Embarking on an adoption trip can be both exciting and overwhelming. Having traveled to China three times to welcome our three children into our family, I can assure you that preparing what to pack is a task that deserves careful consideration. This isn’t your typical vacation where you can toss in a few outfits and a camera; it’s a mission that requires a strategic approach.
During our last adventure in March 2012, my husband and I took our two older sons, who were six and seven at the time. We spent 17 days hopping between four different cities in China. Here’s a little equation to keep in mind: Seventeen days in a foreign land + a new child who may not speak your language x the chance they might not warm up to you right away + potential illnesses – the comforts of home = total chaos! Our goal was to make the transition as smooth as possible, which meant anticipating every possible discomfort and being ready for it.
Here’s a rundown of the essentials to pack:
- Snacks Galore: While trying local delicacies can be fun, after a couple of days, nothing beats the comfort of familiar snacks—think granola bars, fruit snacks, and cookies. With a picky eater in the family, we relied heavily on ramen noodles for many meals. Trust me, packing snacks is key.
- Medicinal Must-Haves: You might think, “What if I get sick?” Well, it’s more like “When will I get sick?” The odds are high. Stock up on over-the-counter meds for everything from headaches to upset stomachs. Trust me, you’ll want to avoid the hassle of deciphering Chinese dosage instructions in a pharmacy. Bring antibiotics for good measure.
- Clothing Essentials: Pack enough outfits for at least five days, and don’t forget a swimsuit if the weather allows. Avoid overspending on clothes for your new child; we learned the hard way that sizes can vary significantly, and our daughter needed a 3T, not the 2T we brought.
- Gifts for the Orphanage: It’s customary to bring gifts for various officials and caretakers at the orphanage. Bringing gift bags and tissue paper will save you time and effort. Don’t stress too much over what to buy; you won’t see them opened, anyway!
- Important Paperwork: Don’t forget your documents and passports. These are your lifeline during the trip. A Chinese-English dictionary can also offer some reassurance, even if you don’t use it much.
- Cash, Cash, Cash: You’ll want to have around $8000 in cash. Yes, it sounds alarming to be a foreigner carrying that much, but it’s necessary for the process. You’ll likely be itching to donate most of it to the orphanage by day three!
- Flight Necessities: Prepare for what could be the longest flight of your life, ranging from 13 to 24+ hours. Pack plenty of snacks, entertainment devices, and a change of clothes just in case your luggage goes missing. A few lollipops can work wonders to calm a fidgety child during turbulence.
- Room Entertainment: You’ll find yourself spending a lot of time in your hotel room. Bring along something fun to keep you and your child entertained, be it a tablet or a few good books. Also, don’t forget your camera to capture the moments!
- Child Carrier: A stroller or baby carrier is a must-have. This is essential for navigating airports and sightseeing. Just make sure it’s sturdy enough to handle your child’s weight.
- A Big Heart: Last but not least, pack plenty of love and patience. This journey will be challenging, but the rewards will far exceed the hurdles!
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In summary, packing for an adoption trip requires careful planning and consideration of everything from snacks to paperwork. The journey may be challenging, but the love and joy your new child brings will make every moment worthwhile.