Preparing for Your Trip

     Many items in preparing for your trip are time sensitive, though (of course) some are not.  We have listed approximate times, but your adoption agency may have a better idea of the time frames you personally need to look at.  Again, we had a wonderful agency that walked us through and held our hands through many things that we needed to do. 

TIP:  We found it very necessary to have an adoption binder.  We had it categorized into a few key subjects. 

1.      Paperwork - We didn’t throw anything the adoption agency gave us away and this came in handy later.

2.      Information-For all the items we pulled off the internet

3.      Journaling-We journaled all the different stages we went through in our adoption process.

4.      Calendar-Write down the days you submit your paperwork.  This way if you are told it should be back in 2 weeks and it’s not, you know when to start asking questions (occasionally).  Write down not only your appointments, but also keep track of when you need to start thinking about getting certain things done.

Three Months from time of Travel

1. If you have not already, start looking for a pediatrician.  Make sure they take your insurance and call their office and ask for what the recommend in the way of medicine you should bring with you to a foreign country. 
2. Make sure your passport is in order.
3. Make sure your Immigration paperwork and home study are current and will be at your time of travel.  Your fingerprints will expire at 13 months and the approval at 15 months.  Your home study will need to be updated at one year.
4. Find out which shots you will need to receive before travel.  There are certain shots that (to be in full effect) will need to be given months in advance.   Check the CDC Website to look at what shots they currently recommend for travel to your country of adoption.
5. Talk to your Dr. about medicines he or she recommend you take with you.  Remember that some countries do not have the same medical care that we are blessed with here.  Check the CDC website to see which medicines you need to be bringing.  Though we brought almost all (though not all) we used very little, but became a pharmacy to those who did not do this.  Also, we recommend you bring "ProBiotics"(for your digestive system) which you can find at a GNC or health food store.  We took them one week before we left, through the trip, and for a week after we arrived home.  We were the only family that did not have stomach issues during the trip. 
6. Double Check with your agency to make sure your paperwork is on track.
7. Start learning the language .  We found that if you learn as much as you can before you go, you are shown a lot of respect for the attempt (even if you pronounce things wrong)(smile).  We were blessed to have an Armenian Sister In Law that was able to tell us the correct way to pronounce certain Russian words.  There are also language tapes you can buy at any book store and even some language tapes especially for adoption (in certain countries) that you can Google and find on the internet.

One to Two Months from time of travel

1. Get your shots, if you have not done so yet.
2. Make sure your passport (if it hasn’t come in yet) and adoption paperwork is on track.  If you need to expedite your passport see "two weeks before travel".
3. Insure you have the items necessary for bringing your child home (See Preparing for Your Child)
4. If you have pets, make sure you have a kennel or friend prepared to take care of them at a moments notice (remember, you may not have much notice before you travel).
5. Start buying any gifts you wish to give in country (see below)
6. Decide on a travel agency.  Make a framework for any travel plans that you will need to take care of yourself.  When you receive your travel date and are purchasing a ticket request a bulk head/bassinet seat for your return flight (if you are adopting an infant). 
7. If you haven't previously, talk to your support groups and search the web for "cultural no no's".  Example: In Ethiopia (as many African countries) you eat and drink with only your right hand. This is for sanitary reasons.  You wipe yourself after using the restroom with your left hand.  Using this to eat can be a considered very rude and unsanitary.  Your manner of dress can also be very cultural and you need to inquire about what is appropriate.

Two weeks before through the time you are to travel

1.      Talk to your agency.  Make sure you will receive a duplicate copy of papers necessary for adoption.  Our agency provided us with this.  They suggest this.  You don’t want to find yourself in country only to be told some paperwork is missing.

2.      Make sure any invitation/Visa necessary to enter the country is being taken care of OR what you need to do AND when you need to do it (to take care of it yourself).  If you need an expressed Visa we suggest you go to the Better Business Bureau Online and search there for a reliable business.  Remember, you will be sending your passport off to a stranger. It will be returned with your Visa, but you do not want your passport getting into the wrong hands.

3.      TALK TO YOUR ADOPTION ADVOCATE/SOCIAL WORKER TO SEE IF YOU HAVE FORGOTTEN SOMETHING.

4.      Pack a bag for you and your child. (see below).

5.      Buy a phone card (if you can) and talk to others asking where you can buy an in country phone card.  In Russia we bought a phone card so that we could call our children.  Our cell did not work there (2003).  In Ethiopia we bought a phone card for our children to call us.  We also brought our Cingular/AT&T cell phone to Ethiopia (2007).  It was the only service provider that worked there and was wonderful to be able to call for just a few minutes occasionally.  Cell phones are becoming more common everywhere in the world.  They are great to call from airports to let your family know you arrived.  Talk to your service provider about rates.  One of our travel group brought a satallite phone, though she had to use it outdoors where there was no interference.

6.      Get your money in order (see below).

7.      Prepare your other children (See How to Make Your Trip Easier on Other Children).

8.  Get an emergency number from your agency (for your agency), an emergency number for someone in the country you are going to, and  the address of where you are supposed to be staying at.  It is also a good idea to obtain (and keep with you on your trip) an address and phone number of the U.S. Embassy and/or Consulate whenever you travel in a foreign country.

