Join other adoptive families as you explore the birth country of your children. Activities are child centered and emphasize the richness and beauty of the culture that is an important part of your family’s heritage. Our experienced staff and a local guide are just some of the many people who will help you explore your child’s roots. A balanced variety of experiences are arranged so that you and your child will have a better understanding of adoption, their roots and of the bonds that make you a family. Traveling with other adoptive families is the ideal way to discover and enjoy the heritage journey experience. Informal group discussions are arranged at key points in the program for group discussions; time for parents, adoptees, and other family members to share their experiences, joys, fears, and emotions as they explore their children's birth culture and heritage, create positive memories of their birth country and create new life-long friendships. This time of mutual support and shared insights is an invaluable part of the tour. These discussions will assist you and your child to begin processing this profound, sometimes overwhelming adventure. Each program will also offer a unique service/volunteer experience which will vary from 1-3 days depending on the country and the needs present. Once you return home, our staff will continue to be available to you as you learn new ways to integrate and embrace your child’s cultural identity.
Visiting your birth-country with your family is just one way to explore your heritage. Returning to your roots as an adult is another important step in understanding your adoption journey. Traveling with other adult adoptees is a unique way to experience your birth culture. The insights and shared experiences of being an adoptee provide a critical connection, a connection that enhances your heritage journey experience.
This program was created to meet the needs and interests of adult adoptees focusing on the kinds of experiences that have been requested by them. These may include volunteering at an orphanage or school, staying with a host family, meeting other young adults/students and/or exploring personal and cultural connections.
Kindred Journeys is committed to the principle that sharing our time and talents with our global family is not only a privilege but our responsibility. We also know that giving back to the country of your birth can be an important and exciting part of processing your adoption story.
Many adoptees return home after a visit to their birthcountry wishing they could have done more to give back. It's also one of the issues that challenges families the most when they are traveling through the country, seeing poverty and seemingly hopeless circumstances that are much more visible in most other countries than they are here in the United States. The impulse to respond in some way can be frustrating and overwhelming. Going home without addressing this urge can complicate the processing of your experience. The full circle experience you expected when traveling back does not seem quite fi nished.
By working side by side with people to improve their lives in a real "hands-on" way, personal connections are made and relations blossom. Each journey will include an option that will enable each of you to make a genuine difference in the existence of the people you meet. Projects will vary from country to country and year to year. We will also consider the specific experience and skills of the volunteers who travel. Participants will be consulted and notified will in advance of what service activities will be included in their trip.
Types of experiences that may be offered:
- spending the day in a rural or impoverished school, teaching English through games, songs, reading
or storytelling
- Assisting the staff at a daycare center or orphange
- Participating in a language or cultural arts class that may include dance, art, sports.
- Helping a village build the physical structures needed to house a school.
- Teaching sewing or other crafts to women who want to start a business.
- Or simply learning about and encouraging the efforts of a local village.
The service program welcomes volunteers of all ages. For youth under 18 years of age we request that an adult/parent share this experience with you. Families, individuals and groups should contact us to arrange this kind of journey at least 9 months prior to the time they would like to travel.
Journeys for Your Group
Many adoption groups create special bonds over the years as their children grow together. This program creates a unique journey just for your adoption or other special interest group including: Adoption, Waiting Parents, Family, Culture, School, Language, Sponsor/Donor, Student and Women and Elder groups. These are just some of the "kindred spirits" that travel together for a cultural and service immersion journey. Our staff will work with your group to design an itinerary that reflects your special interests and needs.
info@kindredjourneysinternational.com
