Waco Texas. He has lived in Ennis since 1980. He had a great career in Law Enforcement and after 40 years is enjoying a well-deserved retirement. Trooper Colunga has been married to his wife Diana for 10 years and they have 4 children. He is here to share his story of adoption and the value of an education. Through his years of serving in Law Enforcement he has partnered with TBHC to help give our kids a push towards a successful future. His story is one of blessing. He joins our Podcast today hoping to inspire others and help Bring Kids Home. Podcast brought to you by ImagiNation Learning Center. Find out more at imaginationcenter.com

My guest today is Mallori Gallegos. She lives in Roanoke TX with her five-year-old son Isaiah! She services in ministry with kids at Cross Timbers Church specifically in The Hope Center. I’m excited to explore Mallori and Isaiah’s story with you today. Her story is proof that God’s plans for our lives are always bigger and better than any we can imagine. She joins us today furthering TBHC mission and hoping to encourage single moms to know they are not alone.

My guests today are back from last time! Aaron and Charity Clayton completing their story of adoption. If you missed the previous episode, please go back and listen. You will not want to miss it. Episode sponsored by Danceworks of Waxahachie. They are transforming lives by using the gift of dance to bring light to the world. Find out more about Danceworks at danceworkswax.net

My guests today are Aaron and Charity Clayton. The Clayton’s both spent time growing up in Texas - Charity in Desoto and Aaron in Terrell. Their family has lived in the Waxahachie area since 2011, where they have planted and are growing a church called Remedy Church. Aaron has also served as a Trustee for TBHC and they are both stepping back into the world of adoption and are working with us through that process. They have three children. Sam is 13 and was adopted from Kazakhstan. They are also blessed with biological children. Juliet is 9, and Valor is 7. One of the things they enjoy doing is traveling as a family seeing what God is doing in other places on mission and other church plants. The Clayton’s story exemplifies “God’s grace through hard things”. They join the podcast today because they “want to encourage and equip adoptive and foster families. They also want to see more families adopt and foster.” Episode sponsored by Danceworks of Waxahachie. They are transforming lives by using the gift of dance to bring light to the world. Find out more about Danceworks at danceworkswax.net

My guests today are Philip and Kelly Ledbetter. After some time in other states Philip and Kelly's families eventually came to Texas. They have been married 12 years and are currently living in McKinney Texas. Philip teaches Fencing and Archery and Kelly is a freelance writer who somehow finds time to read over a hundred books a year. They started their journey of adoption with TBHC in 2015. Their adoption was finalized May 9th 2017. It was a long but rewarding journey that I’m excited to experience with all of you today.

My guest today is Kristin Morgan. She is one of TBHC’s Board Members. Kristin grew up outside of Philadelphia Pennsylvania. Her family has lived in the DFW Area for about 15 years. She currently works for the SBTC as a special needs consultant. Kristin and her husband Carl have been married for almost 20 years. Their household grew exponentially overnight in 2016 when they welcomed 5 children into their family of 4… that’s right she and Carl have 7 children all together. Today Kristin along with everything else she does is homeschooling 6 of her kids while the oldest is in college. Kristin’s story is Spirit Led and a wonderful brave step of faith in obeying the Lord’s call. She joins us today wanting to support children in foster care and encourage others to foster / adopt through education. Let’s hear her story together and be inspired to obey God’s leading.

My guest today is Pastor Jason Collins of Crossroads Rowlett. I have had the privilege of observing his families’ foster care journey from a distance and have heard his passion to minister to the fatherless. Jason and his wife Kristal with their three biological kids started fostering and now have had three sibling groups in their home. They have experienced the hard times and the huge blessings from being a foster family. When asked why be a part of bringing kids… Jason’s response was “God changes lives through foster care, and while not everyone is called to it...many just need to be encouraged or challenged.”

