Here is where you'll find all the answers to our Colombia Adoption Bloggy Brainstorm.  I will update them as  the questions and answers are posted. 

PACKING:

 

1) What did you take with you that you ended up not needing?
 

The general consensus seems to be that there was very little that wasn’t needed, but much more that could’ve been purchased in Colombia instead of packed in the luggage.  (SEE #2)  However, it seems that junk food and snacks were on a lot of packing lists and found pretty readily in Colombia. 

2) What did you take that you should have bought once you got there?
 

Bottles, diapers, shoes for the children, and even a stroller made the list of things to BUY rather than pack.  However, pricing probably depends on where you are in the country.  Some families noted that these things were more expensive and others thought it would’ve been cheaper (and easier!) to buy them in Colombia.

3) What did you not have that you REALLY wish you had?

ENTERTAINMENT items:  Reading material (in English), inflatable balls, puzzle books, electronic game devices, computer, DVDs, sound machine, crayons and coloring books, flash cards,

 

HBA items:  washcloths or loofas, Tide sink packs or other laundry soap and portable clothes line (as laundry services, where available, were sometimes very expensive and the prices varied dramatically),

 

MEDICATIONS:  you can purchase many of the things you may need (such as cold medicines, pain relievers, etc) in Colombia, however, one family noted that it was reassuring to be able to read the label and know what is in the medications she was giving her children.  She recommended the dissolvable cold medication strips, as they are lightweight and spill-proof.

 

MISC: Even though snack foods are available, one family made sure to note that if you like peanut butter, Ranch dressing or ketchup you may be best served to bring some along with you.  These items are either hard to find, not available or VERY expensive. 

4) Did you use traveler's checks? 

 

Here the answer was resoundingly unanimous!  No Traveler’s Checks!!  Debit/ATM cards and credit cards were preferred by everyone who responded (whether they themselves had tried to use Traveler’s Checks or not).

 

5) General packing notes:  Every family is different but I have started a packing checklist if you are interested in using it as a template for your own I would be happy to email it to you.

 

IN COUNTRY:

 

1) Thank you gifts: what kinds of gifts did you give and to whom did you give them? Did you come up with any "better" ideas later that you wish you'd thought of prior to traveling?

 

Some families have reported that, when adopting through ICBF, gifts were discouraged. However, there are going to be instances when you’ll want to acknowledge hospitality and thank the people who help you through while you’re in Colombia. This could include CHI’s in-country staff, hotel staff, etc.

Some gift suggestions are: personalized M&Ms (with “Muchas Gracias” or other sentiments) or other chocolates, cash, Thank You cards, journals, items local to the adoptive family, local postcards, framed referral picture of your child, photo books showing the landscape and area where you live