DETAILS OF OUR TRIP

LAX to Dubai: We rented a mini-van and drove from NorCal to SoCal. Had dinner/breakfast with family in the OC. And off we went to LAX.

Of course we had massive amounts of luggage with all of our donations n' things. It worked out well that Grandma/Grandpa were there to see us off (and help us with our bags, our kids, our...stuff).

We went thru security with no issues - despite me having crazy amounts of liquid meds, juice, pediasure, pedialyte, various pills, etc. They didn't even ask us to "remove our ziplock baggie" with our 3oz toiletries - which was WONDERFUL!! AND we managed to "sneak" thru plane boarding with 2 carry-on bags each (the max size bag plus a backpack). To our credit the backpacks only had blankies and pillows...and each child carried their own.

Once on the plane we were *very* impressed with the level of service, the media options (hundreds of new movies, sitcoms, dramas, music, games). They had GPS and cameras in the nose and bottom of the plane, so you can track your travel from start to finish. On this airshow, they tell you your current speed, estimated time 'til arrival, altitude, local time and temp, etc. etc.

The food was outstanding...the meals frequent, the lavatories clean (the entire 16 hours), smelled okay, and big. They had child friendly meals, gluten-free meals, toys and actives handed out to the kids, child channels, games, movies. They give out warm (lemon fresh) 'real' towel at the beginning and end of the trip...to refresh. They give you booties, eye covers, ear plugs, toothbrush. The ride was smooth, ontime, our luggage made it all the thru. I didn't have to pull out any of the games/activities we'd brought to keep the kids quiet. It was maybe the best plane trip I've experienced. No "extra" charges for pillows/blankets/headsets/meals. They gave us "real" silverware and not sporks. I hope our trip on the way back is just as comfortable.

Words of a 6 year-old traveler: "Mommy, that was the shortest 16 hours ever, much shorter than the 4 hours of this flight" (regarding the comparison between flight 1 LAX to DXB, vs flight 2 DXB to ADD)

(Note: our travel agent didn't do a good job...and I don't recommend him. More details later, but because hubby travels frequently, he was able to negotiate/plan/correct the "errors" of our travel agent).

We got off the plane and headed for our "free" hotel. Turns out the "free" hotel was a shuttle (and a trip thru security/customs/multiple lines) away. So we decided to just stay at the hotel *IN* the airport. Which was perfect. We checked in to that hotel...and by 9:45p or so, we were ready for dinner...and bed.

But first...we decided to put down our things...and take a Taxi tour around . This city is like Las Vegas!! HOWEVER, whereas Vegas is all FAKE...imitations n' such...this *entire city* was so GLAMOUROUS!! It seemed as if everyone was driving a luxury car. The buildings were glass, no liter, graffiti, just...like a perfect city that looked like the Las Vegas strip.

We saw the only 7 star hotels in the world. Of course we had to stand outside of the gate...and take pix from afar. But, WE WERE THERE!! And then we drove around some man-made island they call Atlantis. Then we went to the Persian Gulf ...AND PUT OUR HANDS IN THE WATER (and saw Iran in the distance)!! We danced around the beach for a bit. It was dark...but way crowded for 11 at night. It was warm. The water was clear (even at night that was obvious).

Then, back to the airport....and this airport - is more like a palace than an airport. Even the clocks are Rolex on the walls. Marble everywhere. Waterfall indoors. Speaking of 'indoors'...we got to drive by (therefore see from a distance) the indoor skiing place. We got back to the airport...and went to McDonalds (it was our *only* option, trust me). Then took wonderful hot showers and climbed into bed...exhausted...Slept until we had to leave for Addis, feeling very alert and 'in sync' with local time. Had a quick bite to eat, and on to our gate/plane.

The flight from to Addis was only 3.5 hours. BUT, the plane wasn't loaded with endless activities/movies n' stuff. So we had to pull out some of our toys/games we packed. They served a wonderful breakfast, however. The flight was good. Both had lots of kids on the plane, which we like.

Towards the end of the second flight, it got a bit bumpy. Nothing too bad, kinda like riding in a car. Well, Ian has a cold...and it was naptime, so he was grumpy. And the fact that he had to relinquish all of his toys in preparation for landing...didn't help his mood. But, he didn't cry...but he wasn't happy. And poor Haley, was playing a computer game, and got motion sickness. Poor thing. All we could do is hold back her hair and rub her forehead with a wipe :o(

But, she recovered the instant we stepped off the plane. So much so that she was instrumental in helping us lug our excessive amount of luggage thru getting Visas, Customs, and out to the Sheraton Shuttle. (more on how to do this later)


The Shearton: As we drove from the Airport to the Sheraton, we have an opportunity to see some of the city. I was expecting to see...people sitting on mounds of dirt, with starving kids laying on their laps...flies all around. I was expecting to see people starving on the side of the road...and desperation/poverty unimaginable.

But, actually what I saw reminded me of New Orleans. Apartments with no screens, lots of walking, young women in jeans with very nice hair. There were dilapidated buildings, people selling/trading things on street corners, and the traffic…was crazy. There weren’t that many vehicles on the road (speaking as someone from LA), but there are no traffic rules or street signals, so you have to be a very intuitive driver – be able to anticipate the flow and movements of other drivers. Yeah, I saw the goats, and dusty children playing in the open spaces. But, there was positive vibe in the air (unlike in New Orleans where you feel the desperation), everyone just going/doing/being.

I saw people of all complexions, a few caucasions just walking the street along side of everyone else...right at home. All in all, not the dirt huts with starving/wasted people on the side of the road as always shown on American TV.

But let me say...that when we turned into the Sheraton driveway...you could almost hear the angels sing!! Once past the armed security guards, and the metal detectors and such...all we could do is look around and say "woooowwwww!!" I think the contrast more than anything is what's so "Wow."

