On some of my various groups, I have heard discussions about the length of travel time required to now complete a Kazakhstan adoption. Although I know that the amount of time (2 to 3 trips) which includes bonding time (2 weeks at the baby house prior to court) – has made some adoptive parents turn to other countries that better suit their family needs. I also know in my heart that Kazakhstan has many beautiful children who won’t have the opportunity to find a forever family and having spent 7 weeks my last adoption – I know that the bonding time at the baby house is truly beneficial to the children – it helps them to get to know you on their “turf”. Plus you’ll never again find that one on one time where life “stops” and you get to bond with your child and learn about their birth country first hand. So in my heart, I hope to log on for years to come and read about parents who are able to make the time commitment to adopt from Kazakhstan.

But on to the topic of the blog ------ so you’re getting ready to travel. There are so many things to consider when you travel, do you bring siblings along, what portion of the trip do you bring a travel companion (spouse or parent). If you are married – your spouse must be with you for the bonding time and court appearance – but you may stay on alone once the adoption is finalized in the court.

I thought I’d share with you some resources to go to that will help with the travel decision making. I personally think there cannot be one “general” rule – since each family is different and each child would react differently.

A site for all families adopting from Kazakhstan would be:

http://kazakhadoptivefamilies.com/travel_index.html

Another site to bookmark would be:

http://www.adoptiontravel.com/

Some of the articles available at this site are:

Carry on checklist

Is Adoption Travel for Every Kid?

A section for exploring adoption travel that includes
To travel or not to travel
Can one parent travel alone
Safety
Calling Home
More travel resources

A section on taking children along
Should you?
Is adoption travel for every kid?
Siblings abroad
What to bring along
When older children stay home
Staying connected with children at home

A section on preparing to travel
Know before you go
Travel tips
Prepare for cultural differences
Shopping before you go
Medications to pack
Carry on checklist

Along with info on travel destinations and travel stories

Joining one of the list serves to ask travel related questions is another option:

EEAC
http://www.eeadopt.org/index.php?option=com_facileforms&Itemid=48

FRUA
http://www.frua.org/chat_main.html

Yahoo Groups
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Kazakhstan_Adoption/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Kazakhstan_Adoptions/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/pakk/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/singlekazmoms/

Forums at adoption.com
http://forums.adoption.com/

And as my picture today suggests - don't forget your child's ticket. ;)