Episodes

  • Don’t Let Foster Care Harden Your Heart

    Don’t Let Foster Care Harden Your Heart
    Mar 24 2026
    If your church, conference, or organization would like Jason and Whitney to speak about foster care, adoption, or living a meaningful life through small acts of faithfulness, you can contact them at dreamsmallpodcast@gmail.com.In this episode of the Dream Small Podcast, Jason and Whitney talk about how easy it is for foster care to harden your heart and why followers of Jesus must fight to stay soft, compassionate, and tenderhearted anyway.They begin by asking a simple but honest question: Have you ever felt yourself getting harder, not because you wanted to, but because it felt safer? From there, they unpack how foster care can do exactly that. The broken systems, hard goodbyes, repeated disappointments, caseworkers and judges making frustrating decisions, compassion fatigue, and the trauma children bring into your home can all make it feel easier to shut down emotionally than to stay open and loving. Whitney shares that even foster care relicensing paperwork can become a reminder of how exhausting the system can be. She talks about filling out the same paperwork again, getting fingerprinted over and over, and answering questions about reunification in ways that don’t always seem centered on the best interest of the child. That frustration becomes part of the larger conversation: foster care often feels more system-centered or bio-parent-centered than child-centered, and that reality can harden foster parents if they are not careful. Jason and Whitney also reflect on how hardening can show up in real life. It can look like losing compassion and becoming transactional, seeing a child as a bed to fill instead of a human being with trauma, a story, and a need for love. Whitney shares an example of receiving a placement call for a sibling set and recognizing that while they wanted to help, it would not be fair to the child to say yes beyond what they could realistically handle with her upcoming surgery. Their point is that tenderness is not the same as saying yes to everything. Tenderness can still have boundaries. A major part of the episode centers on what soft strength really looks like. Jason talks about tenderness not as weakness, but as strength under control. He points to Jesus as the model: strong, powerful, and fully capable, yet gentle, compassionate, and willing to love even when betrayed. They reflect on Jesus washing Judas’s feet and forgiving those who crucified Him as examples of softness that is deeply powerful, not fragile. Their message is clear: softness is not weakness, it is Christlikeness. They also name the specific things that can harden foster parents:repeated disappointment in the system feeling unsupported and unseen compassion fatigue trauma in the home unsafe or rushed reunifications the temptation to emotionally detach because loving children who may leave is painful Whitney shares that compassion fatigue can cause you to stop seeing behavior through the lens of trauma and start simply seeing a child as frustrating, difficult, or “a pain in the butt.” Jason adds that hardening can show up as not wanting to come home, losing joy, being short with your spouse and kids, or refusing moments that normally would spark joy — like when a child asks you to play. One of the most moving parts of the episode is when they revisit stories from their own foster care journey with Leah. Whitney talks about how, early on, Leah was a medically fragile baby who was miserable, vomiting constantly, and incredibly hard to care for. In her exhaustion, Whitney reached out to close friends and vulnerably asked them to pray that she would genuinely love this baby because she felt tired and disconnected. Just a couple hours later, Leah smiled at her for the first time, and Whitney describes that moment as healing. They also share a painful hospital story involving Leah’s biological mother. Whitney describes greeting her warmly while holding Leah, only to be charged at and nearly hit while being accused of harming the baby by using a feeding tube. After security got involved, Whitney hid in the chapel and cried, asking Jason, “How am I supposed to love her?” That story becomes one of the clearest examples in the episode of how foster care can tempt someone to harden, and how God can still soften a heart. Later, Whitney explains how that same relationship changed over time. As she continued sending updates and building trust, she was eventually able to tell Leah’s biological mom that if Leah did not return home, they would adopt her and love her like their own, and that Leah would not get lost in the system. That conversation became a picture of what it looks like to stay tenderhearted even when there has been hurt, fear, and conflict. The episode closes with practical ways to remain tenderhearted:stay connected to Jesus feel your feelings instead of burying them grieve losses honestly set boundaries without becoming hard choose empathy stay in authentic community let God heal the wounds...
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    50 mins
  • Episode 40 - Lessons from the Every Child Symposium: Wilderness Seasons, Big Yeses, and Why Foster Parents Matter

