by Dr. Tanya Kaanta, Executive Director of The Ties Program
It’s been just over a week since I returned from our India Ties Program, and the transformative power of those two weeks continues to resonate with me. Landing in Delhi, I was filled by the vibrant culture—the colors, spices, food! and the sheer energy. I was excited to share this experience with the group of adoptees and loved ones who would soon be joining me. My colleague, Lauren Sanders Fleming, and I prepared for their arrival, met with our India tour partners, and settled into the exciting newness of India. Lauren, on her third trip to India, provided invaluable support and guidance.
The arrival of each family brought a wave of emotions. Excitement and curiosity mingled with confusion and exhaustion, and under it all, a current of intense pain and joy. Each adoptee’s experience of returning to India was unique, reflecting the complexities of their individual journeys.
As the trip unfolded, conversations delved into the political, economic, and social forces that shape intercountry adoption. Questions surfaced regarding identity, and with them, the pain of feeling different and “othered.” Yet, amidst these challenging emotions, something remarkable happened. Being surrounded by fellow adoptees from India created a sense of belonging many had never experienced before. For the first time, they were part of a community where their stories were understood without explanation, their experiences validated without justification. This newfound sense of belonging was a powerful and liberating experience, enhanced by the ability to connect with their birth country and its cultural roots.
Loved ones navigated a complex emotional landscape of their own, witnessing the joys and challenges experienced by their adoptive family members. This journey underscored the profound and lasting impact adoption has on every member of the family, creating a shared experience that continues to unfold throughout life.
I witnessed adoptees learning to accept themselves, questioning the negative self-perceptions that may have developed over the years. I saw families learn to communicate more openly—with other adoptees, with other loved ones, and within themselves. This process of growth and understanding extends far beyond the trip itself.
As an intercountry adoptee myself, this trip was incredibly meaningful. It reminded me of the importance of our work at Ties and the profound impact these journeys have on individuals and families. Being in India, sharing this experience with others, and witnessing their vulnerability and resilience brought a new level of healing for me. It reinforced the importance of community, reminding me that we are not alone in navigating the complexities of adoption. We can be proud and frustrated, angry and joyful, all at the same time. Our identities are complex and multifaceted, and it’s our right to process our experiences on our own timeline, knowing we have the support of others who understand.
As we embark on 2025, I’m filled with excitement for the opportunities that lie ahead. We’re dedicated to connecting with adoptees and their loved ones, providing unwavering support and education as they navigate their journeys.
This year promises a rich tapestry of experiences. Our summer and fall programs are brimming with opportunities:
- Guatemala Service and Language: An immersive experience for adoptees 18 and older to connect with the culture, learn Spanish, and give back to the community.
- Heritage Journeys: Explore your roots with our Ties Programs to Guatemala, China, Kazakhstan, and Korea.
- New Horizons: Venture and discover the beauty of Colombia, Bulgaria, and Romania for the first time since before COVID.
- Korean Ties First Wave: Embark on a special journey designed for adoptees 50 and older to Korea.
- Return to Cambodia: We hope to reintroduce our Cambodia program, offering a chance to reconnect with this vibrant country in December.
- Annual Vietnam Visit: Continue our tradition of exploring the rich culture and history of Vietnam over the New Year.
- Healing and Wellness: Our Ties to Wellness Trips are designed for all adoptees and their loved ones. These retreats will provide a nurturing space for healing, support, and well-being, grounded in a deep understanding of the intricacies of adoption.
We’re also thrilled to strengthen our collaborations with incredible adoptee-focused organizations like Adoption Mosaic, GOA’L (Global Overseas Adoptee Link), IAmAdoptee, ICAV (Intercountry Adoptee Voices), KAAN (Korean American Adoptee Network), PACT (An Adoptee Alliance), and Therapy Redeemed (Therapist Cam Small). And we’re deeply honored to work alongside esteemed scholars like Dr. Sara Docan-Morgan and Dr. Amanda Baden, whose research sheds light on the complexities of intercountry adoption.
I am truly humbled and grateful for the incredible community of intercountry adoptees and their loved ones. Thank you for entrusting us to be a part of your journey.