Every time I think I have this category just about wrapped up, I think of another “adoption roadblock”. When I first started this I didn’t realize just how many reasons there are out there for people NOT to adopt. Hopefully by discussing them, sharing my experiences and providing additional resources, some people will feel inspired to move forward with their adoption plans.

Following this series of posts on travel, I plan on addressing ethical concerns related to adoption, and then some of the “irrational fear” that can creep on you. If you have any other topics related to “adoption roadblocks” that you’d like to see me write about, please leave a comment.

Today I am going to write about a barrier to adoption that was suggested by my friend and fellow blogger, Holly. Holly pointed out the adoption barrier of the adoption travel, and suggested I write about it.

I was kind of surprised I didn’t think of this one myself, because adoption-related travel has always been a bit of an issue for us. I do not like leaving my kids. I don’t even leave them for short periods of time unless I absolutely have to…so the idea of flying half way around the world and being gone for a week or more is very tough for me.

For parents with children already in the home, this can be a tough issue. Since almost all adoption programs now involve travel (Ethiopia, Guatemala and Korea do offer escort options through some agencies and situations), unless a family can afford to bring all of their existing children with them, leaving children at home is a reality for many adoptive parents.

I have heard parents express the fear that something will happen to them on their adoption trip, orphaning the children they are leaving behind. Others just really struggle with the idea of being away from their kids for an extended period of time.

There are travel issues for parents without other children at home as well. For some prospective adoptive parents, it is more the fear of travel itself. Some have never flown, some have never traveled internationally, and some are just very afraid of flying.

I have heard parents that were very picky eaters and were worried about the food that would be available when they traveled, and some parents have health concerns that complicate adoption travel. There are also parents who have very demanding jobs with limited time off that makes travel an issue.

International travel and being away from your home and your family can be intimidating, but hopefully these fears would not stop a family that was otherwise committed to adopting.

In my next posts, I will provide some tips for making your travel experience easier, as well as your separation from your children at home.