The service we experienced upon our arrival was superb. We felt like one of the many celebrities they host (Beyonce, Angelina and Brad, Clinton). Everyone very helpful, smiling, nice. Unlike the service you get at most (even high end) American Hotels...where everyone is obviously *acting* nice...these people actually genuinely seem to be happy, nice people.

I’ve stayed at many hotels. St. Regis in DC, Ritz Carlton in Pasadena and Marina del rey. I've been to Bacara Resort more than a few times. This Sheraton is *BETTER THAN* all of them...well, maybe not Bacara...but you get the point. And all we've done is checked in and came to our rooms!!


Toukoul:
Le Toukoul Orphanages (36) - Actions View album View photo book




We met with the attorney, Abebe on Saturday 12/13/08. He said there is some sort of issue…and we stressed about whether or not we'd get Hana's visa in time to leave as planned on Friday. Needless to say, it was a very frustrating meeting. We did get the opportunity to meet Hana.





The orphanage is relatively small. It’s looks bigger on the pix. We were so excited to turn onto the dirt road leading up to the orphanage (a road we recognized from blogs/youtube). There were a few little boys (beautiful little boys) who came up to us. We went over to the playground and both Ian and Haley had a blast playing with the little boys. Then we spent some time learning simple phrases in Amharic from the children.





Finally, Hana was awake. They allowed Ian and Haley to go inside with the babies while the prepared Hana to meet us. They cleaned her up, fixed her hair…and then…we saw them. Walking down the side of the building. Hana with 2 puff-tails.





She is like a little doll. She was mellow, didn’t cry, but didn’t smile either…at least not until we sat her down alone with her sister and brother. Then, she smiled to them.

***



It was initially VERY stressful. I thought Abebe was full of shit. I was frustrated that Radu said it was okay to travel, only to hear Abebe say that everything wasn't ready. I was pissed that our phone bill had a $300 charge to Ethiopia for calling the Embassy, where we stayed on hold for 30 minutes...never speaking with anyone...and to get there (after receiving an email from them stating that it was OK to travel as I specifically asked if all of the needed documents were there - and not just the Visa 37), and realize that the medical eval wasn't complete...and they wanted to hold our file for a week before issuing the travel/immigration visa!!

Alicia was STILL there and had to *wait that extra week* as her stuff wasn't ready either!! There was another family in the guest house waiting (going on 2 weeks) for papers to complete the adoption of their 10 year old child. CRAZY!! Why did Radu tell them/us it was okay to travel...??

My husband works in politics...and "offered" to call our friend the Congresswoman Barbara Lee, among other people...PLUS the Ethiopian Ambassador in the US to "help Abebe get our Visas done." That's when things started to move for us (and the other familes there with us). We ended up getting our Visa on Wednesday as expected. But, oh the stress!!

Then when we got Hana...she was SO very ill. If I would have saw her in my emergency room, she'd be admitted to the hospital for IV fluid, antibiotics, surgery consult, peds consult, GI consult. Not only did she have chickenpox that were badly infected, a respiratory tract infection, and some sort of rash that I treated as scabies...she had this profuse watery (urine-appearing) diarrhea...and she's VERY thin and small. I'd call it 'failure to thrive'. I thought maybe she had/has a parasite. I thought maybe they were dishonest about the HIV results. I thought maybe she had celiac disease, or some sort of lactose/formula/dietary issue.

Hana was so lethargic, it crossed my mind that perhaps she wouldn't even live long enough to make it back to California!! I was crying, comparing her to other (fatter) babies (as "proof" that something was indeed wrong with her). Her belly was SO distended and rigid...full of air...I thought maybe her bowel was perforated.

My other 2 kids were there, and I didn't let them get too close to Hana...as she was so sick...and I didn't want 3 sick babies!! I did (eventually) speak with the peditrician who was very beautiful, nice, and obviously was familiar with each child's issues and such...but I didn't think she'd considered *all* of the possible ailments...and didn't have a good/acceptable explanation as to why she didn't. My sister is an RN, so together we went thru the medical records with a fine tooth comb...and Hana has been on amoxicillin for months!! Treating what, I don't know. In the initial medical report we got with her referral, they said her mom died of TB, but the baby's chest x-ray was normal. It *so* wasn't. She had bilateral (both lungs) pneumonia...or maybe it's TB?? I asked the pedi there if it's possible that the rash is scabies, the cough and congestion requiring amoxicillin for month could be TB, and if her "failure to thrive" could be from from
TB, her diarrhea from a parasite, etc. She denied all of the above...and stated that the baby was treated for TB (which is not possible since TB treatment is for over a year, it is not documented, and no repeat CXR was done to see if the pneumonia had cleared).

Anyway, I brought tons of stuff because I read the blogs and expected the above issues. I gave her zithromax...had scabies meds, cold meds, ear and eye drops, etc. I gave Hana an oatmeal bath every day, with tea tree oil and applied steroid and antifungal creams. I switched her formula to soy-based and spoon-fed her rice, applesauce and bananas. Her abdomen went down, her stools became "normal." Her cold symptoms improved, and she was a totally different baby. By the time she had 3 days with us...I was confident that she would be fine traveling (and not die before we left Addis!!). Seriously, that's how sick she was!!

Add that to the stress we had dealing with Abebe...and our embassy (or really the thought I having to extend our trip, rather). We were...completely stressed out, and couldn't enjoy Addis until Thursday. We squeezed all the rest of it into 2 days!!

AHOPE (23) - Actions View album View photo book
Maya and I went to AHOPE Orphanage for HIV+ children. There we met some wonderful children. They were overall healthy appearing...considering. They were happy, pleasant, and glad to see us. One little girl followed us around, and loved the camera.


We went back and gave a medical lecture to the children and staff. We gave medications, and met the medical staff.

Guest House, Dinner with friends, Merkado (33) - Actions View album View photo book
We did end up going to our Embassy appointment as planned, despite...and subsequently getting our Visa for Hana to travel. Thereafter were were excited enough to enjoy some of the other activities we'd planned.



