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We have two children from India,a dopted as an infant and at age 6, who are now l9 and 16. we want to take them back to India but are worried about their reaction to the poverty and culture shock. Any tips form families who have done this?We also will be able to meet one child's grandfather and birthmom. Anyone else done this?

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Originally Posted By Sarah

Our family has just returned from a 4 month stay in India and both of our kids (ages 21 and 10)were fine. It was an incredible experience for our 10 yr old daughter who hadn't seen India since we left when she was 8 mo. old. Initially they both had difficulty with touts and beggars but other than that they had a great time. No amount of reading or speaking to others can really prepare them but I do recommend reading Culture Shock!a Guide to Customs and Etiquette - India by Gitanjali Kolanad. Though we were there only a short time it was enough that she really began to feel at home there and India has settled in her heart in a very profound way. (Mine too! I miss it terribly and am trying to convince my husband to move there.)

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Originally Posted By Wendy

This travel agency in Wisconsin did its first homeland tour to India this past December/January. Once my 14 yr. old daughter is ready to go, we'll most likely go with this group. She, too, is nervous about seeing the poverty. There was a social worker who accompanied this group. Apparently, there were kids on this trip between 9 and 24....

Good luck!

Wendy

http://www.adoptivefamilytravel.com/