Celebrating Special Needs Adoption with Heather Avis
Welcome to the Called to Love Podcast! In this episode, I am joined by New York Times best-selling author, speaker, podcaster, advocate for Downs Syndrome kids, and adoptive mom: Heather Avis. Heather started “The Lucky Few” movement to change the narrative behind children with Downs Syndrome. She says every time her kids walk out her door and into the world, they are walking into a world that does not value them. As Heather shares in this podcast episode, if the narrative behind Downs was different it is likely the bio families of her two kids wouldn’t have put them up for adoption. Adoption inherently comes with the breaking of what God created to be together: family. There is immense beauty and joy in adoption, in redeeming what has been broken, but we cannot shy away from or “fix” that brokenness. It can be a hard thing to sit with but it cannot be ignored. Still, Heather advocates not only for the value of children with special needs but she encourages Christian families to consider adoption. This calling may not be easy but it is a calling straight from God - to love the widows and orphans. In our discussion, we unpack Heather’s incredible adoption story. She shares wisdom from her experience raising not only two children with Downs syndrome but also a bi-racial child that does not have special needs. Here are a few takeaways from our conversation: The importance of letting go of control in parenting.Create an inclusive home environment for children of all backgrounds.Encourage curiosity and understanding differences in children.The significance of affirming children's worth and identity.Recognizing the ongoing struggles of children with disabilities in society.The value of connecting with resources and stories from adoptees and birth families.Connect with Heather Avis on social media or learn more on her website. You can also buy her books! Her new book is titled I Like You So MuchYou can also learn more about The Lucky Few Foundation. You can email me your questions about adoption and foster care at somercolbert@gmail.com. I'd love to connect with you on Instagram or send you my monthly newsletter with free resources and first access to episodes and more!