FAQ

Do you like Adoption Avenues Agency?
We are/were with Adoption Avenues. I like Radu...and think the Agency is reputable, and really is trying hard to streamline and flow and work out the kinks. A major "kink" (as mentioned) is upon travel to Addis. Radu could do a better job communicating with families about what to expect, and subsequently follow-up with them once they are home (if only to just get their opinion and discover any issues).

I wasn't a big fan of the attorney, but my husband spent quite a bit of time wining and dining him...and in the process came to know him better.Overall, there's a lack of communication between Radu, the lawyer, families, and the US Embassy...resulting (at times) in delays and frustration for families once they are in Addis Ababa.

IF families had *accurate* travel information...and IF more organization could be arranged for the families during the time spent in Addis......the agency would be almost perfect.

I hope Radu improves this one aspect (which is a major thing as being in Addis Ababa unsure when you'll be able to leave is very, very stressful). I would recommend this Agency...but would advise the use of caution when it comes to travel. Calling the lawyer and double checking the completion of the documentation prior to leaving (or expect to potentially extend your stay).

What do you wish you had in Ethiopia that you didn't bring?
CHUCKS - those blue paper/plastic waterproof bed cover things they use in hospitals. The baby kept pooping which leaked all over - despite the rubber pants, and the tight onesie, and the big Huggies diapers.

What was the one thing you a GLAD you brought?
A Z-PAK (antibiotics), Tylenol COLD, snacks, and soy-based (lactose free) formula!!

Did you like your Airline?
Emirates was WONDERFUL!! One stop each way. Non-stop from the west coast. Great service, wonderful food, kid friendly...

Word of advice?
Call Abebe (the lawyer) prior to your departure and make sure he has everything he needs (including the medical exam) and everything has been submitted to the US Embassy at least 7 days before your embassy appointment.

Call your Congressperson prior to your departure and get a contact person on their staff that you can call if you have trouble with the Embassy in Addis.

What did you worry about that you shouldn't have?
Taking my bio kids.

What decision were you most confident about?
Staying at the Sheraton.

Did anyone get sick?
No one.

How was the baby doing when you arrived?
Not well. She was sick, lethargic, dehydrated, with infected chicken-pox scars and distended belly with very watery diarrhea and obvious abdominal pain.

How did you make her better?
Gave her multiple baths and applied various ointments, topical antibiotics, and zithromax. Symptomatic care, scabies medications, ear and eye drops, PLUS change in formula to soy-based.

Did travel/jetlag get to you?
Yes and no. It wasn't too bad...except waking up at 3am for the first 4 days of the trip. Now home, going to bed as late as possible upon our return (which for me was 6pm). Woke at almost 5am...and feel good. A bit of headache, nausea, lightheadedness, and sorethroat...all rapidly resolved with one dose of Excedrin, cup of lemonade, and some pepcid.

Best decision (outside of the one to adopt in the first place).
Taking our sister with us.

Worst decision.
Calling the Embassy...and holding...resulting in $300 bill. Using Scott Nordwall as our travel agent.

What's wrong with Scott?
I liked the amount of time he spent explaining to us the various travel options. I liked the fact that he*is* responsive. I didn't like his lack of initiative. He seemed to put off making our seat assignments, mailing our tickets/receipts out, and didn't really offer anything above and beyond simply making the reservations...something I could have (?should have) done myself online. The pearls of wisdom you'd hope to get from a travel agent are lacking...such as preferred seats, securing group seating, bassinets,etc. I would not use his agency again.

Travel Advice?
Try to get seats close to the front of the plane...to avoid having to wait in long line at immigration/customs. Avoid sitting in the back row or near the lavatory. Bring water on board, but don't drink it until the end of the flight (once they run out of water drinks towards the end of a long trip). Try to get the fewest amount of stops possible. Go on seatguro and check your seat assignments and see how you like them. Bring your own pillow and blankets. If you fly Emirates you don't need your ipod, DVDs, etc. Be sure to go online and request the type of meal you'd like. Get changeable tickets.

Did you like the Sheraton?
We loved the Sheraton. Rooms were about $250/night...and they have drivers, shuttles, restaurants, etc. The guest house is also nice...but with young kids...we are happy we stayed at the Sheraton.