Episodes
-
In this episode, Brady Murray interviews Mandy Breitenstein, a passionate advocate for adoption and special needs education. Mandy shares her personal journey of adopting a child with Down syndrome from Armenia and her efforts to create an inclusive school for children of all abilities. The conversation delves into the importance of faith in guiding life decisions, the beauty of Armenian culture, and the significance of loving children unconditionally. Mandy encourages potential adopters to embrace the journey, even when it feels daunting, and emphasizes that adoption is a brave act of love.
If you or someone you know is interested in adoption, please visit rods.org to learn more about how to get involved and how to meet waiting children.
-
In this episode, Brady Murray shares the inspiring journey of creating a children's book about his son Cooper, who has Down syndrome. The conversation highlights the profound impact Cooper has had on their family and community, leading to the idea of writing a book titled 'Cooper is Super and So Are You.' Brady discusses the challenges and joys of the project, including the launch of a Kickstarter campaign to fund the book's publication. He emphasizes the importance of community support and the meaningful rewards offered to backers, all while celebrating the message of divine potential and inspiration for families.
-
Episodes manquant?
-
In this podcast episode, Brady Murray shares his transformative experiences during a recent trip to Armenia, where he and his team organized an event to celebrate individuals with disabilities and promote adoption. He discusses the challenges and miracles encountered while planning the event, the partnerships formed with local organizations, and the profound impact of visiting an orphanage. The episode highlights the importance of community, the beauty of connection, and the lessons learned through the journey of adoption.
-
Journey of Miracles: Promoting Down Syndrome Awareness in Armenia
On this episode, we broadcast live from Armenia and share our mission to promote Down Syndrome awareness through a week-long series of events. Join us as we introduce special guests like Sofia Sanchez, a 15-year-old advocate, and Misty Coy Snyder, founder of Happiness is Down syndrome. We highlight our visits to the Aregak Center, a carnival, and the See Their Light event for children from a local orphanage. Hear heartfelt reflections on the challenges of travel preparation, the support from RODS Heroes team, and inspiring stories of adoption, including Mandy and Adam's journey to adopt a child with Down syndrome. Witness the miracles and community efforts to support children in need.
-
Kaylee and James Wilson share their adoption journey and the impact it has had on their lives. They discuss their initial resistance to adoption, the moment they felt called to adopt, and their experiences in Ghana. They emphasize the importance of surrendering to God's will and trusting Him throughout the adoption process. James and Kaylee Wilson share their journey of adopting children from Nigeria and their experiences as a blended family. They discuss the challenges they faced, including language deprivation and attachment issues, and how they overcame them through love, patience, and faith. The Wilsons also talk about the importance of sharing their story on their YouTube channel to inspire others and spread awareness about adoption. They end the conversation by sharing their plans for future adoptions and encouraging others to follow their calling.
-
Navigating Family Challenges and Celebrations
In this episode of the See the Miracle podcast, we discuss the significant events and emotional journeys of the past two weeks. Highlights include canning 56 quarts of peaches with the help of our children, the excitement surrounding Jairo and Rocio getting braces, and personal reflections on managing the challenges of a blended family through adoption.
We share insights into their personal growth, the importance of charity and patience, and the growth opportunities for our children, such as job experiences at DI and higher education possibilities in Spanish at Weber State.
Additionally, updates on ROD's Heroes, including an advocacy trip to Armenia and the search for a new executive director, are discussed.
If you or someone you know is interested in adoption or getting involved, please visit rods.org to learn more and meet waiting children.
-
Becky Fawcett shares her adoption journey and the inspiration behind HelpUsAdopt.org, a national adoption grant program. She discusses the challenges of infertility and the decision to pursue adoption. Becky emphasizes the importance of open adoptions and the need to eliminate discrimination in the adoption process. She also highlights the significance of sharing her story with her daughters and the impact it has had on their understanding of motherhood and family. Becky and Brady discuss the importance of supporting birth parents and challenging societal judgments. They both share personal stories that demonstrate the power of openness and connection in adoption. Becky Fawcett shares heartwarming stories of adoption and the importance of family. She talks about her daughter meeting her biological sister and the bond they formed. Becky emphasizes the idea of a modern family and the abundance of love that can be shared. She also discusses the financial challenges of adoption and how HelpUsAdopt.org provides grants to make adoption more accessible. Becky highlights the inclusivity of HelpUsAdopt.org, welcoming families of all backgrounds and types. She encourages people to get involved and support the organization.
If you or someone you know is interested in adoption or getting involved, please visit rods.org to learn more.
