Presenting My Work In Porto, Portugal

I am writing this as I am leaving Porto, Portugal, and what can I say? It's been an incredible week with so much that I have learnt, not only about my own story but from hearing others.

I was asked if I would like to introduce a symposium for the first time. The incredible Jesús Palacios reached out to me a while back and asked if I would like to present one to introduce others who were also adopted from overseas (domestically and internationally). He said I was the perfect candidate for it. I was thrown back a bit (in a good way). I couldn't believe it. It was an amazing feeling to be asked to do this. I, of course, said yes. I had already planned on going to Porto to attend the 9th International Conference on Adoption Research. I went to the previous one in 2024, where I got to show one of my earlier stories from my An Adoption Story series. It’s really quite surreal to see how much has changed since then with the work I am doing in the community and with the series itself.

Porto in Portugal is truly a beautiful part of the world. I had visited Europe a few times and, of course, Russia, which isn’t far (compared to where New Zealand is) from Porto.

I know I was here for a conference, and my goal was to really highlight the awareness of the work I am doing, while, of course, enjoying my time here. I do reflect always on how things have changed, and since I established I’m Adopted, I can really see how the community has changed. All in a good way. Things have grown. More adoptees are connecting, and more are seeking that support within the community. In the beginning, like myself, I wanted that connection with peer-to-peer support. I was always really looking out for that. My parents are incredible people, and they have always supported me when it comes to trying to find answers. But to connect with someone else who has a story, and I have said this many times, just talking with someone else who might be adopted, I can tell you, I truly connect with them. They feel what I am saying, and they truly understand. Again, my parents' love has always been there and always will be. It’s just that understanding a little more with someone else who has been down a similar timeline.

Wednesday was the day that I would be standing up on this stage inside this auditorium inside the Super Bock Arena in Porto, also known as the Pavilhão Rosa Mota. I caught up with Jesús, who invited me to present, and I told him over and over again that I was quite nervous. I had only met Jenni, who would be speaking after me on the panel. The others on the panel, who were also adopted, were yet to meet me. But that instant connection was there once I met them prior to the symposium.

Elpis, who was adopted from Greece, I met the night before, as people from the conference who were based in the USA organised an evening together with others who were adopted. Elpis came up to me and said, "Alex, I listen to your podcast and watch your videos. Quite amazing to meet you right here!" I always say, what a small world. And it is.

The others who spoke with me were Alicia, who was adopted from Romania, and honestly, her story is just so powerful. It truly was a touching presentation she did. I also got to meet her the previous night prior to the symposium. I also met with Eileen, who was adopted from Ireland, and Holly, who is an adoptee from South Korea, now living in the States. Reihonna was a co-author with Holly when she was speaking. She herself is a child from a foster family as well as an adoptive parent. All great people who spoke.

I got up and started the introduction. Nervous as I could be, of course, I looked around to see who I could spot in the crowd. Our small group from New Zealand was watching, many whom I had also met from the States in 2024, and a lot of new faces. I could barely see much as the lights were bright, but this helped a lot.

Long story short, I spoke and did my introduction, talked about my story and the work I do with I’m Adopted. I then spoke about my An Adoption Story series before introducing the panel who would be speaking next.

Once we finished our talks, they then played the story of Daniela that I had done. It was quite amazing to see how many people were there waiting to watch. It was getting into the lunch break, but people were eager to see it. I looked around and really was astounded to see everyone waiting. Also, as we were in Portugal, a special version of her story was played, which included Portuguese subtitles.

After her story had finished, it was lunchtime. But when it came to me eating my lunch, I struggled to find the time to actually eat, as many were coming up to ask questions. Oh, it didn’t bother me. I was all there to talk about it. I have a passion for what I do, and the nerves were still there, so I wasn’t really hungry at all. So that worked in my favour.

Overall, my trip here in Portugal has been quite awesome. Going to the other side of the world to highlight what I do is incredible for me, and I sometimes forget where I am because it’s unbelievable. More of this experience and time here I will be writing about later, but for now, though, I am heading back to New Zealand, and while I am on my way home, I will be reflecting on everything that has taken place this week.

This community is special, and it’s amazing to see the impact it’s been making around the world. Thank you!