T interviews Zach about their adoption and its many unusual circumstances. Their story will leave you inspired and stretch your imagination about what is possible in creating a family. Before listening to this episode make sure to watch this great video of “Meredith’s Big Surprise”
12 responses to “Episode 116 – Unusual Adoption Story”
You forgot the warning to watch the video with a box of tissues!
Excellent interview. What a great story!
Love this episode! I saw the video on Facebook a while ago so it was neat to hear the back story! On sort of the same note, my mom gave me a page from a Tim Keller book (King’s Cross) that seems relevant and was encouraging to me as a foster mom:
“There are alot of wounded people out there. They are emotionally sinking, they’re hurting, and they desperately need to be loved. And when they are with you, you want to look at your watch and make a graceful exit, because listening to them with all their problems can be grueling.
It can be exhausting to be a friend (or parent!) to an emotionally damaged person. The only way they’re going to start filling up emotionally is if somebody loves them, and they only way way to love them is to let yourself be emotionally drained. Some of your fullness is going to have to go into them, and you have to empty out to some degree…The only way to love them is through substitutionary sacrifice.”
Can I get an Amen, from the foster parents out there? 😉
Thank you for this wonderful story about an inspiring family. I’m inspired by both the parents and the daughter who knew somehow to reach out for help and mentoring.
As a teacher, this reminds me think of our personal and societal responsibilities to young people who are struggling. For example, I came across this story of a 17 year old you may have seen… http://news.yahoo.com/video/houston11news-15750765/honor-student-placed-in-jail-for-tardiness-and-truancy-at-school-29458964.html
I hope we can build a world where we imagine our responsibilities to all young people in terms of support, encouragement and care — like the family in this story — rather than punishment, suspicion and prejudice (even when they are not honors students like the 17 yo in the story above!)
Hey Tim & Wendy,
I just left a comment on podcast 26 yesterday, telling you that I would listen to all the podcasts in order and not jump ahead. But when I saw this one, I knew I would eventually go back on my word.
And who can blame me? I first saw this video about a month ago, and have watched it 3-4 more time since then. I’ve been wondering about this very special family (including why they decided to post it on youtube). When I realized you were interviewing Zach, I knew I had to listen ASAP.
Thank you for posting this interview. I love how he shares insights into his walk with God in such a matter of fact way, even when the weight of what he knew he was to do was wearing him thin. Let this family continue to inspire others to do what may be culturally against the grain, but still the right thing to do, nonetheless. Because, let’s face it, as foster/adopt parents, we ARE almost a sub-culture, a counter-culture. It can be hard to share with the world what it is REALLY like. I thank God for you, for the family in the video, and all those who give a home to kids and who encourage others to do the same (without all the glitter and glam that we see so often).
Just recently found your podcast. My wife and I am in the process of completing our classwork and beginning our home study. I am only on episode 35, but have found your podcast to be a valuable resource. Thank you and God bless!
That Is Good
What a wonderful story. I cried along with my husband. It is so comforting to watch this and see how much they love and adore their Foster daughter Meredith. I love the way they build her up with nothing but positive compliments. Adoption is beautiful!
http://www.no-Florida.biogenednatesting.com
While I don’t know much about the foster care system, I do know the happiness of adoption of kids and teens. I have a younger brother who was 6 when we adopted him from Guatemala. I love him so much.
Thank you for this! I just found your podcast, but I will be listening now! My husband and I are foster parents with our first placement in our home now, and it’s been the best thing we have done for our family. Our bonus kid is such a tough one, and it’s amazing to see the rising spirit of a child.
I’d seen this before but had to watch it again after listening to the podcast interview JUST to have another good cry! So amazing.
IAM A 57YR OLD FEMALE WAS ADOPTED AT BIRTH, AT 22 YRS I FOUND THE BIRTH WOMAN. KNOW VERY LITTLE ON HER SIDE WE DID NOT CLICK. I HAVE REASON TO BELIEVE MY ADOPTED FATHER OR ONE OF HIS BROTHERS WERE MY REAL FATHER .MY FAMILY DOES NOT SPEAK OF THIS. BOTH OF MY ADOPTED PARENTS AND THE WOMAN WHO GAVE BIRTH IS ALSO.MY BIRTH PARENTS HAD HER PUT THEIR NAME ON BIRTH CERTIFICATE .I WAS NEVER LEGALLY ADOPTED. SO WHERE DO I GO. I HAVE A DAUGHTER AND 2 GRANDKIDS THAT KNOW NOTHING OF WHO THEY ARE. THANKS DEENA O
on my last writing both adpted have passed as well as the woman who gave birth I just need answer we are so few left. thanks deena o