Number of trips to Panama?

Our agency, CA, said they were unsure but expect to take 2 trips (we want to adopt an infant). The first trip for about 1 week and the second trip about 1 month later for about 1 1/2 weeks. They thought we would be able to take the baby home with us after the first trip. But again this was only their best guess. Julie

I wanted to jump in here, if that's all right.......... but first, know that I know how expensive it is to get to, and then stay in Panama.... so I know that my suggestion will probably sound impossible to most of you........ but here goes...... Try to visit Panama ONCE just to visit - to visit children at orphanages, to meet with those who are representing you (so that you can all put names and faces together, and encourage a more personal relationship), and to get a feel for WHY THINGS ARE THE WAY THEY ARE in Panama......... Unless you've been there, and spent a good amount of time there, you can't even fathom how antiquated some of the systems are. While some aspects are very modernized - you can walk into a govt. office and find NO computers, NO working bathrooms, and can even manage an evil eye or two if you aren't wearing "appropriate attire" (while getting my driver's license there, I was told to go home and change - AS I was getting my photo taken - because I was wearing SKORTS, which did not qualify as a skirt...... ugh). Keep this in mind when you start getting frustrated over the long elapses of time in your adoption processes.... most if it is out of the control of your agencies.... once the paperwork leaves their hands, it could be in the hands of a hard worker, or a real "piece of work" who has a lazy streak. I encourage you to have your agency make arrangements for you to VISIT orphanages......... NOT FOR THE INTENTION of seeking potentially adoptable children, but JUST TO VISIT, and learn more about the children, their predicaments, and perhaps to offer a donation......... WHICH, does not have to be materialistic.... you can offer to help prepare/serve food, change diapers, feed babies, etc....... JUST BECAUSE...... with no alterior motive. We adopted our daughter after 3 years of volunteering - never intending to adopt........ it just ended up "happening"........... I just wanted to help. You will serve as ambassadors - and will SPEAK volumes for Americans wanting to adopt, and help ease the "baby buying" reputation Americans sometimes get labeled with (unfairly, of course). You could be a catalyst to future adoptive families by making a good impression with via a vist, and your offer of help....... I tried to post a pic of my daughter here, but the file was too large, and I eventually gave up trying.... sorry! Good luck to all of you traveling to Panama - we miss it there TERRIBLY --- we love the country, the restaurants, the culture, etc!! ~kim p.

Renn and Julie, Have your agencies told you how much it will cost to apply for a visa for your child to "visit" the States before you make your return trip to complete the adoption? I don't think it is the same visa that you will apply for along with your I-600 to make your child a "legal" member of your family (since there won't be an official adoption decree, yet)... I'm just wondering how much $$$ that will add to the process as opposed to traveling ONCE and staying in-country for the full month. (Rather than staying for 1 week, then returning a few weeks later.)... You'll have to pay a portion of the adult fare even for an infant up to age 2, and even more (for a seat) for children over 2 years old. Has anyone investigated these two options and which is cheaper/easier on the family??? Thanks, Rebecca

Rebecca, We have not gotten into that kind of detail yet with our agency on this issue. I'm sure it must be cheaper to stay there and not pay for 2 airfares but I don't have the details. Kim P, That's a great idea! We were thinking about a winter getaway and Panama would be perfect! All the best, Julie

Julie, Once your agency has gone over this with you, would you mind explaining how it will work to the rest of us? Since it looks like MOST of us will be required to make two trips, I'm sure we'd all be curious to know how to go about getting the temporary visa for the guardianship phase (costs, what form to fill out, how long it takes to be granted the visa by INS in Panama) as compared to the permanent, immigrant visa that we'll get after the adoption is complete. Thanks so much! Rebecca