9.   Talk to the local police station and notify them you will be gone. Our police station has us fill out a form, does extra drive by's, and has noted what cars are supposed to be in front of our house.

10. Make sure your alarm company has been notified and someone you trust is on your list of people the company is supposed to call if your alarm goes off (and that they have your password).

GIFTS

To Caregivers and Others:

    As Americans we are setting an example in foreign countries.  We are not only setting the example as Americans, but Christians.  We recommend you take gifts to offer the caregivers and others that touch you and your child in this adoption process.  These gifts don’t have to be expensive, but thoughtful.  Though many in these countries may not have a lot or be considered rich, you may be surprised at the few things they have.  From our experience they tend to be quality things that they do own.  Below are a few ideas that we have used:

Throws

Candles

Non-Electric Tools

Stationary with pens

Nice looking jewelry (Sales at JC Penney)

Small bottles of perfume or cologne

You may even take a couple of American T-Shirts

Nice boxes of American Candy (Example: See's Candy)

Pretty, but Inexpensive Jewlery

We even bought very inexpensive small stuffed animals for children we ran into.  It was fun to see their eyes light up.   Remember not to give anything directly to any children at the orphanage without asking permission.  Remember you are guests in this country and we need to follow some basic rules of courtesy.

To the Orphanage:

    We collected baby clothes from friends, family, and Church (New or very slightly used).  This helped them feel part of the process.  We also did "Outreaches" through our children's classes at school.  Our children (even our 6 year old) gave speeches in front of their classes about the need.  This was very exciting for them.  Some agencies will provide you with a list of needs for your orphanage.  This may include medicine, board books, hygiene needs, etc.  We also shopped sales.   Most orphanages are in need of clothing items, but check with your adoption agency.

Side Notes:

It is a good idea to get a gift for the head of the orphanage.

Always talk to your agency.  Make sure you know (if you can) what you should or are allowed to do in the way of gifts.

Packing Your Bags

  The rule of thumb with us was to limit what we brought.  Check the weather on the internet (close to the date of travel).  Bring what you would normally bring for a trip (weather appropriate), but don't worry about being fashion conscious and bringing a billion pairs of shoes when you need only two.   Most airlines now have a 50 lb weight limit per bag.  Internationally you can usually bring two bags and one carry on (not usually including a purse or stroller-ask airline).  Some airlines will let you pay for extra weight or bags.  Some will not and will just make you remove items.  This can even vary by the person you talk to.  The bag you carry on needs to be under a specific size (ask airline).  We used a common house scale to weigh our bags at home before we went to the airport.  Remember again the 3 oz rule for anything liquid that is stored within your carry on (this includes pastes and formula as well).  All the 3 oz items need to fit in one quart size bag.

Here are a few extra and important things to add to your suitcase:

1. Good walking shoes, you never know when you will need to walk farther than you  planned.
2. A backpack came in handy.  While in Country you may need to bring paperwork, snacks for you, a drink…. because you never know when things will take longer than you’re told.
3.  A nice dress or suit for court.  Don't forget the shoes!  You want to give your best impression.  In some countries this might not be necessary.  In countries such as Ethiopia your child may have already gone through court before you arrive.  The rule of thumb is don't pack what you don't need!
4. Bring clothes for comfort as well.  Though is should not be raggedy, there may be a lot of waiting.
5.  We recommend (for both men and women) that you choose a scent.  I know that sounds weird, but we chose vanilla.  As we visited our son we both wore it.  When we arrived home we had vanilla scented house fresheners and spray.  Our other children wore the scent to.  We even put a tad on his blanket.  This made at least a scent to him familiar when we arrived in the states.  You will see that the smells in your country of adoption are drastically different than the U.S.  It’s an easy way to ease the adjustment…just a little.
6. You need to get a money belt.  My husband and I both had one, each carrying half of our money, and a credit card.  This is especially important if you are required to bring large amounts of cash to complete your adoption (see below).  We used the money belt for passports (as well as some of our own cash) and a credit card once we were in country and had handed the adoption fees over.
7. Don't forget a camera and/or video camera.  Pictures and/or video will be a priceless gift to your adopted child in the future.
8. Do not forget you medicine and some extras the CDC may recommend for travel.

Tip #1:  Put your itinerary in both suitcases and all carry ons.  This is so that if they are lost and tags (are ripped off) you can be found. 

Tip #2: Split up everything between two bags in case one is lost in transit.

Tip #3: Bring a small carry on with a set of clothes (two if you can fit them) and two sets of underwear (again-lost luggage).  You may want to include the following items as well.

     A couple of outfits for your child

     One bottle and a couple of nipples

     Dish detergent (tiny bottle)

     Small bottles of items you would not like to do without for the first few

     days such as shampoo, soap, hairspray, makeup, etc.  You will need to put

     these in one quart size plastic bag (per new airline regulations).