    Episode 40 - Lessons from the Every Child Symposium: Wilderness Seasons, Big Yeses, and Why Foster Parents Matter
    Mar 17 2026
    If your church, conference, or organization would like Jason and Whitney to speak about foster care, adoption, or living a meaningful life through small acts of faithfulness, you can contact them at dreamsmallpodcast@gmail.com.In this solo episode of the Dream Small Podcast, Jason shares reflections from attending the Every Child Symposium in Central Indiana, a conference designed to encourage foster parents, adoptive families, and churches to care for vulnerable children.Jason originally attended the event to complete some required foster parent training hours, but he walked away with far more than that. The day included keynote speakers and several breakout sessions that offered honest insight into the realities of foster care.In this episode, Jason walks through some of the most powerful moments from the conference, including stories from adults who grew up in foster care and lessons that continue to shape how he and Whitney approach fostering.Breakout Session: Adults Who Grew Up in Foster CareOne of the most impactful breakout sessions Jason attended was a panel discussion with three adults who had experienced foster care and adoption.Two of the panelists had been adopted, while one man had aged out of the foster care system after spending more than ten years moving between homes.At one point in his teenage years, he told a judge he was tired of the instability and simply wanted to age out of the system rather than continue moving from home to home.Hearing that story was a sobering reminder of how difficult the foster care system can be for children who never find permanency.At the same time, seeing him now as a grown adult with a family of his own showed that a child’s story does not end with the foster care system.Lessons from the Keynote SessionsJason also reflects on several powerful moments from the keynote speakers.1. The Wilderness is a Place of FormationPastor Josh Cortez opened the conference with a message about the wilderness seasons we experience in life.In Scripture, the wilderness is often where God prepares people for what comes next. Jesus spent 40 days in the wilderness before beginning His ministry.Foster care can feel like a wilderness.It can mean isolation, uncertainty, hospital stays with children who are not biologically yours, and seasons where you don’t know what the future holds.But those seasons are not wasted. They are often where God forms and strengthens us.2. Accept Assignments That Outsize YouOne quote that stuck with Jason was:“Accept assignments that outsize you.”Foster care often feels exactly like that.From the first “yes” to becoming a foster parent to saying yes to placements that stretch your comfort zone, the journey frequently requires stepping into situations that feel bigger than your capacity.Jason shares several moments in his own family’s foster care journey that felt like assignments bigger than they were ready for, including:• Saying yes to their first foster placement• Expanding the age ranges of children they would accept• Continuing to foster during Whitney’s cancer treatments• Buying a giant van to accommodate their growing familyEach one required trusting God with something that felt overwhelming.3. Don’t Underestimate What God Can Do Through a Submitted LifeAnother quote from the conference that stuck with Jason was:“Don’t underestimate what God can do with a submitted vessel.”When we say yes to God in obedience, we often have no idea how He may use those moments to impact the lives of others.For foster parents, that obedience may look like opening your home, loving a child through a difficult season, or simply showing up when things feel hard.Those small acts of faithfulness can have generational impact.The “First Chair” in a Child’s Faith StoryOne illustration from the conference walked through the biblical genealogy from Rahab to King David, using a series of chairs to represent generations of faith.For many children in foster care, a foster parent may be the first person who introduces them to a relationship with God.That means foster parents may be the first chair in a child’s spiritual legacy, something that could shape generations that follow.Encouragement for Foster ParentsOne of the most encouraging parts of the symposium was simply being surrounded by other families walking the same journey.Foster care can often feel isolating, but events like the Every Child Symposium are a reminder that there are many others faithfully stepping into this work.And while foster care is rarely easy, the small, faithful acts of love shown to children today may shape stories for generations.If this episode encouraged you, share it with another foster parent or someone considering foster care.You can follow the Dream Small Podcast and join the conversation as we continue exploring what it looks like to live a meaningful life through small, intentional acts of love.Email: dreamsmallpodcast@gmail.comInstagram: @...
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    30 mins
  • Episode 39 - Foster Care Goodbyes: The Hardest Part of Loving Foster Kids

