Elizabeth Kwon 3/12/26 Elizabeth Kwon 3/12/26

Language at the Lake: A New Way to Experience the Heart of Guatemala

Hazel Bendix refects on her transformative Ties trips to Guatemala and shares why she’s excited for the new Language at the Lake program. From cultural immersion and volunteering at El Amor Children’s Home to learning Spanish and building lifelong connections, this program offers adoptees a unique opportunity to explore heritage, language and identity.

Elizabeth Kwon 3/4/26 Elizabeth Kwon 3/4/26

All of Your Ethiopian Ties Questions Answered

Planning a Ties Heritage trip to Ethiopia? This guide answers everything from dates, to updates from the inaugural trip, in-country support, reconnection opportunities with birth family and pricing. Learn how Ties creates meaningful, personalized experiences for adoptees and their loved ones plus get tips on grants, travel planning and making the most of your journey.

Elizabeth Kwon 2/26/26 Elizabeth Kwon 2/26/26

The Importance of Being “Together in This” - Introducing Our New Seminar for Partners of Adoptees

Together in This is a three-part interactive seminar created specifically for partners of adoptees who want to better understand, support, and grow alongside the person they love. We sat down with Ben Kaanta and Sarah Kurtzahn, co-creators of this important seminar, to gain insight into why they felt this course was needed and why they decided to navigate unchartered territory.

Elizabeth Kwon 2/12/26 Elizabeth Kwon 2/12/26

The Assumption of Citizenship: Why Intercountry Adoptees Are Left Out of the Conversation

Many assume that international adoption automatically grants a child citizenship, but this isn't always the case. This post explores the historical and legal reasons why thousands of adult adoptees remain without secure status today.

Elizabeth Kwon 2/5/26 Elizabeth Kwon 2/5/26

Inside the Mind of Our Travel Team: Marisa Reflects on Our Inaugural Trip to Ethiopia

In this behind-the-scenes reflection, Ties travel team member Marisa shares what it was like to lead the inaugural Ethiopian Ties heritage journey, offering insight into adoptee travel, group support, in-country partnerships, and the powerful moments of identity and belonging that unfolded along the way.

Elizabeth Kwon 1/29/26 Elizabeth Kwon 1/29/26

Ties Traveler: Meet Emily

Walk with Emily as she reflects on her first trip back to Korea on the inaugural Korean Ties First Wave tour. From overcoming zero interest in Korea to being a full fledged ARMY, Emily’s story will spark familiarity among other adoptees who “get it”.

Elizabeth Kwon 1/22/26 Elizabeth Kwon 1/22/26

Ties Traveler: Meet Liz

Meet Liz Sevigny (they/them/她). Liz is a Chinese adoptee from Yueyang in Hunan Province and a participant in our inaugural China Ties Adult Adoptees Age 21+ heritage journey. Liz shares reflections on returning to their birth country, traveling alongside fellow adult adoptees, and the meaningful experience of meeting with their birth family during the journey.

Autumn Ackerson 1/17/26 Autumn Ackerson 1/17/26

Intercountry Adoptee Rights and Safety Guide: What to Know in 2026

Stay informed, prepared, and supported as an intercountry adoptee. This living guide offers practical tips on rights, documentation, travel, and community resources, helping adoptees navigate immigration enforcement and complex legal questions with confidence and care.

Elizabeth Kwon 1/15/26 Elizabeth Kwon 1/15/26

Goodbye 2025, Hello 2026

Dr. Tanya Kaanta, Director of the Ties Program, reflects on 2025 - acknowledging the transformation of the adoptee space and the what Ties brings to the table. She also looks forward to what 2026 will bring for Ties the broader adoptee landscape.

Elizabeth Kwon 12/18/25 Elizabeth Kwon 12/18/25

File Reviews & Birth Search in the Age of NCRC: Part 2

In part two this two-part series, program manager and Korean adoptee Liz Kwon personally reflects on how birth search and file reviews are being handled since NCRC took over adoptee files earlier in 2025.

Elizabeth Kwon 12/11/25 Elizabeth Kwon 12/11/25

File Reviews & Birth Search in the Age of NCRC: Part 1

In part one this two-part series, program manager and Korean adoptee Liz Kwon personally reflects on how birth search and file reviews are being handled since NCRC took over adoptee files earlier in 2025.

Elizabeth Kwon 12/3/25 Elizabeth Kwon 12/3/25

Healing Ourselves & Others: Grounding with Aire Roots

Elizabeth Kwon 12/1/25 Elizabeth Kwon 12/1/25

Introducing Our NEW Program! Language at the Lake (Atitlan, Guatemala!)

Ties is offering a new immersive program in Guatemala for all adoptees and their loved ones. Read about the program here.

Elizabeth Kwon 11/28/25 Elizabeth Kwon 11/28/25

November Gratitude Spotlight: Marra’s Star

Elizabeth Kwon 11/19/25 Elizabeth Kwon 11/19/25

November Gratitude Spotlight: Ana Wilson

Elizabeth Kwon 11/4/25 Elizabeth Kwon 11/4/25

November Gratitude Spotlight: Destiny Fore

Elizabeth Kwon 10/13/25 Elizabeth Kwon 10/13/25

A Journey Back to Guatemala: How One Adoptee Found Connection Beyond Birth Search

Former Ties Traveler, Gabby Mendez, reflects on what it feels like to travel to your birth country without accurate birth records.

Elizabeth Kwon 9/22/25 Elizabeth Kwon 9/22/25

Positionality, Identity, and Adoption: Lessons from the Summer Adoption Research Institute

Hear from Senior Program Manager, Sarah Kurtzahn, as she reflects on her time at the Rudd Institute from the viewpoint of someone who is connected to adoption in a non-traditional way.

Elizabeth Kwon 9/11/25 Elizabeth Kwon 9/11/25

Returning to Research: Reflections on the Rudd Institute’s Adoption Masterclass

Follow Ties owner and executive director, Tanya Kaanta, as she reflects on her time at the Rudd Adoption Research Program.

Elizabeth Kwon 8/31/25 Elizabeth Kwon 8/31/25

Wellness Check-In: A Guided Reflection for Adoptees

While National Wellness Month is ending, it’s never too late to practice wellness all year around. We invited Astrid Castro, Founder and CEO of Adoption Mosaic, to speak on ways for adoptees to incorporate wellness practices into your every day life.