by Deborah Malone and Rita Prochazka
Hi this is Debbie. I am so excited to have Stephanie with us today. I wish we could learn so much more of each of our interviewees than just what we talk about in our interview. This interviews really encompass a lifetime of living, growing and serving the Lord. Even during the hard times, too. Stephanie and her husband adopted seven children and fostered hundreds of others. There is a book in there somewhere, Stephanie. Oh, yeah, Stephanie also writes children’s books. Stephanie thank you for letting us see a litte bit into your life. It is a blessing to have you as a guest on our blog! Now let’s dive in and learn a little more about you.
Questions by Rita:
Stephanie, can you share some of your testimony with our readers?
I was influenced as a young child by a Jesus-loving grandmother who practiced her faith in the face of great personal loss and tragedy. I don’t recall a time in my life that I did not love God. In 4th grade I made a public decision and was baptized. My decade plus years of infertility challenged my faith and subsequently led to a strengthened faith. That prepared me for the struggles I would face as a foster mother to dozens of children over a 15-year span.
In your walk with God in this season of your life, what have you learned that you can share with others on their winter journey?
I have learned that no matter our age or maturity, we never ‘arrive.’ We will continue to grow and learn and improve in a transformational way as long as we live and breath. My personal mantra has become a constant reminder of this truth,
“All in all, all is well. And if it isn’t yet, well, it will be.”
How have you prepared/been prepared for your ministry?
As an adoptive mom of seven, my firsthand experiences have given me a unique perspective towards writing about the process of adoption as well as children’s books that speak to childhood trauma.
Questions by Deborah:
Stephanie, what would be your advice to other “seasoned” women on ways to stay active in ministry?
Don’t hesitate to adjust “how” you serve in ministry. Our abilities may have changed. Perhaps even our availability. Trying to do what we’ve always done in the past, keeping the same pace and schedule might result in dreading what should be a joy. (What great advice, Stephanie. Now I need to remember this myself:)
Can you tell us a little about your ministry?
I particularly enjoy educating and encouraging families interested in adoption. (Hence, my new children’s book, “Backyard Betsy.” I also have a heart for mommas. Young ones with littles and now, in this season of life, older moms of adult children and grandmothers.
What challenges have you had to overcome in this time of your “seasoned” ministry?
Boundaries with my time and energy continue to be a challenge. It’s hard not to be constantly occupied with my seven young adult children, their families and our eight grandchildren (age 4 and under).
Bio: Stephanie is an author, speaker, and mother of seven grown children and grandmother to eight. She and her husband fostered many other children along the way. Stephanie has a heart for young mothers and families who want to be adoptive parents. She can be reached at stephanierodda.wordpress.com. Her new children’s book, “Backyard Betsy,” has just released and is available on Amazon.com. Stephanie and her husband live in Alabama.
Where Hope Blooms 