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Ties Returns to Colombia: A Journey of Connection, Culture and Homecoming
Ben Kaanta, Colombia Ties Program Manager, reflects on Ties’ return to Colombia and how geographical and cultural layers can inform an experience.
Returning to Korea: A Personal and Evolving Journey Through Heritage Travel
In this powerful reflection, Korean Ties Program Manager Sarah Kurtzahn shares her personal experience traveling to South Korea with her husband (a Korean adoptee) and their young son. From exploring Seoul in 100°F heat to navigating Korea’s evolving post-adoption landscape, Sarah reflects on how heritage travel, adoptee identity, and family connection continue to intersect in meaningful ways.
Ties Traveler: Meet Tatyana
Kazakhstan adoptee Tatyana shares her powerful 2024 Ties Program journey—reconnecting with her orphanage, embracing her culture, and finding community through heritage travel.
Ties Traveler: Meet Bella
Guatemalan adoptee Bella Faulkenberry shares her transformative experience traveling with The Ties Program. From rediscovering her heritage to building lifelong connections with fellow adoptees, Bella reflects on what it meant to return to her birth country with support, community, and love.
Ties Travelers: Meet Wen
Follow Wen's journey back to China on the 2024 China Ties trip as she visits her birthplace in Ningdu, reconnects with her roots, and reflects on identity, belonging, and the power of traveling with fellow adoptees.
Ties Travelers: Meet David
Korean adoptee David shares his powerful return-to-Korea journey with Ties—reflecting on identity, belonging, and what home truly means.
Returning to Korea as an Adoptee–Reconciling With What It Means to Belong
Ties Program Executive Director, Tanya Kaanta, reflects on life as a Korean adoptee.
AANHPI Heritage Month Spotlight: Kara Griffey
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.
A Long-Awaited Journey Back to Ethiopia
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.
AANHPI Heritage Month Spotlight: Lacey Jeffrey
Chinese adoptee Lacey Jeffrey shares her journey of identity, heritage travel, and cultural connection as part of the AANHPI adoptee community. Read her story of heritage travel and finding belonging.
AANHPI Heritage Month Spotlight: Jackson Oakley
Vietnamese adoptee Jackson Oakley shares his journey of identity, reunion, and cultural connection as part of the AANHPI adoptee community. Read his story of heritage travel, family, and finding belonging.
Ties Program Participants Now Eligible to Receive Grants from CH/LSS!
Discover how Ties Program participants can now receive grant funding from CH/LSS to support heritage travel. Learn who qualifies, what the grants cover, and how to apply for this meaningful opportunity.
Ties Travelers: Elizabeth’s Journey to Vietnam
Follow Elizabeth’s journey back to Vietnam with The Ties Program, where she reconnects with her roots, embraces cultural identity, and explores her birth country alongside fellow adoptees. A powerful heritage travel experience filled with reflection, growth, and community.
