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Home Colombia Homeland Tour

Colombia Homeland Tour

Barker's Homeland Tour to Colombia offers a unique and life-changing experience for families who adopted children from Colombia. 

Tours are open to all adoptees and adoptive families regardless of whether Barker was your placing agency.  The trip is geared toward families with teens or young adults ages 13−25 and is designed as an introduction to the child’s birth country, offering opportunities to experience Colombia’s rich culture and the experience of visiting FANA. At FANA, families will have the opportunity to meet with a FANA social worker to learn about the child’s personal history and spend time with children living at FANA. In the past we have also visited with expectant mothers who are considering placing their children for adoption.

What if we Adopted our Child from Somewhere other than FANA?

All Colombia adoptive families are welcome on Barker’s Tour!  In the past, families have visited their child's orphanage immediately after the official tour ends. 

What are the Dates for the 2017 Tour?

The Tour is tentatively scheduled for July 3-11, 2017.

Who is leading the tour?

Sue Hollar, Carolina Kenrick, Barbara Donesky, and Maria Teresa de Perez will lead the Barker tour. Sue, a social worker, is Barker’s Associate Director and has worked in the child/welfare adoption field for 25 years. Carolina, Barker’s International Consultant, is a native Spanish speaker and has worked in the adoption field for three decades.  Barbara is in private practice and facilitates Barker's Adoptive Parents' Support Groups. Maria Teresa served as Barker's Colombian representative for decades and is considered by hundreds of families to have played a hugely significant role in their adoption. Sue, Carolina, and Maria Teresa have worked together to lead multiple Homeland Tours and offer the skills and expertise that makes Barker’s adoption-sensitive tour unlike any other. 

Colombia Homeland Tour 2015 at FANA

What will we do on the tour?

The tour participants will visit FANA and meet with a FANA social worker to learn about their personal history.  In addition, participants visit the Hogar (the home for birth mothers), and meet with women considering an adoption plan. Tour participants will also enjoy Colombia’s rich culture with an itinerary to include: 

  • City tour of Bogotá
  • Trip to the Gold Museum
  • Visit to the Botero Art Gallery/Museum
  • Magnificent views from the top of Monserrate
  • A train ride to and tour of Zipaquirá  (the Salt Cathedral)
  • Visit to local markets for shopping  
  • Traditional Colombian meals

​What have others said about the tour?

  • “We had been looking forward to this trip for several years and it was everything we hoped it would be and more. We can’t thank Barker enough for making this happen.” Adoptive Mom
  •  “Returning to FANA, visiting the Hogar, and experiencing Colombia in the company of fellow adoptees was fabulous beyond words” Adoptee, Age 17
  • “This trip changed me and my family.  It opened my eyes to so much and made my heart more complete.” Adoptee, age 15
  • “Our daughter is extremely happy for having had the experience for which she had waited for so long, and says she now feels whole as a person. This was one of the greatest family experiences we have ever had, and we cherish every moment spent together.” Adoptive Dad

How much does the tour cost? 

The cost for the tour is $1,800 per person (excluding airfare).  

Colombia Homeland Tour 2015What is included in tour fee? 

  • Apartment – type accommodations for your family
    • Museum and tour fees for all scheduled excursions
    • Daily breakfast, most lunches and one group dinner
    • Transfers between the airport and the hotel(s)
    • Formal and informal programming and services by accompanying adoption professionals available to assist your family
    • Pre-trip orientation session held in Barker’s Bethesda, Maryland offices (the orientation session is also available by phone for those living outside of the Metro DC area). 
    Colombia Homeland Tour 2015
       

      What is not included in tour fee? 

      • Flight arrangements to and from Bogotá
      • Transfers between your home and the airport in the United States
      • Fees for passports and other required travel documents
      • Travel Insurance
      • Some meals, including most dinners
      • Any unscheduled outings

      When do I have to apply and pay the fees? 

      • Applications are due to Barker by January 1, 2017.
      • Registration deposit of $300 per person are due at time of application
      • All remaining tour fees must be paid to Barker by May 15, 2017  

      When is the orientation meeting?

      The orientation meeting for all tour participants will be held at Barker’s Bethesda office at a time to be determined.  Participation by phone is also available for those living outside of the DC Metro area.  

      What do I need to do next? 

      Download an application here and send it along with your deposit to:

      The Barker Adoption Foundation
      Attention: Sue Hollar
      7979 Old Georgetown Road, First Floor
      Bethesda, MD 20814

      Send an email or call Sue Hollar at 301.664.9664 to let us know if you are interested in registering for the tour or if you’d like additional information.