Purpose By Design with Pamela Henkel and Guest James Henkel

My special guest this week is none other than my favorite person in the world, my husband: James Henkel. James talks about his life as an adoptee being raised under his amazing parents: Betty and Bob Henkel.
James shares about how he eventually met his biological mother, and how special it has been to carry on a relationship with her, though there were some boundary issues initially. God has a sense of humor because when James and I married – we were unable to have kids – now we have six, which James shares how that came to fruition.
For a bonus, he shares some insight for those out there who are looking into adoption for themselves. You do not want to miss this one!
Time Frames:2:13 – Intro to our special guest and his childhood I being adopted, family
5:00 – “Why did they adopt you?”
6:05 – Tracking down his biological parents I receiving his original birth certificate, sister finding her biological mother
10:00 – James called his seemingly mother - James's biological grandmother does not give him the time of day
16:30 – An anonymous letter comes in from his birth mother Judy
19:00 – He learned his birth mother was forced to have him in a different city because embarrassment and there was no choice to keep him - strict catholic religion
21:00 – James called his biological mother and had a heart-to-heart and met her “I'm glad it turned out this way, I had good parents.”
22:30 –James's birth mother had 4 kids total
25:55 – James's birth mother comes to our wedding - he and his birth mother continued a long-distance relationship
27:35 – Judy experienced a traumatic loss and James had to figure out her place in his life - “she was trying to make up for lost time.”
32:35 – Fast forward…James and Pamela are divinely brought to an Inner-CityChurch - little girl at the alter asking for prayer
35:04 – Talking with other adoptees and how it is unique to be adopted
39:00 – If you are contemplating adoption… “I encourage you to do it!”
42:54 – Conclusion
THANK YOU for listening to this week’s podcast. Please remember to listen,learn, and share this podcast if you feel lead. God bless and do not forget totune in next week!
Have a Beautiful and BLESSED Week,Pamela