-
Reconnecting with Family: An Unexpected Surprise
In this episode of the See the Miracle podcast, unexpected and heartwarming events unfold as the family reconnects with long-lost relatives in Colombia. Despite a busy week with children returning to school and work trips, the highlight was Jhon's decision to reach out to his uncle after years of no contact. The emotional journey continues as the kids also reconnect with their birth mother and older siblings, leading to an outpouring of love and emotional healing for everyone involved. This episode captures the essence of rekindling family ties and the joy it brings. Additionally, we cover our recent family activities, including Cooper's eighth first pitch in a baseball game, ongoing work on his children's book, and upcoming adoption trips and hosting programs.
If you or someone you know is interested in adoption or getting involved, please visit rods.org to learn more.
-
In part two of the episode, the Walker family continues their story of adopting their daughter Shani from India. They faced challenges with the COVID-19 pandemic delaying their travel plans and had to navigate the approval process. When they finally arrived in India, they had a difficult reunion with Shani, who was initially hesitant and scared. However, with time and patience, they were able to build a connection with her. They also encountered challenges during the medical exams and had to advocate for Shani's comfort. After their time in India, they returned home to South Carolina before Steve had to go on a three-month deployment. Steve and Jo Walker share their adoption journey and the challenges they faced when adopting their daughter from India. They discuss the initial meeting with their daughter, the reactions of their other children, and the difficulties of bonding with a child who has experienced trauma. They emphasize the importance of empathy and understanding in the adoption process and the need for support from their community. They also talk about their daughter's progress and how she has integrated into their family. The Walkers express their desire to continue advocating for adoption and disabilities and to follow their calling to serve others.
If you or someone you know is interested in adoption or getting involved, please visit rods.org to learn more
-
Steve and Joe Walker share their adoption journey and how they felt called to adopt. They met in college and got married, and their journey took them from Virginia to Colorado to South Carolina. They initially had reservations about adoption, but through prayer and signs from God, they decided to pursue it. They chose to adopt from India and faced financial challenges, but through the support of their community, they were able to raise the necessary funds. They emphasize the importance of the church community in the adoption process. In this conversation, Steve and Jo Walker share their adoption journey and the challenges they faced along the way. They discuss the importance of allowing others to be part of the adoption process and the role of humility in receiving help. They also talk about their experience adopting from India and the multiple trips they had to make. Steve opens up about his initial reservations and the struggle he faced in accepting a child who didn't fit his ideal image. They also discuss the impact of their adoption on their family in South Africa and how it has brought them closer to Jesus.
-
A Tribute to Brynlee: From Home to College and Mission
In this heartfelt episode of the 'See the Miracle' podcast, we celebrate a significant milestone in our daughter Brynlee's starting college at Utah State University, ahead of her mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We reflect on her journey from birth, sharing amusing and touching stories of her childhood, her adventurous spirit, and her passion for theater. We also discuss Brynlee's recent mission call to Chile and are overcome with pride and excitement for her future endeavors.
If you or someone you know is interested in adoption or getting involved, please visit rods.org to learn more.
-
In this episode of the See of Miracle, we provide a summer wrap-up of our adoption journey, discussing the challenges and progress of integrating four children from another country into our family of seven children. We reflect on the difficulties, such as managing a household with 11 children and dealing with personal lows and illness. We share insights on the adoption process, mentioning the sacrifices and meaningful moments experienced. We also highlight the importance of relying on faith, prayer, and a positive mindset to navigate the ups and downs. This episode ends on a hopeful note with our daughter Brynlee preparing for a mission call, emphasizing the transformative nature of their journey.
If you or someone you know is interested in adoption or getting involved with our mission, please visit rods.org to learn more.
-
In this episode of the See the Miracle podcast, hosts Brady and Andrea Murray introduce Crystal and Nick Kupper, a retired Air Force family who adopted a daughter with special needs from Armenia. The Kupper's share their journey through adoption, their strong faith, and Nick's current endeavor to run for state representative in Arizona. They discuss their deep motivations, the challenges they faced, and the immense joy and fulfillment they have found through adopting Guyana, a girl with severe spina bifida. The episode touches on themes of divine calling, the importance of strong family values, and the responsibilities that come with life's blessings. The Kupper's also highlight the significance of supporting life and guiding political platforms towards fostering and adoption systems.
If you or someone you know is interested in adoption or getting involved, please visit rods.org to learn more.
-
Balancing Parenting: Navigating Cell Phone Use with Adolescents
In this episode of the See the Miracle podcast, Brady & Andrea discuss their ongoing journey of balancing relationships and maintaining standards with their children, especially around the contentious issue of cell phone use. They dive into their decision-making process regarding getting their children phones, the importance of responsibility, and the challenges of integrating new technology into their home. Highlights include the unique dynamics with their adopted children, the benefits of monitored phone use using the OurPact app, and the lessons learned along the way.
