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. 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. Traveling with the volunteer program will enhance
and e enrich your life in ways that you will continue to discover long after you
return home. Our programs will place you in an environment that will best
utilize your unique talents, interests and abilities. We will provide a
pre-trip orientation and training that will assist you in preparing for your
journey. Your preparation will include information about the culture and
customs of the place in which you will be volunteering. It will also
address what to expect from our staff, your fellow volunteers and the
in-country volunteer placement. There will be informal discussions
scheduled at key points in the program to provide you with additional support,
insight and information.
The volunteer
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.
Sponsor/Donor Journeys - Cultural
Exploration Journeys
In
partnership with a number of Non-governmental Organizations, this program will
make arrangements for you to see first hand the people and places that you have
supported with your donations and sponsorships. The work of the
chosen organization is just part of what you will
experience. Understanding the culture, history, customs and
traditions of the selected country is an essential part of this program.
Arranged activities will bring you inside the lives of the local people.
You will have the opportunity to personally touch the lives of the people
around you. They will in turn transform how you see the world and your
place in it.
Thoughtful preparation for this kind of journey is essential. Orientation and pre-travel meetings will be facilitated by our experienced staff. Discussion groups will be arranged at key points on the journey to ensure that participants are fully experiencing all the program has to offer.
