Our journey began on the sun-soaked beaches of Delaware, New Jersey, and Maryland, where the temperatures soared between 90 and 100 degrees. Trading the heat for the cooler climes of New England, we headed to a family camp on Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire. The refreshing 80-degree weather was a welcome change, even though we encountered a day and a half of rain. Despite the weather, our spirits remained high as we adapted our activities, moving them indoors or to later in the afternoon. Thankful for my Rhelm, Hannah Dress to help me transition to the summer swim suits to long sleeve, pre-Fall fashion.
What made this camp truly magical was the unique bond we shared with the other families. All of us had adopted our children from Kazakhstan, creating a tight-knit community where the kids felt like brothers and sisters. Some of us had even shared the adoption experience in Kazakhstan, creating memories and stories that connected us deeply.
Our own adoption journey was an adventure. We were given a mere five days to arrange our affairs and travel to Kazakhstan after receiving the call to adopt. Upon arrival, we learned that our assigned coordinator had quit mid-flight, leaving us in a foreign land, feeling abandoned and isolated. Navigating the language barrier, currency, and local customs without guidance was challenging, but it also brought us closer to the other adoptive families we met there.
Astana, the new capital of Kazakhstan, was a mix of architectural wonders and cultural fusion. From buildings resembling the White House and the Eiffel Tower to a blend of Middle Eastern and Russian influences, the city was a maze of new experiences. Initially, we struggled with the stoic demeanor of the Kazakh people, misunderstanding their reserved nature as unfriendliness. However, learning basic phrases in their language helped us connect, and soon, they began to warm up to us.
The adoption process in Kazakhstan was vastly different from what we knew in the United States. The system involved providing "gifts" to various officials, a practice that felt like legal corruption. We were told to expect a six-week process, but it stretched to over two months. During this time, we adapted to the extreme weather changes, from sweltering heat to freezing cold, and learned to navigate the local customs and systems.
Health and wellness were significant aspects of our time in Kazakhstan. With no Walmart, Target, or supermarkets offering a variety of goods under one roof, we had to walk everywhere to find what we needed. This lifestyle shift, combined with the unprocessed, fresh foods available in the best seasons of summer and fall, led to a notable improvement in our health. Darrell and I each lost 10 pounds and experienced no gut health issues, a stark contrast to the struggles I faced upon returning home.
Kazakh culture, rooted in nomadic traditions and a communal, spiritual lifestyle, was both challenging and enriching. The people were kind, loving, and incredible hosts. Their way of life, walking everywhere and foraging for essentials, influenced our own habits during our stay. When I felt homesick, working out to Tracy Anderson's routines or indulging in familiar self-care products like Oribe and Yonka provided comfort and a sense of normalcy.
Despite the initial struggles, our persistence paid off. Moving into an apartment with other American families was a game changer, providing much-needed support and companionship. Together, we visited the baby house, shared meals, and created lasting bonds. We learned to laugh at our challenges and embrace the unexpected.
Returning to the present, our reunion at the family camp in New Hampshire felt like coming home. The children, though they may not have seen each other for years, picked up right where they left off. The special bond they share, rooted in their shared origins and adoption stories, is something truly extraordinary. As parents, we cherished the moments of connection, laughter, and shared experiences, knowing that our unique journey has forged lifelong friendships and an unbreakable bond among our children.
In reflecting on our travels from the Eastern shores to the heart of New England, we are reminded of the resilience, adaptability, and love that define our journey. It is these qualities that have turned our adoption story into a tale of family, friendship, and the enduring power of community. We plan to return to Kazakhstan one day, traveling with the adoption families we met in-country and at our special camp, Kazakhaul. The scariest time in the beginning turned into the very best experience we ever had, changing our lives for the better and creating priceless, forever bonds and relationships.
For more about the places and experiences mentioned, here are some helpful links:
- [Astana](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astana)
- [Kazakhstan Adoption Information](https://adoption.com/kazakhstan-adoption)
- [Lake Winnipesaukee](https://www.lakewinnipesaukee.net/)