    Episode 39 - Foster Care Goodbyes: The Hardest Part of Loving Foster Kids
    Mar 10 2026
    Foster care is built around one painful reality that many people don't talk about: goodbye is the goal.In this episode of the Dream Small Podcast, Jason and Whitney open up about the different kinds of goodbyes foster parents experience. Some are joyful. Some are heartbreaking. Some come without warning.From reunification with biological parents to unexpected court decisions, to realizing a child needs a different forever home, foster care is full of emotional transitions that few people truly understand.In this honest and vulnerable conversation, we share:• The different types of goodbyes foster parents face • Why loving foster children always carries risk • How we processed one of the hardest decisions we've ever made • What happens when a child leaves without warning • Ways foster parents can process grief in healthy waysIf you're a foster parent, considering fostering, or simply want to better understand the reality of foster care, this episode will give you a deeper look into the emotional side of the journey.Because sometimes loving a child well means letting them go.The 5 Types of Foster Care Goodbyes1. Reunification With Biological ParentsThis is the best-case scenario in foster care.When parents do the hard work and are able to safely bring their child home, it's something worth celebrating.But even when it's a good outcome, it still hurts to say goodbye to a child you've loved.2. When the System Sends a Child Home Too SoonSometimes the system makes decisions that foster parents struggle to understand.When children return home before parents are truly ready, foster parents are often left with grief, fear, and unanswered questions.In those moments, faith becomes a major anchor.3. Moving to a Pre-Adoptive HomeNot every foster family is meant to be a child's forever family.Sometimes the most loving decision is recognizing when a child needs a different home that can provide permanence.This was the difficult situation our family recently walked through.4. When a Placement Isn't the Right FitFoster parents often feel pressure to say yes to everything.But sometimes the healthiest decision for both the family and the child is to recognize when a placement simply isn't a good fit.This doesn't mean you failed. It means you recognized your limits.5. The Goodbye You Never Saw ComingOne of the hardest moments in foster care is when a child leaves without warning.Court decisions can change quickly, and sometimes foster families don't even get a chance to say goodbye.These are the moments that often hurt the most.Processing Foster Care GriefEven after a child leaves, the goodbye doesn't end immediately.The empty bed.The missing car seat.The quieter house.Grieving those changes is normal and healthy.One way Whitney processes this grief is by keeping a journal with:Each foster child's nameThe time they spent in our homeBible verse for themA personal prayerWe also keep photos of every child who has lived with us as a reminder of the lives we've been honored to be part of.Encouragement for Foster ParentsIf you're a foster parent who has experienced these kinds of goodbyes, remember:Your love mattered.Even if you weren't their forever family, you were the family they needed in that season.And sometimes the greatest act of love in foster care is being willing to open your heart, knowing it might break.Connect With UsIf this episode encouraged you, share it with another foster parent or someone considering foster care.You can follow the Dream Small Podcast and join the conversation as we continue exploring what it looks like to live a meaningful life through small, intentional acts of love.Email: dreamsmallpodcast@gmail.comInstagram: @dreamsmallpodcastFacebook: Dream Small PodcastTwitter/X: @DreamSmallShowIf this episode encouraged you, please share it with another foster or adoptive family.You can also support the podcast financially here: https://dream-small-podcast.captivate.fm/supportMusic credit: "Paradise Found" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
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    39 mins
  • Episode 38 - How to Keep Your Marriage Strong While Fostering and Parenting Kids with Trauma

    Episode 38 - How to Keep Your Marriage Strong While Fostering and Parenting Kids with Trauma
    Feb 24 2026

    Episode Summary

    Marriage is hard. Add kids. Add trauma. Add foster care. Add special needs. Now multiply the stress.

    In this episode of the Dream Small Podcast, Jason and Whitney talk honestly about what it takes to protect and strengthen your marriage while fostering and parenting children with trauma, disabilities, and high needs.

    With divorce rates hovering around 50 percent and dramatically higher among families raising children with disabilities, this conversation matters.

    We are not claiming to be perfect. But after nearly 14 years of marriage, multiple foster placements, adoptions, court cases, sleepless nights, and emotionally charged seasons, we have learned a few things that have helped us stay connected.

    If you are a foster parent, adoptive parent, special needs parent, or just a tired spouse trying to stay close, this episode is for you.

    What We Cover in This Episode

    • Why roughly 50 percent of marriages end in divorce

    • Why parenting increases divorce risk

    • The staggering divorce statistics among families raising children with disabilities

    • How fostering stretches your marriage in unique ways

    • The number one key to staying connected: communication

    • Assuming positive intent in your spouse

    • How to check in emotionally during stressful seasons

    • What to do when one spouse is emotionally done for the day

    • Serving each other instead of keeping score

    • Protecting physical intimacy after kids

    • Why marrying the right person is the ultimate life cheat code

    • Putting Jesus at the center of your marriage

    Key Takeaways

    1. Assume the best in your spouse.
    2. Don’t assume they are against you. Assume positive intent.
    3. Communicate daily, even briefly.
    4. A simple “How are you really?” can protect your connection.
    5. Say when you are done.
    6. It is not weakness to admit you are emotionally empty.
    7. Parent as a team.
    8. Especially in foster care, you must be aligned.
    9. Marriage takes sacrifice.
    10. Selfishness is one of the biggest marriage killers.
    11. Intimacy requires intentionality after kids.
    12. It does not just happen automatically anymore.
    13. Faith matters.
    14. A Christ centered marriage changes everything.