My guest today is Maggie Paulus. After growing up in Arkansas, she has lived in Michigan for the past 14 years and has 4 kids with her husband, Brent. Brent and Maggie currently travel around the country as Family Revivalist with Life Action Ministries. This makes being a parent fun and challenging doing what she calls 'Road School' with her kids. I have seen on Facebook, Maggie dabbling at being a lepidopterist and commenting on a love of cookie butter saying it has "changed her life". Maggie’s story is inspirational and demonstrates how God is in the nitty, gritty details of our life and He doesn’t waste any of our experiences. She joins us today “wanting people to adopt kids if they are inclined”. Read more about Maggie's story at http://maggiepaulus.com/

My guest today is Odell Traffanstedt. Del. He and I met at our SBTC annual meeting some time ago and we had breakfast together. Del grew up in Oklahoma & California but is now in Odessa TX serving as Senior Pastor at Mission Dorado Baptist Church. He has adopted 3 kids from TBHC and has 2 biological children. All kids are spread out from ages 4 up to 25 years old. Del’s story is redemptive and I hope can inspire you in what adoption is all about. He joins us today wanting to support TBHC ministry of bringing kids home.

My guest today is Eric Porter. Eric and I have become fast friends over our couple of years of knowing each other. Both in the professional space we share and as fellow adoptive dads. Eric grew up in Owasso, Oklahoma. He and his wife Trisha have been married 21 years and have 6 kids. 4 biological and 2 adopted. He loves to run! I have witnessed this passion as he has participated in TBHC’s Hero 5K. Brewing (Roasting) his own coffee is another love and should be shared with more of his friends. He is the founder and president of Backyard Orphans: a ministry that guides church leaders to develop a foster care, adoption, and support ministry. He joins me today wanting more people to get involved in orphan care!

My Guests today are Paul and Deana Olszewski. They both grew up in Texas. Paul is from Lufkin, Deana is from Tomball. They currently call Lufkin home where Paul is a high school teacher and pastor of youth at First Baptist Church Keltys. Deana is fulfilling a great responsibility but also one of the greatest privileges of being a stay at home mom. They have had 7 foster children in their homes since 2016. They are excited to share their story for the first time because they want to encourage others families who are interested in this journey and help people know it’s both the hardest and best thing they have ever done.

Today my guest is Ann Schmidt. She is a veteran of adoption and foster care. She and her husband Randy started in caring for children in 1984. They have adopted 5 children, and have also been blessed with 2 biological children. Yes you did the math right - they have 7 children. She has seen the systems impact on kids and has been a beacon of love to everyone in their home. Along with her legacy of adoption, she enjoys a legacy of being a grandparent. They have 6 grandkids with the youngest being 1 years old all the way up to 7 years old. When sharing her story she said “… I always hope that our story will touch someone and make a difference. I do not think everyone should adopt but I also realize that as Christians we are called to care for orphans". What a great reminder that the lives we have are not our own.

My guests today are Duane and Charlotte Turner. They both grew up in Jacksonville Texas and were married 64 years ago at Enterprise Baptist Church. Their journey of adoption started in 1961, and they have been advocates and supporters of that incredible expression of the gospel ever since. They came to TBHC in 1997. Duane served as the officer of development and Charlotte volunteered on campus. Duane traveled during his 4 years of work for TBHC visiting 120 churches in the Baptist Missionary Association of Texas. His legacy continues to impact TBHC to this day. Recording is a little different than normal because we recorded this in their home. Duane and Charlotte wanted to share because they want families to know the joy of adoption and know they can make a difference in a child’s life.

My guest today is a longtime friend Norita Drake. She has lived in TX for 34 years and is widely known among friends as being a great cook. I personally can attest to this and have enjoyed some of her dishes over the years. I especially got a sample one Thanksgiving many years ago when my wife and I spent Thanksgiving Day with Norita and her late husband, Earl. Norita has served and continues to serve in ministry support roles. Currently serving as a kid ministry assistant. Norita has shared her story publicly because she wants “adoption to be more considered, accepted, and sought after.” So, more people will know “Every child deserves a mother and a father!"

TBHC is excited to launch our brand new podcast called Bringing Kids Home. We will explore stories of Adoption and Foster Care. As well as how anyone including you can make a difference in a childs life.