In this deeply moving episode of Pause & Think Podcast, the conversation explores the science, soul, and sacred responsibility of motherhood. Joined by Irene Kim, this episode dives into postpartum healing, matrescence, nervous system attachment, foster care, adoption, and the emotional realities mothers carry after birth. Together, they reflect on how community, compassion, and intentional support can help mothers, babies, and families heal, bond, and thrive.

Postpartum Healing & the Sacred Calling of Motherhood

What happens when adoption is celebrated instead of kept secret? Cambria’s story is a moving testimony of openness, healing, and unconditional love. From “gotcha days” to becoming a mother herself, this episode explores the lifelong emotional journey of foster care, adoption and the importance of being fully known and loved.

“I’d Choose You Again” : The Words Every Adopted Child Needs to Hear

Adoption often brings new beginnings—but what happens when those beginnings include a new name? Jackie and Aixa have an honest discussion about identity, healing, family belonging, and the spiritual significance of being “called by name.” This conversation offers encouragement for families navigating adoption and reminds us that our truest identity is ultimately found in God.

Name Changes: Healing or Harmful?

In this episode of Pause & Think, Jackie Darby sits down with Stephanie Fast to explore adoption, trauma, and the lifelong journey of healing. Together, they unpack powerful truths about parenting, faith, and identity—reminding us that healing is a process, not a quick fix.

Not an Orphan: Rediscovering Identity Through Adoption and Faith

Stephanie Fast’s life began with abandonment, uncertainty, and survival on the streets of Korea. In this deeply personal conversation with Jackie Darby, she shares how being left alone at a train station as a young child began a journey that would ultimately transform into a story of faith and redemption.

Stephanie discusses her search for identity  and why she wrote She Is Mine—a book intended to preserve her legacy for her children and bring awareness to the millions of orphans still waiting for a forever home.

Her story is a powerful reminder that even the most broken beginnings can lead to extraordinary purpose.

Abandoned at a Train Station: Stephanie Fast’s Story of Survival

In this episode of Pause & Think, we sits down with Marlena Smith to discuss what it means to raise an adopted child with roots in two cultures? Marlena reflect on a deeply personal adoption journey shaped by missionary life in Guatemala. Together, they explore what it means to adopt while living in the country you serve, navigating cultural identity, belonging, and faith—both for parents and children.



Marlena shares how God led their family to adopt a Guatemalan child while raising biological children overseas, the unexpected twists of a special-needs diagnosis that later changed, and the importance of early intervention, community support, and trust in God’s provision. As their family later transitions back to life in the United States, the conversation turns to preserving culture, language, and identity for a child whose heart belongs to two places.



This episode gently wrestles with questions many adoptive, missionary, and third-culture families face: Who am I? Where do I belong? And ultimately—whose am I? It’s an honest, faith-filled conversation about grief, gratitude, intentional parenting, and creating safe spaces for children to process their stories over time.

Called to Love Across Cultures: Adoption, Identity, and Raising a Child Between Two Cultures

In this episode Aixa sits down with longtime friends Chad and Marlena Smith to explore a radically different vision for missions and orphan care. Drawing from their years living in Guatemala and their work with World Orphans, the Smiths share how God reshaped their calling—from working in orphanages to focusing on family preservation and orphan prevention through the local church.

Together, they unpack hard truths about global orphanhood, the beauty and complexity of walking humbly with communities, and why the church—especially small, local churches—is uniquely positioned to care for vulnerable children and families. This conversation challenges the “do more” mindset of modern missions and invites listeners into a slower, relational, gospel-centered way of being present with people.

If you’ve ever wondered how faith, missions, and justice intersect—or felt overwhelmed by the needs around you—this episode offers hope, clarity, and a powerful reminder: God works through ordinary people who are willing to listen, learn, and love.

The Sleeping Giant: Rethinking Orphan Care Through the Local Church

In this episode of Pause & Think, Aixa sits down with adoptive mom Kristen Williamson for an honest, mom-to-mom conversation about the realities of adopting older children. Together, they unpack the emotions few people talk about—grief, anger, guilt, unmet expectations, and the slow, difficult work of attachment.

Kristen shares her journey of parenting a child from a hard place while already raising biological children, navigating sibling dynamics, jealousy, and deep insecurity. Through faith, prayer, and perseverance, she reflects on how God continually reshapes her heart and reminds her that love is not just a feeling, but a daily decision.

This episode is for adoptive and foster moms who feel unseen, overwhelmed, or discouraged—and need the reminder that they are not alone, and that grace grows even in the hardest seasons.

Choosing Love Daily: An Adoptive Mom’s Journey Through Attachment and Grace

In this episode of Pause & Think, host Jackie Darby talks with Kristen Williamson about her family’s faith-filled journey through international adoption.

Kristen shares how God placed a calling on her heart, the challenges of a long and uncertain adoption process, and the emotional reality of bringing home an older child from the Philippines. She opens up about trauma, trust, patience, and the beauty that comes from obedience and perseverance.

This honest conversation offers encouragement to anyone navigating adoption, waiting seasons, or learning to trust God’s timing.

🎧 Listen in and Pause & Think.

Called to Adopt: Trusting God Through the Waiting

In this heartfelt episode of Pause & Think, host Jackie Darby sits down once again with advocate and foster mom Caitlyn Baten for an eye-opening conversation on the realities of foster care, adoption, and the generational cycles affecting vulnerable families.

Caitlyn shares her family’s journey—how she and her husband stepped into foster care before having biological children, how their faith shaped every “yes,” and the deep conviction that led them to open their home to vulnerable girls.

Together, Jackie and Caitlyn unpack:

 * Why foster care is deeply connected to issues like homelessness, trafficking, and mental health
 * The mission of Buckner International and its commitment to strengthening families at the root
 * The realities of youth who age out of foster care—and why the Church must not forget them
 * Practical ways anyone can get involved: mentorship, volunteering, giving, or simply being a safe person
 * The global movement of CAFO and the growing call for believers to step into the lives of vulnerable children and young adults

This episode is a powerful reminder that every life matters and that the body of Christ has a role in bringing restoration, stability, and hope to children and families who need it most.

Saying Yes: Foster Care, Faith, and the Heart of Advocacy

Let’s pause and think! Join us for honest conversations about adoption and parenting, as we lament, encourage, give hope and explore our true identity and worth in Christ.

For more information go to: www.whoseami.org

Pause and Think

Let’s pause and think! Join us for honest conversations about adoption and parenting as we explore our true identity and worth in Christ.

Pause & Think Podcast

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