Global Family Adoption Podcast

"But we cannot afford to adopt! Why is adoption so expensive?"We completely understand. Many of the America World staff has adopted and experienced the real struggle with adoption expenses.There are valid reasons for the expenses in adoption. From airfare and passports, to home studies and immigration, adoption is costly.However, we are hearing more of our families are completing their adoption process with little out-of-pockets costs.  How?  More and more resources are out there for adoptive families.  America World's Financing Adoption page has just some of the resources that are helping families to find adoption grants and fundraising opportunities that work!We spoke with Natalie DePrat, from America's Christian Credit Union (ACCU), to learn how they are also helping America World families with expenses. ACCU is assisting families with ways to help reduce the costs of adoption and providing "bridge loans" to provide for the expenses when needed--knowing that the Federal Adoption Tax Credit, adoption grants, and fundraising will be available later to quickly pay down those loans.This podcast is a GREAT resource for all families called to adopt! Be sure to share with anyone you know who is considering adoption--especially those who believe that the cost of adoption is keeping them from moving forward.Visit America's Christian Credit Union website to learn more.  While you are there, be sure to apply for their Adoption Grant!Support the show (https://awaa-oneorphan.networkforgood.com/projects/27269-america-world-general-donation)

America World recently received Hague reaccreditation from IAAME, which has kept our staff exceptionally busy.  In this episode, Erica Ho (Development & Missions) joins us to talk about being Hague-accreditation and also about some exciting updates in Haiti and Ethiopia.Email Erica about questions regarding these projects at Erica.Ho@awaa.orgHaiti Education & Nutrition ProjectBeta Hosanna Facebook PageSupport the show (https://awaa-oneorphan.networkforgood.com/projects/27269-america-world-general-donation)

After sharing their God-story of meeting on a Liberty University bus after unknowingly living in the same orphanage, Ruby and Ally talk about their memories from the orphanage and their medical needs.Ally is legally blind in one eye, while Ruby had a cleft lip and palate.  Both are thriving as Liberty University students who are following God's plans for their lives.  They talk to couples who are considering adoption but are not sure about adopting an older child, a child with special needs, or both.  They also share about growing up in a family as an "adopted child."Be sure to listen and share this episode with others who may be considering adoption. awaa.orgSupport the show (https://awaa-oneorphan.networkforgood.com/projects/27269-america-world-general-donation)

Little did they know that an open seat on a Liberty University bus would be an unexpected reunion for Ally and Ruby.  Both lived in the same China orphanage as children.  They would be adopted by families in the United States--Ruby to New Jersey and Ally to Maryland.Both were attending Liberty University, a year apart, and that bus ride would be a God-moment that would give them both a story to share.  While comparing old photos from their orphanage, they realized it was the same one.  They even had photos of themselves with mutual friends at the orphanage.Today, Ruby and Ally are sharing their story with America World Adoption. Both of their families chose America World to assist them in their adoption plans, but they were not in the same adoption group--neither family knew about the other.Listen in as Ally and Ruby share their story with America World podcast host, Mike Stone.  Learn more about adoption at the America World Adoption website.CNN articleSupport the show (https://awaa-oneorphan.networkforgood.com/projects/27269-america-world-general-donation)

Curt Thompson is a psychiatrist, speaker, and author who connects our intrinsic desire to be known with the need to tell truer stories about ourselves.Curt has spoken at a number of Christian Alliance for Orphans (CAFO) Summits to share his expertise as it relates to adoption, the adopted child & the adoptive parents.We were blessed to sit down with Curt to discuss how isolation feeds shame & how to recognize this and resist it, how to know your story & understand our children, and how to better understand loss.Join Curt and our COO, Anna Graham, as we dive into these topics and find understanding is the difficulties we face in life and as parents.RESOURCES:Curt Thompson websiteBeing Known podcast"Anatomy of the Soul" book"The Soul of Shame" bookAmerica World AdoptionSupport the show (https://awaa-oneorphan.networkforgood.com/projects/27269-america-world-general-donation)

Jack Hawkins rejoins us for this episode which was recorded with America World Adoption Founders, Brian & Renee Luwis.Hear the story of how America World's ministry began, what led the Luwis family to start America World (hint: it was NOT to create an organization), and what the heart of America World is all about.Whether you are an America World family or simply stumbled upon this episode, you will be encouraged and inspired to find that thing in your life that breaks your heart.Support the show (https://awaa-oneorphan.networkforgood.com/projects/27269-america-world-general-donation)

