The WayMaker Podcast

Kelsey shares so genuinely about how God has walked faithfully with their family through one of their greatest tragedies. She tells her recent story of stillbirth, holding sorrow and hope in both hands. Her story honors the life of their son, Arthur, and reminds us that the Gospel is the best news. Jesus has conquered the grave, and this pain in death, although incredibly real, is also temporary. Resources mentioned: Grieving the Child I Never Knew: A Devotional for Comfort in the Loss of Your Unborn or Newly Born Child by Kathe WunnenbergCredits:Cover Art  by Julie Millpointer ; https://www.etsy.com/people/jmllpntr Cover Photography by Clare Lembeck; Instragram @clarepurschphotoMusic by Caleb Anderson

Have you ever wondered what it's like to become a parent after infertility? We certainly did! My favorite guest is back on the show for a candid conversation about our nine-months-in parenting experience of post-infertility life. My husband, Riley, and I discuss how we hope to talk with our kids about their embryo adoption story and what the real life impact of infertility has on our current day-to-day parenting and future family planning. Resources mentioned: The Intentional Parents PodcastRaising Passionate Jesus Followers: The Power of Intentional Parenting by Phil and Diane ComerAll things Family Teams by the Pryors and the BethkesReady-Made Sweetie: All Mixed Up by Whitney WilliamsCredits:Cover Art  by Julie Millpointer ; https://www.etsy.com/people/jmllpntr Cover Photography by Clare Lembeck; Instragram @clarepurschphotoMusic by Caleb Anderson

Courtney shares her story of an ectopic pregnancy, including her symptoms, hospital experience, and grief.  Psalm 139 encouraged her heart as she processed that God created their baby and loves them more than they, as earthly parents, ever could. She describes how anxiety and fear crept in when they became pregnant again, but God faithfully walked with them. She encourages listeners to journal and pray, pressing into the Lord and community in the midst of trials. Resources mentioned: She Reads Truth: Mourning and DancingCredits:Cover Art  by Julie Millpointer ; https://www.etsy.com/people/jmllpntr Cover Photography by Clare Lembeck; Instragram @clarepurschphotoMusic by Caleb Anderson

After years of waiting, Sarah Beth and her husband pursued foster-to-adopt in order to grow their family. She shares about the challenges and joys of foster care, from last-minute preparations, all-of-a-sudden sleepless newborn nights, and open adoption arrangements. This is the second of a two-part series where Sarah Beth shares their infertility journey. Credits:Cover Art  by Julie Millpointer ; https://www.etsy.com/people/jmllpntr Cover Photography by Clare Lembeck; Instragram @clarepurschphotoMusic by Caleb Anderson

Mother's Day can feel daunting and lonely when you are waiting to become a mom! Sarah Beth has firsthand experience celebrating other moms while walking through her own waiting. Her journey is relatable: throwing baby showers for friends in the midst of her own infertility, invasive fertility treatments, and the Lord slowly revealing that His plan for her was good, even if it looked different than she expected. Resources mentioned: Hind's Feet in High Places by Hannah HurnardCredits:Cover Art  by Julie Millpointer ; https://www.etsy.com/people/jmllpntr Cover Photography by Clare Lembeck; Instragram @clarepurschphotoMusic by Caleb Anderson

Whitney is the author of The Barren Cry, a devotional for women walking through miscarriage or infertility. She shares honestly about the grief she experienced during her season of infertility, describing how God felt more distant than ever during that time. She shares helpful scripture and discusses the power (and challenge) of prayer during our lowest valleys. She is also the founder of the Hope Infertility Support Group, on Instagram @hope.infertility. Resources mentioned: The Barren Cry by Whitney HennemanCredits:Cover Art  by Julie Millpointer ; https://www.etsy.com/people/jmllpntr Cover Photography by Clare Lembeck; Instragram @clarepurschphotoMusic by Caleb Anderson

