Today’s episode of Everything Made Beautiful might wreck you in the best way. I’m joined by two of my dear friends, Malorie Elrod and Katelyn Duckworth, who are on a mission to love on adoptive families and birth moms through Funding Love. And before you think, "Well, I don’t have an adoption story, so this episode isn’t for me," let me stop you—because, as believers, our whole story is one of adoption into God’s family.

Mal and Kate are here to share about the heart behind Funding Love, an organization that provides all-expenses-paid Disney vacations to adoptive families and birth moms. But this isn’t just about Mickey ears and fireworks—it’s about creating space for healing, bonding, and community for people navigating the complexities of adoption.

We get honest about the unspoken struggles—the loneliness that can follow adoption, the misconceptions about birth moms, and why the enemy loves to isolate us when we’re most vulnerable. You’ll hear powerful stories, laugh, and maybe even consider how you can step into the adoption space somehow.

Also, if you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to have your heart entirely undone by the love of God, imagine being a birth mom who has spent years feeling unseen—only to be lavishly loved, with no strings attached. That’s what Funding Love is doing, and I can’t wait for you to hear about it.

By the end of this episode, you might just be looking up flights to Orlando for the Funding Love Gala at the Four Seasons in April—because, listen, we are all about this sweet organization. If you’re looking for a way to love on families, support women, and be a part of something beautiful, this is it.

keywords

adoption, birth moms, Funding Love, community support, open adoption, Disney World, post-adoption support, family bonding, motherhood, emotional healing

takeaways

• Adoption is a calling that can transform lives.
• Open adoption allows for ongoing relationships with birth families.
• Birth moms deserve support and recognition in the adoption process.
• Funding Love provides unique experiences for adoptive families and birth moms.
• Shared experiences can foster deep connections and healing.
• Disney World serves as a magical backdrop for family bonding.
• Post-adoption support is crucial for families adjusting to new dynamics.
• Community is essential for both adoptive families and birth moms.
• Every adoption story is unique and deserves to be heard.
• Love and support can come from unexpected places.

Chapters
00:00 | Introduction to Adoption and Its Importance

07:03 | Understanding Open Adoption

10:00 | The Birth Mom Perspective

13:03 | Introducing Funding Love

15:59 | Challenges Faced by Adoptive Families

19:07 | The Role of Birth Moms in Adoption

23:02 | The Burden of Shame and Guilt

24:02 | The Power of Community for Birth Moms

25:19 | Understanding the Purpose of Disney Trips

26:53 | Creating Magical Experiences for Adoptive Families

31:16 | The Role of Magic Makers in the Experience

33:03 | Lavishing Love on Adoptive Families

34:16 | Pampering Birth Moms with Unique Experiences

38:58 | Stories of Transformation from the Trips

41:14 | The Power of Shared Experiences

43:02 | Full Circle Moments in Adoption

45:19 | Building Trust Through Fun

47:10 | The Importance of Support for Birth Moms

49:27 | Imagining a Perfect Day

53:25 | The Call to Action for Supporting Adoption

58:31 | New Chapter

Links:
Funding Love Website: https://www.fundinglove.com/
Funding Love Donations: https://www.fundinglove.com/donate
Funding Love Gala: https://www.fundinglove.com/funding-love-gala
Funding Love Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fundinglove/
Malorie's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/malyourpal/
Katelyn's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katedawnduck/