[klk88]

My DH and I leave for visit 1 on Friday. We are meeting a brother and sister, ages 2 and 3. I feel like I am walking around in a trance. My brain isn't functioning right and I keep forgetting the stupidest things. Case in point, our fingerprinting appointment was scheduled for yesterday but I had DH and I down there today! Ugh! I am so afraid the first time I meet the kiddos I am going to burst out into tears and scare them Any helpful, last minute suggestions? Just wanted to tell everyone that I have learned so much from the wisdom of past postings. What a great community of support and information.

[kimber413]

Yeah! Congratulations. Don't worry. If you cry, you cry. I don't think they'll be that traumatized by it.

My suggestions: Pack light for yourselves. You can always get your laundry done there, if you really need to, and it's okay to wear things for a couple of days in a row. Pack some goldfish crackers and animal crackers, coloring books and crayons, as well as a couple of developmental toys like stacking cups. Bring several sizes of clothing and shoes so you can "bracket" what size they are currently wearing. You might be able to look at the labels and tell, but I wasn't sure if they were U.S. sizes or not, and we just did one trip, so I bracketed the shoes but not the clothing, and it was all way too big for our tiny girl.

Good luck to you, and have a safe trip!

[Sally26]

Woo Hoo how exciting! I agree with everything Kim said, plus Cheerios are usually a hit as well as bubbles and a cheap blow up beach ball.
I thought I would cry, too, but I was in such shock at how tiny she was. I just think it is AWESOME that you are meeting boy and girl siblings!
Good Luck!

[GCS]

Teddy Grahams did it for us! We brought a ton of toys and just gave them to him (3 years) at each visit. They all stayed there as orphanage donations and we bought duplicates when we got home of the things he really liked. Cars mostly!
Take lots of pictures and have a great time!
Christina

[bookbud]

We just returned from Stavropol Sunday night on our first trip. We actually went to an orphanage an hour away in a town I've affectionately called Anatevka (from Fiddler on the Roof!) I couldn't even begin to pronounce the true name. We stayed at the Intourist hotel in Stavropol and were well taken care of. It was great to finally meet our two daughters, Sasha and Nadya, ages 8 and 5. They were totally adorable!! We hated to leave them on Friday, but hopefully we'll return sometime in August or September. The weather is hot, there is no airconditioning - so dress comfortably and lightly. The bubble and cookie thing was right on target. We met children of all ages at the orphanage, and they all responded to special treats. Be flexible, try your Russian, and stay happy! May God watch over you and your new family.

Bookbud

[Shay]

How exciting!! I can't believe it is here!! Have a great and safe trip and we look forward to your safe return with details about your adventure!

[fugie]

Have a great time and I can't wait to hear all about it when you get back.

Lisa

[mikiment]

Wonderful news! As to travel tips, there are lots of great threads w/great tips, but just a few:

Pack lighter than you think you should. It's easy to wash things out, and saves you time and space for souvenirs. You can buy whatever you need to, honestly.

Bring little things for the kids. The bubbles, Teddy Grahams, Goldfish, Cheerios, and small little developmental toys (stacking cups, little blocks) are plenty to capture their attention and spread good will. You might fix a little photo album with pix of you and your family to show/leave with them, but don't sweat it if you don't have time. Also sing silly little songs like patty cake, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, etc. to get them interested and interacting with you. They will be intrigued by how you sound.

Take more pix than you think you should/could. You'll regret it if you miss your chance, and 2nd trips go so fast because so much is happening with the kids.

Try to do the bulk of your sightseeing and souvenir shopping this trip to save time/room next time.

Ask your questions at the orphanage this trip about kids' backgrounds, history, early photos available, existing sibs, daily routine, eating & sleeping habits, primary caregivers, etc. Next trip, you'll be too excited/busy and may forget crucial info you wanted to have.

Have a wonderful time! It only gets better from here.

[Vicki H]

Congratulations! Have a safe and wonderful trip.

vicki

[Javalita]

Enjoy your trip! I was thankful that I brought along power/energy bars with me and dried fruit/trail mix. Drives can be long and there is often not time for a meal. It was handy to have snacks so that when we didn't have to think about anything except meeting our baby.

[klk88]

Thank you all for your encouragement. I went to the store today and bought all the extras you suggested. We were able to get our fingerprints done this morning and now I am finishing our packing. Take care all and I can't wait to hear more good news from everyone. Also, I can't wait to eat one of the "famous" Stardogs!

[Hannah's mom]

Stavropol is a great city! I was there twice in the winter so I didn't get to see the beautiful trees that line the main road. Take a picture for me please!!!

My daughter was from the orphanage in Nadezhda, just outside of Stavropol! She has been home for four months now, just finished kindergarten (she is 6) and is doing incredibly well.

Enjoy your trip...good luck.

Cheers,
Joanie

Mom to Hannah from Khabravosk and Galina from Stavropol!