Listen in to our conversation with Martin & Emily Hale as we discuss their personal international adoption experience. The Hale family continues to grow as they are in the process of adopting their third child from India. We'll talk about what led them to adopt, how the cost of adoption affected them, and the differences between their first and second adoption processes.Learn More at America World AdoptionSupport the show (https://awaa-oneorphan.networkforgood.com/projects/27269-america-world-general-donation)

Melinda Salle & Ashley Gosnell had no idea how God would use them and the mission team at an Ethiopia orphanage. They led a short-term mission team to Addis Ababa. What they experienced was 10 young teens "aging out" of their orphanage on that trip. Those 10 girls would be turned out on the streets of Addis Ababa to fend for themselves. Most end up in prostitution, poverty, abuse, and eventually an early death.The America World Mission team led by Melinda and Ashley knew that God had other plans for these 10 girls. As God led them, they stepped out in faith to respond.Today, the Beta Hosanna House is a place of refuge, education, training for a trade, and learning the Gospel message. As girls 'graduate' from Beta Hosanna, a new group of girls who age out take their place.AWAA Mission TripsSupport the show (https://awaa-oneorphan.networkforgood.com/projects/27269-america-world-general-donation)

Melinda Salle & Ashley Gosnell had no idea how God would use them and the mission team at an Ethiopia orphanage. They led a short-term mission team to Addis Ababa. What they experienced was 10 young teens "aging out" of their orphanage on that trip. Those 10 girls would be turned out on the streets of Addis Ababa to fend for themselves. Most end up in prostitution, poverty, abuse, and eventually an early death.The America World Mission team led by Melinda and Ashley knew that God had other plans for these 10 girls. As God led them, they stepped out in faith to respond.Today, the Beta Hosanna House is a place of refuge, education, training for a trade, and learning the Gospel message. As girls 'graduate' from Beta Hosanna, a new group of girls who age out take their place.AWAA Mission TripsSupport the show (https://awaa-oneorphan.networkforgood.com/projects/27269-america-world-general-donation)

In early 2020, Martha Young led an America World mission team to an orphanage in southern Asia. At the same time, COVID was making its ugly appearance around the world and borders began to close.Martha shares her stories about that trip and how God provided for the team and those who He led to serve. Many times throughout that trip there were steps of faith that were taken by Martha and her team, but they had a quiet confidence that God was in controlMartha Young is an adoptive mom through America World and began assisting our Mission Department soon after. If you feel led to work with orphans or just want to join us on a short-term trip to an orphanage, you will want to hear Martha's story.If you are called to adopt, learn more at AWAA.org.Support the show (https://awaa-oneorphan.networkforgood.com/projects/27269-america-world-general-donation)

As Calvin & Erica Ho began considering the child they were about to adopt, God led them to an older child with a visual impairment. 8 years later, Erica shares the joys and challenges of raising her daughter, Lola, who is blind and had already learned the Mandarin language before she was adopted.If God is leading you to adopt and you are not sure about adopting an older child and/or a child with a disability, you'll want to listen to Erica's story.At America World, we are building families according to God's design of adoption, while caring for vulnerable children around the world.Whether you would like to adopt, assist on an orphanage mission trip, or simply have a heart to care for orphans, America World can be a resource for you. Visit AWAA.org to learn more!Support the show (https://awaa-oneorphan.networkforgood.com/projects/27269-america-world-general-donation)

22% of kids age 6-9 own their own mobile phone, and60% of kids age 9-12 own their own mobile phone.Where do your kids fit into these stats? Do you have restrictions?Join Jack as he welcomes back Hannah Branch and his 10 Steps Further co-host, Jonathan Schmitz. Together, they discuss their experiences & tips in parenting a child with their own cellphone.

Inevitably there is some THING that is a big challenge to your kid. Whether it is an academic challenge, difficulty making or keeping friends, a developmental delay (like speech or physical), struggles with anxiety or depression, concerns with body image, etc. How do you support?? 1. Focus on the positive Your kids already know the areas that they are weak or struggle in. Talk more about the things they are good at, their God-given gifts and talents. They need to hear about the things that they are good at. 2. Research ways to help your child and pull in the expertsIf they need an IEP, learn about an IEPIf they need to see a counselor for social/emotional support, body image or anxiety, research the best counselors in the neighborhood. Have an expert equip your child with tools/strategies to help them and learn ways that you can better parent/support your child. If your child struggles to make or keep friends, educate yourself as a parent by reading books, gathering information from professionals3. Become an advocateYou are your child’s biggest advocate. Once you’ve done the research become an advocate on their behalf and make sure that they are getting the things that they need put in place.4. Recognize that adversity helps develop character and don’t always SAVE your child.

