In 2011, our lives changed forever when we adopted our son Toby from Kazakhstan. This summer, at 17, Toby is finally returning to where his story began!

We are traveling with Ties, an organization with 30 years of experience in adoption heritage travel. They provide the cultural expertise, logistical know-how, and understanding of adoptee identity formation that will support Toby as he connects with his birth region.

We are set with the funds for Sandy and Toby to go– but our goal is to bring the whole family. For our daughter Lissa, also an intercountry adoptee, walking this path with her brother is an important step in her own journey. We want Toby and Lissa to have a bridge of shared understanding between them that will last their entire lives.

As you can imagine, heritage travel is not cheap! For us to travel together we need to raise $12,000 by May 1st. These funds cover all aspects of travel and programming, as well as a 2-day service project with Caring Heart, a local non-profit in Kazakhstan, which both kids are really excited about!

Whether it’s $15 or $500, your support will help ensure our whole family is by his side as Toby processes these life-changing moments.

With love,

Rob, Sandy, Toby, & Lissa