We visited the guest house. Very nice, and met some wonderful families. We decided to *not* go out with the group as we were so drained after a long week of worry and frustration. Besides, eventhough Hana was 1000% better after some TLC and a Z-pak, Tylenol cold, creams and powders, etc...we didn't want to push it.


We had dinner prepared by friends in Addis. Ruta and Tades decided they wanted to contribute to the World by volunteering with an NGo...so they moved themselves and their FIVE children into a modest home there for one year.



Finally, we haggled ourselves some great gifts at the Merkado. Notice the donkeys, the people, the store-fronts...



...and Ian flirting with the beautiful Ethiopian girls!!

History Museum and Fasika Lunch (21) - Actions View album View photo book
We visited the History Museum and saw the bones of Lucy. It was a facinating museum...but it would help if they'd invest just a bit of resources into it's presentation.


We also had the wonderful opportunity to have an authentic Ethiopian lunch done right...at a very popular spot. The kids did very well...but you'll see that Ian picked up the injera and ate it like a burrito instead of tearing off a piece properly.


Hana photos and going home (28) - Actions View album View photo book
A few pictures of Hana Janet. Her first bath, her skin and abdomen, her next bath...where she fell asleep in the water (talk about relaxing). This was likely her first experience with baths since they don't bathe the kids at the orphanage. After treatment...she was a whole new baby!!



Also are pictures of us all packed and ready at the Sheraton, on the plane...in Dubai sleeping at the Airport hotel (again)...and finally in the limo at SFO. Upon arrival to our house, Grandma and Grandpa had balloons, signs, cakes, and FOOD waiting for us. Our house warmed, our Christmas tree full of lights, and baked goods on the table.



What a way to end our adventure...and begin our lives as a FAMILY OF FIVE!!!!

We're HOME!!

We are home!! We were very (VERY) pleasantly surprised that Grandma and Grandpa were waiting for us (with rotisserie chicken meal from Whole Foods, homemade brownies, and a warm house). Our doggies are fat, and our neighbor came by with Greek cookies.


We'll write more later. I'll upload a few pix. It was wonderful seeing Alicia in Addis...but I agree, there are a few things I'd do before travel to avoid the *STRESS* in dealing with delayed paperwork and possible trip extension! (such as call Abebe, the attorney *yourself* PRIOR to travel to make sure everything is all ready at the US Embassy...including the medical evaluation!!)

Anyhoo...more later!!

The family goes to Ethiopia

Send positive energy our way...


....as we go to get our little girl in ETHIOPIA!!!

We are now in the air...on our way to Dubai. Will update as possible!!

Braids n' things

1.) Braids - I'm thinking that lice cannot grab onto fake hair, and climbing braids is very difficult. It makes sense to me that having synthetic braids not only saves us time/effort, but is healthier!! :o)

2.) Travel/med-evac insurance

3.) We'll clean our home (of course), before we go.

And, with that...we are all ready!! :o)

mad dash to the pharmacy

Joy and her family are back from Addis...with their two boys. The "word on the message boards" is that chicken pox, scabies, and URI (upper respiratory infections) are rampant in the orphanage.

I'm not concerned about chicken pox...it is a pretty benign disease in childhood, and do not feel children really should be vaccinated against it. But scabies? That's absolutely a big problem. The last thing I want to deal with is little itchy bugs in our home. Also concerning are the bacterial superinfections that occur when the children scratch the pox or scabies. SO....

...even though I had LOTS of stuff/meds/supplies all packed up - (including zpaks for all which treat both skin infections, URIs, pneumonias, etc). I decided (in my usual OCD fashion) to *get more stuff* - just in case. It would be very frustrating (to me) to be there, and not have something I could have totally gotten...if I'd have just taken a minute to *think* of it...OR, a bit of extra effort/money to actually go get it.

So today, I picked up:

fluocinolone acetonide ointment 0.025% - prescription topical steroid that's the best I've used
more antibiotic ointment - just in case we need to cover her entire body with the stuff
permethrin cream 5% to treat scabies (Sister also has some of this cream for us) - we will treat her on day 1, and treat ourselves on our last day in the hotel.
Aveeno Baby Oatmeal bath treatment
Aveeno Baby Oatmeal Creamy wash
Aveeno Baby Oatmeal Moisture cream
Aveeno calamine and pramoxine HCL cream - dries out weepy rashes and itch-relief
Gold Bond baby powder - triple action
anti-fungal (via Sister)
triamcinolone cream (via Sister) - topical steroid cream

in addition to these skin treatments, I started thinking to myself as I walked around the drug store "oh my, I wonder if we have enough [fill in the blank]!!"

SO...I bought more anti-diarrheal medication, more pepto-bismal (not a big fan, but maybe it'll treat travelers diarrhea better than it treats dyspepsia), lactaid...and I wrote myself a prescription for phenergan (because the reglan doesn't work as well when you're not pregnant I've learned).

I also had to get some infant vitamins...afterall, if she lacks essential vitamins, it'll be more difficult for her to heal and be/stay healthy.

Phew!! I *really* think I'm done with the medications now...

List.

Confirm our hotel reservations with a phone call
Confirm our flight information with the travel agent; ask that he mails the receipts (expecting them tomorrow)
Print final documents and fill them out
Gather the supporting documents (employment letter, paystubs, taxes)
Spoke with Haley's teacher regarding missed classwork
Suspend Haley's automatic healthy school lunch program
Paid the house bills or arranged for them to be paid.
Gather supplies and donations
Pack supplies/donations
Pack the medications/medical supplies that we've gathered
Pack clothing
Pack activities, snacks, carry-on stuff
Bug sister about the final medications we're bringing for skin conditions
Register our trip
Give our travel info to interested parties
Copy and leave copies of our important document with family
Email these same documents to ourselves for online access
Purchase doggie supplies to leave with our doggie-sitter
Speak with neighbors regarding our travel plans (so they will bring in the mail, out the trash, watch the house, and the dogs)
Read books about Ethiopia
Read books/info about health conditions in Ethiopia
Purchase and learn to use new camera/video recorder

Wash all baby's clothes, fold them, put them away
Decorate Hana and Ian's room, wash the crib clothes (thanks Grandma for helping me with this...couldn't have done it without you - just wasn't enough time)
Rearrange our house to accommodate one more by turning the playroom into Haley's bedroom and
complete the last of home improvement projects (thanks Grandpa for helping us with this...we've been trying to do this for the last 6 months. Nothing like time pressure to motivate.)

