Haiti VBS trip overview: 2008

The optimal group size range for this trip is 10-15.  In past years we have had 9-15 participants.

Each participant will need a current passport.  You can file an application through the main Post office in your area.  You will need your birth certificate and the cost is around $67 I believe. 

Immunization information and packing recommendations can be found on the Family Health Ministries website at www.familyhm.org.  Click on the travel bar and infectious diseases sub category. 

The biggest preventative for mosquito borne infection is the liberal use of bug spray with DEET. 

Trip dates:  July 19-27
VBS : In Blanchard, Mon- Thur, July 21-24 and a one day VBS in Fondwa  Fri the  25^th.  VBS hours are 8:30-12 daily, leaving afternoons free to visit area orphanages, schools, Holy Trinity Episcopal church and the Baptist Mission.

Saturday the 26^th we plan to travel to the southern coastal community of Jacmel, which has wonderful beaches and artists’ shops.

Cost: $800 per person, not including airfare round trip
Includes, housing, all meals except for meals in transit to and from Haiti, and all transportation in Haiti. 

Pay to FHM:  $200 deposit due, non refundable, to hold your team spot!

There are 15 spaces maximum!

The remaining $600 is due 2 weeks before departure:  July 5^th

Book your roundtrip flights from point of origin to Miami and on to Port au Prince.

AA 1697 Departing RDU July 19 at 6:50am     Arriving Miami 8:50

AA 1291 Departing Miami            at 10:25         Arriving PaP 11:25

AA 816 Departing PaP July 27  9:05 am         Arriving Miami 12:10 pm

AA 820  Departing Miami             2:50 pm        Arriving RDU  4:55

In past years we have had 4 team meetings to plan the VBS activities, package and prepare materials and, most importantly, learn basic language tools for the VBS interactions with children and Haitian team leaders. 

Current planning/language meetings are Monday evenings from 6:30-8:30 at White Rock Baptist Church in Durham.  We meet in order to plan and prepare for our trip with basic language lessons (how to say "let's pray", "play a game", listen to the Bible story, where's the bathroom, etc.) discuss team plans for VBS classes, and discuss cultural boundaries for clothing and behavior.  We also spend time in prayer.

As you will notice if you read through the packing recommendations, you may take one carry on bag (like a pilot's case) for all your belongings.   Jesse and I both carry an additional backpack with stuff for the flight, water bottle, sunglasses, book, snack bars, etc.  The checked bag allowance (2 per person) will be all our supplies for VBS:  craft supplies, snacks, recreation equipment, etc. that we will leave in Haiti.

We usually pack at least one container with our lunch items to share.  The guesthouses provide breakfast and dinner, but we're on our own for lunch.  Some things that pack well:  fruit cups,  trail mix, nuts, pita bread, canned tuna or salmon, vienna sausages,  You will need a sturdy water bottle of at least 1 quart capacity.  Drinking lots of water is a must in Haiti to prevent dehydration from the heat.   Some people prefer to take a drink mix to add to the water.  If you don't like water, that may be a good idea for you.

You will also need a hat with a broad brim preferably to keep the sun off your face and neck. The trip is not strenuous from an exercise standpoint, but you need to be able to tolerate heat well.  There is NO air conditioning anywhere, and many times no electricity.  There is generally no ice available.

For your convenience, you may make your trip deposits to FHM using a credit card.  I'm not sure of the procedure, but Jesse can tell you how.  We'll send you another email.

Jesse is the FHM treasurer.  He can be reached at jholton@nc.rr.com or 919-544-1984, which is our home phone. 
Looking forward to our trip together,

With love in Him who is alive and well in Haiti!
Nancy

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