Ties Traveler: Meet Tatyana
Hi, my name is Tatyana Nett. I’m 19 years old and currently living in Colorado, where I’m studying hospitality and travel. I was adopted from Shymkent, Kazakhstan at 9 months old, and recently had the incredible opportunity to return to my birth country on the 2024 Kazakhstan Ties trip.
Why I Chose Ties
Ever since I was little, I’ve felt like something was missing—a part of myself I couldn’t quite put into words. I often felt like my experience wasn’t shared or understood by those around me. I longed to explore my heritage, hoping it might help me find the missing piece of my identity. When I discovered Ties, I was immediately drawn to the opportunity it offered: a chance to reconnect with my roots, meet other adoptees with similar stories, and explore a culture I had always longed to know more deeply.
Moments That Mattered
Tatyana in Kazakhstan (2024), spending time with local children.
Ties gave me the space to do just that—and so much more. One of the most cherished memories from my trip was the laughter and dancing we shared after a beautiful dinner, celebrating not only our shared heritage, but each other. That joy, that community, will stay with me forever.
I also had the incredible chance to visit my orphanage and reunite with the caretaker who once looked after me. When I showed her a baby photo, she immediately recognized me. Tears filled her eyes as she hugged me tightly. In that moment, I was able to thank her for the care she gave me in those early days—and she got to see me now, thriving and full of life.
Creating Something Together
Tatyana and fellow adoptee Natalia’s collaborative design for Kazakhstan Ties 2024.
One of the most creative and meaningful highlights of the trip was collaborating on a drawing with another adoptee. We had each created our own version—hers was digital, mine was hand-drawn—and we instantly loved what the other had envisioned. So, we decided to combine our ideas into one shared piece, adding details that captured special moments from our journey: holding the Kazakh eagle, eating in a traditional yurt, and visiting the Kok Tobe mountains. It became a beautiful reflection of everything we experienced together. Our Kazakhstan Ties program manager, Tanya, even had the artwork printed on T-shirts and sweatshirts, giving all the families a chance to have something tangible to remember the trip by—a keepsake full of heart, heritage, and shared memories.
What I’ll Carry With Me
Adoptees on Kazakhstan Ties 2024 sharing a meal in a traditional yurt.
This trip opened my eyes to just how rich and beautiful Kazakh culture is. It helped me feel seen—not just as an adoptee, but as a Central Asian woman reclaiming her narrative. I made lifelong friends, created unforgettable memories, and felt a sense of belonging I hadn’t experienced before. I was reminded that I am deeply loved and never alone.
The Ties trip allowing me to return to my birth country is something I will never forget. I met so many people, shared so many experiences, and learned so much in such a short amount of time. Ties’ impact on me is something I truly can’t put into words—it was amazing, healing, and in so many ways, it felt like I was glowing.
Feeling inspired?
If Tatyana’s story resonated with you—or sparked curiosity about your own journey—we invite you to explore what a Ties trip might mean for you or your family.
Whether you're ready to travel or simply starting to ask the big questions, there's a community here for you.
Learn more about our 2026 Kazakhstan Ties Heritage Journey. Request the info packet to explore the itinerary, pricing, and what makes this trip so special.