Sort out important issues with family - sign forms, etc.
Update life and medical insurance to include new baby
Meet with other people who are familiar with the process, and Ethiopia
Call the people in Addis Ababa that friends recommended we contact

Christmas shopping and talking to Santa on behalf of our children
Christmas decorations, inside and outside

What's left?
Thinking of getting my hair done
Thinking of getting Haley's hair braided
Home spa day
Get more snacks (can never have too many)
Thinking about getting a stronger topical steroid since other families have reported that their babies from Toukoul have extensive rashes
On the same note - thinking about getting stronger anti-fungal
Still have to pack last minute things (things that *can't* be packed until the last minute b/c they are used daily)

Hubby list includes:
Making sure the dogs are squared away (including grooming)
Travel insurance with medical evacuation
And he needs to finish his packing (I'm OCD and cannot wait until the last minute. He, OTOH...can)

This is starting to feel *real*.

Recommended Reading. Shout-outs.

Staying Healthy in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

Bradt: Ethiopian Guide

Ethiopia & Eritrea

Recommended books we've been reading in preparation for our trip. We've spoken to multiple people who have offered tremendous insight, pearls of wisdom, and advice. Thanks to everyone who participated in helping us raise donations, money, and took their time to share their experiences.

--the shout-outs--

My first 'real' boss...an ER doc who let me join his medical group when I was a new graduate and 21 weeks pregnant without blinking an eye...and promoted me, advocated for me, and really took an interest in me. He encouraged me to leave my previous oppressive group to take a chance and join a more progressive group. AND, his parents took him and his siblings to Ethiopia when they were young....maintained relationships...and now he takes his girls there. Needless to say, I considered him a valuable resource.

We also had the pleasure of hosting an adoptive family at our home this week. They not only came full of wisdom and pearls...but baby clothing, shoes, dresses for our little one. They were very reassuring, telling the the good/bad/ugly about their experience. They, no doubt, saved us from lots of unnecessary frustration.

And I can't leave out the wonderful Ethiopian family who had brunch for us. Because they were born/raised and attended college there...and go back every year...they had tons of things to say about their home country. Lots of her family still lives in Addis Ababa, and even know our attorney over there. There were pictures of his wedding at a beautiful hotel there...his home, and a glimpse into their lives. I spoke to him personally, and will try to see him during our visit.

We have another friend who works for an NGO in Addis, and moved her family from NY in September. Her, her husband, and 5 kids...all moved to Ethiopia for at least a year. They are now in school there, and really have made a life there. We are eager to visit with them. We have activities planned since she has small children too.

***

We're all packed and ready to go. We have all of our required papers, including the employment letter, paystubs, cash in new bills, etc. Donations are all packed up in rubbermaids, and ready to go.

ALSO, we got our final update!! We are so excited about going...

...and with the info we've acquired from our friends, we feel safe, confident, and ready! :o)

I600A approval - I171h - Visa 37; just be sure the Embassy has it!!

(As a follow-up to this post - on checking to see that US Embassy has received the necessary documents to issue the child's visa at the embassy appointment).

I wasn't sure if, when the embassy says "we have your I600A approval" they ALSO mean "we have your Visa 37 cable and you are safe to travel...and when you get here we will actually issue a visa for your baby..."

So, I've been emailing them for the last few days (along with my blog buddy Lisa)...we're totally freaking out together. We've been going thru this entire process together...except she's traveling next week. (See, we decided to wait...for multiple reasons. Among which include Haley's school vacation schedule...my work schedule...and the fact that we purchased our tickets 'early' and gave ourselves 'extra' time, just in case there was a delay. Besides, we wanted to make sure that all of the papers are prepared and ready...)

Well, we learned that, for whatever reason, the embassy wasn't receiving her emails. So...after a few days of 'no responses,' I changed up my email address...created a new gmail account...re e-mailed the request for confirmation from my brand-new gmail email...and they responded immediately!! :o)

So. Yes. They do have our I600A approval...BUT ALSO they have our Visa 37!!

Note to self: Next time I'll ask about *both* the I600A approval AND the Visa 37 on my first email (because, I've heard the the Visa 37 actually includes the homestudy info...in addition to the I171h approval).

Note to self: Next time, I won't even bother trying to call the Embassy. And if I don't get a response within 1 day or two, I would immediately send the message from another email account.

Note: I wouldn't bother with the National Visa Center unless the Embassy tells you they didn't get the necessary forms...because even if they *say* they sent it...it only matters if the Embassy *receives it*!!

Also note: The I600A approval = I171h = Visa 37 (+ few other papers)

***
Info from the EthiopiaAdopt Yahoo Group - very helpful!!
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/EthiopiaAdopt/message/24036
The I-171H from your USCIS office means that your I-600A was approved. Your approval for an international adoption is now good for 18 months and your fingerprints are good for 15 months - the end dates are determined by the approval date, not the date you received the I-171H. This approval is for your family not for a specific child.

After you have adopted a child and have all of the child's foreign documents you then submit an I-600 form for a child - one for each child if you are adopting more than one child. The I-600 will either be submitted to your local CIS office or to the involved US Embassy, again with all the child's foreign documents including the child's foreign passport.

