[maltesefalcon]

We just received notice from our agency that we may have an opportunity to travel "blind" next weekend!

I am really concerned about not having any information. Also, this is way before planned so I feel really unorganized (IA doctor etc.). My agency initially said if we wait for more information it cold take about 1 month longer. I am ok with that but am concerned it could take much longer (there are no guarantees with anything in this process).

I spoke with my agency and they feel I should really consider going, that there is not much difference if we were only to get a photo and some little medical anyway. I am starting to agree. If things do not work out, we would get another referral on the spot.

Does anyone have any experience with this?

[SpringInRussia]

We are also traveling blind (see our post "Adopting from Sahkalin Island" below). There are obviously pros and cons. We prefer getting a blind referral as we feel having limited information would make us more anxious (if thats possible!) and stressed. As far as having the IA doctor reviewing records, we are arranging to fax them to him from Russia and he will immediately fax back his opinion and questions to ask. One thing we have done is to continually stress and reinforce our preferences with our agency so there is no misunderstanding.

Just our opinion on blind referrals, good luck whichever way you choose - let us know when you decide.

[Iready2go]

I am traveling this weekend for Blind Travel....way excited.
I was a bit nervous but I have read things regarding Russian medicals and had a couple of referrals that didn't work.
I fill that as long as I can ask the orphan doctor questions and be able to meet her and hold her...that I can make a good decision.

Good Luck to you!

[mgibson]

We also traveled blind, I guess - we were only told that we had referrals waiting. We had a good experience. We worked with Texas Childrens Medical Centers IA clinic. Dont know if others are like this, but they were very helpful on short notice. We are close so we were able to meet with them, but much of their material could have been faxed, etc. I do suggest you get some of this before you go. Especially if youve not had much experience with children (like us). Even a copy of the Amer. Pediatrics Societys 'Caring for Your Baby and Young Child: Birth to Age 5'. It lists developmental milestones by age and helps you gauge where the child is at developmentally. You can also download growth charts for boys and girls off the web. You can plot head circumfrence, weight and height along this chart with info from the orphanage doc. It is very helpful too. Any pediatrician can tell you how to use the chart and what to look for. Basically you want to make sure the child is consistenly growing (esp head circ). You can pull this together quickly I think - well if you have the time.

Good luck and congrats!

Melissa

[ATwinkleofHope]

Our agency only gives blind referrals. At first, I was really unsure of the idea. Now that time has pasted - I really think I prefer it. We were also told that sometimes there are things from the videos and pictures that are misleading. Again, as others had mentioned, there are pros and cons to each side. My only concern is how our we going to communicate with a doctor in the US to look over the medicals while we are in Russia. It seems so complicated.

Good luck to you,

-Jo
___
Married: 05/02/98
4 years ttc & 2 failed IVF's
Sent in application - 10-03-03
Sent in I-600A - 10-24-03
Homestudy completed - 12/24/03
Homestudy received - 01/21/04
Fingerprinting for INS - 02/10/04
Received the I171-H - 02/25/04
Assigned to Astrakhan region - 03/08/04
Dossier sent to region - 03/12/04
The real waiting begins.......

[deas]

I wanted to wish you good luck and say, that travelling blind maybe a risk, but really, when you think about it, this whole process is risky!! We were told that we were going to travel blind and then as a surprise to them, we got pics!! You never know! Good Luck!!

Adoption aside, I just had to mention that I LOVE your screen name!! The Maltese Falcon, is one of my favorite movies!!! I saw your screen name and it brought me a big smile!!

[slm_tbm]

I'd go for it!! This whole process is full of unknowns. There have been many people on this board who have gotten referral's with info and been very unsure. Then they take a chance and travel and found a perfect little angel waiting on them!! This is a wonderful opportunity! Grab it and go!

Shana