    Encouragement for Foster and Special Needs Families

    The stress is real. The exhaustion is real. The court days are heavy. The behaviors can be overwhelming.

    But your marriage can survive it. Not perfectly. Not without hard conversations. But it can grow deeper if you choose to fight for each other instead of against each other.

    Connect With Us

    We would love to hear what has helped strengthen your marriage.

    Email: dreamsmallpodcast@gmail.com

    Instagram: @dreamsmallpodcast

    Facebook: Dream Small Podcast

    Twitter/X: @DreamSmallShow

    If this episode encouraged you, please share it with another foster or adoptive family.

    You can also support the podcast financially here:

    https://dream-small-podcast.captivate.fm/support

    Music credit:

    "Paradise Found" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

    Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

    http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
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    51 mins
  • Episode 37 - Adoption Day: What It Really Feels Like to Finalize an Adoption From Foster Care

    Episode 37 - Adoption Day: What It Really Feels Like to Finalize an Adoption From Foster Care
    Feb 17 2026

    Adoption day is often imagined as a magical finish line. A perfect moment where everything suddenly changes. But the reality is both simpler and deeper than that.

    In this deeply personal episode of the Dream Small Podcast, Jason and Whitney share the real story behind the day their daughter’s adoption became official. Just four hours after leaving the courthouse, they sit down to reflect on the logistics, emotions, surprises, and sacred moments that marked the day she officially became theirs forever.

    This episode pulls back the curtain on what adoption day actually looks like, from the sudden call announcing the date, to the courtroom experience, to the unexpected realization that in many ways, nothing changed at all because she had already been their daughter in their hearts long before it became legal.

    In This Episode, We Discuss:

    The Surprise and Waiting Leading Up to Adoption Day

    After months of uncertainty, court dates, and waiting on the system, the adoption date finally arrived with only about ten days' notice. What had felt distant and uncertain suddenly became real overnight.

    We talk about:

    • Living in the uncertainty of the foster care system

    • The emotional rollercoaster of waiting for permanency

    • How quickly everything can suddenly change

    • Preparing your heart and your home for adoption day

    What Adoption Day Actually Looks Like Logistically

    Many people imagine adoption day as a dramatic life-changing moment. But the reality is often far more practical and surprisingly ordinary.

    We walk through:

    • What happens at the courthouse

    • Who attends and what roles they play

    • How the judge interacts with the child and family

    • Funny, unexpected moments during the hearing

    • The waiting, the photos, and the practical flow of the day

    The Small Faithfulness That Changes Lives Forever

    Adoption day is not the beginning of love. It’s the recognition of love already lived out in ordinary, faithful, daily moments.

    This episode is a reminder that God often works through small yeses, quiet obedience, and everyday faithfulness to change lives forever.

    Because forever families are built one small act of faithfulness at a time.

    This Episode Is For You If:

    • You’re a foster parent wondering what adoption day looks like

    • You’re considering foster care or adoption

    • You’ve adopted and want to reflect on your own story

    • You love hearing real stories of God’s faithfulness

    • You want encouragement that small acts of obedience matter

    Support the Dream Small Podcast

    If this episode encouraged you, you can help us continue sharing stories of faith, foster care, and everyday obedience:

    Support the podcast financially: https://dream-small-podcast.captivate.fm/support

    Contact and Follow Dream Small:

    Email: dreamsmallpodcast@gmail.com

    Instagram: @dreamsmallpodcast

    Facebook: Dream Small Podcast

    Twitter/X: @DreamSmallShow

    Music credit:

    "Paradise Found" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

    Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

    http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
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    37 mins
  • Episode 36 - How One Nonprofit Is Changing the Foster Care Experience in Indiana