Tip #4:  Ask your Agency if where you’re staying has a washer and dryer (if they are arranging it) or ask your hotel.  If they don’t you will need to pack more.   You may consider bringing a small package of laundry detergent.  This enables you to do an "emergency wash" if needed.

Tip # 5: Consider bringing some snacks for you that could tide you over during long waits (in country).  You may not be able to find what you like there.  We recommend when you are in your country of adoption that you bring, in your backpack, a couple snacks for you, as well as a bottled water or drink.  There are times where you can’t help the wait and you will be exhausted and need a little energy. 

Tip # 6: You may see if your room or place you are staying in has a DVD player.  There is a lot of waiting and depending on others for transportation.  There will be times at night where you just can’t sleep.  If they do, bring a couple of DVD’s, and/or a book or two, AND  don't forget your journal to log your adoption journey.  Russian TV contained images that we really didn’t want to see.  You may also want to bring a battery powered DVD player if you are bringing children with you or bringing back older children.  Our (then) 12 year old traveled to Ethiopia and the movies on the plane were not those I wished my 12 year old to see.

Tip #7: Remember to think of others while planning what you are bringing on the plane.  Toys should not be very loud.  Bring plenty to entertain your child/children.  PSP's and game systems are helpful (though we limited it) for the older child that is traveling with you.

Tip #8:  If you are traveling to developing countries, you may wish to pack a small flash light in your bag.  We have been told that inexpensive light bulbs are often used and can burn out easily.  If you have a crying child, it's not fun to not have light in unfamiliar surroundings.

 Tip #9: If you are traveling to a developing country you may wish to bring small travel rolls of toilet paper, paper towels, trail mix and water mixes, and antibacterial hand wash.  When traveling to certain countries, though we love much of the food, you may find it does not sit well on your stomach.  Bring many snacks that are nutritious and will fill you up.  Also, though they are not necessary, we brought flavored water packets for when we had bottled water available.  When we went on our birth family visit, which many may not have, we needed to have the toilet paper, snacks, and bottled water.  There were no stops on the way.

Packing Your Childs Bag

  You can refer to “Preparing for Your Child” to see many necessities.  Check with your agency on how easy it is to procure diapers and other items you may forget.  We suggest you bring a stroller if you can or a baby sling (we wish we had brought both).  You will probably need it.  Below are suggestions for your diaper bag. 

Diaper Bag:

1. Diapers, Wet Wipes, and Desitin Creamy

2. Plastic Baggies (quart size) for clothing that your child may have had an accident in.

3. Two extra outfits (at least three on your flight home, if it’s long) this includes all layers even socks.

4.      Snacks for your child (example for young child: Cheerios, fruit or veggie wheels, small disposable baby food).  There are times you may be stuck somewhere in line waiting for a meeting or transportation. 

5.      Plastic Spoon

6.      Antibacterial Baby Wipes (kids get into amazing things).  You can also use this to clean off the spoon.  Remember you may not want to drink the water depending where you are.

7.      Filled Bottles or sippy cups (juice and water combo that doesn’t need to be refrigerated AND/OR water to mix with formula).  Again, there are times you may be stuck somewhere in line of waiting for a meeting or transportation. 

8.      If you will need formula, remember to have a small container you can put it in.

9.   A few entertaining toys or books (again for any wait you may incur).

10.  Tylenol or Motrin and a small digital (they’re harder to break) thermometer.

11.   ASK YOUR PEDIATRICIAN THIS QUESTION:  Most children (1 year or older) can take a Regular Strength Tums (1) every few hours.  If your Dr. says this is okay, then we recommend that you keep a few in your diaper bag.  Many children have had sensory depravation and can get motion sick easily. 

12.  Neosporin for little scrapes.

13. Buy a little pack of bubbles.  This entertains your child for hours.

 Tip #1:  Bring the Bubbles to the orphanage if you are allowed to visit for any length of time before you take custody.  The other children love this as well and they may have very little to stimulate them.

Tip #2: You can find a carseat that weighs about 2 lbs and folds up very small that you can take with you to a foreign country at www.onestepahead.com .

Money

     In some countries you may have to bring a large amount of your adoption fees in cash.  We are talking thousands.  You should talk to your bank about getting new or unwrinkled (not marked on at all) bills.  The bills may not be accepted if they are wrinkled or marked on (or even bent too much).  It has been suggested that you don't carry bills older than the year 2000.  Our bank took us in a separate room to go through bills together to find acceptable ones.  There may be denomination requests as well from your country of adoption. Split the money between you and whomever in your family you are traveling with.

Groceries and Limiting Your Trips After You and Your Child Are Home

     Even now you need to think of  food (non-perishable items) that you can get for your house ahead of time.  Try to think ahead to what you might need.  You may consider freezing several casseroles.  Try to limit having to go out for the 1^st couple of weeks.  It can be over stimulating and overwhelming for a newly adopted child to even go to the grocery store (See Preparing for Your Child).

**Make sure you stop your mail or have someone pick it up for you.

**Put lights on timers.

Again, we are sure there are things we have forgotten.  Ask your agency and other’s that have adopted, what they recommend.  We welcome your suggestions!