Ericka J
Just days after graduating from Auburn University, Ericka took a trip to Africa that changed her life forever. She discovered two unexpected things there: a passion for orphan care, and her husband Rusty! Together they founded The Sound of Hope, and have spent the past 10+ years working to provide holistic care to vulnerable children around the world. Though her heart (and time) is divided between other countries – she’s proud to call Birmingham, Alabama home!
When Ericka & Rusty decided to grow their family through adoption, they never guessed it would take five heart-wrenching years to get their daughter home from Thailand. These days Ericka tries to soak up every moment of long-awaited motherhood to their beautiful little girl, Kate. Their Thai darling is growing up way too fast, and Ericka is mildly obsessed with over-documenting it all on Instagram and her blog!
In addition to managing The Sound of Hope, Ericka and her husband run a video & photography business called RJackson Media. In her “free time" (do moms have free time?!) Ericka enjoys gardening, decorating, and DIY projects. She also loves singing, dancing, and acting – and was cast in her very first musical theatre role last year. She firmly believes that you’re never too old to try something new!
Looking for Rainbows in the Back-to-School Storm
"What you focus on, grows."
"What you focus on, grows." This is a quote I've been meditating on for a while now (long before we'd ever heard of COVID19) -- but right now it feels...
Black Americans are Grieving – It’s Time for White Americans to Acknowledge Their Pain
*Black Americans are grieving. Your Black friends, co-workers, acquaintances, and the strangers you pass on the street are carrying a heavy weight on their shoulders and a sharp pain in their chest. In early...
How to Thrive When Working From Home With Your Spouse
I will never forget those first few years of marriage when people would sweetly ask, “Aww, how long have you two been married?!” We’d answer them–one year, two, three, four–and they would respond all...
The Day I Was Crowned (at Shades Creek Dental)
My Crowning Moment
After my first visit to Shades Creek Dental, Dr. MacBeth told me, "You need a crown."
So, I was like, "I know, right?!"
Miss America dreams die hard, and I was looking forward to...
Thoughts from a Mom with Dental Trauma: Why I Chose Shades Creek Dental
I’m one of those people . . . one who cringes at the thought of going to the dentist, who puts off appointments way too long, and who finally goes in for a cleaning...
Crafting with Connection :: A Simple Gift to Make for (or with) Your Child
These little necklaces started as an idea to connect with my daughter as she was beginning preschool. I wanted a way for her to feel close to me while we were apart. We promised...
Documenting Your Family Vacation :: Easy Apps for Memorable Videos
Traveling with our daughter (even on short trips) has proven to be one of the best memory makers and bonding experiences. We love exploring and going on adventures together! And as professional photographers and...
Mending Little Hearts (When Mama Loses Her Cool)
It had been a hard day . . . a hard week . . . a hard season. My six-year-old daughter was struggling (for several good reasons). It was almost dinnertime, and my husband...
Behind the Mask of Social Media
"Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about."*
The successful “working mom” you sat next to at the PTA meeting at school had a panic attack in the parking...
3 Hurtful Things You’re Saying to Adoptive Parents (Without Even Realizing It)
It's a good thing my husband and I are generally "open book" kind of people because our privacy really took a hit when we became an adoptive family. You may not realize this, but...
