Episode 26: Mike & Kristin Berry
Sometimes you hear an incredible story and wonder to yourself if the people who lived it are really so incredible as it first seemed. Then there are those rare times when you actually get to meet those same people and find yourself even more impressed than before. Not because they are so grandiose, but because you get to feel the energy of deep strength behind their genuine humility. This has been my experience with both Mike and Kristin Berry…and I’m a big fan now.
Mike and Kristin run an organization called Confessions of an Adoptive Parent where they blog, podcast, and speak to weary adoptive and foster parents everywhere…sharing the support and validation those parents need to regain hope and finally stop feeling alone.
Today I had the chance to sit-down with both Kristin and Mike to discuss their incredible journey of family and faith. It’s an honest conversation of what life and faith look like while having fostered 23 children, adopted 8, and becoming grandparents in the process…all before the age of 40.
It’s a story of what one family chose to do when the traditional idyllic suburban life was no longer viable. As Mike puts it:
“We miss out on the life that’s waiting for us, because we’re so drilled down on the life we expect.”
It’s also a story of hope.
Hope for people who feel ostracized for living outside the standard suburban life plan.
Hope for parents who experience the struggle of raising a kid that operates outside the social norms of their age group.
Hope that love can actually grow strong in the midst of chaos.
You’ll hear Kristin share the challenging and sometimes painful journey towards hope that they walked through in raising their son who carries the serious effects of F.A.S.D. (Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder). She also shares from her book (Born Broken: An Adoptive Journey) how emotional strains can also lead to a depth of connection with others that allow you to laugh…even when you and your partner are spilling coffee all over the place together in public.
Kristin’s book is compelling (i.e. you’ll be sleepy the next day, because you couldn’t bear to stop reading and stayed up too late), and is a must read for anyone who is considering being a part of the fostering or adoptive parenting journey. It’s an affecting story that at times feels like you are reading the personal diary of a fully invested woman who’s role is constantly changing…Mommy, advocate, counselor, friend, safety officer, and student…(to name a few). It’s not always easy to hear the real-life hardships and pain that comes through parenting a child suffering from the effects of FASD, but as the Berry’s son said to Kristin before writing this book (with his permission) “Mom, you need to write the truth…People need to know what this is like…”
Mike has also written a book about their journey (titled: Confessions of an Adoptive Parent) that is currently available for pre-order. (Again…if someone is connected to or considering the foster and adoptive journey…this book is worth your time. The pre-order bonuses alone would be a huge gift…offering connections and resources not easy to find).
I hope that you’ll enjoy getting to know the Berry family as much as I have and that you are encouraged by hearing from people who understand the powerful experience of when genuine people say ‘It’s ok…we understand what you’re going through.’
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About Jeff Blackburn
Jeff Blackburn is a Spiritual Coach and passionate Truth-Seeker. An alumnus of Oxford University, Jeff is someone who advocates for Freedom and Fullness of Life for All. He believes Jesus offers good news for people everywhere today…not just eternity. Jeff is the Executive Director of Fearless Questions, Inc. and has spent the past 20 years working with people searching for God.