    Episode 36 - How One Nonprofit Is Changing the Foster Care Experience in Indiana
    Feb 10 2026
    Foster care is hard. Not just emotionally, but practically. Kids often arrive with nothing. Families are stretched thin. Support can feel fragmented or temporary.In this episode of the Dream Small Podcast, we sit down with Renae, Executive Director of Resources of Hope, a nonprofit based in Whiteland, Indiana, that is quietly and faithfully wrapping around foster, kinship, and adoptive families with the kind of support that actually meets real needs.Renae shares her own foster care journey, including the painful experience of stepping away from fostering after a difficult placement, and how God used that story to shape her deep empathy and leadership today. From there, we dive into the heart of Resources of Hope and the many ways they are serving families across Indiana.What You’ll Hear in This EpisodeRenee’s Personal Foster Care StoryRenee opens up about her lifelong desire to foster, how she and her husband stepped into foster care in 2017, and the difficult reality that led them to step back. That painful season became the foundation for how she now leads Resources of Hope with compassion, understanding, and a deep respect for foster families.What Resources of Hope Really DoesResources of Hope exists to wrap around foster families for the long haul, not just in a one-time moment of crisis. Their programs are built by listening to foster parents and responding to what families actually need, not what outsiders think they need.The Clothing Boutique (Not Just a Closet)Their largest program is the clothing boutique, which serves an average of 82 children per month. Children receive up to two weeks worth of clothing, including pajamas, socks, shoes, underwear, diapers, hygiene items, bedding, and more.Families can return as children grow or change sizes, because foster care is not static. This ongoing access is a lifeline for families navigating constant change.Teen ConnectA Friday night program for youth ages 12 to 17 in foster, kinship, or adoptive care. Teens share meals, talk through highs and lows, and participate in practical life-skill activities like car care, self-defense, and basic home skills. It is not therapy, but it is meaningful connection and support.Birthday BlessingsEvery child deserves to be celebrated. Resources of Hope provides a full birthday experience in a bag, including new toys, books, clothing or pajamas, party supplies, and a birthday dinner. These bags are intentionally customized and affirm each child’s identity and dignity.Foster Parent Training and Support GroupsResources of Hope offers DCS-approved trainings and monthly support groups that count toward required foster parent hours. One huge differentiator is that they provide childcare, removing one of the biggest barriers foster parents face when trying to attend training.Recharge EventsThese events offer foster parents a few hours of childcare so they can rest, reconnect, or simply breathe. Resources of Hope partners with churches and youth groups to make these nights possible.Butterfly BlessingsRecognizing the lack of support in many rural areas, Resources of Hope launched Butterfly Blessings to bring clothing and resources directly to families up to an hour and a half away. Partnering with churches, they set up pop-up boutiques so families can shop locally and with dignity.Holiday and Community EventsFrom the annual picnic to Hope for the Holidays, these gatherings go far beyond a simple event. Families share meals, shop for every child in their home, receive holiday food, and experience community with others who understand foster care life.Teen Shopping SpreeEach May during Foster Care Awareness Month, teens new to care receive a $200 shopping spree focused on essentials first. Sponsors make this possible by directly funding individual teens.All In for Foster Youth: Casino Night FundraiserResources of Hope’s largest annual fundraiser is the All In for Foster Youth Casino Night, held each March. This event is not only a fun night out, it is a critical source of funding that supports nearly 25 percent of the organization’s annual budget.Casino Night is designed for adults to gather, enjoy great food, play casino-style games, and rally around foster youth in a meaningful way.What to ExpectDinner catered by a local Greenwood catererCasino-style games including poker, blackjack, craps, and more (no experience required)Professional dealers who teach you how to playSilent auction with high-quality items and experiencesPrize drawings at the end of the nightPowerful stories about the impact Resources of Hope is makingHow You Can Participate (https://www.resourcesofhope.org/casinonight)Purchase an individual ticket or a full tableSponsor the event or a specific programDonate an item or experience for the silent auctionAttend, invite friends, and help spread the wordEven if you are not local to Central Indiana, you can still support Casino Night through sponsorships, auction donations, or direct giving.Why This ...
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    41 mins
  • Episode 35 - The Truth About Foster Care Money: Per Diems, Reimbursements, and Reality

    Episode 35 - The Truth About Foster Care Money: Per Diems, Reimbursements, and Reality
    Jan 27 2026

    There’s a common myth that foster parents “do it for the money.” In this episode of the Dream Small Podcast, we walk through the real financial support foster parents receive in Indiana, including per diem rates, reimbursements, adoption subsidies, and why none of it comes close to covering the true cost of caring for a child.

    If you’ve ever wondered:

    1. Do foster parents get paid?
    2. How much money do foster parents receive?
    3. Is foster care financially sustainable?

    This episode gives honest, firsthand answers based on real-life experience.

