The Adoption Connection | a podcast by and for adoptive parents Lisa Qualls and Melissa Corkum

Abandoned at a young age, Stephanie wandered the war-torn countryside of Korea. Due to her bi-racial ethnicity, she was abused and violated in every way. She was adopted around the age of nine by David & Judy Merwin. Her parents surrounded her with "lavish love" and encouragement instead of consequences when she acted out during her childhood. They seemed to understand her behaviors came from a well of deep hurt and shame. A profound personal encounter with Jesus Christ enabled her to exchange her pain with Him at the cross and see her identity and purpose in the light of God's love.

This message, Stephanie has had the privilege to share with anyone who will listen.  God has honored her with very diverse audiences. Over the past 30 years, her story and teaching have been on TV, radio, in magazines and other people's books. She recently wrote her first book; She Is Mine. She has been an Advocate for Orphans and Adoptees her whole Christian life, believing there is an orphan in each person without Jesus.

Click here to download a transcript for this episode.



Relevant Links

Stephanie's Website

Destiny Ministries

Vacations are fun until they're not. The anticipation anxiety, change in routine, and potential overstimulation can make enjoyable vacations feel impossible.

In this episode, you'll learn:



* things to consider when planning

* how to set realistic expectations

* tried and true tips for keeping the fun in vacation



Rachel Bell is an adoptive mom and founder Bell Travel Co. (@belltravelco), that specializes in travel for families and also individuals with food allergies and special needs.

Kristen Perso is an adoptive mom and founder of Cherry Blossom Vacations (@cherry_blossom_vacations) which renews families through the gift of vacation

Click here to download a transcript for this episode.



Relevant Links

Join Reclaim Compassion for access to the Q&A portion and future workshops

Connect with Rachel and Bell Travel Co. on Instagram

Bell Travel Co Website

Connect with Kristen and Cherry Blossom Vacations on Instagram

Cherry Blossom Vacations Website

This week we answer listener questions such as:



How do I give "yesses" to an adult child to strengthen connection?

Is younger child adoption easier than older child adoption?

Can you explain why my child begs for hugs and then rejects them?



Click here to download the transcript for this episode.



Relevant Links

The Connected Parent* by Dr. Karyn Purvis and Lisa C. Qualls

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*This is an affiliate link

Parenting kids who have experienced trauma, loss and separation can be challenging. Finding strategies that heal and actually work provides hope to parents who are struggling, but these strategies can seem strange to others. Our parents, neighbors, friends, and family (maybe even that lady we see at church each week) have opinions, suggestions and perhaps even judgment about our new parenting strategies. This workshop will give us some tools to help our loved ones understand why we parent the way we do.

Beth Smith Feger has over 20 years of experience in training and education. Since completing a Ph.D. in early childhood education in 2009, she has worked training teachers, parents and young people. She is a passionate life long learner and has co-written a text book for early childhood educators. She is currently the Director of Programs at Fostering Hope, an organization the equips and supports families and churches to care for children who have experienced trauma. She is also the mom to three kids, two adopted from foster care. She lives in Austin with her family and enjoys reading, swimming and Marvel movies.

Click here to download a transcript for this episode.



Relevant Links

I Am Fostering Hope

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When Kristen Thomas acted out as a child at school, it was a cry for help, but she was instead labeled as a "difficult child." Eventually placed in foster care, Kristen struggled with shame and being misunderstood by the people who were supposed to protect her. In this episode, she openly shares her story of how she's breaking the cycle of generational abuse in her family. She also shares the importance and role of community and what she needed from her caregivers.

Click here to download a transcript for this episode.



Relevant Links

Connect with Kristen on Instagram

Free blocked care assessment

 

This week we answer listener questions such as:



* How do you talk about love from birth parents when there's been extensive abuse?

* How do you address psychosomatic symptoms in your child?

* Is the new book helpful for other caregivers who interact with my child?



Click here to download the transcript for this episode.



Relevant Links

Body work episodes

#160: Essential Oils and Mental Health with Dr. Danielle Daniel

Reclaim Compassion