123. A Life Wrecked for the Gospel: Kirsten Smith’s Adoption Journey

In this episode, we sit down with Kirsten Smith, Summit County Coordinator for Hope Bridge, to hear her incredible journey as a mother of nine adopted children from foster care. Kirsten shares openly about her family’s story, beginning with her and her husband Josh navigating infertility and feeling God’s call toward adoption. She reflects on bringing home sibling groups, the challenges of raising children from trauma, and the unexpected ways God has provided for their family, including a miraculous gift of a bigger home and navigating her own health struggles with thyroid cancer. Kirsten also opens up about the ongoing challenges of parenting a child with serious mental health needs, including multiple inpatient psychiatric stays, and how her faith has sustained her through seasons of uncertainty, grief, and fear. She emphasizes the importance of trusting God’s plan, embracing His timing, and stepping into foster care and adoption even when the path feels overwhelming.  This episode is full of hope, honesty, and encouragement for anyone involved in foster care, adoption, or walking a season of unexpected trials.  Episode Highlights:  From infertility to adoption Raising kids from trauma God’s unexpected provision Faith through health struggles Navigating mental health challenges Trusting God’s plan Encouragement for foster parents  Find more on Guest: Support Kirsten’s Son in Funding His Residential Treatment In the Room by Maverick City Music Lifesong for Orphans   Find More on Hope Bridge: Chat with a Hope Bridge Staff Member Visit Our Website  Follow us on Instagram Follow us on Facebook  Learn more about Hope for the Journey TBRI TrainingLearn more about Building Trauma-Informed Spaces with Kim Botto