
Opening Doors, Opening Hearts- The need for more foster homes affects us all
03/19/24 • 21 min
Hey there, Foster Parent Well family! It's Nicole T Barlow here, and in this heart-to-heart episode, we're diving into a topic that's close to my heart and, I believe, crucial for our community: the need for more Christian foster and adoptive homes. It's just you and me today, and I'm eager to share some thoughts, stories, and maybe a little bit of inspiration along the way.
We all know the journey of foster care and adoption is filled with its ups and downs. It’s a path of incredible love, sometimes heartbreak, but always profound impact. Today, I want to talk about why we need more amazing families to step into the world of fostering and adoption, and equally important, how we can stand alongside and support the incredible families already doing this vital work.
I'll share some of my own experiences and the lessons learned along the way. We'll also delve into how our faith can inspire and sustain us through the challenges and blessings of fostering and adoption. From the little moments of joy to the tough days that test our strength, every part of this journey can be a reflection of God's love and purpose for us and the children we welcome into our homes.
But this episode isn't just for those who've already opened their doors. It's also for anyone who's ever thought, "Maybe I could do that too," or wondered how they can support foster and adoptive families in their community. There's a role for everyone to play, and sometimes, it starts with simply understanding the journey.
So, grab your favorite cup of coffee, get comfy, and let's chat. It's about opening our doors, yes, but even more so, it's about opening our hearts to the possibilities and the children who need us. Together, we can make a world of difference, one child, one family at a time. Let's dive in and explore how we can all foster parent well.
Get my newsletter! https://nicoletbarlow.myflodesk.com/fosterparentwellnewsletter
I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text!
Connect with me on Instagram: @Fosterparentwell
@nicoletbarlow https://www.instagram.com/nicoletbarlow/
Website: https://nicoletbarlow.com/
Hey there, Foster Parent Well family! It's Nicole T Barlow here, and in this heart-to-heart episode, we're diving into a topic that's close to my heart and, I believe, crucial for our community: the need for more Christian foster and adoptive homes. It's just you and me today, and I'm eager to share some thoughts, stories, and maybe a little bit of inspiration along the way.
We all know the journey of foster care and adoption is filled with its ups and downs. It’s a path of incredible love, sometimes heartbreak, but always profound impact. Today, I want to talk about why we need more amazing families to step into the world of fostering and adoption, and equally important, how we can stand alongside and support the incredible families already doing this vital work.
I'll share some of my own experiences and the lessons learned along the way. We'll also delve into how our faith can inspire and sustain us through the challenges and blessings of fostering and adoption. From the little moments of joy to the tough days that test our strength, every part of this journey can be a reflection of God's love and purpose for us and the children we welcome into our homes.
But this episode isn't just for those who've already opened their doors. It's also for anyone who's ever thought, "Maybe I could do that too," or wondered how they can support foster and adoptive families in their community. There's a role for everyone to play, and sometimes, it starts with simply understanding the journey.
So, grab your favorite cup of coffee, get comfy, and let's chat. It's about opening our doors, yes, but even more so, it's about opening our hearts to the possibilities and the children who need us. Together, we can make a world of difference, one child, one family at a time. Let's dive in and explore how we can all foster parent well.
Get my newsletter! https://nicoletbarlow.myflodesk.com/fosterparentwellnewsletter
I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text!
Connect with me on Instagram: @Fosterparentwell
@nicoletbarlow https://www.instagram.com/nicoletbarlow/
Website: https://nicoletbarlow.com/
Previous Episode

Foster Parent Well Trailer
Welcome to the Foster Parent Well Podcast Trailer with host, Nicole T Barlow– your gateway to a journey of endurance, resilience, and faith-filled parenting for foster and adoptive moms. Nicole invites you to delve into a series dedicated to empowering you to become the best version of yourself, enabling you to provide a loving and stable environment for children with trauma.
In this trailer, Nicole introduces the themes and heart behind 'Foster Parent Well,' offering a glimpse into how each episode will support you through the unique challenges of foster care and adoption. Learn how to enhance your well-being, cultivate a positive mindset, and draw strength from your faith, all crucial elements in caring for children who have experienced trauma and serving as their steady support.
Discover practical advice and heartfelt encouragement tailored for foster and adoptive parents. Whether you're looking for ways to build resilience in adoptive parenting, seeking self-care for foster parents, or needing faith and fostering inspiration, this podcast is your resource.
Tune into the Foster Parent Well Podcast Trailer today and join a community of moms on a mission to parent well with endurance and joy. Subscribe now and embark on a transformative journey of caring for yourself so that you can care for others.
I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text!
Connect with me on Instagram: @Fosterparentwell
@nicoletbarlow https://www.instagram.com/nicoletbarlow/
Website: https://nicoletbarlow.com/
Next Episode

Embracing the Call: Faith's Role in Transforming Foster and Adoptive Parenthood
Embark on an extraordinary exploration of faith, resilience, and the transformative power of fostering and adoption with our special guest Mandie Summers. As a full-time missionary with the Jesus Film Project and a seasoned foster and adoptive parent, Mandie illuminates her journey and the pivotal role spirituality plays in navigating the complexities of caring for children with traumatic histories. Guided by her experience and the support of a private Christian foster agency, this episode unravels the threads of divine strength that bind together a family walking this path.
With each child welcomed into her home, Mandie has discovered the profound impact of incorporating spiritual practices into the daily grind. She shares the lifelines that have sustained her family—from enveloping their home in worship music to fusing scripture with physical activity. Our conversation does not shy away from the real struggles and doubts that can surface amidst systemic injustices, yet we also celebrate the profound moments of trust in God's timing and providence, drawing inspiration from biblical narratives that resonate with our experiences as foster and adoptive parents.
This episode is more than a sharing of stories; it's an outstretched hand to those in the foster and adoptive community seeking solidarity and understanding. I open up about my own fostering and adoption experiences, affirming their unparalleled richness and the indelible impact on our lives. We leave you with a message of courage and an invitation to join a supportive community that cherishes the sanctity of this divine calling. Together, we offer a prayer for the strength that only faith can foster, sealing our shared commitment to nurture and guide the lives entrusted to us.
For more information on Mandie and Jason's missionary journey and how to support them: https://give.cru.org/0578940
Foster Parent Well Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1VeRn4AaDHThddXx/
I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text!
Connect with me on Instagram: @Fosterparentwell
@nicoletbarlow https://www.instagram.com/nicoletbarlow/
Website: https://nicoletbarlow.com/
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