Our Adoption Journey: Bringing Reya Home from India
By Tamanna Mohapatra
On March 29, 2024, my husband Sanjay and I finally welcomed home our daughter, Reya Virmani, through Children’s House International’s India adoption program. It was the day, a dream we had carried for years, became reality, and the day our family became whole.
Why Adoption Was Always Part of Our Story
Adoption was never a “backup plan” for us.
“It was always in our plan to adopt one child and have one child biologically; probably the only topic we discussed before deciding to get married.”
When we started our family, India felt like the natural place to adopt from. Sanjay and I are both of Indian descent, and though we became American citizens years ago, our ties to India remained strong. We wanted to celebrate that heritage in our home and share it with our children.
Choosing Children’s House International
When we began looking at agencies, one thing became clear—Children’s House International (CHI) stood apart.
“We were having trouble having our biological child and CHI was the only organization that said they would support our pursuing both adoption and the other chosen route.”
That openness and encouragement meant the world to us. From the very beginning, CHI showed us that they would walk alongside us no matter how complex the journey might be.
The Adoption Process Felt Like Climbing Mount Everest
I’ll be honest: the adoption process wasn’t easy. The timelines, the mountains of paperwork, the waiting—it all felt overwhelming.
“At times it felt like we were climbing Mount Everest… but slowly and surely, the end was in sight.”
Our journey was long. We started, stopped, and restarted. COVID slowed everything down. During that time, we also welcomed our biological daughter, Aesmi. We even moved overseas and back, which meant completing two major home studies filled with notarizations and documents.
Meeting Reya for the First Time
When I traveled to India to finally meet Reya, she was 2.5 years old. I was so nervous walking into that moment. But what happened is something I will never forget.
“She came over to me, and I held her, and I knew we belonged.”
The first few days together in the hotel were tender but challenging. Reya wasn’t used to so much one-on-one attention. She didn’t know what to make of cuddles and being carried. But by day two, she accepted me. By day five, she didn’t want me out of her sight.
“Just a normal kid at the end of the day.”
Embracing Heritage and Culture
One of the most important parts of adopting from India is making sure our daughter always feels connected to her heritage. Thankfully, this feels natural for us.
We celebrate Indian festivals together, attend temple wearing traditional clothes, and watch Bollywood songs and movies as a family. Reya has already been back to India with me for a wedding. We talk to her grandmothers regularly, keeping those relationships alive and strong.
Support from Children’s House International
I don’t think we could have made it through without Children’s House International. Every step of the way, CHI was there to answer questions, guide us, and calm our fears.
“CHI was amazing, especially our India Case Manager, Tanya Knapp. We are so grateful for her patience and calmness.”
The adoption education we received opened our eyes in so many ways, and the medical reviews gave us reassurance when we needed it most.
Life as a Family of Four
Bringing Reya home has transformed our family. She is such a loving, joyful child, and she’s also teaching us to be patient parents. Watching her bond with her younger sister, Aesmi, has been just as we had hoped and imagined.
“Reya is lovely, wonderful, and so easy to love.”
Even our dog has joined in this new season of love and laughter.
Advice for Families Considering Adoption from India
If you’re just starting your journey with adoption, I want to encourage you:
“Don’t give up. Don’t think it’s an easy process, but it does end, and it is worth it in the end. CHI is great and will support you at every step.”
I even encouraged a close friend to pursue adoption through CHI, and just a few months ago she came home with her own baby girl from India.
The Most Rewarding Part
Looking back now, every delay, every setback, every bit of paperwork was worth it.
“Reya is just who we needed and wanted to complete our family. She makes the whole journey rewarding and worthwhile.”
If you are considering adopting a child from India, contact Children’s House International today: https://childrenshouseinternational.com/india/
Watch Reya´s Welcome Home video: https://youtube.com/shorts/6uklErcohV8?feature=share