Alyssa is an embryo adoption mom, a mom to multiples, and mom to a miracle biological baby! We chat about the details of their embryo adoption journey, and  I love her focus on embryo adoption as a pro-life infertility option.  She shares details about preparing for their home study, the agency they worked with, and being matched with their embryos. She is so sweet, and she would love to connect with you about embryo adoption! Find her on Instagram @alyssa_sheedlo. Resources mentioned: Souls on Ice He Remembers the Barren by Katie SchuermannEmbryo Adoption Services of Cedar ParkCredits:Cover Art  by Julie Millpointer ; https://www.etsy.com/people/jmllpntr Cover Photography by Clare Lembeck; Instragram @clarepurschphotoMusic by Caleb Anderson

In this episode, Siobhan bravely and honestly shares her story of miscarrying twins. She describes how the Lord used community to encourage her heart during a season of grief and the importance of allowing space for lament. We chat about the fear often felt in the first trimester and being honest with Jesus about our grief, fears, and anxiety. Resources mentioned: Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy: Discovering the Grace of Lament by Mark VroegopListen here: Apple PodcastsSpotifyCredits:Cover Art  by Julie Millpointer ; https://www.etsy.com/people/jmllpntr Cover Photography by Clare Lembeck; Instragram @clarepurschphotoMusic by Caleb Anderson

Callie is an Enneagram life coach and host of the Living Enneagram podcast. In this conversation, we chat about some of the challenges presented by seasons of grief or waiting, particular to infertility or miscarriage, and how each Enneagram type might respond in these seasons. She offers practical advice on challenges such as anxiety, pressure to perform, and misplacing identity, while pointing us to the ultimate source of hope, Jesus. Learn more about Callie at callieammons.com. Resources mentioned: The Road Back to You by Ian Morgan Cron & Suzanne Stabile​Listen here: Apple PodcastsSpotifyCredits:Cover Art  by Julie Millpointer ; https://www.etsy.com/people/jmllpntr Cover Photography by Clare Lembeck; Instragram @clarepurschphotoMusic by Caleb Anderson

Currently in the midst of the domestic adoption process, Erin shares her heart for adoption, as well as practical information for what to expect when pursuing a domestic adoption, including finances and a home study. If you are interested in adopting, she encourages you to just take one step forward, and listening to this conversation is a great place to start. Support Finke Family Adoption:Bonfire: T-shirts, mugs, and more!Go Fund MeResources mentioned: Adopt Well PodcastCredits: Cover Art  by Julie Millpointer ; https://www.etsy.com/people/jmllpntr Cover Photography by Clare Lembeck; Instragram @clarepurschphotoMusic by Caleb Anderson

Jess candidly shares her story of difficult pregnancies and how the vision she once held for her family looks different, and better, than she could have imagined. She brings a relevant reminder that the beauty of community is in our diverse seasons and experiences and that our identity isn't solely found in motherhood, but as sisters in Christ. Credits:Cover Art  by Julie Millpointer ; https://www.etsy.com/people/jmllpntr Cover Photography by Clare Lembeck; Instragram @clarepurschphotoMusic by Caleb Anderson

Get a behind-the-scenes look at our open adoption relationship with our sweet embryo donors. Nicole shares about her IVF journey to motherhood and decision to donate their remaining embryos. We chat about how we met, how we've grown through our embryo adoption experience and the unexpected joy that our friendship has brought. ​Resources mentioned: Embryo Donor Facebook Group​Credits:Cover Art  by Julie Millpointer ; https://www.etsy.com/people/jmllpntr Cover Photography by Clare Lembeck; Instragram @clarepurschphotoMusic by Caleb Anderson

Welcome to the first episode of The WayMaker Podcast! I started this podcast with the intention of creating community for women on their journeys through infertility, miscarriage, and/or adoption. On this episode, we share more of the heart behind the podcast, and my husband joins me as we chat about our own story of infertility and embryo adoption. We're so glad you're here!Resources mentioned: National Registry for Adoption ​Credits:Cover Art  by Julie Millpointer ; https://www.etsy.com/people/jmllpntr Cover Photography by Clare Lembeck; Instragram @clarepurschphotoMusic by Caleb Anderson