If you or someone you know is interested in adoption or would like to get involved, please visit rods.org to learn more.
-
Bonnie Hilton, a licensed clinical social worker and advocate for adoption, shares her personal adoption journey and the importance of family and faith in the adoption process. She emphasizes the need for flexible expectations and patience when bonding with adopted children. Bonnie also discusses her book, 'Gathering Israel's Children,' which shares adoption stories from different families and highlights the tender mercies and joys of adoption. She encourages families considering adoption to start moving, do research, and seek support from others who have been through the process. Bonnie hopes for more positive adoption stories and a streamlined and affordable adoption process in the future.
If you or someone you know is interested in adoption, please visit rods.org to learn more information on how to get involved, or meet waiting children.
-
Our First Family Road Trip as a Family of 13
On this episode of the See the Miracle podcast, we share the experiences of our first major road trip as a family of 13. We discuss the logistics of traveling with such a large group, including how Brynlee flew to make space, the dynamics during the drive, and our strategies for feeding picky eaters at fast food restaurants. Our journey took us from Las Vegas to San Diego, where we navigated interesting encounters and challenges, such as finding hotel accommodations and handling potentially stressful moments. Highlights include Cooper throwing the first pitch at a Padres game and all the fun activities we did together, creating lasting memories and building stronger family bonds.
If you or someone you know is interested in adoption, getting involved, or wanting to meet waiting children, please visit us at rods.org to learn more.
-
Adoption Advocate Megan Zars on Embracing the Journey of Adopting a Child with Down syndrome
In this episode of the 'See the Miracle' podcast, we welcome Megan Zars, a wife, mom, advocate for adoption and Down syndrome, and nonprofit marketer. Megan shares her heartfelt journey of growing up in a family deeply involved in fostering and adoption, which inspired her own decision to adopt a child with Down syndrome from India. Megan discusses the process, hurdles, and joys of adopting Ami, a 19-month-old girl who has forever changed their family. The conversation also touches on the importance of support systems and the meaningful relationships between Ami and her biological and adopted families, making it evident that even amidst challenges, love and advocacy prevail.
If you or someone you know is interested in adoption, looking for resources, or wants to get involved, please visit rods.org for more information.
-
Episode 101: Celebrating Milestones and Transformative Experiences
In this milestone episode of the See the Miracle Podcast, Brady & Andrea reflect on surpassing 100 episodes and recount the remarkable experiences of their adopted children, Sandra and Rocio, during their recent adventures. They delve into the girls' transformative time at young women's camp, overcoming language barriers and stepping out of their comfort zones. The episode highlights personal growth, spiritual awakenings, and the continuous journey of bonding and adjusting as a family. Brady and Andrea also share touching moments, such as Rocio's decision to be baptized and her impressive progress in managing emotions, demonstrating the importance of community and support in fostering positive change.
If you or someone you know is interested in adoption or getting involved with the RODS Heroes mission, please visit rods.org to learn more.
-
Embracing the Call: Adoption, Faith, and Overcoming Challenges with special guest, Angelina Howard
In this episode of the See the Miracle podcast, hosts Brady Murray and Andrea Murray welcome special guest Angelina Howard, an adoption advocate and mother of five. Angelina shares her profound journey of adopting Moses, a child with Apert’s syndrome from Ukraine during the COVID-19 pandemic. Reflecting on her Ukrainian roots and childhood experiences with orphans, Angelina delves into the challenges and blessings of adoption, particularly embracing children with special needs. Her inspiring story underscores the importance of saying 'yes' to what God calls us to do and the transformative power of unwavering support, faith, and determination.
If you or someone you know feels inspired to adopt or get involved with the RODS Heroes mission, please visit rods.org to learn more and meet waiting children.
-
In this episode of the See the Miracle podcast, hosts Brady Murray and Andrea Murray welcome Brian and Kristen Wood, known as the Wood Crew, to share their extraordinary adoption story. Married for 16 years and parents to six children, the Woods have adopted three children from different countries within a short period amid significant challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic. They discuss their journey through international and local adoptions, the complexities of fostering children with special needs, and the unwavering faith that propelled them forward. The episode delves into the emotional highs and lows of their experiences and offers advice for families considering adoption. Through heartfelt discussions, the Wood Crew inspires listeners by showcasing the beauty and potential that come with embracing adoption and foster care.
If you or someone you know is interested in adoption, please visit rods.org to learn more information.
- Montre plus
