Stephanie is a world traveler whose life is deeply rooted in family, work, and a love for the outdoors. Born in India in the 1970s, she was adopted at the age of three and raised by an American family in New York. Growing up, she didn’t dwell much on the details of her early life or the circumstances that led her to a Mother Teresa orphanage. Life moved quickly — filled with school, career, motherhood, and adventure — leaving little room to reflect on the past.

Although Stephanie has returned to India several times, it has always felt like a place she loves but doesn’t fully belong to. She doesn’t speak Hindi nor fully understand many of the traditional customs, yet she feels a strong connection to the food, the music, and the energy of the country (she completly shocked her family when she had her surprise wedding there).  Her adoptive parents shared stories about her birth mother — narratives passed down to them, likely softened or embellished over time to ease any sense of abandonment.

It wasn’t until recently, with her own children now grown and in college, that Stephanie found the space to explore her origins more deeply. Over the past six months, she’s been reflecting more about her birth country and the parents she never knew. She’s connected with adoptee groups and found comfort and strength in hearing stories from others who’ve walked similar paths. These conversations have opened a new chapter in her life — one filled with curiosity, healing, and connection.

Stephanie is now planning to travel back to India with a group of fellow adoptees — women who have become like “Indian sisters”. Together, they plan to uncover pieces of their shared histories, offering each other support and understanding as they navigate the complex emotions of identity and belonging. For Stephanie, this journey isn’t just about looking back — it’s about embracing where she came from while continuing to discover who she is.