Before you can submit an I-600 at the US Embassy your placing agency must make certain that yourI-171H has been received by the US Embassy, along with your homestudy. While the approval a family receives is called an I-171H, the approval for an I-600A that goes to the US Embassy either by e-mail or fax is called a Visa 37 -

The adopting family's homestudy is either held at the involved CIS office if the adopting family is filing their child's I-600 directly with CIS, OR the homestudy is pouched by CIS to the US Embassy. The Embassy will make sure that the child being presented for a US visa matches the gender, health, age range and number of children the family's homestudy approves the family for. If it does not matchthe Embassy will not issue the adopted child a US visa until the homestudy has an addendum with information matching the child.

The US Embassy in Ethiopia requires one I-864 form (affidavit of support)for each child. The person who signs the I-864 as the applicant MUST be the person who was approved as the applicant on the I-171H. If the applicant does not have enough income to match the Federal guidelines then the spouse of the applicant signs the attached paperwork to the I-864 (which is the I-864A). This form is given to the US Embassy, not to CIS.

Packing

PACKING TO GO!!

Using the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) guidelines; and abiding by the rules of Emirates Airlines. (max carry-on size is 22x15x8 inches); each person can check 2 items.

Carry on stuff
Documents*
Medical Supplies**
backpacks
toiletries/hygiene products (3oz bottles)
water bottle
straws
video camera
digital camera
laptop
cellphones
keys
Lip balm
premoistened towels
antibacterial towels
hand sanitizer
deodorant
earplugs
eye shade
saline solution
(sun) glasses
compact mirror
spoons
lotion
snacks
gum
child strap
pen/pad
business cards
pens/pencils
permanent markers
toys/activities/books for everyone
sippy cups
pillows
blankets

stroller (double)
diapers
wipes
ziplocks

2 complete outfits for all


*Documents
Accordion folder
Airline e-tickets
Hotel reservation
passports
wallet/purse
credit cards
New/clean dollar bills
Drivers license
insurance cards
insurance information
passport holder
Ethiopian contact list
emergency contact list (there and here)
U.S. MD letter to carry all of these meds/supplies
AHOPE letter stating they need some of the HIV meds we're bringing
dossier
the final forms
pay stubs
1099/W2
1040s
employment letter
birth/marriage certificates
I171h forms + copies
medical license
emergency medicine certification papers
information about the baby/pictures
travel health book and information
language information

**Medicine
Prescription:
Zithromax (adult/kids)
ciprofloxacin
Flagyl
zofran ODT

phenergan
reglan

compazine suppositories (sister)
cortisporin ear drops
erythromycin eye ointment
sulfacetamine eye drops
Altabax (antibiotic ointment)

triamcinolone cream

permethrin cream 5%

OTC:
pepcid

pepto-bismal
dramamine
cough medicine/drops
immodium
Tylenol (kids/adult/infant)
Excedrin
Motrin (kids/adult)
benadryl (kids/adult)
antifungal cream

infant vitamins

Aveeno Baby Oatmeal bath treatment
Aveeno Baby Oatmeal Creamy wash
Aveeno Baby Oatmeal Moisture cream
Aveeno calamine and pramoxine HCL cream
Gold Bond baby powder

rubbng alcohol packs
iodine swabs
cotton balls
Q-tips
deet (non-deet) repellent
hydrocortisone cream
sunblock
bacitracin
Neosporin
rehydration salts
Pediapops (kid salts)
Lactaid
Lice/scabies treatment Rix Shampoo
water purify tablets

Alternative
Melatonin
Probiotics
Tea tree oil
Sleep/relaxation aid (kids/adults)

Supplies
medical/paper tape
IV start kits
angiocaths
IV fluid
swiss army knife
gloves
face masks
tweezers
nail clippers
Ace wrap

Laceration Repair
staples
staple remover
laceration repair kit
lidocaine
syringes
suture
dermabond
scalpels
cotton swabs
iodine swabs
bio-occlusive
bandaids
gauze
tefla/non-adherent gauze
gauze rolls
-------------------------

Checked in luggage
soap (tea tree)
toilet seat covers
toiletries
feminine hygiene
shaving stuff
tide (little boxes)
lotion
flashlight
ziplocks

Clothing
REI quick-dry pants
underwear
shirts
jackets/sweatshirts
socks
belt
lounge wear (pajamas)
shoes
flip-flops
swimsuit
floaties
hat

infant formula
diaper bag
diaper cream
baby toys/books/activities
bottles/accessories
binky
baby blankets
bibs
baby clothes
carrier

Donations/gifts

Donations

Thank you SO much to everyone who has given their time, energy, MONEY, medications, clothing, shoes, jackets, school supplies...etc. etc. We've decided, after talking to various people, that it's less hassle to simply take the donations in rubbermaids/luggage, and check it. So, that's what we're gonna do. We're going to hand deliver all the items to the 2 orphanages that we've been in contact with. I will update this post if/when we receive other donations.

Crossing things off the "to do" list.

- We've been busy gathering everything we *think* we might think about needing in Ethiopia (list forthcoming). We have our luggage out, mostly packed. I think I have all the items I want/need - including a new camera. I just can't reconcile taking only one camera.

- I mentioned before, I'm a list person. I'll make a list just to cross everything off the list. My list of "things to do" is short now. I have to squeeze my December shifts into the first week and the last week...so I anticipate being crazy busy with work/home as we get close to our travel day. And I cannot wait until the week before 'cause I'll forget a cool third of our stuff if I do. So, now, everything has been purchased.

- We're even done with Christmas stuff...and I spoke to Santa, and he has everything all ready to deliver on Christmas eve ;o)

- I've called our contacts there, touched bases with the orphanages regarding medical volunteering with Sister and have it all arranged.

- We have our transportation (mostly) arranged.

- We (get this) actually have appointments and things to do scheduled already during our time in Addis - people to visit (friends of friends) - things to deliver.

- We've registered our trip with the Department of State Travel Registry - so we get travel warnings (and they know our travel plans) at https://travelregistration.state.gov/

- Hubby has added Hana to our family health insurance policy.

- Our dogs are microchiped in case they get out.

