Graciela Barcenas and Brandi Peacher
Recorded
April 13, 2025
51:06 minutes
0:00 / 0:00
Id:
mbb000543
Description
Brandi Peacher (40) and her chosen family member and friend, Graciela “Chela” Barcenas (60), sit down to share and unite their perspectives on the miraculous birth story of Brandi’s daughter, Isabel.Subject Log / Time Code
Brandi Peacher (BP) begins by introducing the story that connected her to Graciela Barcenas (GB). BP reflects on her nine-year journey of trying to conceive, overcoming numerous obstacles, and eventually deciding to pursue adoption.
GB recalls visiting BP’s home to provide cleaning services, where one of her employees accidentally broke a lamp. She reflects on BP’s gracious reaction and how that moment led to a deeper, life-changing conversation about BP’s dream of becoming a mother.
BP recounts not seeing GB for a year while she was hospitalized. GB shares her memory of fearing she had upset BP after an emotional conversation about God’s will and the mysterious ways He works.
BP continues her account, remembering how her husband accidentally broke her leg during Thanksgiving, and how she endured surgery and a challenging recovery.
BP recalls waking in the middle of the night after her heartfelt conversation with GB, hearing a mysterious voice urge, "Pray for Brandi," and envisioning that she was meant to have a "dark-haired baby."
GB remembers receiving a call from the same cleaning girl who had broken the lamp. The girl shared that her friend, who was pregnant, had attempted to terminate the pregnancy three times, but each time, something inexplicable stopped her.
GB recounts how the cleaning girl suggested that BP might adopt the baby, having overheard GB and BP’s earlier conversation. GB brought the idea to BP’s mother-in-law, with whom she shared a longstanding bond.
BP reflects on the moment her mother-in-law shared the news with her, and the emotional and mental struggle that followed. She remembers discussing the "crazy" proposition with her husband the very next day.
GB continues the story, recalling how she told the cleaning girl that BP needed time to consider the decision. GB also confides that she would have considered adopting the baby herself had BP declined.
GB recalls meeting Isabel’s biological mother for the first time and acting as translator during her conversation with BP.
BP shares her decision to take a leap of faith and commit to adopting the soon-to-be-born child.
BP reflects on meeting Isabel’s biological mother, embracing her with compassion, and navigating language barriers and cultural differences to ensure both mother and child received the care they needed for a healthy delivery.
BP recounts the story of Isabel’s birth.
BP closes by leaving a message for her daughter, Isabel.
Participants
- Graciela Barcenas
- Brandi Peacher