Jack welcomes guest, Greg McCord, a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist to discuss tips to help find a more stress-free home.Top Stressors in Life:Death/BereavementHealth ConcernsLife ChangesWork StressorsPersonal AppearanceSocial CompetitionFinancial WorriesRelationshipsPast EventsTips to a More Stress-Free Home:Understand the Source of StressCreate a Regulated EnvironmentTake Care of Your HealthImprove Your Default Response to StressUse Friends & Family as a Resource

This bonus episode will provide ideas on how to begin resolving Reactive Attachment Disorder in your child.Identify actions that feel good to your child,Help your child to identify emotions, andProfession help

Jack welcomes Hannah Branch back to the studio to discuss Reactive Attachment Disorder, or RAD, which she believes a larger percentage of adoptive children deal with regularly.Listen in as they discuss what RAD looks like, some of the triggers of RAD, and how to begin the healing process of this disorder. Counseling is a part of the healing and helping children to identify the emotions they feel.We will also add a BONUS episode as an extension of this RAD show!

Jack invites guests Noreen and Lisa to the studio to talk about their adoption stories. In their discussion, they talk about some of the challenges they have faced. Ultimately, through the struggles, they talk about the moment they realized that it was all worth it.Be sure to subscribe to the Global Family Adoption podcast, review us on Apple Podcasts, and share it with your friends!Visit https://awaa.org to learn more about adoption & orphan care!

Joe Wilson, America World CDO, and Jack Hawkins, Podcast Host & Pastor, share 3 things each that they know about parenting.You will pass on your dysfunction to your childTeach your child spiritually as you go through lifeIt's okay to get the participation trophyGive yourself permission to failMy goal for my child is to keep them from everything that will build their characterGet your child to have their own faithJoe and Jack are both pastors, and both have children who have grown and moved on in their lives. Their advice comes through years of learning from their mistakes. Listen in as they share the details of their parenting advice.Be sure to subscribe to the Global Family Adoption podcast, review us on Apple Podcasts, and share it with your friends!Visit https://awaa.org to learn more about adoption & orphan care!

Are you considering adoption?Not sure where to begin?Are you confused with all of the adoption terminologies, like "home study", "dossier", "I-800 & I-600", Hague, and others>?Take 30 minutes of your time to be informed!In this episode, Jack talks with Natalie Andersen, Adoption Intake Coordinator at America World Adoption. Natalie provides details about adopting a child including international adoption, domestic adoption & foster care. Specifically, she will discuss important topics like:What to look for in an adoption agency,How to deal with the high cost of adoption,What to consider when choosing a country in international adoption,Things to consider when deciding whether to adoption, andMuch more!Be sure to listen, rate & review, then share with friends who may also be considering adoption!https://awaa.org800-429-3369Info@awaa.org

Jack is joined by Madge Smith-Bass in this important episode. The two of them tackle the issues of race and cultural differences--especially when adoptive parents are of a different race and culture than their adopted child.Jack's daughter is from Haiti and provides insight into things he and his wife have learned, while Madge, who grew up in a predominantly white neighborhood as a black child, provides insight into her perspective.Join us in this conversation, then review and share this with others who might benefit!

Jack's guest on this episode is Steve Denney, Executive Director of Children's Heritage Foundation. Steve joined us in our first episode and returns to talk about orphanages and how it impacts and adopted child long after they are adopted.From routines to meals and discipline to safety, Jack and Steve share their personal experiences with their children and give lots of insight into what to expect. They also provide some great perspective on why some children find it difficult to "fit into" their new lives.Global Family is a podcast presented by America World Adoption to help families considering adoption, in the process of adopting, or already home with their children.Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and tell your friends!Learn more about adoption at America World's website.

America World's Global Family host, Jack Hawkins, speaks with America World COO Anna Graham about the vulnerability of children and parents in the adoption process. The trauma that orphans bring into the family needs to be met with love and understanding, which brings vulnerability to the parents and family.This conversation is so important for families who are adopting or those who have already adopted. Remember, you are not alone and there is lots of help to bring redemption to your family.Learn more about adoption & adoption support at America World's website.

In our very first Global Family podcast the America World host, Jack Hawkins, talks with Hannah Branch, a Marriage & Family Therapist, and Steve Denney, Executive Director of Children's Heritage Foundation. The 5 Ideas are:1) A Bad Attitude Does Not Mean Your Kid Hates You2) Calm & Patience Is Winning3) You Can't Win the Argument4) Reactive Attachment Disorder is Not RAD5) You're Doing a Good Job!Listen in on this very information and helpful conversation about parenting an adopted child with a history of trauma.