The letter “P” is for packing today in my Transracial Adoption ABCs.

Packing – Almost all adoptions involve some amount of travel. There are some international programs that still allow parents to have their children escorted home instead of requiring parents to travel, but those seem to be getting fewer all the time. There are also some parents who adopt domestically and are lucky enough to be matched with a child very close to their home, but... more

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Paperwork-

-passports with visas -photocopies of your passports and visas packed separately from originals -tickets with itineraries -photocopies of your tickets and itineraries packed separately from originals -money/travelers checks -Driver's licenses for ID -credit card or two -list of phone numbers for contacts in country and back at home -copy of homestudy and dossier and any other important adoption documents -photocopies of any essential adoption-related documents -hotel or guest house reservation info -list of restaurants and shops -list of email addresses -contact info for travel... more

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Other “stuff” for parents-

-books -travel belt/wallet -deck of cards or travel game -snacks -powdered drinks (great for adding to a bottle of water) -power adapter/converter -travel alarm clock -travel DVD player and DVD’s (it was really nice on the plane and in the hotel room) -lap top -IPOD -gum -anti bacterial wipes -dish soap for washing sippy cups, bottles, etc. -ziplocks (countless uses when traveling) -travel flash light -glasses (if necessary) -journal -pens -photos of family at home to show/share -camera, batteries, memory card (or film)... more

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Medical stuff-

-cold medicine for parents (non-drowsy) -Immodium AD (for traveler’s problems!) -Excedrin/Tylenol/Ibuprophen -Tums or Pepto tablets -travel sized first aid kit (band-aids, Neosporin, gauze, tweezers, thermometer, medical tape, etc.) -anti-fungal cream (for ring worm and other rashes) -Nix or other Lice treatment (can leave at orphanage if unneeded) -Elimite for scabies (can leave at orphanage if unneeded) -lice comb -hydrocortisone -child’s cold medicine -children’s Benadryl -children’s Tylenol/advil for pain and fever -any prescription medicines parents take -any... more

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Toiletries for parents-

-deodorants -shampoo -conditioner -body wash/soap -saline solution -contact case and extra contacts -lotion (it is really, really dry in Addis) -sunblock (the sun is really, really strong in Addis) -feminine products (even if you don't think you'll need them...stress and travel can do a lot to your body!) -face wash and face lotion -brush and comb -tooth brush and paste -Kleenex packets (keep some on you…toilet paper is often a luxury) -Purel -razor and shaving cream

Notes on toiletries- I found that you can find just about anything in Ethiopia and... more

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Clothes for child

-t-shirts -long sleeved shirts -one or two sweat shirts -one piece outfits for younger kids and babies -pants -shorts -warm jacket -hat -socks -underwear -dresses and tights (for girls) -onesies (for babies) -pajamas/sleepers -bathing suit -bibs (I love the disposable ones for traveling) -shoes or booties

Notes on clothing for kids- Knowing how much and of what size can be tough, because often you are not sure what size your child is going to fit in to. I suggest bringing a variety of sizes, and donating the sizes that are too small to the orphanage.... more

Packing, packing, packing.

I believe that being well-organized and well packed for your adoption trip is essential…you want to be well prepared to make things as easy on yourself as possible when you arrive and have your hands full with your new child, and yet you don’t want to over pack or carry the proverbial “kitchen sink” along for the ride.

Here is the packing list I have used for our two recent adoptions from Ethiopia. It is easily modified for the age of child and your personal likes and dislikes. Depending on your destination, you may not need some of these things, and you may need additional things. See my last posts on “Tips for Your Adoption Trip” for help in building... more

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On to Jen's last question...packing!

I tried very hard not to overpack for Josh, Belane and myself so we could bring the maximum amount of donations. I also thought we would only be there a few days… if I had known how long it was going to be, I would have packed more clothes, toiletries, etc.

Things I was super glad that I had for me:

-Disposable face wash cloths (you get VERY dirty in Ethiopia!!!)They are also divine on the plane, somewhere around hour 12.

-Plug your ears for a minute fellas- lots of tampons and maxi pads…the stress of traveling always seems to bring that on, and I was glad to have that all with me “just in case”.

-Crocs.... more