Open Heart, Open Mind, Open Ears (with Maria Mendoza) | Episode 20

Stories That Live In Us

Many people take an AncestryDNA test just to get the ethnicity estimate, curious about where in the world their DNA is from. However, they often overlook that their results include a match list - thousands of people in the Ancestry network with whom they share DNA, indicating a family relationship. Sometimes a really close one. For adoptees like Maria, this match list can be the beginning of a whole new journey of discovery and connection.

Maria Mendoza was raised knowing she was adopted at birth. Content with her life and the family that raised her, she never felt a need to seek out her biological family. But, after taking a DNA test, Maria unexpectedly connected with relatives she never knew existed, unlocking a story that spans borders and generations.

Maria’s story - from the family that raised her to the family she is raising - has been forever altered now that she has connected with the family of origin that she was never quite sure she wanted to know. Listen in as she shares how she is navigating complex emotions and sensitive family dynamics all while successfully establishing new relationships and deepening connections.

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For ideas on how to connect more deeply with your family through family stories, follow Crista on Instagram @CristaCowan.

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1. Open Heart, Open Mind, Open Ears (with Maria Mendoza) | Episode 20 (00:00:00)

2. Discovering Family Stories Through DNA (00:00:02)

3. Unexpected Family Reunion Journeys (00:07:44)

4. Emotional Wealth Found Through Family (00:16:19)

5. Navigating Hope and Connection (00:24:18)