When I talked to Kay today, she told me some information about what to expect on our first trip. Here are a few of the details we discussed:
1. Our 4 1/2 year old probably sleeps in a crib, because the baby houses usually don't have any other place for them to sleep. We can ask about this and other questions when we meet the orphanage director.
2. Most orphans are chronically dehydrated, because diapers are expensive.
3. Most offices in Bulgaria do not have air-conditioning so it is difficult to conduct business in the summer.
4. Most Bulgarians have a sense of style that includes more formal dress than Americans are used to. Plan to wear dress pants or a skirt and no flip-flops. Most Bulgarians do not wear shorts.
5. Usually, the children are told that you might be their parents before you meet them for the first time.
6. Most orphans are taught that getting a mommy and daddy is the best thing they could ever hope for.
7. Usually orphans would eat oatmeal with a little milk on it for breakfast, soup for lunch, a small snack or a glass of milk or tea after nap, and a bowl of soup for supper. That would be all of the food and drink for the day.
8. Because the children are in a very sterile environment, they will be easily overstimulated by colors and clutter. It is helpful to scale back on toys, visitors and decorations to give children time to adjust when they get home.
9. We should take gifts for the orphanage director, driver and translator.
10. If we take snacks to share with our child or the other children, we should choose something that is not too rich.
11. Drink bottled water while in Bulgaria and be sure to try the shopska salad!
12. Bring cash because credit cards are not widely accepted.
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