Having traveled to China three times to adopt our wonderful children, I can assure you that packing for an adoption trip is significantly different from packing for a typical vacation. While a leisure trip might require just some comfortable clothes, sturdy shoes, and a few snacks, preparing for an adoption journey feels more like trying to fit your entire home into a suitcase. With a strict fifty-pound weight limit, I often struggled just to include my necessary snacks!
On our most recent adventure in March 2012, my husband and I were accompanied by our two older sons, who were six and seven at the time, on a 17-day trek across four major cities in China.
Here’s a quick equation to remember:
Seventeen days in a foreign land + a new child who may not initially warm up to you + potential illnesses – familiar comforts = TOTAL PANIC!
To ease the transition for our family, we focused on making our experience as comfortable as possible. Here are some essential items to consider packing:
- Snacks: While I love experimenting with new foods, after a couple of days of unfamiliar meals, I craved the comforts of home. Think granola bars, fruit snacks, and cookies. Be prepared for picky eaters—our meals often revolved around ramen noodles!
- Medications: The reality is, you will likely get sick. Pack a comprehensive first-aid kit with everything from stomach remedies to pain relievers. Trust me, you want to avoid the stress of trying to decipher medication labels in Chinese, especially if you end up needing antibiotics, which we definitely did on two of our trips.
- Clothing: Bring enough outfits for at least five days, and don’t forget a bathing suit if the weather allows. Be cautious with clothes for your new child; sizes can vary greatly, so it’s better to pack a few options and plan to shop if needed.
- Gifts: It’s customary to present gifts to various officials during the adoption process. Having pre-wrapped gifts can save time and hassle, so consider bringing bags and tissue paper instead of tape.
- Important Documents: Don’t forget your paperwork and passports—these are crucial for the entire process! A Chinese-English dictionary can also be helpful for peace of mind, even if you don’t use it often.
- Cash: You’ll want to have sufficient funds on hand, as you may need to carry a significant amount for fees and donations. It can feel overwhelming, but much of it will go to the orphanage.
- Flight Essentials: Prepare for long flights—ours ranged from 13 to over 24 hours. Bring plenty of snacks, entertainment devices (like tablets or DVDs), and even a change of clothes in case your luggage gets lost.
- Room Entertainment: You’ll spend plenty of time in your hotel room waiting, so bring activities for both yourself and your new child. Don’t forget adapters for your plugs! Also, consider downloading Skype to connect with family back home.
- Stroller or Baby Carrier: It’s essential to have a safe way to keep your child secure while navigating airports and city tours. Ensure your carrier can accommodate your child’s weight.
- An Open Heart: Perhaps the most important item to pack is an abundance of love, patience, and compassion. The journey may be challenging at times, but the rewards will be immeasurable.
For more insights on navigating the adoption journey, you can check out this article on privacy policies which can be useful when managing sensitive information.
In summary, preparing for an adoption trip requires careful consideration and planning. By packing the right essentials, you can help ensure a smoother transition for your family and new child.