In this episode of the Desert Wanderers podcast, we welcome Father Griffin, author of Forming Families, Forming Saints. Father Griffin shares his inspiring vocation story, detailing his journey from a Christian upbringing to becoming a Catholic priest. We explore the importance of family life, human and spiritual formation, and how parents can foster a culture of faith within their homes. Join us as we discuss practical steps for nurturing vocations and the significance of building a community centered around God.

Resources:
Forming Families, Forming Saints: https://www.amazon.com/Forming-Families-Saints-Carter-Griffin/dp/1645854116

Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction

(00:15) Father Griffin's Vocation Story

(10:00) The Role of Family in Faith Formation

(20:00) Importance of Human and Spiritual Formation

(30:00) Practical Steps for Parents

(40:00) Nurturing Vocations in Children

(50:00) Conclusion

In this enlightening episode of the Desert Wanderers podcast, we delve into the life and legacy of St. Francis in honor of the year dedicated to him. Join us as Teresa Zapeta shares her insights on the profound impact of St. Francis, exploring his journey from a wealthy youth to a revered saint known for his love of nature, humility, and radical detachment from material wealth. Discover how his teachings remain relevant today and learn practical ways to embody his virtues in our modern lives as we prepare for his feast day.

Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction

(00:15) Who St. Francis Was

(00:45) Pivotal Moments in His Life

(01:30) The Year of St. Francis

(02:00) Virtues of St. Francis

(02:30) Celebrating His Feast Day

(03:00) Conclusion

In this episode, we welcome Terri Marcroft, a passionate advocate for adoption, to share her personal journey and the importance of open adoption. Terri discusses how her own experience with adoption led her to create Unplanned Good, a platform aimed at educating and supporting women facing unplanned pregnancies. Join us as we explore the statistics of unplanned pregnancies, the benefits of open adoption, and the legislative efforts being made in Idaho to support birth mothers and promote adoption as a viable option. This enlightening conversation is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the beauty and complexities of adoption.

Recourses:
Terri Marcro ft
https://unplannedgood.com

Idaho Department of Health and Welfare
https://healthandwelfare.idaho.gov

Unplanned Good
https://unplannedgood.com

Safe Haven Laws
https://www.nationalsafehavenalliance.org

Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction to Desert Wanderers Podcast and Interview with Terri Marcroft

(00:40) Terri Marcroft's Personal Adoption Story and Vocation Journey

(01:53) Exploring Adoption as an Option for Unplanned Pregnancies

(02:44) The Beautiful Experience of Adoption and its Connection to Vocation

(04:44) Founding Unplanned Good to Promote Open Adoption's Benefits

(06:07) Adoption as a Positive Choice in Unplanned Pregnancies

(08:05) Starting Unplanned Good and Educating Young Women on Adoption Options

(11:02) The Adoption Process: Navigating Agencies and Creating Personal Brochures

(12:57) Birth Mother's Criteria for Adoption and God's Divine Plan

(14:12) The Impact of Roe v. Wade Overturn on Adoption Ministry

(15:13) Statistics on Unplanned Pregnancies, Abortions, and Adoption Rates

(16:56) The High Demand for Adoptive Parents and the Adoption Statistics Discrepancy

(17:59) How Women Choose Adoption and Navigating Adoption Agencies

(19:07) State Oversight of Adoption Agencies and Connecting with Birth Mothers

(20:22) Promoting Adoption as a Viable Option Amidst Societal Pressures

(22:24) Understanding Open Adoption vs. Foster Care Adoption

(24:13) The Evolution of Adoption: From Closed to Open and Birth Mother Empowerment

(27:08) Open Adoption Dynamics and Maintaining Relationships

(28:09) Birth Mother's Right to Change Her Mind and State Adoption Laws

(29:10) Benefits of Open Adoption for Children and Supporting Birth Mothers

(32:38) Birth Mother's Bill of Rights and Support Systems

(34:03) Making Adoption Resources More Accessible and Understanding the Process Timeline

(35:13) The Waiting Game: Adoptive Parent Timelines and Expenses

(36:56) Funding Adoptions and the Thorough Vetting Process for Adoptive Parents

(39:09) Post-Adoption Checks and Resources for New Parents

(41:24) Preparing for Open Adoption: Education, Merging Relationships, and Birth Father Involvement

(44:38) Navigating Differences in Open Adoption: Values and Parental Authority

(46:44) Age of Disclosure in Adoption and Honesty in Open Adoption

(48:55) The Beauty of Open Adoption and Terri's Legislative Work in Idaho

(50:19) Advocating for Adoption Education and Legal Reforms in Idaho

(52:46) Empowering Birth Mothers and the Importance of Choice in Adoption

(54:00) Legislative Victories in Idaho: Banning Unlicensed Agencies and Supporting Birth Mother Expenses

(55:51) Safe Haven Laws and Fetal Development Education in Idaho

(57:35) Securing Federal Funding for Adoption Programs and the 'Third Option' Initiative

(59:03) Addressing Misinformation and Promoting the 'Third Option' in Idaho

(01:01:02) The Impact of Proposition 1 and Promoting Adoption as a Viable Choice

(01:03:04) The Profound Impact of Terri Marcroft's Work and God's Guidance

(01:03:45) Conclusion: Appreciation for Terri's Work and Desert Wanderers Podcast Outro