What happens when a birth kid grows up in a foster and adoptive family and becomes an advocate for others in similar situations? Daniela Coates, a licensed social worker, adoptive mother, and foster parent, shares her personal and professional journey with us. Through her organization, With Siblings, Daniela is doing groundbreaking work by focusing on the voices and experiences of birth children in foster and adoptive families. Her insights shed light on the complex emotional landscape that these kids navigate and the importance of support systems that truly see and hear them.

Join us as Daniela opens up about the struggles she faced as a child, feeling invisible amid new family dynamics and grappling with the challenges of being a pastor's child. She recounts the poignant memories of saying goodbye to foster siblings and how these experiences led her to embrace fostering formally. Daniela’s story is one of resilience, highlighting the balance and fulfillment that fostering can bring, even in the face of temporary relationships.

As the conversation continues, we delve into the universal emotions of feeling unseen, as depicted in Daniela's book "The Day Lily Turned Uninvisible." We explore the duality of emotions birth kids experience, the importance of empowering their voices, and the need for open dialogue about the hard truths in foster care narratives. Daniela's journey from agency work to creating a global support network underscores the significance of addressing these nuanced family dynamics with empathy and understanding. Tune in to learn how Daniela's work can inspire more comprehensive conversations about the mental health and well-being of all children in the foster care system.

How do you find the strength to open your heart and home to children in need? Danae Bunso, the Florida State Director for Isaiah 117 House in Duval County, joins us to share her and her husband Carl's incredible journey of fostering and adopting children. With 30 foster experiences and two adoptions alongside their six biological children, Danae provides an intimate look at the emotional and spiritual path to embracing foster care, touching on the power of surrender, the challenges of adoption, and the importance of being present for children on their hardest days.

Danae opens up about the deep spiritual journey that foster care has led her family on, where the balancing act between fighting for justice and surrendering control becomes a daily practice. We explore transformative encounters that mirror the kingdom of God at work, highlighting moments of heartache, hope, and joy. Through these stories, listeners will gain insight into the often chaotic yet profoundly rewarding experience of fostering, the importance of community support, and the mission behind Isaiah 117 House to reduce trauma for children entering foster care.

Rooted in faith, Danae's reflections on hope and rest offer a sense of community and encouragement to those who listen. She shares personal anecdotes about seeking solace in spiritual practices and engaging activities, revealing how these moments bring nourishment beyond physical stillness. Through heartfelt discussions, we underscore the shared challenges and victories within the fostering circle, inviting everyone to connect, share, and support one another on this journey. Tune in for a message of hope, commitment, and the transformative impact of opening one's home and heart to children in need.

What happens when the pursuit of perfection meets the messy reality of motherhood and adoption? Join us for an intimate conversation with Tanya Hardaker, who opens up about her journey through foster care, adoption, and self-discovery. Tanya's raw honesty sheds light on the societal pressures faced by women, especially in the Southern evangelical context, and the liberation found in embracing imperfection. Together, we share personal experiences, challenging the notion of the "perfect" mom and exploring how authenticity can lead to genuine connections and a deeper understanding of faith and community.

Tanya and I take you on a heartfelt journey into the complexities of foster care and adoption, revealing the unexpected beauty and challenges that come with it. We reflect on how adopting a sibling set reshaped our notions of family and spirituality, pushing us beyond the bounds of traditional church life into a more authentic, albeit messier, faith. The emotional toll and sacrifices are real, yet they are met with the unwavering commitment and support needed to navigate this path. Our candid dialogue uncovers the profound impact of community involvement in supporting foster and adoptive families, emphasizing the necessity of a supportive network during challenging times.

Building a supportive community is a lifeline, and we find strength in coming together through support groups like Seek Refuge. We discuss the importance of creating a welcoming environment for caregivers, the power of community-driven efforts like Christmas toy drives, and how tangible support can prevent unnecessary family separations. This episode is a testament to the resilience fostered through open, honest conversations and the hope found in everyday struggles. Join us as we celebrate the small victories and the profound difference community support can make in the lives of those navigating the foster and adoption journey.