Ep. 51- Choosing Special Needs Adoption as the First Pathway to Parenthood with Abby Snyder

More Than Your Age

I think there’s something special and unique about a person when you get the opportunity to talk to them and feel this connection and draw towards them as a person. There are people in this world that are truly remarkable and the fact that I had the opportunity to speak with one and discover her kindness and unique warmth, made this interview extra special. Abby Snyder shared a part of her story in how she and her husband decided to pursue adoption, and not just a neurotypical adoption, but one with children with special needs. It’s a great story of love and compassion as you listen to Abby share how she chose this life and the impact it has had on her life. She discusses the growth and maturity her daughters have experienced, as well as their improved academic and artistic abilities. In addition, Abby also talks about her children's book, which aims to build vocabulary for children with developmental delays. Additionally, she shares her unexpected venture into pottery and how it became a way to bring people together.

I can’t wait for you to listen to Abby’s story and learn from her compassionate heart.

Takeaways

-Discovering one's passion can come unexpectedly, leading to a fulfilling career path.

-Mission trips can have a profound impact on individuals, opening their eyes to new possibilities and inspiring them to make a difference.

-Living a slower-paced life and embracing home education can have positive effects on children's development and overall well-being.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

08:07 Discovering Occupational Therapy and Passion for Working with Children with Special Needs

13:15 Mission Trip to Ukraine and Decision to Adopt

25:26 Marriage Counseling and Healing

26:11 Adopting Eva

41:29 Transition to Farm Life

46:10 Benefits of Slow Living and Home Education

50:03 Transformation and Growth

53:40 Writing a Children's Book

56:18 Discovering Pottery

57:46 Creating Unity Through Pottery

01:00:04 Encouragement for Adoption

01:04:20 Pursuing Dreams and Goals

Connect with Abby:

Instagram: @abby.louhoo

: @unityware.ceramics

: @thedabneycreekfarm

Websites mentioned in this interview:

https://99balloons.org/about/

https://teamworksteam.org/about/who_we_are- Jimmie and Amanda Clark, along with Kym Hannah, started these mission trips after they adopted their four children with cerebral palsy from the same orphanage mentioned in the episode.

https://reecesrainbow.org/- Reese’s Rainbow is an international special needs adoption organization that started specifically as a Down syndrome adoption organization.

https://luxhausinteriors.com/- Abby’s pottery can be found here.

Connect with Erica

Email // Facebook // Instagram // Linkedin

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