In this episode of The Anna Jinja Show, we welcome Rev. Teresa Kim Pecinovsky—adoptee, minister, author, and an inspiring voice for reimagining faith and identity.

Born in South Korea and raised in Iowa, Teresa’s journey is one of cultural richness and profound self-discovery. As an adoptee, she shares how her experiences shaped her identity and worldview, navigating the intersections of heritage, belonging, and faith. Now based in Minneapolis, Teresa balances life as a minister, parent of three, and author of the beautifully written and illustrated picture book, Mother God.

🎙 In this episode, we dive into:

✨ Teresa’s adoption story and its impact on her identity and faith.

✨ The intersection of her South Korean heritage, Midwestern upbringing, and spiritual journey.

✨ A live reading of her book Mother God, which reimagines God with feminine imagery to inspire readers of all ages.

✨ How she integrates creativity, ministry, and parenting into her life and a sneak preview of her next book.

Her words offer wisdom, and a fresh perspective on what it means to embrace identity, faith, and creativity. Tune in, listen to Teresa’s incredible journey, and maybe discover a piece of your own story along the way. Don't miss this chance to connect, reflect, and be inspired by the unique and powerful narratives shared during this episode.

Guest Links:
https://tkpcreates.com/

https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B098SKF9XV

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Heartwarming Adoption Journey: A Story of Love, Adoption, & New Beginnings

We are beyond thrilled to share the incredible story of Kasey and Justin Padgett, a couple whose selfless love transformed the lives of four siblings, all with the support of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. Huge shoutout to Mary Ellen Smalley for introducing us to their story—one that inspires hope, resilience, and the power of family. ❤️

Justin, a fifth-grade teacher in Kentucky, noticed one of his students searching "how to get adopted" on his Chromebook. The heartbreaking realization that the child and his siblings couldn’t return to their biological family set Justin and his wife, Kasey, on an extraordinary journey to adopt all four children. Their decision turned their household into a bustling family of six overnight relocating, buying essentials, and leaning on community support to make it work. This love story of chosen family was even featured on Good Morning America, where the Padgetts were surprised with the ultimate gift: a dream trip to Hawaii! 🌴

To make the moment even more special, our music producer Nick Kizirnis selected a song inspired by their journey, reflecting the joy and determination this family embodies.

For anyone inspired by their story and thinking about adoption, the Kasey and Justin emphasize the importance of reaching out—whether to local social services, foster networks, or organizations like the Dave Thomas Foundation. As Kasey says, "There’s an amazing community ready to guide and support you."

Stay tuned as we dive into their story, hear a special song inspired by their journey, and celebrate the power of love and resilience.

💬 What do you think of the Padgetts’ journey? Let’s celebrate their story and share resources to inspire others to explore the beauty of adoption. Drop a 💕 in the comments if this touched your heart!
#AdoptionStory #FamilyLove #DaveThomasFoundation #Inspiration #ChosenFamily

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| What happens when the mic gets flipped and the host becomes the guest? 🎙️ In this week’s episode of The Anna Jinja Show, Anna shares her powerful adoption story—but with a twist! Her husband Pete takes over as host to dive deep into moments of identity, belonging, and personal growth. From middle school sunglasses and hiding her eyes to embracing her truth and purpose, Anna opens up in a raw and heartfelt conversation. 🌟

Together, they explore:
• The story behind Anna’s middle-school sunglasses stage
• Growing up as an Asian adoptee in Iowa.
• Life-changing moments of self-discovery inspired by Anna’s podcast
• The journey of finding love, acceptance, and stepping into her purpose with confidence.

Anna reveals how her podcast became a mirror, reflecting the very questions she was afraid to ask herself—and how Pete’s unwavering support helped her embrace every layer of her story. 💕

🎧 Don’t miss this heartfelt episode full of vulnerability, resilience, and the power of connection. It’s a must-listen for anyone exploring identity, purpose, and belonging. Grab your favorite headphones and tune in to a story that will move and inspire you! ❤️

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