In this inspiring episode of Pause & Think,  Kristen Thomas shares her powerful story of transformation—from growing up in foster care to becoming an adoptive mom. Kristen opens up about: 💬 How a "one-night foster placement" turned into a lifelong family through adoption. 💬 Walking alongside her daughter Elise, who overcame challenges with confidence, identity, and autism. 💬 The reality of foster care and adoption—both the struggles and the incredible moments of joy. 💬 Practical encouragement for foster/adoptive parents who may feel weary in the trenches. 💬 How her nonprofit, Tamarisk Community, is creating belonging for youth who have aged out of foster care. Her story is a powerful reminder that God can redeem brokenness, that belonging changes everything, and that every "yes" to love has ripple effects far beyond what we can imagine. 👉 Don't miss this conversation filled with honesty, laughter, and hope.

In this episode of Pause & Think, host Jackie Darby sits down with Kristen Thomas from Raleigh, NC, to share her powerful journey through foster care, kinship care, and aging out of the system. Kristen opens up about the struggles of instability, trauma, and feeling unseen—yet also how faith, community, and resilience helped her find healing and purpose. 👉 Stay tuned for Part 2, where Kristen shares her own adoption story and the journey with her daughter.

Aixa and Jackie sit down with Jamie Finn — foster mom, author, and founder of Foster the Family [https://www.fosterthefamily.org/] — for a vulnerable, grace-filled conversation on the realities of foster care, adoption, and gospel-driven compassion. Jamie shares her journey from "one kid, one time" to over 30 children in her home and four adoptions. She speaks candidly about identity, control, grief, and the constant refining work of God in the foster care journey. This episode is a must-watch for parents, pastors, church leaders, and anyone wanting to understand how ordinary families can live out radical love in their homes. 🔔 Subscribe for more honest conversations that challenge, uplift, and inspire.

In this episode of the Pause & Think Podcast, Jackie and Aixa share their powerful experience at the ACH Summit [https://www.achlatam.org/]  in Guatemala City—a gathering of leaders, churches, and families from 13 countries across Latin America, united to live out James 1:27 by serving orphans, widows, and vulnerable children. From its small beginnings in 2010 to becoming a Latin American movement, the ACH Summit is transforming how the church responds to adoption, foster care, and child protection. Jackie and Aixa reflect on: ✨ The origins of ACH as the Latin American counterpart to CAFO [https://cafo.org/] ✨ How adoption and foster care stories are shaping new generations ✨ The launch of support groups for adult adoptees (Group 139, based on Psalm 139) ✨ The beauty of God's design in building sustainable, Christ-centered movements 💡 If you're passionate about orphan care, adoption, or simply want to be encouraged by how God is moving in Latin America, this conversation is for you. 👉 Next year's ACH Summit will be held in the Dominican Republic—join us for powerful teaching, fellowship, and a vision to impact vulnerable lives. 🔔 Subscribe to Pause & Think Podcast for more stories of faith, family, and transformation.

In this episode Aixa welcomes Cosette Eisenhauer-Epp, a transracial adoptee from China raised in Dallas, TX. Cosette opens up about her adoption journey, identity struggles, and the emotional layers of growing up in a family that doesn't look like her. From navigating cultural gaps to the unexpected grief of changing her last name after marriage, Cosette's story is raw, reflective, and filled with grace. This episode offers deep insight for adoptive families, adoptees, and anyone who wants to better understand the complexity of identity, loss, and love in adoption. 🔔 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more powerful stories like this.

Why do so many adopted children and even adoptive parents silently battle loneliness — even when surrounded by love? In this deeply vulnerable episode of Pause & Think, hosts Aixa and Jackie open up a raw, unfiltered conversation about the emotional undercurrent often left out of the adoption narrative: feeling unseen, misunderstood, and isolated — and how that loneliness can linger into adulthood. Through honest personal stories, spiritual reflection, and practical wisdom, this episode brings light to a heavy topic — and offers real hope for healing.

In this heartfelt episode host Jackie Darby sits down with Amber Parker to share the powerful and deeply personal story of her family's adoption journey. From a childhood calling to adopt a little girl from China to a series of miracles that led to Ruby joining their family just before the country closed its borders, Amber opens up about the joys, heartbreaks, and spiritual lessons woven throughout the process. Whether you're an adoptive parent, an adoptee, or someone who wants to better understand the journey, this conversation is raw, real, and full of hope.