    What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

    1. Foster Care Per Diem Rates in Indiana

    Foster parents receive a daily per diem intended to offset basic living expenses. Rates vary by age and level of need determined by a CANS score.

    Approximate daily rates:

    - Level 1: $27 - $35

    - Level 2: $36 - $43

    - Level 3: $48 - $55

    - Level 4: $72 - $79

    These funds cover essentials like food, clothing, and hygiene items, not income.

    2. Initial Clothing Allowance

    Indiana provides a one-time $200 clothing voucher when a child is placed, helping cover immediate needs like clothing, shoes, and baby supplies. No sales tax applies.

    3. Annual and Special Allowances

    1. $300 annual personal allowance per child
    2. $50 birthday allowance
    3. $50 Christmas allowance

    (Some agencies may supplement these amounts.)

    4. Medicaid and WIC

    All foster children receive Medicaid coverage. Children under five may also receive WIC benefits to help cover formula and basic nutrition.

    5. Adoption Through Foster Care

    Adoptive families may continue to receive:

    1. Ongoing per diem support
    2. Medicaid coverage
    3. Partial adoption legal fee coverage
    4. A federal adoption tax credit

    6. Kinship Care vs Licensed Foster Care

    Kinship caregivers often receive fewer benefits unless licensed. Licensing unlocks additional financial supports.

    7. The Big Takeaway

    Foster care payments are reimbursements, not income. Families who do foster care well almost never break even.

    Who This Episode Is For:

    1. Prospective foster parents
    2. New foster families
    3. Kinship caregivers
    4. Anyone curious about foster care finances

    If this episode was helpful, please consider sharing it with someone who has questions about foster care or who may be considering becoming a foster parent.

    You can support the Dream Small Podcast by following, rating, and reviewing the show on your favorite podcast platform.

    To financially support the podcast, visit: https://dream-small-podcast.captivate.fm/support

    Contact:

    Email: dreamsmallpodcast@gmail.com

    Instagram: @dreamsmallpodcast

    Facebook: Dream Small Podcast

    Twitter/X: @DreamSmallShow

    Music Credit:

    “Paradise Found” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

    Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

    http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
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    38 mins
  • Episode 34 - A Long Week in a Foster Family: Real Life, Sick Kids, and the Power of Community

    Episode 34 - A Long Week in a Foster Family: Real Life, Sick Kids, and the Power of Community
    Jan 20 2026

    Some weeks feel like a year. And for foster and adoptive families, those weeks often come with sick kids, missed church services, packed calendars, emotional exhaustion, and moments where you wonder how everything is going to get done.

    In this episode, Jason and Whitney invite you into one very long, very real week in their home. From fevers and stomach bugs to basketball games that start early, overlapping school schedules, missed Bible studies, and late night cleanup, they walk listeners through the day by day reality of life in a large foster and adoptive family.

    But this episode is not just about the hard stuff.

    It is also a heartfelt reflection on the beauty and necessity of community. Jason and Whitney share powerful examples of people who stepped in during this exhausting week and made a tangible difference. A former teacher pouring into their son’s creativity, church members offering transportation and childcare, and friends quietly showing up in faithful, practical ways.

    This episode is raw, honest, and deeply encouraging. It offers a realistic glimpse into foster care life while reminding listeners that no family is meant to do this alone. Whether you are a foster parent, adoptive parent, part of a church community, or someone wondering how you can support vulnerable children and families, this conversation will help you see that small acts of faithfulness truly matter.

    In this episode, you will hear:

    1. What a typical overwhelming week can look like in a foster and adoptive home
    2. How sickness and packed schedules multiply stress for large families
    3. Why authenticity matters when sharing foster care stories
    4. Real examples of community stepping in and serving in meaningful ways
    5. How people can answer the biblical call to support vulnerable children without fostering themselves
    6. Encouragement for parents who feel exhausted, unseen, or stretched thin

    This episode is a reminder that dreaming small looks like showing up, lending a hand, and being faithful in the everyday moments.

    If you enjoyed this episode, please consider following the podcast, leaving a rating, and writing a review. These small actions help the podcast reach other families who may be looking for encouragement and hope.

    If you would like to support the Dream Small Podcast financially, you can do so here:

    https://dream-small-podcast.captivate.fm/support

    We would love to connect with you.

    Email: dreamsmallpodcast@gmail.com

    Instagram: @dreamsmallpodcast

    Facebook: Dream Small Podcast

    Twitter/X: @DreamSmallShow

    Music credit:

    “Paradise Found” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

    Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

    http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
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    38 mins