- We've been taking probiotics and vitamins to help maintain healthy gut environment.

- I have our U.S. MD note to justify carrying all of our medications:
All prescription medications are permitted in carry-on bags, even those in liquid or gel form. Associated supplies such as syringes, disposal containers, and the like are also allowed once they have been screened by security. The TSA recommends having the same name on prescription labels and boarding pass, but it isn't a requirement, so you can pack a small day-of-the-week pill organizer rather than several bulky bottles. If you prefer to bring entire bottles of pills, a multiple-bottle storage case can keep the bottles together in your bag. The TSA encourages travelers to bring "supporting documentation" such as a doctor's note explaining medication needs. Additional documentation isn't necessary, though it may prove helpful if you encounter an overzealous TSA agent.
-source

- We've been reading relevant travel information such as: http://www.africanchildforum.org/visa.asp

- Making sure we have all of the required papers in order.

- Coordinating donations.

- Hubby is doing a school project with Haley's class.

- AND we had the greatest time with our new Ethiopian friends who had a brunch for us, and served the yummiest spicy injera dish with spicy butter. The best part - we get to go back over there and learn to cook, speak, and celebrate Ethiopian style!!

Busy, busy, busy...
Still have to arrange travel insurance.
be sure to constantly check the US travel site.
Get cash, new clean bills

Scan our important dox (again) and try (again) to upload them; and send them to our VIP (very important people). Stuff like copies of our passports, hotel/plane reservations, dossier, etc.

Get (replenish) our snacks :o) (redvines are sooo irresistible!!)

Arrange pet care.

And, honestly, we still have to get our employment letters.

But...the list is shorter.

Final Forms

We've browsed over, and started the completion of the final forms that are needed for our Embassy appointment in Addis.

Forms and Fees (remember, all of these forms must be filled out by the petitioner, and signed at the Embassy).

Petition to Classify Orphan as an Immediate Relative.
There is the I600 form, which is the last part of the process we began back in January with the I600A form (and the instructions). The fee, the fingerprints, the approval (I171h form), all culminate in this. So no additional fees are needed.

- you'll need to bring a copy of your I171 form (the approval of the I600A form).
- be sure to call and make sure a copy was sent via National Visa Center to the US Embassy.

Affidavit of Support
The form I864 is a form showing the US Embassy how much money you make and to demonstrate that you have the resources to care for the immigrant. Also is an "agreement" to do so. It's required that you make at least 125% percent of poverty level as determined by the 864P.

You'll need to bring supporting documentation to submit with this form.
- Recent employment letter (same letter as prior, but with new date) - notarized
- Recent pay stubs/earning statements
- 1099 and/or W2s for at least last year, but possibly (if it'll help you prove your financial viability) for the last 3 years.
- Paystub(s). Again for the last month, but if it'll help prove your case, consider bringing them for the last 3-6 months.

Contract between sponsor and household member.
The form I864A. If you need (or choose to) show a second person's resources/assets in order to meet the financial qualifications described above per 864P, you'll need to fill out the I864A.

Visa Application. - overview
Application for Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration.
This is the actual visa application. The fee is $355 as of January 2008.

We've made a few copies to take with us, just in case we need them. Additionally, there's this blog with awesome links (in both the text of this post, AND in the sidebar) to all the forms needed, if we happen to need new ones once there.

Cellphone use. Emergency Consular Service in Ethiopia

ATT Wireless does allow for international cell phone use on our Blackberry's. The cost: $3.49/minute!! They have a "special world traveler package" but it saves you no money for calls in Ethiopia.

Lucky us...our friend is gonna let us use her cell phone for the week we're there!!

Of note:
Consular Emergency while in Addis Ababa:
http://ethiopia.usembassy.gov/service.html
call 011-517-4000 ext. 0 and ask or the Duty Officer.

Travel Plans. Tickets.

Dubai. Home to the World's only 6-star hotel.


We made the decision to purchase our plane tickets!! We've decided to fly Air Emirates. Our route: LAX to Dubai then Addis. Back from Addis to Dubai, then into SFO (San Francisco). Everyone has a ticket...even baby girl!! The tickets are refundable, changeable (for small fees), and very reasonably priced. Much lower than I expected!!

After talking with multiple travel agents (including American Express Travel), we decided to use:

Scott Nordwall.
Travel International
2345 Rice St. Suite 173
Roseville, MN 55113
Phone: 1-800-494-7568 or 651-482-7568
Email: tfs@isd.net


Other popular agencies that we considered:
Elsa Abate
Addis Travel Services
1821 W. University Ave. Suite S135
St. Paul, MN 55104
Phone: 651-646-6900 or fax: 651-646-6909
Email: elsa@addistravel.net


Susan Parr
Susan Parr Travel, Inc.
1234 East Front St.
Port Angeles, WA 98362
1-800 455-7277 or 1-360-452-6596
http://www.susanparrtravel.com/

We've also reserved our hotel rooms (and the rental car to drive down to LA). The reservations for the hotel can be canceled up until 48hours prior to our expected arrival, so we felt comfortable doing this.

***

On a side note -
Most of the "things to do" on the 'pre-trip' list is done.

Trim the branches of the big tree off of the house
Micro-chip the dogs in case they get out
Sprinklers/timer fixed
Reorganize the living space to create more room


We've gathered donations, and I'm hoping to ship the box(es) so they arrive while we are there. I would rather not try to lug all of those extra items on our trip around the World.

We've gathered up most of the medications/supplies we need (still have a ways to go before we have *everything* we want to take). But between me and Sister...all the medication and medical supplies have been acquired!!

Now...we just have to get the rest of the supplies, organize (so we won't forget) our important documents, such as copies of our dossier, passports, tickets, identification, contact lists, my medical license, the stuff we'll need for the embassy appointment, and so forth and so on...(I have a check list to help organize).

Also, one of these days I'm going to wake up early enough to actually call the US Embassy in Addis during their business hours!!