In this episode of Pause and Think, Jackie and Aixa open up about the emotional complexities surrounding birthdays for adopted and foster children. From feelings of loss and confusion to the longing for birth stories and baby pictures, they explore how these seemingly joyful celebrations can be deeply painful. Through vulnerable storytelling, biblical reflection, and grace-filled parenting insights, they offer encouragement to adoptive families navigating these tender moments. Together, they remind us that God knew us before we were formed and that healing is possible—one honest conversation at a time.

In this thought-provoking episode of Pause & Think, Aixa and Jackie engage in a vulnerable conversation about the complexities of "Gotcha Day"—the day many adoptive families celebrate when a child joins their family. Drawing from their personal experiences—Aixa as an adoptive mother and Jackie as an adoptee—they reflect on how this day can mean vastly different things depending on one's perspective. They explore the joy and celebration many families feel, while also addressing the grief, shame, and identity struggles that some adoptees may experience. Together, they offer wisdom on creating space for children to express their full range of emotions, respecting individual experiences, and being sensitive to the deeper layers of adoption.

In this deeply moving episode of Pause & Think, hosts Aixa and Jackie welcome Pastor Sandra from Church of the Crossroads in Laredo, Texas, to share her powerful testimony. Abandoned at birth and adopted through the Texas Cradle Society, Pastor Sandra opens up about her early life filled with trauma, including abuse and the pain of multiple father figures. She reflects on how her adopted mother's unwavering love and faith in God planted the seeds of purpose and identity. Pastor Sandra discusses her journey from brokenness to boldness—becoming a missionary, a leader, and later an adoptive mother herself. Despite facing the unimaginable grief of losing her son to addiction, she powerfully testifies to God's relentless fatherly love and the spiritual significance of adoption. This conversation unpacks themes of identity, healing, the spirit of adoption, and how churches can embrace and teach the biblical reality that we are all chosen and adopted by God through Christ.

pt 2

Discover how understanding God's deep love can be the catalyst for meaningful action. This isn't just about activism; it's about letting the profound love for you and all God's children come alive, compelling you to make a real difference in the world. Join the conversation as we delve into how knowing our Father more fully can inspire unconditional love and impactful change. Also discover how CAFO empowers foster parents and church leaders, building a support system that inspires and unites communities. Get a behind-the-scenes with President Jedd Medefind to look at their vision to strengthen champions for a brighter future.

Discover how the church's family concept challenges traditional norms by providing love, healing, and community to those often left out. Let's explore why supporting orphans, and adoptees can transform lives, making organizations a beacon of hope for everyone seeking belonging and support.

Have you ever felt the fear of the unknown when considering adoption? Let's delve into an inspiring journey where faith and perseverance guide the way. Join us as we dive into Matt and Brooke's unexpected journey from domestic adoption plans to embracing international adoption from Colombia. Discover how their love for Latin American culture inspired a life-changing decision. 

Discover the profound journey of an adult adoptee finding healing in faith when biological roots remain elusive. Through the love of our Heavenly Father, explore how peace and joy prevail beyond traditional family ties.

In this episode, we dive into a heartfelt journey as a high school junior asks for the ultimate graduation gift—finding her biological family. A touching exploration of identity, longing, and the innate connection to one's roots. Join us as we discover the emotional layers and universal truths of adoption and belonging.

Celebrating One Year!

Forgiving Mom: The Path to Understanding Join us in this heartfelt episode as we dive into a powerful conversation on forgiveness and understanding within family dynamics. Discover the journey Ana took to reconcile and empathize after a long-awaited talk with their mother. Perfect for anyone exploring empathy in family ties.

Interracial Adoption - Unveiling Hidden Cultural Layers: Zawadi Morrow pt2 Join us as Zawadi shares a heartwarming tale of surprise and nostalgia, celebrating family and identity. We dive into the challenges of interracial adoption and explore how cultural nuances play a pivotal role. Discover how cross-cultural experiences within families shape understanding and appreciation of diverse identities.

Dive into Zawadi's riveting story of survival amidst cultural customs in the heart of Africa.  He shares about his beginnings, set against the backdrop of rural Congo's challenges and traditions. Discover the touching story of how one brave decision secured a future filled with love and belonging. for his grandchild. Experience the transformation from an uncertain start to a life where identity and hope flourish.