Adopting kids & traveling the world with Erin Burchik - Story 7

Welcome to Week 7 of our Summer of Stories series! This Summer we have been featuring stories of incredible moms that have endured significant challenges. Through these stories, we pray you will remember that God is faithful and always with you through life’s most challenging moments. In this week’s story, you will hear from the delightful, creative and intentional Erin Burchik. She is a family friend and I have long-admired her approach to parenting. She desperately wants to enjoy each of her kids and embrace the “good ole days” of kids in the home. She will share how traveling and taking trips became a passion of hers. And she will share some super practical ways to make trips doable and affordable when you’re on a budget.Before we get to the scoop on traveling for less, she shares her story about becoming a mom. Through many trials and some devastating financial loss, Erin has fought through doubt and frustration with God. She felt called to adopt and then it didn’t go as smoothly as she had hoped. It’s so fun to see her on the other side of this battle and see the family that God designed from the very beginning. My favorite part is when she explains the WHY behind their family adventures. She’s not traveling to flex on Instagram or show off or waste money. She’s traveling because she wants to create memories with her kids, to carve out time to adventure together and to get out of their comfort zone. I love her approach!In this episode, we discuss:Erin’s journey to motherhood - foster care and adoptionHow to find community with other adopted familiesHow to exchange gifts for experiences at ChristmasHow to find creative ways to do big trips on a little budgetEnjoy!!CourtneyChapters00:00Introduction and Background04:02The Journey of Adoption08:57Building a Supportive Community18:13Creating Lasting Memories20:05Santa Bringing Christmas Trips22:10Maximizing Credit Card Points25:29Saving Thousands on Family Trips28:21Benefits of Traveling with Kids30:15Building Independence and Confidence33:31Enjoying Motherhood and Savoring the MomentsConnect with Pardon The Mess:Christian ParentingPardon The Mess Courtney DeFeoGet your 2024-2025 prayer journal, A Life of FaithResources from today’s show:StrongHeartErin’s InstagramErin’s travel site - Points For FamiliesErin’s book - Animals of the NativityErin’s book - The Bear HugTBRI for families that have adoptedPardon the Mess is part of The Christian Parenting Podcast Network. As a donor funded ministry, we rely on generous supporters like you to keep this show going. If you enjoy this podcast, please consider giving a gift today. Join the Christian Parenting Legacy Builders communityOur Sponsors:* Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: www.ixl.comPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy