Referrals are in the Air! Reading through the me...

Referrals are in the Air!

Reading through the message boards and other blogs, I am excited to note all of the referrals which recently hit and those which are pending. I envision the clothes flying through the air as bags are hastily packed and excitement causing silly oversights like forgetting to sign visa applications! Sorry Jen! I remember the adrenaline running through me as my husband and I received our phone call advising us of our travel dates. We had about 2 days notice, barely enough time to get our travel visas by overnight mail. They arrived the morning of our departure, just as we were getting ready to leave for the airport. Of course we overpacked, but brought only what we were told to bring. Of course everyone sent us with outfits for the other children in the orphanage, medicines and supplies they needed and some things we didn't need. All of our documents secured to us and money belts which I never used before became my newest accessory.
To all those making lists; Getting the crisp brand new Ben Franklin bills from the bank, who by the way needs at least 24 to 48 hours notice to have them for you(since when doesn't a bank have enough money?); Visas; spring for the limo from the airport, we took a van and stopped everywhere before getting home.
The hardest part was leaving my kids, not knowing when I would be back. Crying at the thought that I was leaving them so quickly for so long. In our case it only wound up being 12 days, but I know others who had to leave one spouse overseas sending the other spouse home.

Some how it all works out. For those who need a refresher course here is the following information:

What is a child referral?
A child referral is when an agency matches what they know about you and your family with what they have learned about a child from an orphanage and the caregivers. Some adoption referrals are sketchy on details, but may include the following:

Photos - may be in color or a black and white fax.
Video
Medical information - May include: child's age, weight, height, lab tests (HIV, TB, Hep), medications given, diagnosis, and any complications. Also how the child is growing and developing physically. What should you do with the medical information contained in a referral?


Background information - May include: Information on the child's birth parents if available. Such as their ages, occupations, religion, and why the child is being placed for adoption. Many of the children are foundlings meaning they were found abandoned.


Developmental information - Milestones met or missed such as rolling over, sitting up, walking, and talking.


Social information - Comments on how the child interacts with his/her care givers and other children in the orphanage or foster home.