I have received several comments about the phrase Ukrainian Adoption Reunion over the years. The quibble was that it couldn't be a reunion since you are meeting total strangers for a picnic.

Six years ago, I adopted my darling daughter Natasha from Ukraine. Natasha is almost 10 years old and was adopted at 3.5 years of age. I try to attend a reunion per year. While some of the other families are strangers to me, we share many common experiences. Everyone has a hat or frozen ovary story that occurred during their adoption. They really aren't strangers after the first hour.

Another quibble was that attending these types of events... year after year... This places too much importance on where the child came from. My answer to that is Culture, Heritage and Stereotypes.

I cannot maintain my child's Ukrainian culture. That boat sailed a long time ago and besides I don't live in Ukraine. BUT I can keep her connected to her heritage.



Adoption didn't break Natasha's link to Ukraine. She loves that she has a Ukrainian passport. She loved it a little too much when she was 5 years old. She drew all over it with a permanent black marker.

Natasha continually proves that her heritage is important to her. She had to create a book for a school project a few weeks ago. She drew the Ukrainian Flag and July 4th fireworks on her book cover. Being a Ukrainian citizen and American citizen are part of her identity.

And I really enjoy the events too. It is a chance for me to relax and exchange stories, photos and parenting tips with other families. Some of my favorite events are sitting around a swimming pool listening and talking to other adults.

Ukrainian Adoption Reunion Season Begins
Accepting the Referral for My Daughter
Penguins on Grass