Wha'sup?

I've been spinning 'round and 'round trying to make sure that everything I want to accomplish, is accomplished in preparing for the arrival of our newest family member.

This week's question: How are we gonna get 3 kiddos in carseats into the back seat of our car? 'cause we I refuse to buy a huge car (with these gas prices), and feel strongly that parents shouldn't be forced to. So, I'm trying to find a way to make all three carseats fit (and still allow Haley and Ian to *buckle themselves*). Additionally, I cannot contort my body and perform magic tricks in the middle of a dark parking lot trying to buckle in 3 kids. In California, it's much, much safer for the kids to ride *without* a carseat than it is to spend 5 minutes in a dark parking lot trying to buckle them into one. And I'm all about safety...

Case in point: In August 2007, a 30-year-old woman was carjacked in a mall parking garage while strapping her 2-year-old son into her black SUV. Thereafter, a mother and daughter were killed at the same mall right before Christmas using the same technique.

So, I've narrowed it down to a few different types of carseats. Narrow infant seats seem to be the Babytrend flex-loc and the Peg Perego Primo Viaggio. We got the Peg Perego on sale at Babies R Us...regularly $230, for less than $50. Brand new.

The Sunshine Kids Radian has a reputation for being safe, and one of the narrowest convertible seats out there. But, do you see that price tag? And, I'm think I'm going to bypass the convertible seat and Ian can ride in a booster. When Baby Sister outgrows the Perego, then maybe I'll consider the Radian for her.

I ordered a couple of Fisher Price Safe Voyage Booster seats (made by Britax) from Albeebaby for the low price of $29.99 (reg. $80.00) These boosters are the narrowest out there.

I got a couple of seatbelt extenders (for free) from Lexus, to make it easier to reach the buckle (afterall, they're like completely buried under the seat cushions).

And I'm trying to see if I can't get a couple of Magna Clek Otos (not the Olli because the handles make it too wide). They are Canadian, but I'm hoping that I can still try them out. Drawback - kinda expensive for a low-back booster seat. Advantage - latch system, and size.

Finding a way to make the 3 carseat thing work has been my obsession a concern for a few weeks now.

***

So far Baby Girl has an adequate wardrobe (especially considering we won't know her clothing size until she arrives). We've created space in the bed room for her crib...AND I have the crib all picked out. There's actually one for sale on ebay...brand new for less than $100. I'm thinking I'll just go ahead and get it because they're normally over $200.

Once I get the bed/crib...a dresser for her stuff (because right now Baby girl's things are tucked away in Hubby's bottom drawers)...and this carseat situation worked out...I'll feel 'ready' for her arrival.

As far as the house: The sprinklers are done. The dogs are all taken care of. The fence is done and the yard secure. We've created more space in our living area by moving things around and replacing some pieces of furniture. We've had our neighbors over for coffee, and we spent hours connecting - which is always important, but even moreso when you're planning to be gone from your house for a couple of weeks. And now, our home will be okay in our absence.

***

Travel: I've actually contacted a couple of travel agencies (still deciding on which we'll use...but I think I'm pretty sure). Sister is busily collecting (as am I) medical supplies/medications. I've continued making contacts in Addis Ababa...and will continue to do so.

***

Finally, my good girl friend reminded me to begin the process of "baby sister acceptance" for Ian...who is *very* happy being Mommy's little guy!!

------------------------------------------------------
UPDATE: 12/24/08
We're home - just wanted to post the result of all of the above craziness. We did it!! 3 seats across the backseat!! :o)

Emirates out of LAX!!*

I've been doing a bit more research...and I think I've figured out our travel!!

Emirates Air starts flying non-stop to Dubai from LAX soon (they don't yet, but I think they start October 1st). By November (when we'll travel) there are flights available on this 'luxury' airline for great prices!! All we'd have to do is drive down to LA (which is way easy) and Sister can drive up from San Diego. We can go from 'home' all the way to Dubai. We've heard Dubai is a wonderful and safe city, with a hotel *in* the airport that rents by the hour...so we can rest. Then non-stop to Addis.

(On December 1st, Emirates starts flying their brand new, super big, aircrafts out of San Francisco non-stop to Dubai!! - but we'll hopefully be gone and back by then).

One stop on the total flight! And when we get off the plane after a long (long, long, long...) trip...we're essentially home! We could stay in LA with family for a few days to 'recover' and then they can drive with us back - or maybe *drive us* :o) - home!! This is a drive we do all the time...and it'll be much easier than changing planes in NYC or Washington DC...

I'm thinking that Emirates out of LAX to Addis via Dubai (non-stop) will be our itinerary.

*the picture is first class...and clearly we're not flying first class. I mean, *business class* (i.e. below first class) would cost $60,000 for us!! But isn't it beautiful?

How to get there...the flight, the airline, comfort and safety

So did you hear about the Quantas Aircraft loaded with 346 passengers...having a very dramatic landing as their plane fell apart because it was 17 years-old?

"One hour into the flight there was a big bang, then the plane started going down,"

The 346 passengers were cruising at 29,000 feet Friday when an explosive bang shook the Qantas jumbo jet. The plane descended rapidly. Oxygen masks dropped from the ceiling as debris flew through the cabin from a hole that had suddenly appeared in the floor.
The eerie scene aboard Flight QF 30, captured on a passenger's cell phone video-camera, showed a tense quiet punctuated only by a baby's cries as passengers sat with oxygen masks on their faces. The jerky footage showed a woman holding tightly to the seat in front of her as rapidly approaching land appeared through a window. Loud applause and relieved laughter went up as the plane touched down.

What they found was a stunning sight. A 9-foot-wide hole gaped at the joint where the front of the right wing attaches to the plane. Luggage from the cargo hold strained against the webbing used to keep it from shifting during a flight.

The probe into the 17-year-old aircraft was likely to be lengthy, Verdier said, and the Boeing team expects to interview the crew and examine the structure of the plane, among other things.

