How does God take what was meant for harm and turn it into something used for good? On this episode of Pause and Think, host Aixa connects with Dr. Nicole Wilkie to explore the connection between child welfare, empirical research, and gospel hope. Together, they discuss the transformative power of belonging, the origin of the free Caleb Koala resilience project, and why the pursuit of good science continues to bring comfort and clarity to those serving vulnerable families.

Redeeming the Hard Things: Research, Resilience, and the Power of Belonging

What is it like to grow up in a family that fostered and adopted more than 70 children? Dr. Nicole Wilkie shares her remarkable story as the biological daughter of foster and adoptive parents. Together with Jackie, she discusses the joys, challenges, grief, purpose, and lifelong lessons that shaped her faith, her family, and her calling to serve vulnerable children around the world.

Growing Up with 70 Foster Siblings: A Biological Daughter's Story

Healing isn't a destination—it's a journey best traveled with others. In this episode, Jackie and Aixa reflect on six years of walking alongside adult adoptees in a Spanish-speaking support group spanning Latin America. They discuss why vulnerability matters, how grief becomes a pathway to healing, and the incredible transformation they've witnessed as participants find their voices, share their stories, and experience God's restoring work.

From Silence to Strength: Adult Adoptees Finding Their Voice

Why do so many adoptees struggle with rejection, identity, and belonging—even in loving homes? In this vulnerable and eye-opening episode, Jackie and licensed therapist Irene Kim discuss the deep emotional impact of adoption, foster care, birth trauma, and healing. A conversation filled with compassion, truth, and hope.

The Primal Wound: An Adoption Conversation That Will Stay With You

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

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 (@whoseami) · Zencastr

Pause & Think Podcast (@whoseami)

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