When Megan Houpt made the heart-wrenching decision to pursue adoption over pregnancy due to her heart condition, it struck a chord with me as a heart mom. Together, we unfold her narrative in this episode, navigating the complexities of adoption with a CHD. From the intricate dance of home studies to the emotional synergy with a birth mother, we journey through Megan's path to motherhood. The adoption landscape can be arduous, yet it's traversed with hope and culminates in the joyous arrival of Hunter Hart, a name rich with significance. (https://www.facebook.com/HLHSMeaganHoupt) In the second segment of the podcast, we continue reading from The Heart of a Heart Warrior Volume One: Survival. This week, we complete Chapter 3: Being Active with CHD. The courage of those facing congenital heart defects takes center stage as we share stories of triumph and transformation. Hear how heart warriors like and Alicia Lynch and Megan Tones find ways to be active, despite having complex congenital heart defects. Megan takes us on an Egyptian odyssey that defies the ordinary. Imagine scaling Mount Sinai and wandering amidst ancient temples, all while balancing the intricacies of medical needs with the thrill of adventure. Her narrative captures the essence of wanderlust, peppered with humor and humanity, proving that even with health challenges, the zest for exploration knows no bounds. Alicia inspires us with her journal entries which lead us from a time of despair to a time of rejoicing. In Chapter 4: CHDs Around the Globe Amy M. Le, Ellen Banoub, and Belen Blanton channel their battles into creating waves of change and offering a helping hand to others within the CHD community. Amy's pivot from a tech giant to a champion for indie writers, Ellen's leap from a CHD survivor to a beacon of support, and Belen’s recounting of finding God’s mission for her showcase the remarkable resilience and tenacity inherent in our human spirit. Join us, and let these tales of bravery, resilience, and the indomitable will to embrace life’s adventures inspire you. Support the showAnna's Buzzsprout Affiliate Link Baby Blue Sound Collective Social Media Pages: Apple Podcasts Facebook Instagram MeWe Twitter YouTube Website