Checklist to prepare for first trip:
Ethiopian visaK vaccinationsT vaccinations (appt Nov 2)copies of documentsnotarized copies of passportsphoto albumtwo copies of special toy for the boys - one for orphanage and one waiting heredonations (see below)plane tickets (ff miles from incredibly generous family member)vegetarian meals for flightarrange accommodations- arrange car rental/driver
buy video camerabuy GPS- pack
Below are suggested donations for Horizon House. Email me at yiothetisi@yahoo.com if you are interested in donating:
- Similac formula milk in powder form. Similac with iron and lactose-free are preferred.
- Baby wipes
- Preemie, Infant and toddler size diapers
- Anti-fungal ointment and tablets
- Bed Sheets, bed covers, crib sheets, draw sheets (for infant cribs and older child home)
- Medical shoe covers (like those worn in hospitals during surgery)
- Bottles
- Anti-fungal shampoo
- Neosporin or antibiotic ointment
- Hydrocortisone creams
- Infant and child Motrin, Tylenol or other fever reducer
- Pedialyte or Kaolyte (preferably powdered form)
- Infant and child decongestants
- Infant and child vitamins, liquid
- Children’s Vitamin D supplements (found in several multivitamins)
- Vaseline
- Infant clothing
- Bactoban ointment
- Alcohol Swabs
- Saline spray or drops
- Petroleum jelly
- Nystantin (Mycostatin)
- Standard bottle nipples
- New or like new condition children’s shoes
- New or like new condition children’s clothing (infant to 14 years)
- Developmental toys for children (plastic or wooden preferred)
- Baby shampoos
- Baby bath soap
- Baby oil
- Baby powder
- Disposable surgical masks and gloves.
- School supplies
- Books for very young children (board books and easy readers)
* Stuffed animals or plush toys should be avoided, as this kind of toy can spread germs from one child to another. *
Looks like a very similar list to ours! Even the veggie meal for the plane :) We are at he 5 days and counting mark.....
ReplyDeleteDid you decide to go with a driver? I think thats the way I will go, not brave enough to drive myself I'm afraid.
ReplyDeleteI'm a big fan of lists! Looks like you're making progress. :) Are you not staying at HH? I see you need to make accommodations and driver arrangements. Since we now have to pay at referral for two trips worth of lodging, etc. I assumed that meant they had figured out how to get everyone to stay at HH. Just curious since I hope to be following in your footsteps in the next handful of months (fingers crossed).
ReplyDeleteHi Kim! I'm so excited to hear all about it! I hope the FBI clearance thing worked out.
ReplyDeleteAnne, yes, everyone says we need a driver, so that's the way we'll go.
Kelly, we are staying at HH, but only 3 days are paid for by the referral fees. Then it's $120 a night, which seems excessive when there's perfectly good accommodations nearby for under $50 a night. We'll stay elsewhere for a few days, then switch over to HH.
I would add toys for the big kids. T was just talking about how much he hated the Big House -- nothing to do, just books, no toys. If you can get a big package of matchbox type cars, that would be such a hit. (You can break it open and sprinkle them throughout your luggage for space savings) Also, wooden puzzles. And HH is up to $120 per night? We paid $90 -- it included three meals and we felt it was worth it to be near T. But going over $100/night starts sounding steep. When we go back, I'm looking forward to staying in one of the guest houses I see recommended frequently. You're smart to do the veggie meals in-flight. Our flights were so hastily arranged that I didn't have time to request that. I think they would have been much better, plus I am a vegetarian. I was hoping for Ethiopian cuisine on EA, but alas, it was not.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy enjoy! I cannot wait to hear all about your experience in Eth and meeting your boys. It's unreal. I echo teh comments on the Big Kid house. During our 2nd trip there were 20 kids there and it was nuts. The playroom is very small and during the rainy season they barely ever seem to get outside... They could use some toys that would occupy them for awhile...legos, a puzzle maybe?
ReplyDeleteI am really looking forward to hearing about your adventures! Have a wonderful trip.
ReplyDeleteWhat a list! I can't wait to follow the rest of this journey!
ReplyDeleteThree thoughts: 1) If you are taking toys for older kids I think Poof Slinkys (I blogged about them before) would be a big hit and easy to pack. 2) Make sure you take a headlamp style flashlight. They are great for the airplane and also for AA when the power is out. Most importantly, on your second trip when you need your hands to do childcare and a little light but don't want to flood the room.
ReplyDelete3) Finally, I have a friend who has a bunch of kids clothes that she was looking to send over for whatever care center needed them (lots of the clothes are for infants). If you send me an email semiferalmama at yahoo dot com I will put you in touch with her. Thanks.