RUSSIAN TIES

July 12 - 25, 2009
August 1 - 14, 2010

Watch Russian Ties come to life on video!

 A highlight of Russian Ties is the opportunity to visit the orphanage where your child lived.  "From Russia to Minnesota and Back" is a glimpse of  Katie and her family’s visit to The Oryol House of Children while traveling with Russian Ties 2008. 

Highlights  

  • Visit your child's orphanage and meet the care givers
  • Ties Program  "Connect & Chat" for the kids and “Talk Times” for the adults
  • See The Kremlin, Red Square, The Hermitage, and more
  • Family friendly and "Adoption Aware"
  • Humanitarian aid via Project Kindness-Russia

Visiting Russia as a family is profound and memorable.  Together you will experience extraordinary moments and gain incredible insights leading to a greater understanding and a stronger sense of pride.  We understand how important this trip is for you and your child.  In the many years we have done Ties programs around the world, we have seen how beneficial it is for children to experience this journey in "community" with other adoptive children.  At the same time, we pride ourselves in making your family’s experience a personal one.  You will have all the benefits of traveling with a group – a “community” of families with similar life experiences.  And, we will tailor the journey so that your family is able to reconnect with people and places important in your child’s life.

Families from throughout the United States immerse themselves in Russian culture while seeing the sites and creating memories that will last a lifetime.  Recognizing that every child has a unique connection to Russia, The Ties Program customizes a portion of the journey enabling families to return to the part of the country where their child was born.  Referred to as the "centerpiece of the journey," these arrangements include transportation, accommodations, services of an English speaking guide as well as arranging a visit to the baby home or orphanage where a child lived.

To date, Russian Ties families have visited Cherepanovo, Ekaterinburg, Irkutsk, Kirov, Kurgan. Moscow, Murom, Nizhniy Novgorod, Novosibirsk, Orel, Perm, Petrozavodsk, Rostov, St. Petersburg, Shakhty, Stavropol,  Surgut, Tver, Yaroslavl,  Vladivostok, Vyshny Volochyock.  In the future, The Ties Program looks forward to the helping families return to these cities and others.

 READ WHAT RUSSIAN TIES FAMILIES HAVE TO SAY

Russian Ties "was a journey back to a country where I received two "special gifts" - our family now has a great appreciation for Russian culture and history and an emotional tie that will last a lifetime."
     ~Betsy Grodhaus

"The trip to the orphanage was more than we could have ever expected.  It meant so much to all of us, as well as the staff at the orphanage.  It is an expereicne we will never forget."
     ~Larry Leeuwenburg

"I liked meeting new people and going back to the country where I was born in.  I also liked visiting the baby home.  (One of the doctors remembered me and that was special to me.)
     ~Julia, age 13

 "I would recommend people see where they were born..."
     ~Dasha, age 12

Russian Ties is "absolutely the best trip we’ve been on – gave me lots to think about. Didn’t realize that sharing with others would be so significant."  ~Donna Thonis.

“It's like starting from the beginning..."  ~Lexy, age 13

"A careful and meaningful vacation exploring your child’s origin and cultural heritage…great combination of learning, emotion, and flat out fun!"       ~Sue Tyler

"A very supportive way to see Russia with a wonderful group of families – very special."
     ~Alissa Shethar

Read A Homeland Tour to Russia by Heather Ames, MSW, LICSW

For more information, contact The Ties Program or request an Informational Packet.

Pre-Register now for a future year, so that we can hold your spot!