China Ties Program Manager Autumn Ackerson reflects on her personal journey as a Chinese adoptee returning to her birth country—and how leading others on their own return trips has shaped her path.

Korean adoptee David shares his powerful return-to-Korea journey with Ties—reflecting on identity, belonging, and what home truly means.

Explore Part 2 of The Ties Program’s Mental Health Awareness Month blog series, focusing on the unspoken adoptee stressor of “narrative burden.” Learn how adoptees and their loved ones often carry the weight of explaining their story—and how heritage travel, community, and emotional support can help lighten the load.

Born in Kolkata and raised in Oregon, South Asian adoptee Kara Griffey shares her powerful return-to-India journey with The Ties Program—reclaiming identity, rediscovering culture, and finding lasting community during AANHPI Heritage Month.

Join us for the inaugural Ethiopian Ties trip this December. Program Manager Rebecca Blessing shares the heartfelt journey of how this long-awaited heritage experience for Ethiopian adoptees and their loved ones finally came to life.