Union engineers — who have held several strikes this year to demand pay raises — say that safety is being compromised by low wages and overtime work.

As of December 2007, Qantas was operating 216 aircraft flying to 140 destinations in 37 countries, though in recent months it has announced it will retire some aircraft and cancel some routes — as well as cutting 1,500 jobs worldwide — due to skyrocketing fuel prices.

Consider this by Bloomberg:

Trend One: The service on your airplanes, bad as it may be, is going to get much worse.
Once upon a time these straight ladies and gay men sought to please fliers; now they treat fliers like criminals.

Trend Two: Your time will be treated as ever-less valuable. You think it's an outrage that planes are now flying more slowly to save fuel? Wait until you find yourself en route from New York to Los Angeles, and stop unexpectedly in Denver until the headwind slows.

Trend Three: Your planes will be ever-more likely to have an accident.
After all, these people who run the airlines have every expense under their microscope
***

I'm thinking I'm gonna have to choose another airline from the top 10 list:

Maybe...Emirates. "Consistently cited as one of the world's best airlines, Emirates is the largest Middle Eastern Airline. Based in Dubai, most of its flight attendants are recruited from overseas. Website: http://www.emirates.com/"

They fly from JFK and Houston to Addis via Dubai.

And domestically...you just can't beat Jetblue.

These airlines (Emirates, Southwest, Jetblue) have new planes (because they are young), great safety records...and provide the type of service that United and American Airlines have long since abandoned in favor of cheap. They give you water, food, a movie, and nice flight attendants.

I don't want peanuts and water (how is that even safe, anyway...with all the allergies out there?); nor do I want to pay for bag (just charge all tickets what's needed to cover the cost of the bags), a coke, or be weighed to see how much my ticket should be. I want to at least have the option to watch a movie. I don't want the paint on the wing to be peeling, or the hand-rail to be broken. I don't want the decor to be dated (because that makes me think that the plane is old...and the metal may fatigue and fall off at 30,000 feet)...and I don't want to be without my luggage.

These airlines should just raise their prices to cover these costs...oh,...and the cost of paying the employees (the flight attendants, pilots, the people who fix the plane, who paint the plane, who clean the plane...)

Tsk, tsk, tsk...
...I wish I were rich enough to afford a private jet!!

Donations. Travael info. Medical services.

According to the Ethiopian Orphan Relief, Inc.

The following is a list of physical donations currently needed at the Toukoul Orphanage.
Warm Blankets
Clothing (all children's sizes, gently used or new, boys and girls)
Jackets and Sweaters
Shoes
Books for the Library (hard bound and good quality)
School Supplies (pencils, crayons, paper, note books, educational activity books, flash cards, educational games that don't require batteries)
Sports/Play Equipment (soccer balls, playground balls, frisbees, bubbles, games that don't require batteries)
Please DO NOT send the following: medicine (prescription or over the counter), medical supplies, items that require batteries, candy or stuffed animals)

Ethiopian Orphan Relief’s Blog Partner Organization: Toukoul/SOS EE

So, I think I'll do the clothing...jackets/shoes. Maybe we can get some of our places of employment to donate the supplies - paper, pencils, notebooks, etc). I think we can give a ball or two as well.

But...I'm think *clothing* will be our thing...
***

AND, I found this website that has great information about traveling to Addis Ababa via United Nations Association of the USA at Cuppertino High School here in San Francisco. They don't go to Toukoul Orphanages...but the info is great nonetheless.
***

Here are some medical services offered in Addis Ababa to Americans via the US embassy.

Waiting and preparing...

No news yet on the court date, but based on the comment St. Clair left (i.e. that she's with Adoption Avenues, accepted her referrals on June 13th, and just got a court date for October 3rd) it seems unlikley that our court date will come before hers. So I'm betting our court date will be sometime mid October...and baby ready to travel mid November.

Baby is almost 5 months now, and 8 pounds. So, in November she'll be 9 months old...and she'll likely weigh about 11-12 pounds if she gains weight now that she's eating regularly. That means her clothes size is 3-6 months (newborn clothes go up to 8 pounds, 3 months about 12 pounds, 6 months up to 15-16 pounds). So I've purchased some adorable infant clothing in sizes ranging from 3 months - 18 months (mostly 3-6 months and 6-9 months).

We've been busily 'fixing' up our home and creating more space. Haley's like "Mommy, we're getting everything new..." Not quite 'everything', but we *are* trying to complete some long-standing projects...both in preparation for Baby Sister, but also in preparation for a 10-12 day trip away from the house. Such as sprinkler installation, and updating the doggies vaccinations and securing the yard so they don't get out (just in case they start to get restless in our absence).

I've started assembling our medical travel pack.

Ian's wonderful daycare family has graciously 'saved' a spot for Baby Sister (so both kids can be together).

We've recruited at least one other recently adoptive family to hand down their baby daughter's stuff to us rather than simply throw it away.

I've started thinking about what to bring as donations to the orphanage. I wonder if we should bring clothing. I wonder if I could simply pack a box of the kids clothes that no longer fit...and donate those? Would they be offended if I brought used shoes? Should I get something for the adults taking care of the kids?

I think I've selected a travel agency.

I've sent the agency the last check (which was due when the referral is accepted).

I've informed my work that I'll need some time off...'but I'm not sure when exactly.' They were way cool...and said they'd help in whatever way they can. I'm realizing that lots of the partners travel to 3rd world countries and volunteer, or otherwise collect medical supplies and send them to various countries in need.

Hubby informed his work too, but as an employee, he gets FMLA, paternity leave, sick days, vacation, etc...so there was no problem there.

And Sister has gotten all her vaccinations and updated passport. She has notified her job of this planned trip...and is super excited to actually be planning a trip to Africa!!

Basically...we just getting ready...
...and waiting for a court date.

We convinced her....

Sister agreed to come with us!! Yay!!

Now we feel...we have everything we need!!

Thanks Sister!! ;o)